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Bachelor degree programs

Our Major and Honours programs provide a sound background for students aiming for a professional career in biochemistry. The less specialized Liberal program allows students to select courses in other fields of interest. The Liberal program provides students with the opportunity to study the core of one science discipline along with a breadth component from another area of science or from many other disciplines.

Training for the future

Increasingly complex technology requires training in both chemistry and biology. As well, the combination of chemistry, molecular biology, enzymology and genetic engineering in our programs provides the essential background and training in biotechnology.

With this, our graduates can work in a variety of positions in industry and health. These range from R&D in the chemical and pharmaceutical industries, to testing and research in government and hospital laboratories, to management.

Many graduates take higher degrees in research and attain academic positions in universities and colleges.

Applying

The Department of Biochemistry is part of the Faculty of Science and as such, offers programs leading to the degree of Bachelor of Science.

Undergraduate admission requirements and deadlines will be determined by 1) Your education background and 2) The program you apply to.

To view your admission requirements & deadlines go to Applying to Undergraduate Studies

Programs

B.Sc. Liberal program

This is the most flexible of departmental programs offered, providing students with a useful concentration in Biochemistry, while allowing them to pursue a minor in another speciality or to broaden their education in the sciences.

Major program

The Major program becomes more specialized in Biochemistry during the final two years, with a total of 67 science credits. This program requires skills and insight from all areas of chemistry, and from other areas such as biology, physiology, microbiology and immunology, statistics, and pharmacology.

For students aiming for a professional career in the biological sciences or in medicine, these programs can lead to post-graduate studies and research careers in hospital, university or industrial laboratories.

Honours program

The Honours program in Biochemistry combines the substantial background given by the Major program with a challenging opportunity to carry out laboratory research projects in the U3 year. These courses provide students with research experience under the supervision of a professor in the Department.

Honours students intending to pursue an MSc in Biochemistry may be interested in the BSc/MSc Track, which offers a streamlined path to a graduate degree.

Prospective Students

https://mcgill.ca/science/prospective

How can I choose my area of study?

The Faculty of Science offers a vast array of study and research opportunities at the undergraduate level, and it's very important that you familiarize yourself with all the alternatives open to you before deciding on an area of study. Even if you have a specific career path in mind, you have far more options than you think!

A McGill Science degree prepares you for advanced studies all over the world, or for direct entry into an exciting career.

What's the best area of study for me?

That depends highly on your interests and aptitudes, but here are a few general guidelines to consider:

Focus on areas of study that motivate you. It's been proven repeatedly that students perform best when they are interested, engaged and even passionate about what they are studying.
Disregard urban myths about subjects you'll "absolutely need later" for medical school. The world is more flexible than you think! Take a look at "What BIOC Students are Saying!"