Biochemistry Major (HBSc)
Admissions Category: Physical & Environmental Sciences
Are you a prospective student applicant?
You can enter the to accelerate your career in a health care profession
Program Overview
The 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 Medicinal and Biological Chemistry. The program also provides excellent preparation for students pursuing professional studies in 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
- Chemical Engineering
- Genetics
- Biology
- Chemistry
Program Pathway
Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 | Year 4
Year 1
Choose Your Courses Wisely
Develop Your Academic & Research Skills
Apply Theory to Practice
Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)
Plan for Your Future Career
Year 2
Choose Your Courses Wisely
Develop Your Academic & Research Skills
Apply Theory to Practice
Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)
Plan for Your Future Career
Year 3
Choose Your Courses Wisely
Develop Your Academic & Research Skills
Apply Theory to Practice
Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)
Plan for Your Future Career
Year 4
Choose Your Courses Wisely
Develop Your Academic & Research Skills
Apply Theory to Practice
Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)
Plan for Your Future Career
Choose Your Courses Wisely
- Complete 3.0 credits from the following:
- ,
- , [ or ]
- [or ]
- [or ]
- Use and the to plan your courses and program.
Develop Your Academic & Research Skills
- Attend Facilitated Study Groups and the .
- Drop by the 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, (>Jobs & Recruitment>Work Study), Service Learning and Outreach.
Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)
- Get involved with the Chemistry Students Association (CSA) and (EPSA) to learn more about volunteer opportunities.
- Get involved with professional student organizations such as , (HOSA) UTSC, and .
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 .
Year 2
Choose Your Courses Wisely
- Complete the following 3.0 credits:
- ,
- ,
- ,and 0.5 credit from the following:
- , (*If CHMB20H3 or CHMB23H3 is selected, is required.)
- Use and consult with your Program Advisor to ensure you meet your degree and program requirements.
Develop Your Academic & Research Skills
- 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 (CCR) by signing up for Experiential Learning opportunities; check listings on .
Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)
- Volunteer for , High School outreach, and community outreach events.
- Look into the International Student Centre鈥檚 (ISC) Global Learning opportunities, such as the , Explore, and Student Exchange programs.
Plan for Your Future Career
- Apply for discipline specific summer, part-time or Work Study positions; check listings on (>Jobs & Recruitment).
- Explore research study courses such as .
- Speak with your professors and advisors about your graduate study plans.
Year 3
Choose Your Courses Wisely
Complete the following 2.0 credits:
- , ,
- ,and 0.5 credit from:, . (*If CHMB20H3 or CHMB23H3 is selected, is required.)
- and 0.5 credit from:
- ,
- H3
Develop Your Academic & Research Skills
- Explore volunteer opportunities; check with your department and on (>Jobs & Recruitment).
- Get writing support at the Centre for Teaching & Learning (CTL) .
Apply Theory to Practice
- Enter to win the UTSC Library or .
Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)
- Run for an elected position in , 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 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 .
- Use to ensure you are on track to graduate.
- Register your 鈥淚ntent to Graduate鈥 on 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鈥檚&苍产蝉辫;programs, DSL鈥橲 LEAD program, and Imani Academic Mentorship program for black youth.
Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)
- Participate in AA&CC鈥檚&苍产蝉辫;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鈥檚&苍产蝉辫;Get Hired job search conference in April/May.
- Attend a Jobs for Grads orientation for a job search 鈥渃rash course鈥 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 (/ctl)
- DSL - Department of Student Life (/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 (/utscinternational)
- MT - Master of Teaching (https://www.oise.utoronto.ca/mt)
- SCSU - Scarborough Campus Students Union (https://www.scsu.ca)
Contacts
Departmental Contact
Effie Sauer and Nirusha Thavarajah
E-mail: biochemistry-major@utsc.utoronto.ca/physsci/welcome-physical-environmental-sciences
Biochemistry Librarian
Sarah Guay
E-mail: sarah.guay@utoronto.caLocation: ARC main floor
Phone: 416-287-7497
Academic Advising & Career Centre
Phone: 416-287-7561
Department of Student Life
Phone: 416-208-4760
Environmental & Physical Sciences Students鈥 Association (EPSA)
Did You Know?
This program is part of the Combined Degree Program with the Master of Teaching (MT) offered by OISE.