Choose Your Program!

Biochemistry is a core life-science discipline that provides students with fundamental knowledge in diverse areas of science and research. Student programs vary with courses ranging from animal and plant metabolism, molecular and cellular biochemistry to biotechnology and bioinformatics.

A Major in Biochemistry

Students majoring in biochemistry can choose from one of the following degrees:

• B.Sc. Three-year
• B.Sc. Four-year
• B.Sc. Honours

Students may choose to combine the Biochemistry Program with courses from other departments and colleges to complete a degree program that is either diverse or specialized. Double honours programs with anatomy and cell biology, biology, chemistry, or microbiology and immunology may be arranged. Interdisciplinary programs with biotechnology and biomolecular structure studies are also available.

A Stepping Stone...

For those interested in pursuing a career in biochemistry, the job prospects have never looked brighter.  Individuals with training in biochemistry can choose from a variety of career opportunities. In addition, biochemistry provides an excellent background for students considering studies in graduate studies and research, medicine, dentistry, pharmacy and nutrition, veterinary medicine, education, business and law.

A Ph.D. is usually required for those individuals planning to direct their research programs in senior levels of academia, government research agencies or the private sector. 

Career Opportunities

There are many opportunities available to Biochemistry Graduates.

• Research- A variety of technical positions are available in academia (e.g., universities), industry (e.g., biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies), government laboratories (e.g., agricultural and food agencies and police forensic laboratories) and healthcare system (e.g., hospitals).
• Teaching- Biochemists are involved in teaching at high schools, universities and technical colleges.
• Communications- Some biochemists work as science writers for textbooks and prepare technical reports for industry.
• Business- Biochemists play an important role in the management, sales and marketing in science-based companies, such as pharmaceutical firms.
• Regulatory/Law- Many biochemists are employed by regulatory bodies such as the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, and the Food and Drug Administration, to develop government policies and patent law.