Finding career success in drug discovery and design
Want to create the life-saving drugs of tomorrow? Earn a chemistry degree with a difference.
As well as covering all the basics of physical, analytical, and organic chemistry, you’ll also take specialized courses like bio-based chemistry and pharmaceutical drug design. Meanwhile, you’ll hone advanced research and lab skills through your choice of 20+ chemistry lab courses and an independent research project in fourth year.
As a Medicinal Chemistry graduate, you’ll be equipped to design, create, and evaluate potential medications, setting the stage for a career with real impact. You'll also qualify for membership in the Canadian Society of Chemistry and the Chemical Institute of Canada.
Program highlights
- 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.
- Offered as a co-op program only
- Graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Medicinal Chemistry
- Offered by the Faculty of Science
Labs, such as our Analytical Chemistry Lab, will introduce you to advanced equipment and computer-assisted techniques. Your professors will bring real-world examples of chemistry to the classroom through their research and collaboration with industry.
What will you learn?
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.
Learn more about courses you'll take for your Medicinal Chemistry degree.
Customize your degree
You can add additional areas of expertise to your degree by including one of the minors available to all Waterloo students.
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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.
What is the difference between a medicinal chemist and a pharmacist?
Medicinal chemistry is about creating and studying new drug candidates. You'll learn how drugs are made in the lab and how they impact people or animals. A pharmacist prescribes drugs and ensures patient safety.
If you’re interested in pharmacy, we recommend programs such as Biology, Biomedical Sciences, or Honours Science to pursue your goals.
"I really love that my labs provide me with real-world research skills that I’ve already been able to put into practice during my co-op terms. I’ve built confidence in critical thinking, which is crucial in this field."Elin, Medicinal Chemistry (co-op), studentAdmission 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 for 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.
