Human Biology Major (HBSc)
Admissions Category: Life Sciences
Are you a prospective student applicant?
You can enter the to accelerate your career in a health care profession
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 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 Biodiversity, Plant Biology, Molecular Biology, Immunology & Disease, Population Health, , .
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 4Choose Your Courses Wisely
- , , , , ,
- , .
- 0.5 credit in Math OR Stats from: ///.
- Request a Subject POSt on upon completing 4.0 credits.
- Use and the to plan your degree.
- Attend Choosing Your Program events in March.
Develop Your Academic & Research Skills
- Attend for help with writing lab reports.
- Attend Facilitated Study Groups.
- Your offers in-depth library research assistance and writing support is available at the .
- Attend Study Skills workshops offered by the .
Apply Theory to Practice
- Attend the Professor-Student Mix & Mingle to connect with your professors.
- Start building your Co-Curricular Record (CCR) and search for Experiential Learning or Work-Integrated Learning opportunities.
Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)
- Join a professional student organization like , , or ; Join the (BioSA).
- Explore DSL鈥檚 LEAD program, the First Year Experience program, and Imani Academic Mentorship program for black youth.
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 in September or register with SCSU's .
Year 2
Choose Your Courses Wisely
- 2.5 credits of Biology Core courses: , , , , .
- 0.5 credit in a Biology Core Lab from: or .
- Use and consult with your Program Advisor to ensure you meet your degree and program requirements.
Develop Your Academic & Research Skills
- Check the Research Catalogue and Job Boards on for possible research opportunities.
- Volunteer in a research lab, hospital, doctor鈥檚 office, or community organization.
- Consider (>Jobs & Recruitment>Work Study) or a directed research course ().
- Attend your professor鈥檚 office hours.
Apply Theory to Practice
- Take part in 鈥溾 to interact with leading scientists and learn about their research and career trajectory.
- Check the Research Catalogue and Job Boards on for possible research opportunities.
Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)
- Get involved with the or the Medical Education Initiative Organization; Volunteer with , a local science outreach program.
- Consider completing the Global Citizenship Certificate or look into Global Learning opportunities, like a (visit ISC).
Plan for Your Future Career
- Gain experience by applying for a summer, part-time or Work Study position via (>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鈥檚 and programs.
- Apply for DSL鈥檚 All-In Leadership program.
Year 3
Choose Your Courses Wisely
- 1.5 credits from selected C-level BIO or NRO courses (check the for further details).
- Use to ensure you are on track with your degree.
Develop Your Academic & Research Skills
- Consider directed research courses: , .
- Enter to win the UTSC Library or .
- Consider a 12-24 week research project abroad through the or apply to the program; visit for details.
Apply Theory to Practice
- Continue to build on your skills and knowledge through relevant events offered through your department, , DSL and the .
- Run for an elected position in a student organization.
Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)
- If you are considering a career in medicine, attend the Seminar.
- Run for an elected position in a student organization.
- Attend a in your local community.
- Volunteer in a hospital, seniors鈥 residence, .
- Volunteer with DSL as a .
Plan for Your Future Career
- Speak with staff at the to plan a potential career path.
- Check for networking events or employer information sessions to attend.
- Attend the UTSC in September.
- Join a conference like 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 for further details).
- Use to ensure you are on track to graduate.
- Register your 鈥淚ntent to Graduate鈥 on by the deadline.
Develop Your Academic & Research Skills
- Attend weekly Biology Seminar series (Fridays 12pm).
- Take upper-level directed research courses (/, ).
- Submit a paper or be a reviewer for UTSC鈥檚 .
- Apply for the Academic Travel Fund through to conduct research, present at a conference, or engage with the academic community internationally.
Apply Theory to Practice
- Participate in
Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)
- Participate in the AA&CC鈥檚 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鈥檚 job search conference in April/May.
- Attend the orientation for a job search 鈥渃rash course;鈥 find job opportunities on .
- Discuss grad school plans early with staff at the AA&CC and your professors.
- Get your Personal Statement reviewed in the .