Lets’s Talk About U of T Life Sciences
The hiatus (however brief) is over! We’re back again this week with the second installment of our exploration of pre-med undergraduate programs, and this time we’re focusing on one many of our readers may be eyeing.
From the largest university in all of Canada comes a program dedicated to the study of living things; the Life Sciences (HBSc) program at the University of Toronto. Targeting how the human body works, the evolution of our species over time, and the diversity of life on Earth, this program offers students a gateway to exploring the many facets of the living world.
What is it?
Students are admitted to the general Life Sciences admission category and are not enrolled in a specific program during the first year. This allows freedom to explore a number of different areas of study. At the end of the first year, you can apply to a program (e.g. major in psychology), with the option of combining programs from outside of your program (excluding Rotman Commerce).
What makes it unique?
Diverse major options
Life science is made up of various fields ranging from molecular biology, genetics, and biotechnology, to comparative physiology, neurology, and health science, to paleontology, ecology, evolution, and extending to biomedical communications. Even if you don’t have a particular area of interest when you are admitted, you will have the first year to explore and experiment with where you’d like to go from there.
Research opportunities
As early as second year, students may be able to assist their professors with research. The Research Opportunities Program is open to students in Life Sciences and has full-credit courses in which second- and third-year students can participate in a professor’s research project. The Research Excursions Program allows third-year students an opportunity to get involved in experiential learning outside of the classroom and sometimes even abroad. It should be noted that the status of such opportunities may have changed due to pandemic protocols.
University of Toronto- Mississauga
Located separate from the main campus, U of T’s Mississauga campus is known for its relatively friendly and tight-knit community. The smaller campus setting allows students to learn in small class sizes (sometimes fewer than 35 students) and get to know their professors. If this is an environment that interests you, applying here instead of the main campus may be a consideration.
How to apply
Requirements
Low to mid-80s (based on six Grade 12 “U” or “M” courses including English (ENG4U) or equivalent)
In addition to the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD), Ontario Grade 12 courses required for admission include:
- At least six (6) Grade 12 U or M courses
- English — low to mid-80s
- Calculus– low to mid-80s
- Vectors
- Biology
- The required courses will differ depending on which program you want to study in your second year after being admitted to Life Sciences. Many require Chemistry in addition, and numerous others recommend Physics.
Requirements will differ for International Baccalaureate graduates and students from other Canadian provinces as well as the United States and abroad. You may also need to prove your English proficiency depending on your personal background.
A supplemental application (essay, etc.) is not required — admission is based only on an average in the required courses.
Look to the future
Cost
According to U of T’s financial planning calculator website, the numbers for a domestic student in first year come down to this:
- Tuition & Fees: $7 700
- Housing & Meal Plan: 15 811.47 each year (student residence basement double)
- Textbooks & Course Supplies: $1 000.00 each year
- Additional living costs (health/personal care, phone bill, public transportation, entertainment): $3 760.00 each year
- Total: ~$28 300 each year (September to April semester)
About the author: April Sui is a second-year student in Medical Sciences at Western University in London, Ontario. She’s currently working with Hashtag Health Podcast (based at UWO) and the International Predental Student Alliance. Bookworm, origami fanatic and French tutor, you can find her on LinkedIn or Facebook.
Sources
https://www.artsci.utoronto.ca/future/ready-apply/admission-requirements/ontario-high-school
https://www.artsci.utoronto.ca/current/academics/research-opportunities
https://www.utm.utoronto.ca/future-students/category/life-sciences
