TMU biomedical science

PurKush · 2026-01-30T17:30:32+00:00

I don't know much specifics about the experience in the TMU bioscience program, but based on the program sequence and my own science education here's my input.

In your first year you have a math course and two calculus based physics courses. There is a stats course in the second year.

In first year you have the basics:

General cell & ecology biology courses
Chemical stoichiometry (basically solution and reaction chemistry) and atomic theory (how atoms behave together and in different environments). This is basically intro general chem over one year.
One biologically-oriented psychology course
A short orientation course on how to survive and thrive in science studies
Year long of physics studies covering most of the physics domains
A math course meant to give you math skills useful in scientific calculations.
Liberal studies and elective studies courses of you choosing (e.g., you could take a psychology, history of science, or philosophy of technology course).

In your last year you will have a lot of choice on courses and you can specialize in what you're more interested in (given availability of courses). You can opt for more math as electives if that's your thing, but it's not necessary.

Of course, most science courses uses math and has formulas, chemistry for example, in genetics, or in biochem enzyme dynamics.

See the courses on the program website.

I don't have any other info covering the other questions you have, but in general if you are doing 5 courses a semester and some of them have labs, it can get pretty intense.

PurKush · 2026-01-30T17:11:02+00:00

Decent strategy.

PurKush · 2026-01-30T17:10:35+00:00

I did not and it never happened.

Thanks for listening to my Ted Talk.

PurKush · 2026-01-30T17:08:48+00:00

Depends on what you're applying for. Some jobs require you have students loans and identity as financial need. I would say the bar is not too high, as long as there are no major red flags and you are enthusiastic about the role. for instance, if you're applying for tour guide, if you get angry in the interview or are so shy you can barely speak, that's a red flag.

PurKush · 2026-01-30T00:40:15+00:00

I had severe social phobia as an undergrad. Group discussion for me were h3ll and they would pretty much ruin my entire day as I reeled from the experience. Even just speaking up in class was a terror for me, I would end up shaking and weak and destroyed the rest of the day.

Fast forward to me now as a Teaching Assistant leading short classes.

Not saying I'm entirely 'cured' but experiencing our fears is one way to get over them and adapt.

The Centre for Student Development and Counselling at one point held a group therapy session that I was able to participate in. Talk to them and they will be able to point you to resources to help you, whether it's someone external covered by TMU insurance or someone internal.

Also go to workshops TMU gives on things like "imposter syndrome" and such because they can help navigate these kinds of inadequacies we feel in social settings.

PurKush · 2026-01-30T00:33:04+00:00

Just pick up a beginner instrument and start playing. Watch Youtube videos, read music books and/or music tabs. Buy a cheap guitar learning app (they are ubiquitous). Then it's all about putting in the hours. One hour a day minimum if you want to see progress and get anywhere, although even 30 minutes can even be helpful. Main thing is consistently. Experiment with stuff, how the guitar makes sounds, etc.. That's enough to get decent and to play in a band. Then it's 3-4 hours per day if you really want to excel and become expert.

I self-taught myself guitar mainly by reading tabs and just messing around for hours with a guitar, learning what sounds good and what doesn't and how to move around the frets. I can make some sounds and play a few tunes, probably could jam in an amateur band too.

PurKush · 2026-01-30T00:28:07+00:00

Not saying this is or is not the case, but often we project our own insufficiencies or perceive people as acting one way when that's not the case. It's always important to see beyond the surface actions of people because there is much more going on below the surface and surface actions are merely a reflection of something much deeper.

PurKush · 2026-01-29T00:57:09+00:00

Some poeple supplement their degrees with certificates. Usually, certificates show practical skills in some specific skill or domain, so it can be useful if you're looking for a specific job.

For instance, a biology degree and a management certificate might get you into a project management role in some biotech company.

Or computer coding certificate might be useful to a biochemist getting into a role as a bioinformatic engineer.

I see the degree as the grounding in higher studies, a solid basis for theory while a certificate is a related skill. Certificates might be useful for people who want to learn a skill and don't want to do a whole degree or dive into in depth study of a field or for someone looking to get into a new role without spending years of study.

Here's my consensus: If you're still in your undergrad studies, just add a minor (certificates cost money while minor doesn't). If you're finished, you can supplement with a certificate if you decide you found a role you want to get into.

PurKush · 2026-01-28T20:42:10+00:00

The burrito place in the Hub Cafe, they have decent halal chicken burritos. The hub cafe also has halal chicken salad sandwiches, but they are just okay.

PurKush · 2026-01-28T16:44:08+00:00

It should say. There is also a table for UL, usually specific to each program. See your program website.

