Create the life-saving drugs of tomorrow.
Venture beyond traditional chemistry and discover the advanced intricacies of bio-based chemistry and pharmaceutical drug design, building key skills in organic, physical, and analytical chemistry.
You'll learn to design and develop pharmaceuticals by understanding how the shape and structure of molecules determine their ability to function as medicine. Ignite your inner scientist with 20+ immersive lab courses and a fourth-year independent research project, allowing you to explore a topic of personal interest.
As a graduate, you'll be equipped to design, create, and develop pharmaceuticals by understanding how the shape and structure of molecules determine their ability to function as medicine.
You'll also qualify for membership in the Canadian Society of Chemistry and the Chemical Institute of Canada. Benefits include access to job postings, networking opportunities, and industry events and professional development.
What courses will you take in Medicinal Chemistry?
First-year courses
In your first year, you'll take a mixture of Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics and Physics courses to give you the foundations for your upper-year classes. After first year, most of your classes will be Chemistry courses.
This is a sample schedule. Courses or when a course is offered may change depending on availability.
After first year
What other courses will you take? Most of the classes you’ll take will be Chemistry and Biochemistry, where you will gain practical knowledge in key areas of drug development.
This includes the organic chemistry of biomolecules, bench-to-market strategies, computer-aided design, and the fundamental principle of metabolism.
View all the courses required for your degree.
Types of courses you'll take
This is a general guideline. The ratio of courses may change slightly from year to year.
Skills you'll develop with this major
- Synthetic organic chemistry skills
- Ability to design and execute scientific experiments safely and accurately
- Analytical skills needed to identify organic compounds
- Ability to analyze scientific and technical data
- Problem-solving, critical thinking, and time management skills
This isn't an exhaustive list – rather a glimpse into the skills a Medicinal Chemistry major can provide.
Your experience will be unique, and the skills you develop will depend on your goals; which courses you take; and your involvement with any clubs, jobs, or research projects.
Customize your degree
You can add additional areas of expertise to your degree by including one of the minors available to all Waterloo students.
Faculty:
Faculty of Science
Degree:
Bachelor of Science in Medicinal Chemistry
Available as a co-op program?
Co-op only
Available as a regular program?
No
Available as a minor?
No
Get insights from industry. Because our professors collaborate closely with industry, they’ll bring plenty of practical examples to your labs and lecture halls.
Build an awesome résumé. Gain 20 months of valuable co-op work experience in pharmaceutical companies and hospitals —and get paid for it.
Co-op = relevant paid work experience
In the world's leading co-op program, you'll explore potential careers, learn to interview for jobs, graduate with up to two years of valuable experience — and make money!
Sample co-op job titles
- Discovery analyst
- Research and development technician
- Pharmaceutical RD
- Undergraduate research assistant
- Quality control assistant analyst
- Science tutor
- Pharmacist assistant
Co-op work-study sequence
Starting in second year, you'll normally alternate between school and work every four months, integrating your classroom learning with real-world experience. You can return to the same employer for a couple of work terms to gain greater knowledge and responsibility or work for different employers to get a broad range of experience.
| Year | September to December (Fall) | January to April (Winter) | May to August (Spring) |
|---|---|---|---|
| First | Study | Study | Off |
| Second | Study | Co-op | Study |
| Third | Co-op | Study | Co-op |
| Fourth | Study | Co-op | Co-op |
| Fifth | Study | Study | - |
Your first work term will be halfway through second year (January to April 2028).
Admission requirements
Ontario students: six Grade 12 U and/or M courses including
- English (ENG4U) (minimum final grade of 70% is required)
- Advanced Functions (minimum final grade of 70% is required)
- Calculus and Vectors (minimum final grade of 70% is required)
- Two of Biology, Chemistry, Earth and Space Science, Mathematics of Data Management, or Physics
Admission averages: Low 80s
Not studying in Ontario? Search our admission requirements.
How to apply
Apply to Physical Sciences and select Medicinal Chemistry as your major.
Get information about programs, applying, and more!
Connect with us
Questions about courses, programs, requirements, or careers?
Please contact our Faculty of Science recruitment team who can answer any questions you have.