Molecular Biology Immunology and Disease
Molecular Biology Immunology and Disease Major (HBSc)
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
Apply Theory to Practice
Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)
Plan for Your Future Career
Year 2
Choose Your Courses Wisely
Develop Your Academic & Research Skills
Apply Theory to Practice
Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)
Plan for Your Future Career
Year 3
Choose Your Courses Wisely
Develop Your Academic & Research Skills
Apply Theory to Practice
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
Choose Your Courses Wisely
-
Use Degree Explorer and the UTSC Calendar to plan your courses and program.
Develop Your Academic & Research Skills
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Attend BioSA’s BioAID Review Sessions for guidance with writing lab reports.
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Contact the UTSC Library for in-depth research assistance; writing support is available at the CTL Writing Centre.
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Attend a BioSci info session on directed research.
Apply Theory to Practice
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Attend the Professor/Graduate Student Mix & Mingles to meet many of the professors & TAs you will encounter as you progress through your degree.
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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)
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Join a professional student organization like Future Black Physicians, Health Occupations Students of America UTSC, or MEDLIFE.
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Build confidence and self-esteem through Department of Student Life’s (DSL) LEAD program.
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Develop leadership skills through DSL’s Alternative Reading Week.
Plan for Your Future Career
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Volunteer with organizations to explore your interest in industries related to your program of study; check listings on CLNx (>Jobs & Recruitment).
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Attend the UTSC Get Experience Fair in September or register with Scarborough Campus Student Union’s (SCSU) Volunteer Network Program.
Year 2
Choose Your Courses Wisely
-
Complete BIOB90H3.
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Use Degree Explorer and consult with your Program Advisor to ensure you meet your degree and program requirements.
Develop Your Academic & Research Skills
-
Seek support from professors and TAs during office hours.
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Check the Research Catalogue on CLNx for possible research opportunities.
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Volunteer in research labs, hospitals, doctors offices, community organizations, foundations.
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Consider doing a directed research course.
Apply Theory to Practice
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Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)
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Build your official CCR by getting involved with the Scarborough Pre-Med Society.
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Consider participating in local science outreach through organizations like Let’s Talk Science or consider Global Learning opportunities through ISC.
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Consider public health and policy fellowships in provincial/federal government.
Plan for Your Future Career
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Gain experience by applying for a summer, part-time or Work Study position via CLNx (>Jobs & Recruitment).
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If you are considering grad school, speak to professors and program advisors early so you know what to keep in mind.
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Explore careers through AA&CC’s Job Shadowing and In The Field programs.
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Apply for DSL’s All-In Leadership program.
Year 3
Choose Your Courses Wisely
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Complete BIOC90H3.
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Use Degree Explorer to ensure you are on track with your degree.
Develop Your Academic & Research Skills
-
Consider entering the UTSC Library Undergraduate Research Prize contest, the Mitacs Globalink, or NSERC USRA Research Awards.
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Continue to build your volunteer and work experience.
Apply Theory to Practice
-
Consider being a peer reviewer for the Journal of Natural Sciences.
Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)
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Attend the Diversity in Medicine Seminar (for future medical students).
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Volunteer with DSL to be a First Year Peer Advisor. Take part in other DSL activities, such as Indigenous Experiential Journey trip, or intern with an NGO with the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Scholarship Program.
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Attend a Café Scientifique in your local community.
Plan for Your Future Career
- Speak with a staff member at the AA&CC to plan a potential career path.
- Check CLNx for networking events and employer information sessions.
- Attend the Graduate & Professional School Fair in September.
- Join a conference like TEDxUTSC or International Development Conference to develop professional skills.
Year 4
Choose Your Courses Wisely
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Complete BIOC90H3 if you have not already.
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Use Degree Explorer to ensure you are on track to graduate.
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Register your “Intent to Graduate” on ACORN by the deadline.
Develop Your Academic & Research Skills
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Attend the weekly Biology Seminar Series (Fridays 12pm).
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Submit independent research work to UTSC’s Journal of Natural Sciences.
Apply Theory to Practice
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Participate in Ontario’s Synapse Life Science Competition.
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Consider being an editor for the Journal of Natural Sciences.
Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)
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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.
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Consider joining a relevant professional association such as American Society of Cell Biology or the American Society of Microbiology that take student members, and volunteer for their events.
Plan for Your Future Career
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Attend the AA&CC’s Get Hired job search conference in April/May.
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Attend the Jobs for Grads orientation for a job search “crash course”; find job opportunities on CLNx.
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If you are considering grad school, discuss your plans with staff at the AA&CC and your professors.
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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-ordinatorJennifer Campbelljac.campbell@utoronto.caSW421D416-287-7404utsc.utoronto.ca/biosci
- Biological Sciences LibrarianSarah Guaysarah.guay@utoronto.caARC main floor416-287-7497https://utsc.library.utoronto.ca/librarians
- Academic Advising & Career CentreAC213416-287-7561https://utsc.utoronto.ca/aacc/
- Department of Student LifeSL157416-208-4760https://www.utsc.utoronto.ca/studentlife/
- Biology Students' Associationhttps://thebiosa.org/
Did You Know?
MIMSA fosters student involvement beyond in-class learning, connecting UTSC students with their peers and UofT faculty.