Integrative Biology Specialist (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
The Integrative Biology program allows students to pursue a specialist program built on a broad, multi-perspective approach towards understanding biological complexity. This program provides students with a solid foundation in core biological areas (cellular and organismal biology, ecology and conservation, genes and development). A key advantage to this program is that it allows students to pursue specialization in more than one area at the same time. Many of the biggest issues facing today鈥檚 planet require scientists that are capable of bringing different and complementary perspectives to look for solutions, and this program provides the coursework and training to help undergraduates build this broad knowledge base.
Complementary Programs:
Not applicable.
Check out future career opportunities and skills acquired from completing this program:
Competencies & Skills
- Collect, analyze and interpret data
- Conduct and design experiments; use lab equipment
- Explore how organisms interact with the environment
- Chart the development of complex organisms
- Inspect specimens
- Research and analyze biological questions
- Write literature reviews and scientific reports
Careers for Graduates
- Pharmaceuticals/Medical Sales
- Conservation Officer
- Lab Technician (Industry/ Government)
- Assistant Biologist, Food Inspection
- Water Technologist in Conservation Authorities
- Policy Analyst
- Health Care careers
- Careers in Education/TRCA/ Ministry of Natural Resources
Further Education
- Graduate Studies
- Public Health: Epidemiology
- Environmental Science
- Sustainability
- Genetic Counselling
- Medicine, Dentistry, Education
- Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy
- Clinical Research
- Medical Laboratory Technology
- Environmental Technology
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
- 1.0 Biology credit: ,
- 1.0 Chemistry credit: , or .
- 1.0 Math credit from: and , OR and .
- 0.5 Physics credit from: , .
- 0.5 credit from , .
Develop Your Academic & Research Skills
- Attend 鈥檚 BioAID Review Sessions for guidance with writing lab reports.
- Contact the for in-depth research assistance; writing support is available at the .
- 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 opportunities; check listings on .
Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)
- Join a professional student organization: , , or .
- Build confidence and self-esteem through Department of Student Life鈥檚 (DSL) LEAD program.
- Participate in and events.
- Consider volunteering with Campus Farm and
Plan for Your Future Career
- Volunteer with organizations to explore your interest in industries related to your program of study; check listings on (>Jobs & Recruitment).
- Attend the in September or register with (SCSU) .
Year 2
Choose Your Courses Wisely
- 3.0 credits of Biology Core courses: , , , , , .
- Complete .
- 0.5 credit in a Biology Core Lab from: , , , .
- 0.5 credit from: , .
- Use to ensure you meet your degree and program requirements.
Develop Your Academic & Research Skills
- Seek support from professors and TAs during office hours.
- Check the Research Catalogue on 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 , an event where students can interact with leading scientists and learn about their research and career trajectory.
- Consider (>Jobs & Recruitment>Work Study) jobs for possible research opportunities.
Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)
- Build your official CCR by getting involved with the or the.
- Consider participating in science outreach: , Global Learning opportunities.
- Volunteer: , UTSC Green Roofs, Cornell Birds, .
Plan for Your Future Career
- Gain experience by applying for a summer, part-time or Work Study position via (>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鈥檚 and programs.
- Apply for DSL鈥檚 All-In Leadership program.
Year 3
Choose Your Courses Wisely
- 2.5 credits of Biology Foundation courses: , , or , , .
- 1.0 credit of Advanced Courses in Cellular and Organismal Biology.
- Complete .
- Use to ensure you are on track with your degree.
Develop Your Academic & Research Skills
- Consider entering the following Research Awards Contests: , , , .
- Continue to build your volunteer and work experience.
- Consider directed research courses: , and take part in our departmental information session.
Apply Theory to Practice
- Continue to build on your skills and knowledge through relevant events offered through your department, , DSL and the .
- Consider being a peer reviewer for the .
Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)
- Volunteer with DSL to be a . 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.
- Attend a in your local community.
Plan for Your Future Career
- Speak with a staff member at the to plan a potential career path.
- Check for networking events and employer information sessions.
- Attend the in September.
- Join a conference like or International Development Conference to develop professional skills.
Year 4
Choose Your Courses Wisely
- 1.0 credit of Advanced Courses in Ecology and Conservation.
- 1.0 credit of Advanced Courses in Genes and Development.
- Complete if you have not already.
- 1.0 Credit of D-Level Biology Courses.
- Register your 鈥淚ntent to Graduate鈥 on by the deadline.
- Attend the weekly Biology Seminar Series (Fridays 12pm).
Develop Your Academic & Research Skills
- Take upper-level directed research courses (, , ).
- Submit independent research work to UTSC鈥檚 .
Apply Theory to Practice
- Participate in .
- Consider being an editor for the Journal of Natural Sciences.
Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)
- Build your official CCR by getting involved with the or the .
- Consider participating in science outreach: , Global Learning opportunities.
- Volunteer: , UTSC Green Roofs, Cornell Birds, .
Plan for Your Future Career
- 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 (eg: , , , ) that take student members, and volunteer for their events.
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 (/ctl)
- DSL - Department of Student Life (/studentlife)
- ECO - EnviroCare Organization (https://sop.utoronto.ca/group/envirocare-organization)
- ESA - The Ecological Society of America (https://www.esa.org)
- HOSA - Health Occupation Students of America (https://hosa.org)
- ISC - International Student Centre (/utscinternational)
- MIMSA - Molecular Biology and Immunology Students Association (https://www.facebook.com/UTSCMIMSA)
- NGO - Non-Governmental Organization (https://www.canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change/corporate/transparency/briefing-materials/corporate-book/non-governmental-organizations.html)
- 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)
- SICB - Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology (https://sicb.org)
- TRCA - Toronto Regional Conservation Authority (https://trca.ca)
- USRA - Undergraduate Student Research Award (/research/undergraduate-student-research-award)
Contacts
Course Co-ordinator
Jennifer Campbell
E-mail: jac.campbell@utoronto.caLocation: SW421D
Phone: 416-287-7404
Biological Sciences Librarian
Sarah Guay
E-mail: sarah.guay@utoronto.caLocation: ARC main floor
Phone: 416-287-7497
Academic Advising & Career Centre
Phone: 416-287-7561
Department of Student Life
Phone: 416-208-4760
Biology Students' Association
Did You Know?
Students will be well trained to take positions in government agencies, consulting firms or NGO鈥檚.