About the Program
Forensic Science is the study of physical evidence in a modern legal context. It is best defined as “science in service to the courts.” Forensic Biology is the study of forensics and molecular biology. UTM’s Forensic Science program, the first of its kind in Canada, is designed to provide the student with an understanding of scientific analyses, theories, laboratory skills, applications, and field techniques — while allowing the student to emphasize one particular area in greater detail.
We have developed well-established partnerships with organizations such as the Centre of Forensic Sciences, the Office of the Chief Coroner for the Province of Ontario, the Ontario Provincial Police, the RCMP, and numerous other police services and agencies worldwide.
Honours Bachelor of Science
After completing your first year, you'll be asked to confirm what program(s) you wish to study – your Programs of Study. They can be integrated in unique ways to obtain your U of T degree, but must be one of the following three combinations: one Specialist; or two Majors; or one Major and two Minors. You don't need to worry about that now, but if you'd like to learn more about this process, watch our handy video (7 min).
Admission Requirements
You apply to an admission category, which is a collection of similar programs. Once you've accepted an offer of admission to our campus, we go into greater detail about specific program and course selection options.
At the end of your first year, you will choose your program(s), which means that your first year is an excellent opportunity to explore the full breadth of offerings.
Regardless of what you study, remember that you will receive a prestigious University of Toronto degree when you graduate that tells everyone that you are ranked among the best in the world!
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The admission average is calculated with English (ENG4U) plus the next best five Grade 12 U or M courses. Meeting these minimum requirements does not guarantee you admission to the University. Admission is subject to space availability and competition.
The content in this section is based on requirements in the Ontario curriculum.
Find requirements to other common curricula:
- Canadian High School
- International Baccalaureate
- U.S.-Patterned Education
- British-Patterned Education
- French Baccalaureate
- Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE)
Please visit the Admissions section of our site for full requirements.
Discover Your Potential
When Nick Lowe received his Forensic Biology Specialist Degree from UTM, he never thought he would use his degree to start his own business and create online escape rooms. “For fun, whenever I talked about retirement, I thought it might be fun to open an escape room,” says Lowe. “So there was somewhat of an idea there, but definitely not this early in life.”
UTM forensic scientists are studying the accuracy of a forensic DNA kit in predicting an individual's hair and eye colour. What makes this study novel is that the researchers are testing the commercially-prepared kit on a population of individuals of mixed ancestry.
For decades police have had a roadside device to test potential drunk drivers, but until recently there have been no such devices for suspected drugged drivers. With the legalization of cannabis, the federal government, in the interest of public safety, approved such a device.
Student Experience
Courses You Would Love
Bioinformatics uses and develops computational tools to understand biological processes from the level of single molecules to whole genomes and organisms.
This course introduces students to the area of psychopharmacology (drug induced changes in mood, thinking and behaviour).
The focus of this course is on the evolution of the acceptance of forensic science in Canadian criminal law and its current position within the legal system.
Planning Ahead
Whether you want to land your dream job, conduct groundbreaking research, or start your own business, we can get you there. Here are resources to help you explore your career options.
Career Options
Created by our Career Centre, the Careers by Major database identifies some potential career fields, how to gain related skills and experience, and useful resources and job samples. But always remember, your program of study doesn't have to determine your career!
Program Plans
Program Plans are quick and accessible overviews of the many academic and co-curricular opportunities available to help you get the most out of your UTM experience.
Tip Sheets
The Career Centre offers dozens of tip sheets with helpful information about topics related to searching for work, planning your career, and pursuing further education.
View to the U: An eye on UTM research
View to the U is a podcast that features U of T Mississauga faculty members from a range of disciplines who will illuminate some of the inner-workings of the science labs and enlighten the social sciences and humanities hubs at UTM.
On this edition of the podcast, Professor Jodie Jenkinson, takes us on a virtual tour of her work in the Biomedical Communications department, examining her current research program, how she ended up in this area after starting out her career as an animator, what kinds of developments she’s seen over her time at UTM, and what she sees on the horizon for her field.
Learn More About this Program
Other Programs to Consider
Forensic Science
Forensic Science the study of physical evidence in a modern legal context. It is best defined as “science in service to the courts.” UTM’s Forensic Science program, the first of its kind in Canada, is designed to provide students with an understanding of scientific analyses, theories, laboratory skills, applications, and field techniques — while allowing the student to emphasize one particular area in greater detail.
Forensic Chemistry
Forensic Science is the study of physical evidence in a modern legal context. It is best defined as “science in service to the courts.” UTM’s Forensic Science program, the first of its kind in Canada, is designed to provide the student with an understanding of scientific analyses, theories, laboratory skills, applications, and field techniques — while allowing the student to emphasize one particular area in greater detail.