Biochemistry
Why Biochemistry?
Biochemistry studies the molecules and processes that underpin life by working at the interface between biology and chemistry, explaining biological processes at the molecular level and beyond to understand the world around us.
To see all courses offered in this degree, visit our 2024-2025 Academic Calendar.
Engage in Interdisciplinary Studies
Combine practical laboratory training in biochemistry, molecular biology and microbiology with courses in areas such as immunology, enzymology or physiology.
Gain Hands-on Experience
Gain real-world experience from Biochemistry co-op work terms and complete an undergraduate research project.
A Foundation for Career and Further Studies
Graduates are also positioned to be successful in obtaining entrance to several professional programs, as well as employment in industry and government.
Gain Valuable Experience Through Co-op
The Biochemistry co-op is a four-and-a-half-year program that includes four paid work terms. Apply what you’ve learned in the classroom to the real world, with hands-on work experiences available in private, non-profit, and governmental organizations. Benefits of co-op include:
- Relevant work experience
- Up to 16 months of work experience
- Earning while learning
- Career exploration
- Professional networking
Students can apply for the co-op program directly from high school or later for in-course admission.
What Can You Do with a Degree in Biochemistry?
Enjoy challenging careers in medicine and pharmacy, academic research, governmental regulatory work, veterinary sciences, optometry, physiotherapy, non-and-for-profit organizations, or in related business fields. Our biochemistry program provides you with a degree that is truly interdisciplinary, ensuring that upon graduation you have acquired an expertise and proficiency in great demand by employers.
Here are a few careers our graduates have successfully pursued:
- Research biochemist
- Forensic scientist
- Sales and marketing
- Scientific writing and publishing
- Laboratory technician
- Analytical chemist
- Ecologist
- Pharmacologist
- Nanotechnologist
- Data scientist
Hear from Biochemistry Students and Graduates
As an international student from Qatar, I chose the University of Guelph for its highly ranked biological science programs, the good professor ratings, and the co-op option to gain experience in my field. At my last co-op placement with Sanofi Pasteur, I worked on a project in collaboration with NASA. The project had a tight deadline and a few months into my co-op, we began to see some problems due to some problems with a genetically modified virus we were working with. I took the initiative to look into all the reagents we were using and discovered a mistake in the dilution calculations. My work was able to get the project back on track! The hands-on experience in my program helped me find a job immediately after graduation. I now work as a research associate at STEMCELL Technologies, where I continue to pursue my passion for science.
As the bridge between biology and chemistry, the Biochemistry program here at the U of G really sets itself apart from others in terms of its holistic approach towards education. The opportunities to shine in this program are numerous and include both traditional learning in the classroom setting and labs but also experiential learning, such as co-op and various internship opportunities. I decided to pursue Biochemistry as both my bachelor’s and master’s degrees because of its unique position to provide insight on biological problems at the molecular level.
Discover More Options
Students considering studying Biochemistry may also be interested in Biological and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Biomedical Toxicology, Microbiology, Molecular Biology and Genetics, or other majors.
Admission Requirements
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Scholarships & Bursaries
We offer a wide range of financial aid programs to assist with funding your education at the University of Guelph.
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