By joining the Human Biology (HMB) Second-Year Learning Community (SLC) you will be surrounded by a small community of second-year students who are learning to navigate their academic and co-curricular pathways to make the most of their experiences as an HMB student. The SLC program is designed to help you make the most out of your degree by engaging in various social, academic and professional development opportunities.
Please note, as a second-year HMB student you will not take a Human Biology course until the Winter term. By joining the HMB SLC you will have the opportunity to connect earlier with your HMB community starting in the Fall.
For more information about Human Biology, visit the Human Biology website.
Apply to a Human Biology SLC
SLC applications are currently closed for the 2023-24 academic year, and they will reopen in Summer 2024.
Eligibility
To be eligible for the HMB SLC you must be a second-year student enrolled in any of the following HMB programs:
- Fundamental Genetics and its Applications Specialist (Science Program)
- Global Health Specialist (Science Program)
- Health & Disease Specialist (Science Program)
- Neuroscience Specialist (Science Program)
- Fundamental Genetics and its Applications Major (Science Program)
- Global Health Major (Science Program)
- Health & Disease Major (Science Program)
- Human Biology Major (Science Program)
- Neuroscience Major (Science Program)
SLC Course Overview
Students in the Human Biology SLC will meet at a welcome session during the first week of classes and then every other week starting September 18, 2023.
Time: Every other week on Mondays from 1 pm to 2:30 pm
Location: TBD
Your SLC Team
Department: Human Biology
Title: Associate Professor, Teaching Stream
Years worked for your current department and/or U of T: 14 Years
Undergraduate major/specialist: Biological Chemistry
Hometown: Scarborough, Ontario
Why you decided to serve as a faculty advisor: It provides me a chance to connect with students at the second-year level (I teach exclusively third-and fourth-year courses). It also gives me an opportunity to provide key advice on how to navigate courses in upper years and look for research positions.
One piece of advice for a second-year student: Keep your options open and explore the depth of courses U of T has to offer. You never know what might pique your interest and what you might become passionate about pursuing as a career path.
Hobby or interest: Playing ball hockey/collecting hockey memorabilia
Department: Human Biology
Years worked for your current department and/or U of T? Seven years
Undergraduate major/specialist and institution: Weizmann Institute of Science
Hometown: Haifa, Israel
Why you decided to serve as a faculty advisor: I am happy to support students' learning journey in any way I can! The SLC is a great initiative that I am delighted to be part of.
One piece of advice for a second-year student: Enjoy your learning journey and keep your mind open to all the possibilities!
Hobby or interest: Hiking and architecture
Department: Human Biology
Title: Undergraduate Administrator
Years worked for your current department and/or U of T: 17 years
Undergraduate major/specialist and institution: Biochemistry Specialist, Western University, Biochemistry Masters, University of Toronto
Hometown: Stoney Creek
Why you decided to serve as a staff advisor: I love working with students to find their passions and navigate their education to make the most of it.
One piece of advice for a second-year student: You won't like everything, pay attention to what you do like.
Hobby or interest: Theatre
Title: Peer Mentor
Program: Psychology, Neuroscience Major
Year: Third Year
College: Trinity College
Hometown: Oakville, Ontario
An interesting fact: I really love listening to music and analyzing lyrics!
Studies: I really love getting to explore a subject from multiple perspectives. I, for some reason, enjoy that in my field most questions don't have one clear answer.
Hobby or interest: Probably just studying, I need to find more hobbies!
Title: Peer Mentor
Program: Health & Disease and Pharmacology
Year: Third Year
College: University College
Hometown: Ottawa, Ontario
An interesting fact: I could talk about my mini schnauzer for hours on end and will immediately love you if you ask about him and show your pet :)
Studies: I've been very interested in learning about the latest medical advancements in treating understudied diseases. It's fascinating to see how specific molecular mechanisms lend themselves better to certain treatments and how we can use disease physiology to improve them.
Hobby or interest: I enjoy going on walks and checking out new coffee shops! I can’t really tell the difference in taste, but I love seeing how each shop is unique. Otherwise, I enjoy reading books and creating art with different mediums, including watercolours, pastels and digital art.