Biochemistry and Biotechnology (BSc)

Biochemistry explores the molecular aspects of life and forms the foundation for fields like cell and molecular biology, microbiology, genetics, and molecular medicine. Biotechnology applies biochemistry to create technologies and products that enhance health and support the planet. 

In this program, you will gain expertise in health and pharmaceutical sciences, which drive over 50% of biochemical research and biotechnology activities in Canada. This knowledge will position you for impactful careers in these rapidly growing fields.

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Program Details

Degree Highlights

Your future professors work hard to make sure your academic experience is current, complete and designed to open doors in your career. Here are a few things you can count on:

  • Extensive Lab Time: There’s nothing like hands-on experience to solidify your learning and round out your resume, so laboratory experience is integrated into the curriculum, giving you a chance to spend lots of time in the lab.
  • Science Maker Lab Experiences: Take science entrepreneurship courses and explore the Science Maker Lab to gain practical experience and turn innovative ideas into reality.
  • Networking Opportunities: Attend the Southern Ontario Undergraduate Student Chemistry Conference (SOUSCC) or the Canadian Society for Chemistry (CSC) Conference.
  • Pathways to Med School: We prepare you for a clinical career in Canada. Laurier students apply to med school with a competitive edge and gain preferential status with internationally accredited medical schools, including the American University of the Caribbean and St. George’s University.

Top Experiences

Here are just a few of our students’ favourite ways to apply their learning in the real world throughout their degree (check out the Experience Guide for even more)

  • Hands-on Research: You’ll benefit from a research-intensive environment. Volunteer and paid opportunities for research exist in your first and second year, and research for credit (Directed Studies) can be done in your third year. Apply for an NSERC or Faculty of Science Undergraduate Student Research Assistantship (USRA).
  • Collaboration: Add a Research or Instructional Assistantship to your resume and work closely with your peers and Chemistry and Biochemistry professors.
  • Honours Thesis Option: In your fourth year, you'll have an option to complete a senior thesis research project. The thesis option will provide you with hands-on experience using state-of-the-art equipment in a new and challenging area of biochemical research. The Canadian Society for Chemistry has accredited the with thesis version of this program.

Courses, Options and Pathways

First-Year Core Courses

  • General Chemistry I
  • General Chemistry II
  • Unifying Life Processes
  • Biological Diversity and Evolution
  • Calculus I for the Natural Sciences
  • Introductory Calculus for the Natural Sciences
  • Mechanics (for the Life Sciences)
  • Thermodynamics and Waves (for the Life Sciences)
  • 1.0 elective credit

Sample First-Year Electives

  • Introduction to Psychology I
  • Introduction to Programming
  • The Anatomy of the Earth

Sample Upper-Year Courses

  • Molecular Biology and Genetics
  • Biotechnology
  • Bioinformatics: Genomics and Proteomics

Options and Minors

In addition to adding a concentration to your degree, you can add one of our popular options or minors that allow you to dive deeper into your major area of study or broaden your knowledge:

  • Biology Minor
  • Education Minor
  • Minors in other natural, physical and social sciences or humanities disciplines

Check out other options to enhance your degree.

Management Option

The Management Option is for students interested in adding management-specific education to their degree. This is a direct-entry, 4.0-credit option that includes courses covering all the core pillars of management. Apply directly to Economics with Management Option on OUAC.

Check out other pathways to and from Laurier.

Admissions

  • Format: full time or part time
  • Duration: four years
  • Start: September (fall term) or January (winter term)
  • OUAC code: UBI; UMI (Biochemistry and Biotechnology with Management Option)

Your Career Awaits

This program will provide you with the practical and research skills needed to meet the demanding requirements of biotechnology, pharmaceutical and chemical companies, as well as biochemical and health science research and service laboratories.

Our program also provides a strong educational background for those interested in continuing their studies at the graduate level in chemistry, biochemistry, biotechnology, biophysics, medicine, pharmacy, dentistry or other health science-related programs.

It's not only about the journey; it's about the destination. Let us help you get to where you're going. Here are just some examples of our graduates' destinations. What's yours?

Sample Career Options

Note: Additional training and education may be required.

  • biochemist/biotechnologist
  • crime scene analyst
  • drug trial assistant/researcher
  • environmental consultant
  • epidemiology researcher
  • immunologist
  • pharmacologist
  • physician
  • technical/science writer
  • toxicologist
  • water quality analyst/technician

Explore more careers.

Support After Graduation

Alumni for life means that you have access to Career and Employment Support offered at Laurier for your entire career.

Your Co-op Experience

Co-op is a way to integrate what you are learning in the classroom with practical experience in your field of study. Build your resume, earn money, develop your network, and graduate with work experience.

You can apply for admission to co-op in your first year and may be eligible for an admission interview early in your second year. As a student in this program, you will be eligible to complete paid work terms lasting 12 to 16 weeks.

Interested? Learn more about co-op.

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98%employment rate for co‑op students – 2023 / 2024

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Tuition and Scholarships

Getting a university education is an investment in your future.

At Laurier, we take financial health seriously by providing a wide variety of funding opportunities for you throughout your degree, such as scholarships and bursaries, and by equipping you with the skills to manage your finances effectively in the years to come.

 

Laurier is among the top 6 percent in the Global 2000 World University Ranking

 

Laurier students engaged in hands-on learning in 2023

 

Laurier graduates employed or in post-graduate studies in 2023

Waterloo Campus

The Waterloo campus is tucked into about one city block, so you’re steps away from your classes, food and your new favourite study spot.

There are many ways to tour our Waterloo campus, whether that's on a guided tour with one of our Laurier student ambassadors, on your own using virtual reality, or even on-demand through one of our pre-recorded tours. See our campus spaces and start to picture yourself at Laurier.

Chat with Current Students

Want to know what it’s really like to be in this program? U Community is our Discord server where future Golden Hawks like you can connect with current students to get their first-hand stories and tips on living and learning at Laurier.

Connect with Us

Questions? Email chooselaurier@wlu.ca, call 548.889.8888 or see all contact information.


You Belong Here

Think this program might be the perfect fit for you and your future?