Human Biology Major (HBSc)

Admissions Category: Life Sciences

Are you a prospective student applicant?

You can enter the Health Sciences Stream to accelerate your career in a health care profession

Group of people reviewing research posters

Program Overview

Human Biology is the scientific study of living organisms with an emphasis on humans and their interactions with their environment. Some sub-disciplines include morphology, taxonomy, physiology, cell biology, biochemistry, neurobiology, development, genetics, evolution and ecology. Laboratory work is an integral component allowing students to apply their scientific study to real-life settings. The Human Biology Program is largely designed for students with a strong interest in the health sciences, incorporating biology, psychology, physical science and social science courses with a human health focus. This program instills the basic foundations required for health-related careers in medicine, dentistry, nursing, pharmacy, physiotherapy and policy/management.


Complementary Programs:

Major programs in Conservation and BiodiversityPlant BiologyMolecular BiologyImmunology & DiseasePopulation HealthNeurosciencePsychology.



Check out future career opportunities and skills acquired from completing this program:

Competencies & Skills

  • RESEARCH: Experimental design, data analysis using statistics, critical interpretation
  • COMMUNICATION: effectively use multiple formats (written, oral, poster, debate, multimedia)
  • PROFESSIONAL CAPACITY: Teamwork skills, meet deadlines and expectations, accept and provide constructive criticism, objectively evaluate the contributions of others
  • VALUES: Be a strong advocate for science

Careers for Graduates

  • Research Assistant (hospital, university, private)
  • Food Inspection Agencies (research, quality control)
  • Researcher-Public Health, Government Agencies
  • Pharmaceutical Sales
  • Medical Supply Sales
  • Biopharmaceuticals (research, quality control)

Further Education

  • Graduate Studies
  • Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Nursing, Optometry
  • Physical or Occupational Therapy
  • Teacher Education
  • Naturopathic or Chiropractic Medicine
  • Laboratory Technician
  • Radiology Technologist (MRI, CT)
  • Clinical Research
  • Epidemiology
  • Public Health & Public Policy

Program Pathway

Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 | Year 4

Year 1
Choose Your Courses Wisely
Develop Your Academic & Research Skills
Apply Theory to Practice
Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)
Plan for Your Future Career
  • Attend program information sessions offered by the department to become informed about degree programs.
  • Volunteer with organizations to explore your interest in industries related to your program of study.
  • Attend the UTSC Get Experience Fair in September or register with SCSU's Volunteer Network Program.


Year 2
Choose Your Courses Wisely
Develop Your Academic & Research Skills
  • Check the Research Catalogue and Job Boards on CLNx for possible research opportunities.
  • Volunteer in a research lab, hospital, doctor’s office, or community organization.
  • Consider Work Study (>Jobs & Recruitment>Work Study) or a directed research course (BIOB98).
  • Attend your professor’s office hours.

Apply Theory to Practice
  • Take part in “Conversation with Biologists” to interact with leading scientists and learn about their research and career trajectory.
  • Check the Research Catalogue and Job Boards on CLNx for possible research opportunities.

Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)
Plan for Your Future Career
  • Gain experience by applying for a summer, part-time or Work Study position via CLNx (>Jobs & Recruitment).
  • Speak to professors and program advisors so you know what to keep in mind for grad school.
  • Explore careers through the AA&CC’s Job Shadowing and In The Field programs.
  • Apply for DSL’s All-In Leadership program.


Year 3
Choose Your Courses Wisely
  • 1.5 credits from selected C-level BIO or NRO courses (check the UTSC Calendar for further details).
  • Use Degree Explorer to ensure you are on track with your degree.

Develop Your Academic & Research Skills
Apply Theory to Practice
  • Continue to build on your skills and knowledge through relevant events offered through your department, student groupsDSL and the AA&CC.
  • Run for an elected position in a student organization.

Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)
Plan for Your Future Career
  • Speak with staff at the AA&CC to plan a potential career path.
  • Check CLNx for networking events or employer information sessions to attend.
  • Attend the UTSC Graduate & Professional School Fair in September.
  • Join a conference like TEDxUTSC or the International Development Conference to develop professional skills (visit DSL).


Year 4
Choose Your Courses Wisely
  • 0.5 credit from selected D-level BIO or NRO courses (check the UTSC Calendar for further details).
  • Use Degree Explorer to ensure you are on track to graduate.
  • Register your “Intent to Graduate” on ACORN by the deadline.

Develop Your Academic & Research Skills
Apply Theory to Practice
Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)
  • Participate in the AA&CC’s Partners in Leadership program to learn and network with an alumni mentor about transitioning to work or further education.
  • Consider joining a relevant professional association; volunteer for their events and get to know people in your industry of interest.

Plan for Your Future Career
  • Attend the AA&CC’s Get Hired job search conference in April/May.
  • Attend the Jobs for Grads orientation for a job search “crash course;” find job opportunities on CLNx.
  • Discuss grad school plans early with staff at the AA&CC and your professors.
  • Get your Personal Statement reviewed in the AA&CC.

Glossary

  • AACC - Academic Advising and Career Centre (www.utsc.utoronto.ca/aacc)
  • BioSA - Biology Students Association (https://thebiosa.org)
  • CCR - Co-Curricular Record (https://clnx.utoronto.ca/ccr/overview.htm)
  • CLNx - Career Co-Curricular Learning Network (https://clnx.utoronto.ca/home.htm)
  • CTL - Centre for Teaching and Learning (https://www.utsc.utoronto.ca/ctl)
  • DSL - Department of Student Life (https://www.utsc.utoronto.ca/studentlife)
  • HOSA - Health Occupation Students of America (https://hosa.org)
  • ISC - International Student Centre (https://www.utsc.utoronto.ca/utscinternational)
  • SCSU - Scarborough Campus Students Union (https://www.scsu.ca)


Contacts


Course Co-ordinator

Jennifer Campbell

E-mail: jac.campbell@utoronto.ca
Location: SW421D
Phone: 416-287-7404

utsc.utoronto.ca/biosci


Biological Sciences Librarian

Sarah Guay

E-mail: sarah.guay@utoronto.ca
Location: ARC main floor
Phone: 416-287-7497

https://utsc.library.utoronto.ca/librarians


Academic Advising & Career Centre

Location: AC213
Phone: 416-287-7561

https://utsc.utoronto.ca/aacc/


Department of Student Life

Location: SL157
Phone: 416-208-4760

https://www.utsc.utoronto.ca/studentlife/


Biology Students' Association

https://thebiosa.org/

Did You Know?

People reviewing research posters

This is the most popular program in the department!