Your Research Journey Starts Here!
Curious about getting involved in research but not sure where to begin?
Whether you’re looking to work in a lab, travel abroad, gain credit toward your degree, or secure a funded position, the Human Biology Program offers a wide range of research opportunities designed to suit different interests and levels of experience.
This page not only highlights available research pathways, from international placements and field excursions to faculty-supervised projects and internship programs, but also provides guidance on how to get started. You’ll find practical tips on building a strong research CV, cold emailing supervisors effectively, preparing for interviews, and identifying funding opportunities.
Explore the options and resources below to take the next step and turn your research goals into action.
Building Your CV: Learn More
Learn Cold Emailing Skills: Learn More
Build Research Interview Skills: Learn More
Explore Funding Opportunities: Learn More
Getting Started With Research
Breaking into research can feel overwhelming, especially if you are unsure where to start or feel like you lack experience.
For most students, research positions are secured through three key steps: a well-tailored CV, effective cold emailing, and strong interview preparation.
The resources to the left walk you through each stage. You will learn how to present your coursework, skills, and experiences in a way that research supervisors value, how to professionally reach out to labs to express genuine interest in their work, and how to prepare confidently for research interviews.
Whether you are applying for HMB394, HMB396, thesis projects, Work Study roles, Research Opportunity Programs (ROPs), or volunteer research positions, these strategies are designed to help you navigate the process with clarity and confidence.
Research Opportunities For HMB Students
Once you feel prepared explore the opportunities below. These programs allow HMB students to gain hands-on research experience through courses, placements, and internships.
Human Biology Lab Courses
Hands-on, upper year Human Biology lab courses that build technical, analytical, and research skills. Click to explore available 300-level labs and what each one offers.
International Research Opportunity: HMB394Y0
Take your research experience global. This course lets you earn academic credit while participating in international research opportunities through the Human Biology Program.
International Research Opportunity: HMB396Y0
Take your research experience global. This course lets you earn academic credit while participating in international research opportunities through the Human Biology Program.
Human Biology Lab Bootcamp Opportunity
An intensive two-week wet and dry lab training program designed to prepare senior HMB students for graduate research. Explore hands-on activities, expert talks, and career panels offered during the annual May bootcamp.
HMB491Y1: Project in Biotechnology
A year-long internship-based course that places students with biotechnology partners for 200 hours of professional experience. Learn about eligibility, application requirements, and placement details.
BME498Y1: Biomedical Engineering Capstone Design
A full-year, team-based biomedical design course where students identify and develop solutions to unmet clinical needs through hands-on engineering projects. Click to learn how to apply and what the capstone involves.
Temerty Faculty of Medicine Database of Research Opportunities
An updated annual database of research positions offered through Temerty Medicine. Explore available opportunities and verify deadlines, funding, and eligibility with each department.
HMB496/499: Research Projects in Human Biology
Advanced, year-long independent research courses that allow fourth-year Human Biology students to conduct original research under the supervision of a faculty member.
Additional Research Pathways (Undergraduate Research Explorer, ASIP, ROP, REP, Work Study)
Quick overviews of major U of T research programs available to HMB students, including ASIP, ROP, REP, and Work Study. Explore each pathway and access the official program sites.