Biological Science – Environmental Toxicology specialization

General information

As students proceed through the Biological Science program, they will obtain a background in cell biology, genetics and molecular biology, physiology, biochemistry and developmental biology. Senior level courses such as Bioethics, Neuroscience, Functional Genomics and Proteomics, along with access to modern laboratories, computational tools, sophisticated equipment and state-of-the-art facilities will enable advanced research work and skills training in industry best practice and in research.

The Biological Science program offers specializations in Life Science, Environmental Toxicology and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, as well as an unspecialized Biology degree (Complementary Studies).

Environmental Toxicology specialization

Environmental Toxicology is an interdisciplinary applied field, which focuses on the effects of contaminants on the environment and involves agriculture, health, industry, and urban development. It combines a strong base in biology and chemistry, with a focus on physiology, biochemistry, environmental science, and environmental chemistry.

In addition to the regular program, a co-op program is also available. Students in Environmental Toxicology interested in the co-op program , should contact the Faculty of Science Co-op Coordinator as early as the fall of their second year.

Admission requirements

Admission is competitive. The specific average or standing required for admission varies from year to year. Students are selected by taking into consideration a wide range of criteria including school marks, distribution of subjects taken, and performance in subjects relevant to the academic program. Possession of the minimum requirements does not guarantee acceptance. Preference will be given to applicants with the best qualifications.

Current Ontario secondary school students must complete the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) with six 4U or 4M credits including English (ENG4U), Advanced Functions (MHF4U), and two of Biology (SBI4U), Calculus and Vectors (MCV4U), Chemistry (SCH4U), or Physics (SPH4U). In addition, a combined minimum 70 per cent average in math and science courses is required. It is recommended that all four MCV4U, SBI4U, SCH4U and SPH4U be taken. All other applicants should refer to admissions for the requirements for their specific category of admission.

Program details and degree requirements

Although reasonable efforts will be made to adhere to the following program map, course requirements and term offerings may change.

Year 1

Semester 1 (15 credit hours)

Semester 2 (15 credit hours)

Elective*
BIOL 1020U – Biology II: Diversity of Life and Principles of Ecology
CHEM 1020U – Chemistry II
MATH 1020U – Calculus II
PHY 1040U – Physics for Biosciences ⁺⁺
⁺All students who have completed Grade 12 Advanced Functions (MHF4U) and Calculus and Vectors (MCV4U) should take MATH 1010U and PHY 1010U . Students without one of these high school courses or equivalent are directed to take MATH 1000U and PHY 1030U .

⁺⁺Students who wish to take upper-year physics courses must take PHY 1010U or PHY 1030U and PHY 1020U . However, students who achieve a B standing or higher in PHY 1040U will be permitted to proceed to higher-level physics courses.

Year 2

Semester 1 (15 credit hours)

Semester 2 (15 credit hours)

Year 3

Semester 1 (15 credit hours)

Semester 2 (15 credit hours)

Three electives*
CHEM 3830U – Instrumental Analytical Chemistry
STAT 3010U – Biostatistics

Year 4

Semester 1 (15 credit hours)

Elective*
BIOL 4010U – Introduction to Environmental Research Methods
BIOL 4020U – Environmental Risk Characterization
BIOL 4052U – Advanced Developmental Biology Laboratory
One of:
BIOL 4410U – Biology Thesis Project I ** or
Senior Biology elective*

Semester 2 (15 credit hours)

Senior Biology elective*
Elective*
BIOL 4030U – Advanced Topics in Environmental Toxicology
BIOL 4080U – Bioethics
One of:
BIOL 4420U – Biology Thesis Project II ** or
Senior Biology elective*

Notes:

No more than 42 credit hours may be taken at the first-year level.

*Electives and breadth requirements

All students must complete 27 elective credit hours including at least one senior biology elective. Students not accepted to take BIOL 4410U and BIOL 4420U must take an additional two senior biology electives for a total of 33 elective credit hours. A senior biology elective is defined as any 4000-level biology course not specified in the course map. At least 15 elective credit hours must be in courses offered by the Faculty of Science including the 3 credit hours in a senior biology elective; the additional two senior biology electives required for students who are not enrolled in thesis cannot be used to meet this requirement. In order to satisfy breadth requirements, no more than 9 elective credit hours may be in biology (BIOL) courses; at least 12 elective credit hours must be in courses outside the Faculty of Science.

**Thesis Project or Senior Biology electives

Students in clear academic standing who have completed 90 credit hours of their BIOL program and six third-year required courses may optionally apply to take a two-course sequence consisting of BIOL 4410U – Biology Thesis Project I and BIOL 4420U – Biology Thesis Project II . Students not accepted to take the thesis courses must complete two additional senior biology electives instead. A senior biology elective is defined as any 4000-level biology course not specified in the course map. A student meeting the above requirements who does not take BIOL 4410U and BIOL 4420U may optionally apply to take BIOL 4430U – Directed Studies in Biology as one of the required senior biology electives. Opportunities for the Thesis Project and Directed Studies options are limited; for either of these options, students must apply through Science Advising by March 30 following completion of the first three years of the program.