Paging future doctors – and dentists and chiropractors and…
Aiming for a career in health care? This is the program for you.
Study human and animal systems and their functions related to health, disease, and the healing process. Diversify your knowledge by learning about viruses, bacteria, and other microbes, and how these (along with genetic and environmental influences) can impact health. Examine how the body ages, how disease and injury impact it, and what diagnostic tools can identify physiological problems.
You’ll start with foundational courses in biology, chemistry, physics, and math that prepare you to meet the admission requirements of most health-related professional schools. After first year, you’ll focus on human biology with courses in anatomy, physiology, histology, microbiology, and biochemistry. Add some complementary courses from science and related disciplines and then round out your degree with electives of your choice.
By the time you graduate, you’ll have the solid scientific foundation you need to succeed in most health care professions or to pursue specialized Master's or PhD degrees.
Program highlights
- Build an awesome résumé. Our highly flexible program gives you room to pursue a variety of personal interests or even add a minor. Want to add more impressive work experience? Take advantage of our undergraduate research and teaching opportunities.
- Prep for professional school. Graduate with the background you need to apply to medicine, optometry, pharmacy, dentistry, nursing, and other health disciplines.
- Available as a regular program only
- Graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences
- Offered through the Faculty of Science
Biomedical Sciences at Waterloo
Naushin’s goal of becoming a pharmacist inspired her to pursue a Biomedical Sciences degree. Read our article on how to become a pharmacist.
What will you learn?
First-year courses
In your first year, you'll take a mixture of Biology, Chemistry, and Physics courses to give you the foundations for your upper-year classes. After first year, most of your classes will be Chemistry and Biology courses.
Learn more about courses you'll take for your Biomedical Sciences degree.
Customize your Biomedical Sciences degree
You can also include one or more of the minors available to all Waterloo students. Popular areas of focus include Psychology, Medical Physiology, Chemistry, Biophysics, and Biochemistry.
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Questions? Ask a student!
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Ask them questions such as why they chose their program, what the classes are like, and how you can get involved on campus.


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, Physics
Admission averages: Low 80s
Not studying in Ontario? Search our admission requirements.
How to apply
Apply to Life Sciences and select Biomedical Sciences as your major in first year.
Connect with us
Questions about courses, programs, requirements, or careers?
Please contact Alisia, our Science recruitment coordinator who can answer any questions you have.