Biomedical Sciences

Paging future doctors – and dentists and chiropractors and…

a Biomedical Sciences student measuring another student's blood pressure in a lab

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.


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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Monthly topics include how to choose a university program, what it's like to be a Waterloo student, and more.

Questions? Ask a student!

Contact a Science student ambassador to learn about their experience.

Ask them questions such as why they chose their program, what the classes are like, and how you can get involved on campus.

 


megaphone icon"Aside from the flexibility of the program, and intelligent and heart-warming professors, the best thing about Biomedical Sciences is the ability to study the wide-ranging avenues of science and converge this knowledge into a human perspective."Denis, third-year Biomedical Sciences student
megaphone icon"Biomedical Sciences has many electives so I've been able to tailor my degree to my interests. It's a great choice for students going to professional school since a lot of the courses fulfil the requirements for those programs."Jenny, fourth-year Biomedical Sciences student

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.

Alisia Mar

 


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