Molecular Biology & Biotechnology 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
first establishes foundational knowledge across the major disciplines of biology, and then combines this knowledge with increasingly molecular, analytical and reflective approaches to the study of Biology. This is a laboratory-rich program that integrates an understanding of chemical and physical processes within our complex biological systems. Broad training in biology and rigorous ancillary training in cognate disciplines, positions graduates to apply to professional and graduate schools or work in a broad range of government regulatory agencies, clinical, or research-focused industries. Co-op terms provide full-time work placements in laboratories, government, health care, or public and private industry. Placements help students both define and refine their career goals while providing invaluable work experience.
Complementary Programs:
N/A
Check out future career opportunities and skills acquired from completing this program:
Competencies & Skills
- RESEARCH: Experimental design, data analysis using statistics, critical interpretation of literature, advanced experimental techniques in molecular biology
- COMMUNICATION: Written, oral, poster, debate, multimedia
- CAPACITY: Teamwork skills, meet deadlines and expectations
- VALUES: Advocate for Biology & fundamental research
Careers for Graduates
- Academic Research Scientist
- Clinical Research Assistant
- Laboratory Research Associate (university, hospital, industry)
- Laboratory Technician for Clinical Trials
- Coordinator or Researcher
- Biotechnologist
- Pharmaceuticals (Research, Development, Sales)
- Food Science
- Quality Control & Inspection
- Healthcare Professional
Further Education
- Graduate Studies
- Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Nursing, Optometry
- Genetic Counselling
- Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy
- Teacher Education
- Clinical Research
- Medical Laboratory Technology
- Radiology Technologist (MRI, CT)
Program Pathway
Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 | Year 4Choose Your Courses Wisely
- BIOLOGY: & .
- CHEMISTRY: , or .
- MATH: & OR & .
- PHYSICS: & OR & .
- STATS: OR .
- Use planner and the to plan your degree.
Develop Your Academic & Research Skills
- Attend (BioSA) BioAID Review Sessions for guidance with writing lab reports.
- Contact the for in-depth research assistance for your assignments; writing support is also available at the .
- Attend your professors鈥 office hours.
Apply Theory to Practice
- Attend the Professor-Student Mix & Mingle to meet many of the professors 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 .
Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)
- Join and attend their activities and events.
- Join a professional student organization like , or .
- Build confidence and self-esteem through Department of Student Life鈥檚 (DSL) LEAD program.
- Develop leadership skills through DSL鈥檚 Alternative Reading Week .
Plan for Your Future Career
- It is important to establish a healthy school/life balance.
- 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 鈥檚 (SCSU) .
Year 2
Choose Your Courses Wisely
- 3.0 from Biology Core Courses: , , , , , .
- 0.5 from .
- 1.0 from Organic Chemistry Courses: , .
- Check and contact your program advisor.
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 or take a directed supervised research course (e.g., ).
Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)
- Build your official CCR by getting involved outside the classroom, eg., get involved with the or the .
- Consider participating in local science outreach through organizations like or consider Global Learning opportunities through 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 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)
- Attend Seminar (for future medical students).
- 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
- 0.5 Credit in Advanced Molecular Techniques: .
- 0.5 credit D-level Research-oriented 鈥淐ell & Molecular鈥 Course Work from selected courses on .
- 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 to UTSC鈥檚 .
- Apply for an Academic Travel Fund through DSL to research, present at a conference, or engage with the international academic community.
Apply Theory to Practice
- Participate in .
Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)
- Participate in the AA&CC鈥檚 Partners in Leadership program to learn and network with an alumni mentor about transitioning to work or further education.
- Consider joining a relevant professional association such as the or the that take student members, and volunteer for their events.
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 .