Research Opportunities
Students in the Department of Chemistry and Biology have lots of opportunities to gain hands-on skills in the lab. But even beyond your courses, there are many opportunities to experience authentic science, as it’s practised in real-world laboratories. Check out some of the ways you can gain extra exposure to cutting edge research.
Undergraduate Thesis
This upper-year course is an independent, two-term research project, working 1:1 with a supervising professor. Similar to graduate programs, you’ll produce an oral presentation and thesis/dissertation. It’s a great opportunity to explore the possibility of graduate school. Check out the (PDF file) Thesis Information Package (opens in new window) for details.
Volunteer Research
Get part-time research experience during the school year as a volunteer in a professor’s lab. You’ll help out with a research project, and may collaborate with master’s and PhD students. Check out our department’s research areas. SCI 999 is a requirement for these positions.
Summer Research Assistantships
These 16-week, paid research positions are typically funded by Canada’s NSERC Undergraduate Student Research Awards (USRA) or Toronto Metropolitan's Undergraduate Research Opportunities (URO) program. Opportunities are competitive and involve applications and interviews.
Research Practicum
SCI 999 is an optional, one-term, non-credit course. You’ll gain early exposure to real-world research as part of a professor’s lab team. Talk with professors about their research and joining their lab. If you decide to work together, you must work with your supervisor to fill out and submit (google doc) Course Outline (external link) and the (PDF file) Application forms, along with departmental consent, to the course coordinator. You'll need to submit the forms two days prior to the open enrollment deadline for courses in each term. Check Significant Dates in the undergraduate calendar.
Research Abroad
Through the Faculty of Science Global Science Citizen program, you can study or research abroad. Research-based placements are typically non-credit, and give you the chance to experience research in an international lab environment. Find out how exchange programs work.
Co-op
The optional co-op program lets you embed paid work experience into your degree. Placements are with companies or organizations in the real world, and some roles may involve research. Students have up until the start of their second year to apply. Find out how co-op works.