Many of the life science programs listed in this section are collaborative programs given by the Faculty of Arts and Science and departments in the Faculty of Medicine. The Life Sciences all focus on the scientific study of life. The study of biological processes has enormous importance for:

Understanding one’s own body and those of other organisms sharing our planet, both in health and sickness; Analysing the behaviour of humans and other organisms; Understanding the interdependent web of living organisms on the planet, and their evolutionary relationships; Preparing for ethical, social and political questions arising from our increasing ability to modify living systems; Enhancing our ability to protect the delicate and complex ecological balance that sustains this world.

Today, the biological sciences are experiencing a revolution. Important discoveries occur almost weekly as scientists and students around the world develop and use techniques, theories and approaches. Increasingly, we need people with advanced knowledge and training who can contribute to these discoveries and their application. Equally, we need people who know enough about life sciences generally to make informed judgements about critical issues such as global warming, population growth, the emergence of drug resistance and new diseases, and the degradation of the environment.

On the St. George campus, undergraduate education in life sciences (as well as graduate education and research) is carried out in departments within the Faculty of Arts and Science and the Faculty of Medicine. Programs offered are:

Minor Programs

Major Programs

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Specialist Programs

• Behaviour (Zoology), Biochemistry, Biogeography (Geography), Biological Chemistry (Chemistry), Biology, Biophysics (Physics), Botany, Comparative Animal Physiology (Zoology), Developmental Biology (Biology), Ecology (Biology), Environment and Health (Division of the Environment), Evolutionary Biology (Biology), Genes Genetics and Biotechnology (Human Biology), Health and Disease (Human Biology), Human Behavioural Biology (Human Biology), Immunology, Microbiology, Molecular Genetics & Molecular Biology, Molecular Plant Biology (Botany), Neuroscience, Nutritional Sciences, Pathobiology, Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Pharmacology, Physiology, Physiology (Theoretical), Plant Physiology & Metabolism (Botany), Psychology, Toxicology, Zoology.

Admission to all programs occurs after completion of first year (minimum 4.0 credits) or second year (minimum 8.0 credits). Admission to some specialist programs is limited. Please see individual program listings for admission criteria and procedures.

Check the Registration Handbook and Timetable’s “Enrol in a Subject POSt” section for further details.

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Animal Use in Laboratories

Laboratory investigations are part of life science programs at the University of Toronto. Programs in life sciences at the University of Toronto include courses that involve observation, handling, or experimentation on animals or on samples derived from animals. The use of animals in teaching and research is regulated by ethical and procedural guidelines and protocols. These are approved on an ongoing basis by the University Animal Care Committee, and follow provincial and federal government rules. We recognize, however, that some students may have strong reservations about personal exposure to any use of animal material in teaching. Students who want to avoid registration in programs or courses that include such labs are, therefore, encouraged to check in advance with the departments involved.

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