Alumni & Friends - Ways to get involved and give back
Department of Biological Sciences

Undergraduate Studies Overview

Which Biological Sciences program is right for me? 

We are excited to meet you as a prospective student considering a Biological Sciences (BioSci) program! It is important to consider a number of factors such as your interests, strengths and future aspirations when choosing your program of study in Biological Sciences. Below are a few criteria we would like you to carefully evaluate. Shamim Sarang, your Pre-Program Supervisor and academic advisors in the Academic Advising and Career Centre (AA&CC) can guide you through this important decision; providing us with your reflections on the factors listed below is an important preparatory step that will help us mentor you more effectively.  Once you are enrolled in one of our programs you will also be able to meet with Biological Sciences program specific supervisors to help answer any questions regarding the program and can assist you in navigating the various course options in our department.

The BioSci website (http://www.utsc.utoronto.ca/biosci/programs), the AA&CC career tipsheets (https://www.utsc.utoronto.ca/aacc/careers-and-employment-tips) and the UTSC Course Calendar (https://utsc.calendar.utoronto.ca/list-of-programs/B) contain a wealth of  information that you should consult as you reflect on these questions.

Making the right choice

Once you have reflected on the questions in this document, we recommend that you meet with our Pre-Program Supervisor/Undergraduate Advisor (biosciundergrad.utsc@utoronto.ca) or academic advisors at AA&CC (information here on how to schedule appointments or drop-in: https://www.utsc.utoronto.ca/aacc/academic-advising-study-skills-appointments). During these meetings, we can discuss your reflections and work together to determine which one of our programs is likely to be the best fit for your strengths and interests, and will best prepare you for your future educational and career goals.

Admission to Biological Sciences Programs

Students apply to Biological Sciences Specialist and Major programs after completing a minimum of 4.0 full credits, including 1.0 credit in Biology (excluding BIOA11H3), 1.0 credit in Chemistry, and 0.5 credit in Mathematics (excluding MATA02H3) or Statistics and with a minimum cumulative grade point average (CGPA) as specified below:

  • Admission to Specialist programs requires a cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of at least 2.0.
  • There are no admission requirements for the Minor program in Biology

Students applying to the Specialist (Co-Operative) Program in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology: The minimum qualifications for entry are 5.0 credits including BIOA01H3, BIOA02H3, CHMA10H3, CHMA11H3, [(MATA20H3) & (MATA21H3)] or [MATA30H3 & [MATA35H3 or MATA36H3]], [PHYA10H3 or PHYA11H3], plus a cumulative GPA of at least 2.75.

Biology Resources

Biology Forms/Information

U of T Scarborough General and Wellness Resources

**Students wishing to take BIOA01H3F and BIOA02H3S who do not have grade 12 biology may take BIOA11H3F to fulfill the pre-requisite requirement.  BIOA11H3 will not satisfy the Mathematics pre-requisite.  Please check the UTSC calendar for further information.

**Students who wish to take BIOA01H3F and BIOA02H3S, and do not have grade 12 mathematics, may take the Mathematics Preparation course run by the Centre for Teaching and Learning to fulfill the pre-requisite requirement. Please note, a final score of 65% or higher is needed to use the preparation course towards BIOA01 and BIOA02. For more information, please visit CTL's MSLC website.