Understand what it means to be alive
Decode DNA, explore how the brain works or study the science behind human movement. Health & life science programs at U of T dig deep into the complexities of living systems. With hands-on labs, research opportunities and access to world-renowned faculty, you'll learn how to ask big questions and find the answers. You can focus your studies in areas like molecular biology, psychology, neuroscience, kinesiology or biomedical communications, or explore how the life sciences connect with other fields across the university.
13th
global rank in life science and medicine in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025.
50+ different health and life science program options across our three campuses
1921 Insulin was co-discovered by Banting and Best at U of T in 1921
9 teaching hospitals fully affiliated with U of T
2nd in the world for medical research, U of T and its affiliated Toronto hospitals (Source: Clarivate Analytics, InCites)
DISCOVER Student Stories
Each of our students has a unique story. Here are just a few from the curious community that makes up health and life sciences at U of T.
Kinesiology (Specialist)
Maryem
Maryem is an enthusiastic Kinesiology student who has ambitions to work in the rehabilitation sciences.
Health & Disease (Major), Cell and Molecular Biology (Major), Immunology (Minor)
Nora
Nora is an international student who is preparing for the workforce by gaining valuable on-campus work and research experience at U of T.
Neuroscience (Major), Immunology (Minor), Sociology (Minor)
Comfort
Comfort is an undergrad student with a goal of becoming a physician.
Health & life sciences across our three campuses
Shape your health and life science journey across our three campuses with programs that match your interests. Some programs, like Biology, are available on all campuses. And other programs are unique to a specific campus, like Psycholinguistics at U of T Scarborough. No matter where you study, you'll get the same rigorous U of T education, grounded in research and hands-on experience.
Faculty of Arts & Science
On the St. George campus, explore the science of life in programs like Human Biology, Pharmacology and Immunology. Get hands-on experience through state-of-the-art labs, global field research and work-integrated learning, all while working alongside leading researchers.
Faculty of Kinesiology & Physical Education
The Bachelor of Kinesiology (BKin) program blends science and practice to explore human movement and its impact on health. Learn from leading researchers, gain hands-on experience in labs and field placements and study in the heart of Toronto's health and sport network.
Study everything from forensics to molecular biology in unqiue programs like Biotechnology, Paleontology and Biomedical Communications. Get hands-on through field courses, research placements and professional development opportunities like BioPath.
U of T Scarborough
At U of T Scarborough, you can study life and health through programs like Neuroscience, Mental Health Studies and Integrative Biology. Hands-on learning is built into your experience, with opportunities for research, co-op and fieldwork that connect science to real-world impact.
Program spotlight: Paleontology
Campus: Mississauga
Paleontology is a basic science concerned with the evolutionary history of life. Areas of detailed knowledge will include vertebrate and invertebrate paleobiology, evolutionary biology, systematics, functional morphology, sedimentology, stratigraphy and platetectonics.
Unique learning pathways
Discover distinctive programs and opportunities that go beyond the traditional path. These options offer ways to connect your interests, build practical skills and explore possibilities you may not have considered.
BioPath
BioPath is a two-year professional development program for Biology students at U of T Mississauga. Starting in second year, you’ll build transferable skills, explore opportunities, and create a portfolio to showcase your growth.
Certificate in Pathways to Health Professions
The Certificate in Pathways to Health Professions at U of T Scarborough prepares you for a successful career in health care by building key skills, while also gaining hands-on experience through paid co-op placements.
Research Opportunities Program (ROP)
Open to second- and third-year students in the Faculty of Arts & Science, ROP lets you earn course credit while contributing to real research projects. Build research skills, learn new methods and strengthen your grad school applications.
Building your future
Health and life sciences students can gain real-world experience through work-integrated learning opportunities in several of our programs, including UTSC Co-op, the UTM Co-op Internship Program (UTMCIP) and the Arts & Science Internship Program (ASIP). These experiences let you apply what you learn in the classroom, build your professional network and get a head start on your career.
Gain 12 to 20 months of paid work experience through co-op options in programs like Neuroscience, Psychology and Plant Biology. Explore career paths, build professional skills and make valuable industry connections.
The Arts & Science Internship Program (ASIP) combines 12 to 20 months of paid work experience with specialized professional development training. Find ASIP opportunities in programs like Animal Physiology, Genome Biology, Pharmacology and more.
Available to upper-year students, these In-Field Learning opportunities occur as a part of elective upper year courses where you develop skills through job shadowing, and assisting with day-to-day workplace activities under the supervision of a mentor.
Complete 12- to 16-month paid internships in research, industry or government while enrolled in programs like Biology, Biological Chemistry or Biophysics.