Join us at Laurier

Becoming a Golden Hawk means more than just cheering on our (really good) varsity teams – it means being a student who cares about your community, who works hard in the classroom, and who takes advantage of all the learning opportunities that can happen outside the classroom, too.

Steps to Apply

Undergraduate Admissions Graduate Admissions

Steps to Apply

Undergraduate AdmissionsGraduate Admissions

Biochemistry and Biotechnology (BSc)

waterloo

Explore the fundamental chemistry of life and harness technology to improve the quality of life on Earth. Biochemistry is a multidisciplinary science that draws on core components of chemistry, microbiology, molecular biology and genetics. Biotechnology is the application of biochemistry to develop technologies, materials and products. Gain theoretical and practical skills in molecular biosciences to meet the needs of industry and research.

test tubes

Apply Your Learning

Make the most out of your university career by taking advantage of all that Laurier has to offer you. Volunteer work, campus clubs, leadership programs, studying abroad, work experience – there are so many ways you can extend your classroom experience into the real world.

Here are just a few examples of the experiences you’ll have access to in the Biochemistry and Biotechnology program:

  • Apply for co-op at the end of your first year to gain real-world experience before you graduate.
  • Apply to live in the Faculty of Science Residence Learning Community in your first year.
  • Take science entrepreneurship courses and explore the Science Maker Lab for additional hands-on learning experiences.
  • Looking at graduate school? Apply for the honours thesis research course for the opportunity to do research in an area that interests you.
  • Add a Research or Instructional Assistantship to your resume and work closely with your Chemistry professors.

Check out the Biochemistry and Biotechnology Experience Guide.

 

2020 graduates who secured employment or went on to postgraduate studies

 

Laurier ranks in the top 6 percent of universities worldwide*

 

students who gained hands-on learning experiences at Laurier in 2019/20

*Center for World University Rankings (CWUR)

Admissions

Format: full time or part time      Duration: four years     Start: September (fall term)     OUAC code: UBI

Your Next Steps

Apply Now Strengthen Your Application Important Dates

Program Details

What is Biochemistry and Biotechnology?

Biochemistry is a fundamental multidisciplinary science that explores the molecular aspects of life and is the basis for many other disciplines in life sciences, including cell and molecular biology, microbiology, genetics and molecular medicine.

Biotechnology is the application of biochemistry to develop technologies, materials and products that help improve, replenish and sustain the health of our planet.

About Biochemistry and Biotechnology at Laurier

In our program, we emphasize the health and pharmaceutical sciences, which constitute more than 50% of the total activity in biochemical research and biotechnology in Canada.

You will take several introductory courses in mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology and biochemistry, along with advanced courses in applied biochemistry (e.g., Biochemical Basis of Disease, Molecular Principles of Drug Design, Molecular Approaches to Diagnostics and Therapy, and Medicinal Chemistry), and gain the practical skills and the academic knowledge you’ll need to succeed in a career in research, service, industry or academia.

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. 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.

Your Path to Medical School

student-business-lecture-banner.jpg

Get one step closer to your medical school dreams at Laurier!

Our pathway agreement with American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine (AUC) means you’re automatically granted an admissions interview to the AUC School of Medicine if you meet all academic requirements. Upon graduation, you’ll have the opportunity to write exams to practice medicine in Canada, the UK or the United States.

Program Options and Courses

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
  • Management Option
  • Minors in natural, physical and social sciences or humanities disciplines

Check out other options to enhance your degree.

First-Year 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
  • Ezymology

Similar Programs

Co-op

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.

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.

student-business-lecture-banner.jpg

"I really enjoyed learning about how the body works in the Biochemistry and Biotechnology program. My favourite course was CH350, where you learn a lot there about the metabolic pathways of human life and eukaryotic life."

Kevin Graham, Biochemistry and Biotechnology graduate

Quote Image

"My Laurier education was one of the most defining experiences of my life. My degree equipped me with the essential skills I needed to excel in the classroom, workplace and community. I graduated with a deep understanding of myself and a broadened perspective of the world. These attributes prepared me for my first job after graduation, where I served as the first international student president and CEO of the Wilfrid Laurier University Students’ Union. Now I’m completing my Master of Business Administration and working as a technical account manager."

Tarique Plummer, Biochemistry and Biotechnology graduate

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.

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.

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.

Interested in More Info?

Email chooselaurier@wlu.ca, call 519.884.0710 x3385 or see all contact information.

Download a Viewbook Subscribe Connect One-on-One