The Department of Molecular Genetics offers Specialist and Major programs in Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, which emphasize the molecular aspects of both disciplines. Genetics, the science of heredity, and microbiology, the study of microorganisms (microbes), have long served as meeting grounds for various biological disciplines. Developments in genetics and microbiology contributed significantly to our basic understanding of the fundamental processes of life and the treatment of genetic and infectious diseases.
Career opportunities for graduates include employment in research institutes, universities and other educational institutions, and industry. The programs provide excellent preparation for postgraduate research and professional programs.
is a research-intensive program designed to provide in-depth, solid training in science, including critical analyses of scientific concepts and literature, advanced laboratory experience, and detailed understanding and application of molecular biology.
offers students fundamental training in molecular genetics and microbiology. Students tailor their own program and may focus on a microbiology major, a genetic major, or a combination. They choose a path to suit their specific interests.
is a program co-sponsored by the Department of Cell and system Biology & the Department of Ecology and Evolution.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the eligibility requirements for the Molecular Genetics and Microbiology program?
This is a limited enrolment program that can only accommodate a limited number of students. Eligibility will be competitive and based on a student’s marks in the 3.0 required first-year courses:
- BIO120H1, BIO130H1
- (CHM135H1, CHM136H1)/(CHM138H1, CHM139H1)/CHM151Y1
- (MAT135H1, MAT136H1)/MAT135Y1/MAT137Y1/MAT157Y1
with an average of at least 70% on these 3.0 full-course equivalents (FCEs) and a final mark of at least 60% in each course. While it is difficult to predict competitive course marks and average in a given year, based on previous years, the estimate is
- Course marks = mid-70s
- Average = mid-70s.
Achieving these estimated marks does not guarantee admission to the program in any given year.
Note: Students must apply to this program on the Arts & Science Faculty Registrar’s Office website (see the Arts & Science Program Enrolment website for application procedures).
What are the eligibility requirements for the Molecular Genetics and Microbiology Specialist program?
This is a limited enrolment program that can only accommodate a limited number of students. Eligibility will be competitive and based on a student’s marks in the 3.0 required first-year courses:
- BIO120H1, BIO130H1
- (CHM138H1, CHM139H1)/CHM151Y1
- (MAT135H1, MAT136H1)/MAT135Y1/MAT137Y1/MAT157Y1
with an average of at least 80% on these 3.0 full-course equivalents (FCEs) and a final mark of at least 75% in each course.
While it is difficult to predict what will constitute "competitive" course marks in a given year, based on previous years the estimate is
- course marks = mid-80s
- average = mid-80s.
Achieving these estimated marks does not guarantee admission to the program in any given year.
Note: Students must apply to this program on the Arts & Science Faculty Registrar’s Office website (see the Arts & Science Program Enrolment web site for application procedures).
What if I want to switch into the major/specialist after my first or second year and don't have all the prerequisites?
Talk to us! Our requirements for courses (particularly in the first and second year) can be flexible depending on the circumstances. You can schedule an appointment to meet with the Undergraduate Coordinator and we can work out a curriculum plan to help you enroll in one of our programs. Applications from students lacking numerical grades in one or more of the specified prerequisites, or students applying in their second or later years, may be considered on the basis of their entire academic record and the availability of space in the program. Please contact the department directly at mgy.info@utoronto.ca, specify which program you would like to be considered for, and provide your unofficial transcript.
What do these programs qualify me to do after I graduate?
Our students frequently pursue careers in fields anchored in an understanding of biology. Many go on to graduate school while others go to various professional programs in medicine or a medically relevant field. A few go off the beaten path and explore options in business or law, where they find their unique training in biology provides an advantage in this competitive labour market.
What distinguishes Molecular Genetics from other departmental programs?
Our department hosts a diverse array of internationally respected scientists with expertise in several fields, including development, stem cells, cancer, microbiology and infectious disease, cell biology, biochemistry and protein structure, genomics, and bioinformatics. This diversity is our strength, and students that choose to study with us find that almost anything they find interesting is the research focus of one of our faculty members.
What is the difference between a Major and a Specialist?
The specialist program is designed to be a research-intensive program that gives students the necessary training to pursue graduate education in a field that uses modern techniques in molecular biology (genomics, cancer research, microbiology, stem cells). For this reason, we emphasize laboratory courses and courses, particularly in the fourth year, that cover current topics of research in great detail. Many of the students who choose a specialist degree go on to graduate school, although many others earn professional degrees in medicine, nursing, pharmacy, dentistry, etc. Students in our specialist program have additional access to research opportunities and get invited to our annual retreat, where they interact directly with professors, post-docs and graduate students.
The major program gives students a basic and fundamental understanding of molecular genetics and/or microbiology. There is less emphasis placed on laboratory work but increased flexibility to combine classes with other majors. Several of our MGY major students have chosen second majors in Biochemistry, Immunology, Cell and Systems Biology (Genome Biology or Cell and Molecular Biology), various Human Biology programs (Health and Disease, Global Health, Neuroscience, and Genes Genetics and Biotechnology).