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 speciation. The study of biology is applicable to such major problems as conservation, overpopulation, pollution, medicine and disease.
Career opportunities open to graduates in Biology include teaching, governmental research in areas such as environmental problems, natural resources, wildlife management, conservation, pollution and pest control, business and industry, including biological supply companies, pharmaceuticals, food and dairy industries and biotechnology, medical, dental and related fields including physiological or microbiological research.
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. Completion of Specialist or Major programs in Biology will require students to participate in many such activities. Therefore, students who have objections to such activities should not attempt to major or specialize in Biology at U of T Mississauga. Students in non-Biology programs who wish to take a Biology course with minimal direct contact with organisms should consult the Biology Undergraduate Advisor. In obtaining organisms for study in our courses and in studying outdoor natural areas, the Biology Department takes meaures to avoid any impacts on threatened organismal groups or rare habitats, and to limit below sustainable levels the impacts of our collecting and measuring on local animal and plant populations.
