Biochemistry

Admissions Category: Physical & Environmental Sciences

Program Overview

The Major program in Biochemistry provides students with the opportunity to explore the chemistry of living systems. In the first two years, students take a suite of core courses in both biology and chemistry. In later years, students merge these disciplines through courses that explore the chemistry of proteins, enzymes and metabolism. This program is intended for students who are interested in biochemistry, but who do not wish to complete the more focused specialist in biological chemistry. The program is also excellent preparation for students wishing to pursue professional schools such as medicine, pharmacy or law.

Complementary Programs:

This program cannot be combined with the Major Program in Chemistry.

Check out future career opportunities and skills acquired from completing this program:

Competencies & Skills

Research, analysis and problem solving
Design and conduct laboratory research including data collection, analysis and interpretation
Write technical reports and project proposals
Present research findings in an organized and succinct manner
Apply modern analytical instrumentation to biological problems

Careers for Graduates

Quality Analyst in Product Development
Scientific Affairs Liaison in Food Packaging
Sales Representative in Manufacturing
Drug Safety Assessor in Pharmaceuticals
Scientific Analyst/Regulator in Government
Environmental Scientist in Engineering
Associate Product Manager in Medical Supplies

Further Education

Medicine
Dentistry
Pharmacy
Law
Engineering
Genetics
Biology
Physics

Program Pathway

Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 | Year 4

Year 1
Choose Your Courses Wisely

Complete the following 3.0 credits: BIOA01H3, BIOA02H3, CHMA10H3, [CHMA11H3 or CHMA12H3], [MATA29H3 or MATA30H3], [MATA35H3 or MATA36H3].
Use Degree Explorer and the UTSC Calendar to plan your courses and program.

Develop Your Academic & Research Skills

Attend Facilitated Study Groups and the Chemistry Help Centre.
Drop by the Math & Statistics Learning Centre to have your course-related questions answered.
Connect with your program librarian for research assistance and workshops.

Apply Theory to Practice

Attend Faculty-Student Mix & Mingle events to learn about volunteer research opportunities, Work Study jobs (>Jobs & Recruitment>Work Study), Service Learning and Outreach.

Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)

Get involved with the Chemistry Students Association (CSA) and Environmental and Physical Sciences Students Association (EPSA) to learn more about volunteer opportunities.
Get involved with professional student organizations such as MEDLIFE, Health Occupation Students of America (HOSA) UTSC, and Future Black Physicians.

Plan for Your Future Career

Attend program information sessions organized by the department.
Volunteer with organizations to explore your career options.
Attend the UTSC Get Experience Fair in September.
Register with SCSU’s Volunteer Network Program.

Year 2
Choose Your Courses Wisely

Complete the following 3.0 credits: BIOB10H3, BIOB11H3, BIOB12H3, CHMB16H3, CHMB41H3, CHMB42H3.
Use Degree Explorer and consult with your Program Advisor to ensure you meet your degree and program requirements.

Develop Your Academic & Research Skills

Explore research study courses such as PSCB90H3.
Attend additional help sessions and research workshops organized by your course instructors.
Sign up for Study Skills workshops offered by the Academic Advising & Career Centre.

Apply Theory to Practice

Develop your Co-Curricular Record (CCR) by signing up for Experiential Learningopportunities; check listings on CLNx.

Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)

Volunteer for Let’s Talk Science, High School outreach, and community outreach events.
Look into International Student Centre’s (ISC) Global Learning opportunities, such as the Summer Abroad, Explore, and Student Exchange programs.

Plan for Your Future Career

Apply for discipline specific summer, part-time or Work Study positions; check listings on CLNx (>Jobs & Recruitment).
Explore research study courses such as PSCB90H3.
Speak with your professors and advisors about your graduate study plans.

Year 3
Choose Your Courses Wisely

Complete the following 2.0 credits: BIOC12H3, BIOC13H3, BIOC23H3, CHMC47H3.
Take 0.5 credit from: CHMB20H3*, CHMB23H3*, CHMB31H3, CHMC11H3, CHMC41H3, CHMC42H3. (*If CHMB20H3 or CHMB23H3 is selected, PHYA10H3 is required.)
Take 0.5 credit from: CHMD47H3, CHMD69H3, CHMD71H3, CHMD79H.

Develop Your Academic & Research Skills

Explore volunteer opportunities; check with your department and on CLNx (>Jobs & Recruitment).
Get writing support at the Centre for Teaching & Learning (CTL) Writing Centre.

Apply Theory to Practice

Enter to win the UTSC Library Undergraduate Research Prize or Poster Forum.

Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)

Run for an elected position in EPSA, the Chemistry Society or another campus club.

Plan for Your Future Career

Consult with staff at the AA&CC to plan your career path.
Check CLNx regularly for networking events or employer information sessions.
Attend the Graduate & Professional School Fair in September.
Join a conference to develop your professional skills

Year 4
Choose Your Courses Wisely

Ensure you have fulfilled your breadth requirements.
Use Degree Explorer to ensure you are on track to graduate.
Register your “Intent to Graduate” on ACORN by the deadline.

Develop Your Academic & Research Skills

Apply for the Academic Travel Fund through DSL to conduct research, present at a conference, or engage with the academic community internationally.

Apply Theory to Practice

Explore ISC’s Global Learning programs, DSL’S LEAD program, and Imani Academic Mentorship program for black youth.

Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)

Participate in AA&CC’s Partners in Leadership program to learn and network with an alumni mentor about transitioning into the work field or further education.

Plan for Your Future Career

Attend the AA&CC’s Get Hired job search conference in April/May.
Attend a Jobs for Grads orientation for a job search “crash course” and for access to full-time job listings.
Discuss grad school plans early with staff at the AA&CC and your professors.
Get help with your CV and personal statement at the AA&CC.

Glossary

AACC - Academic Advising and Career Centre (www.utsc.utoronto.ca/aacc)
CCR - Co-Curricular Record (https://clnx.utoronto.ca/ccr/overview.htm)
CLNx - Career Co-Curricular Learning Network (https://clnx.utoronto.ca/home.htm)
CSA - Chemistry Students Association
CTL - Centre for Teaching and Learning (https://www.utsc.utoronto.ca/ctl)
DSL - Department of Student Life (https://www.utsc.utoronto.ca/studentlife)
EPSA - Environmental and Physical Sciences Students Association (https://www.myepsa.ca)
HOSA - Health Occupation Students of America (https://hosa.org)
ISC - International Student Centre (https://www.utsc.utoronto.ca/utscinternational)
MT - Master of Teaching (https://www.oise.utoronto.ca/mt)
SCSU - Scarborough Campus Students Union (https://www.scsu.ca)