BSc Honours Integrative Biology Science

UTSC's Specialist Program in Integrative Biology Science offers students direct, experiential learning opportunities in modern research facilities. Students conduct experiments and research in newly renovated spaces such as the central vivarium and two aquatic facilities to accommodate a variety of animals such as fish (fresh and saltwater), birds, and rodents. Behavioural, procedural, and surgical investigations are facilitated in the rooms, providing first-hand experience with animal care and husbandry and experimental methods.

Other experiential opportunities include

• Use of the Plant Growth Facility and Greenhouse: For research in plant biology and synthetic biology

• Use of the Centre for the Neurobiology of Stress: For neuroscience and behaviour research, with high-performance computing facilities

• Training and research in animal care: According to Canadian Council of Animal Care (CCAC) guidelines, facilitated by the Vivarium Manager and technical staff

• Laboratory sessions and research projects: Involving behaviour, procedure, and surgery in the vivarium

• Participation in field courses, group assignments, and research placements: In faculty laboratories

• Access to experience in presenting: At poster sessions, multimedia science communication, and collaborative studies

• Access to state-of-the-art research equipment and technical expertise: Across all core facilities

Graduates of the University of Toronto Scarborough’s Bachelor's Specialist Program in Integrative Biology (Science) are highly employable, with alumni moving into roles such as research biologist, environmental consultant, conservation scientist, laboratory technologist, and science educator. Many also pursue further studies in medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, graduate research, environmental science, or teaching.

Here’s how UTSC specifically supports your future:

• Career Services: Access to UTSC’s Academic Advising & Career Centre for one-on-one advising, résumé workshops, job fairs, and the CLNx job portal. The department hosts career panels and connects students with alumni and employers in biology, conservation, and health sectors.

• Employment Stats & Salary: While specific UTSC data isn’t published, biology graduates in the GTA typically start between $45,000–$55,000 CAD per year, with higher earnings for those pursuing further credentials or experience.

• Industry Partnerships: The program partners with organisations such as Credit Valley Conservation, Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, and Toronto Zoo for field courses, internships, and research placements. Students can participate in summer research, fieldwork, and community-engaged projects.

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

• Graduate Outcomes: Students gain a broad, multi-perspective foundation in biology—including cellular/organismal biology, ecology, conservation, and genetics—plus hands-on experience in labs, field courses (e.g., Tropical Biodiversity, Ecology Field Course), and research projects (e.g., Integrative Research Poster Project, Multimedia Documentary Project). The program’s flexibility allows you to specialise in more than one area and prepares you to tackle complex, real-world biological problems.

Further Academic Progression: After your Specialist in Integrative Biology, you can pursue a Master’s (MSc) in Biology, Environmental Science, or related fields at U of T or other top universities. You may also apply to combined programs, such as the Honours BSc/Master of Environmental Science (MEnvSc) or Honours BSc/Master of Teaching (MT), allowing you to earn two degrees in five to six years and preparing you for advanced research or professional careers in science or education.