A prescription for career success
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 essential research and laboratory skills through your choice of 20+ chemistry lab courses and an independent research project in fourth year. Students also have the opportunity to enrol in the co-op stream, where they'll gain paid work experience as they pursue their degree.
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.
Qualify for membership in the Canadian Society of Chemistry
Available as a co-op program only
Earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Honours Medicinal Chemistry
Medicinal Chemistry admissions 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 (Chemistry, Earth and Space Science, and/or Physics are recommended)
Admission averages: Low 80s
We recommend completing the Admission Information Form once you've applied.
Not studying in Ontario? Search our admission requirements.
How to apply
Apply to Physical Sciences and select Medicinal Chemistry as your major in first year.
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?
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.
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.
Types of courses you'll take
This is a general guideline. The ratio of courses may change slightly from year to year.
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Questions? Ask a student!
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Apply to Physical Sciences, select Medicinal Chemistry as your major
Offered by the Faculty of Science
Live in residence with other Science students in a Science Academic Cluster
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.
Ready to learn more?
- Visit the Medicinal Chemistry website
- Related programs
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
In this co-op only program, you'll gain valuable work experience in pharmaceutical companies and hospitals — and get paid for it.
