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.
Honours Bachelor of Science
Program Plans
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Tip Sheets
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- Cytotechnologist
- Bacteriologist
- Microbiologist
- Medical Geneticist
- Forensic Laboratory Analyst
Admission Requirements
Regional Requirements
Admissions RequirementsLife in Molecular Biology
Buzz Around Campus
Curiosity and a passion for research is taking four U of T students to the final frontiers of health and space. A paper by the student research team, presented at a recent international conference of space experts, is the first step in a process that could inform future research into the dental woes of space travellers
Sasha Weiditch is the fourth person in her family to graduate from U of T—her two sisters and mother are all alumnae—however she’s the first in the family to focus on science. Weiditch began her education at UTM as an undergraduate student in the BSc program.
Professor Scott Prosser, a specialist in molecular biophysics at the University of Toronto Mississauga, has been awarded the 2017 Royal Society of Chemistry Jeremy Knowles Award. The Jeremy Knowles Award is awarded to recognize and promote the importance of inter- and multidisciplinary research between chemistry and the life sciences.
Sample Courses
We discuss the species concept, quantification and cost-benefit analysis of biodiversity and extinction, causes, consequence, diagnosis and treatment of population declines.
The course will focus on how genetic variation arises and is maintained, mechanisms of evolutionary change and how these mechanisms lead to adaptation, sexual selection, speciation and co-evolution.
The chemistry of selected classes of naturally occurring molecules such as those below, with emphasis on structure, stereochemistry, properties and synthesis.
Other Programs to Consider
Biotechnology
Biotechnology in modern society is the "application of scientific and technical advances in life science to develop commercial products”. This program combines biological sciences (genetics, biochemistry, molecular biology, microbiology, cell biology) with other science disciplines (chemistry, engineering, information technology, robotics, etc.).
Comparative Physiology
Physiology is the study of living matter and its interaction between internal and external environments. It integrates physical and life sciences in order to understand body functions and the origins of disease in both plants and animals.
Chemistry
Chemistry plays a vital and well-integrated role in many areas of scientific discovery, including the development of new drugs, materials and diagnostics. Advancements made in the field of chemistry have brought improvements to our quality of life, and will help us to control the impact we are making on our environment in order to form the basis for a strong economy.