Biology
Biology is the study of living organisms and involves observation and analysis of the tree of life. The foundation of biology is based upon the core concepts of evolution: natural selection and specialization. The study of biology is applicable to such major problems as conservation, overpopulation, pollution, medicine and disease.
Effective biological training involves careful study of real organisms, both living and dead. Consequently, almost all Biology courses with laboratories involve students in one or more of the following activities with animals, plants, and/or microorganisms: collecting and preserving organisms from the field; dissecting or handling preserved or euthanized specimens (or properly anaesthetized living specimens); observing and making measurements on organisms maintained under laboratory conditions approved by the Canadian Council of Animal Care.
Honours Bachelor of Science
Program Plans
Plan your degree with these academic and co-curricular program overviews.
Tip Sheets
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- Research scientist
- Teacher
- General practice physician
- Biological specialist
- Biotech entrepreneur
Admission Requirements
Regional Requirements
Admissions RequirementsLife in Biology
Buzz Around Campus
Vanessa Parise’s journey as a U of T Mississauga student is defined not by the hurdles that tripped her up, but by how she brilliantly picked herself back up to maximize her post-secondary experience.
As a UTM science student, Eugenia Addy (formerly Eugenia Duodu) became a volunteer with the Visions of Science Network for Learning, encouraging low-income and underprivileged children to pursue science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). Today, at 32, Addy (PhD ’15) is Vision of Science’s CEO.
Biologist Marc Johnson knows the value of an early introduction to science. His own childhood featured stacks of Little Golden Book nature guides and free-range access to the Presqu’ile Park nature centre near his grandmother’s cottage on the northern shores of Lake Ontario.
Sample Courses
This course will provide Biology Majors and Specialists particularly interested in ecology with integrated, practical exposure to field and laboratory research methods.
This course addresses the use of organ systems to find and process food, escape enemies by locomotion, reproduce by pollination vectors, filter nutrients, exchange gases, coordinate and make decisions.
This course focuses on the principal physiological processes in plants and the regulation of these processes in response to environmental factors.
Other Programs to Consider
Molecular Biology
Molecular Biology is an interdisciplinary science that draws its major themes from biochemistry, cell biology, and genetics. Its emphasis is on the structure, chemistry, and functions of nucleic acids and focuses on the biochemical basis of cellular genetics.
Biology for Health Sciences
This program focuses on areas of biological science that relate to the health of humans and will provide a strong foundation for students interested in pursuing a career in the health sciences
Biological Chemistry
Biological Chemistry deals with the chemical processes of and relating to living organisms. The program, with its solid core of chemistry, plus the required biology and biochemistry courses, provides an interesting and challenging interdisciplinary study experience. Biological Chemistry examines nature at the molecular level by using a combination of synthetic, inorganic, analytical and physical chemistry as well as the tools of molecular biology.