Discover the building blocks of life. Like Lego, only better.
In the past 200 years, advances in techniques and tools have allowed biochemists to focus on these fundamental questions: How do organisms use chemical compounds to thrive? How do organisms adjust to changes in their environment and how can our knowledge of the chemistry of life be applied to improving the human condition?
To answer these questions, we study the structures of molecules – such as enzymes – and the diverse metabolic processes – such as the Krebs cycle – that are fundamental to life.
In Biochemistry, you'll create chemicals. Analyze genes. Explore the fundamentals of metabolism. You’ll start with a broad science foundation in first year, including chemistry, biology, physics, and calculus. You’ll graduate with the knowledge and skills to work in a wide range of areas, from forensics to pharmaceuticals to food and agriculture.
Faculty:
Faculty of Science
Degree:
Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry
What courses will you take in Biochemistry?
First-year courses
Programs/majors in the Faculty of Science start right in first year. To select your program with confidence, here’s some handy info to get you started.
This a sample schedule. Courses or when a course is offered may change depending on availability.
After first year
Most of the classes you’ll take will be Chemistry courses with some additional Biology. With your remaining classes, you can choose electives from many of the 100 subject areas at Waterloo.
View a list of all the courses required for your degree.
Types of courses you'll take
The ratio of courses may change slightly from year to year.
Skills you'll develop with this major
- Technical laboratory skills, including designing experiments and manipulating DNA
- Critical thinking
- Data analysis
- Teamwork
- Time management
This isn't an exhaustive list – rather a glimpse into the skills this major can help you achieve.
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 Biochemistry degree
You can include one or more of the minors available to all Waterloo students. Popular areas of focus include Economics, Mathematics, Psychology, and Biotechnology.
If you choose to add the Biotechnology specialization, you'll examine the biological and biochemical processes used to make new disease-fighting drugs and other valuable products.
Available as a co-op program?
Yes
Available as a regular program?
Yes
Available as a minor?
Yes
Build an awesome résumé. Interested in teaching? Get experience as an undergraduate teaching assistant. Aiming for a career in research? Be a research assistant with one of our world-renowned professors. And gain paid work experience through co-op!
Grab your lab coat. Thanks to our extensive range of lab courses, you’ll have plenty of opportunity to learn hands-on skills like chromatography, electrophoresis, nuclear magnetic resonance, and more.
Co-op = relevant paid work experience
Waterloo's co-op program, the largest in North America, is an amazing way to 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
- Chemical laboratory technician
- Aquatic toxicity testing technologist
- Research and development formulation technician
- Brewing analytical technician
- Food technologist
- Undergraduate assurance technician
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 2027).
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 Life Sciences and select Biochemistry as your major.
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Questions about courses, programs, requirements, or careers?
Please contact our Faculty of Science recruitment team who can answer any questions you have.