Molecular Biology Immunology and Disease 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

3 people in lab coats conducting experiment

Program Overview

This program provides training and background in general biology with specialized courses in immunology, infection, and disease. In order to further our knowledge and skills in health promotion and disease and infection prevention, students in this program will learn about immunology, microbiology, biochemistry, pathobiology, and disease. Graduates of this program are prepared to play an integral part in advancing health related professions and contributing to disease research following graduate studies.


Complementary Programs:

Health Studies



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)
  • Editor in Scientific Publications

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
  • Attend BioSA’s BioAID Review Sessions for guidance with writing lab reports.
  • Contact the UTSC Library for in-depth research assistance; writing support is available at the CTL Writing Centre.
  • Attend a BioSci info session on directed research.

Apply Theory to Practice
  • Attend the Professor/Graduate Student Mix & Mingles to meet many of the professors & TAs you will encounter as you progress through your degree.
  • Start building your Co-Curricular Record (CCR) and search for Experiential Learning and Work-Integrated Learning opportunities on the Career & Co-Curricular Learning Network (CLNx).

Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)
Plan for Your Future Career

Year 2
Choose Your Courses Wisely
Develop Your Academic & Research Skills
  • Seek support from professors and TAs during office hours.
  • Check the Research Catalogue on CLNx for possible research opportunities.
  • Volunteer in research labs, hospitals, doctors offices, community organizations, foundations.
  • Consider doing a directed research course.

Apply Theory to Practice

 

  • Take part in Conversation with Biologists, an event where students can interact with leading scientists and learn about their research and career trajectory.
  • Consider Work Study (>Jobs & Recruitment>Work Study) for possible research opportunities.
  • Take part in Conversation with Biologists, an event where students can interact with leading scientists and learn about their research and career trajectory.
  • Consider Work Study (>Jobs & Recruitment>Work Study) 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).
  • If you are considering grad school, speak to professors and program advisors early so you know what to keep in mind.
  • Explore careers through AA&CC’s Job Shadowing and In The Field programs.
  • Apply for DSL’s All-In Leadership program.


Year 3
Choose Your Courses Wisely
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 groups, DSL and the AA&CC.
  • Consider being a peer reviewer for the Journal of Natural Sciences.

Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)
Plan for Your Future Career

Year 4
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 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.
  • If you are considering grad school, discuss your plans 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)
  • ASCB - American Society for Cell Biology (https://www.ascb.org)
  • ASM - American Society for Microbiology (https://asm.org)
  • 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)
  • MIMSA - Molecular Biology and Immunology Students Association (https://www.facebook.com/UTSCMIMSA)
  • NSERC - Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (https://www.nserc-crsng.gc.ca/index_eng.asp)
  • SCSU - Scarborough Campus Students Union (https://www.scsu.ca)
  • USRA - Undergraduate Student Research Award (https://www.utsc.utoronto.ca/research/undergraduate-student-research-award)


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?

2 people in lab coats conducting an experiment

MIMSA fosters student involvement beyond in-class learning, connecting UTSC students with their peers and UofT faculty.