BSc Honours Biology

UTM Biology HBSc students gain hands-on experience directly by way of access to the university's advanced Life Sciences Core Facilities, shared research environments with the latest equipment for leading-edge research in cell, molecular, and tissue biology. Students receive complete training on the latest equipment and techniques, preparing them both for individual and collaborative research projects. Facilities are 24/7 with T-Card access to allow flexible schedules of research and immersion learning.

Experiential highlights include:

• Training and research: In the Cell and Molecular Biology Facility with advanced equipment for DNA, RNA, and protein analysis

• Practical training: In the Cell and Tissue Culture Facility, such as sterile technique, cell passage, thawing, freezing, and custom cell culture training

• Usage of the Autoclave and Research Resources Facility: For sterilisation of labware, cleaning, and storage of samples to enable easy lab operations

• Mandatory safety and biosafety training: (General Health and Safety Awareness, WHMIS, and Laboratory Biosafety) before entering facilities

• Flexible, 24/7 access: To research space in both the W.G. Davis and Science Buildings

• Technical assistance and troubleshooting: By dedicated facility managers

• Online booking of equipment: Using BookitLab, providing fair and organised access to high-demand equipment

• Access to join research projects: Involving specialised equipment such as flow cytometers, freeze dryers, calorimeters, and microfluidisers

• Free shipping program: For oligos and sequencing, and off-site surveillance of key research equipment for data integrity and safety

Graduates of the University of Toronto Mississauga’s Biology HBSc program are highly employable, with 91% of science graduates working or in further study within six months. Typical job roles include research biologist (e.g., at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre), laboratory technologist (e.g., Public Health Ontario), environmental consultant (e.g., Golder Associates), clinical research coordinator (e.g., Trillium Health Partners), and science educator. Many alumni also pursue professional programs in medicine (Temerty Faculty of Medicine), dentistry, pharmacy, or graduate research at U of T or other top institutions.

Here’s how UTM specifically supports your future:

• Career Services: The UTM Career Centre offers one-on-one career advising, résumé and cover letter reviews, mock interviews, and science-specific job fairs. Students access the CLNx job portal for internships, part-time, and full-time jobs, including postings from Toronto’s biotech, pharma, and health sectors. Annual events like the Life Sciences Career Panel and Research Opportunities Fair connect students with alumni and employers.

• Employment Stats & Salary: 91% of U of T science graduates are employed or in further study within six months of graduation. Entry-level salaries for biology graduates in the GTA typically range from $45,000–$55,000 CAD; with experience or further credentials, salaries can exceed $70,000–$100,000 CAD.

• Industry Partnerships: UTM Biology partners with organizations such as Credit Valley Conservation, Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, Sanofi Pasteur, and Toronto and Region Conservation Authority for research placements and internships. Students can participate in summer research projects in faculty labs, often funded by the NSERC Undergraduate Student Research Award.

• Accreditation: The HBSc in Biology is fully recognised in Canada and internationally, and fulfils prerequisites for graduate and professional programs (medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, education).

• Graduate Outcomes: Students gain hands-on experience in labs and field courses (e.g., BIO206 Laboratory in Cell and Molecular Biology, BIO325 Plant Ecology Field Course). Many complete an independent research project (BIO481/482) or participate in the Research Opportunity Program (ROP). Graduates develop strong analytical, research, and scientific communication skills, making them highly competitive for employment and further study.

Further Academic Progression: After your Biology HBSc, you can pursue a Master’s (MSc) in Biology or related fields at U of T or other leading universities. The program also prepares you for professional degrees in medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, optometry, and education, supported by UTM’s strong research environment and faculty mentorship.