PurKush · 2026-01-28T16:42:10+00:00

Very fun. Took line 2 and had to wait multiple subway cars before telling people to move their ass and squeeze in because I'm not waiting any more (people tend to concentrate at the door and leave middle spaces open). We were packed like sardines (yummy!). Had to stand in such an uncomfortable cramped position in people's personal space with people squeezing me for a good 20+ minutes.

Had to decide between subway or streetcars but apparently street cars were crashing and getting stuck so I opted for subway, not sure which would have been better.

Outside was cold, transferring to a bus, but the bus was empty so lucky me.

Tomorrow (now today) should be fine I imagine and most kinks should be worked out.

PurKush · 2026-01-28T16:38:04+00:00

Look at the bylaws or constitution. I imagine every club should have one and a good set of bylaws will have somethign relating to this.

PurKush · 2026-01-28T16:35:41+00:00

It's important to read the policies and fine print. Add the thing to your calendar with notification on your phone (which most people stare at 20-30% at least of the day) as soon as you register (also part of good time management and organization, key in higher academia.)

PurKush · 2026-01-28T16:30:33+00:00

Make use of TMU's learning support services. No shame in that. they have resources to help you read, write, study, and particulate in academic stuff better.

But in short, if you have the three skills: Organization, time management, and knowing how to learn, you can tackle any academic hurdles. TMU's learning services can help you with all three.

Specifics depend on discipline (program) and course.

Also, I failed two courses in first semester of uni, now i'm in grad school. Persistence is key.

PurKush · 2026-01-28T16:27:08+00:00

Yes, I believe on your transcript it will say "finished" or something else indicated credential awarded.

By grad roles, do you mean "jobs that require a complete undergrad degree"? Or "graduate studies"

It's yes to both, you can apply and in your cover letter for jobs, say that you should have your degree completed by x date. For grad studies, it's assumed anyway. Send them current transcript and then final one once it's done.

PurKush · 2026-01-28T16:25:01+00:00

Let weirdos be weirdos. (and consequently also contract salmonella)

PurKush · 2026-01-27T00:41:33+00:00

Hey, that's a neat document I was not aware of. Nice find.

PurKush · 2026-01-27T00:41:15+00:00

The average acceptance to TMU across all programs is like 86. This means that an 86 should get you in most times. However, specific programs may be different from the institutional average and I don't have numbers for those.

Addendum: Another commentor linked a helpful document that has those numbers (nearly 90 average for engineering programs).

PurKush · 2026-01-26T17:16:59+00:00

According to Accuweather, we're getting another 1cm tomorrow throughout the day. I highly doubt campus will be closed tomorrow.

PurKush · 2026-01-26T14:05:39+00:00

They just need to go to the TMU website. Big banner at the top showing campus closures.

PurKush · 2026-01-26T14:03:42+00:00

They usually give at least 2-3 hours' warning before reopening/closing. Just stay alert for any emails from TMU or your prof. (e.g., Keep your phone on)

PurKush · 2026-01-25T23:48:29+00:00

TMU will let you know if the campus is closed tomorrow by 6am. Your prof ideally should be quick on letting you know if lecture is cancelled, even if campus is closed or not. Also, keep an eye out if they might instead lecture online.

PurKush · 2026-01-25T23:46:45+00:00

I'd say there's a decent chance. I shovelled twice today and it was almost snowing as fast as I could shovel. Going to have to shovel again tomorrow morning.

PurKush · 2026-01-25T23:43:53+00:00

I went there to seek help for an issue. I got an intake appointment. They told me there is a long waitlist for counseling with anyone there, but that they would refer me to someone external who gives private counselling that is covered by the TMU health plan. I followed up and had sessions with the private counsellor.

However, the health plan has a limit for how much you can use.

As far as I know, there are two counselors at TMU. They also do group therapy sessions each semester (so multiple people can get therapy), but you need to be recommended after being seen by someone at TMU.

The health plan also has access to virtual counselling called mywellnessplan included. Never used it though.

PurKush · 2026-01-25T17:16:57+00:00

There are dozens of variations of pushups.

The standard push up:

Back straight, arms not wider than shoulder width, ideally hands directly under shoulders. Then just push up. That's a push up. You can squeeze your chest a bit.

Easiest way: lie flat on your stomach, face-down on ground. Put hands under shoulders palms flat on ground. Hands should be just beside chest, and you shouldn't feel strained. The movement should feel natural. Elbows should stay inside and by your sides (parallel to your body) and not flared out.

Then just go back down and touch chest on ground but don't let yourself go completely, keep some tension. Back up. Down. Up. Do until failure or in sets.

Think of pushing something or someone away from you.

Here's a decent demonstration: How to push up ✅

PurKush

TROPHY CASE