Medicinal and Biological Chemistry Specialist (HBSc)
Admissions Category: Life Sciences
Program Overview
Chemistry is an integral component of medical science, and fundamentally impacts key aspects of modern medicine, including diagnosis, prevention, treatment, and understanding of diseases. The Medicinal & Biological Chemistry program is intended for students who want to specialize in chemistry, and in particular, its applications to medicine and broader scientific areas related to human health. The combination of coursework and research experience makes this program ideally suited for students who wish to pursue graduate studies in medicinal, pharmaceutical and biological chemistry or a related discipline, or to work in health-related industries. It 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
- Apply modern analytical instrumentation to biological problems
- 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
Careers for Graduates
- Pharmaceutical Research Scientist
- Medicinal Chemist
- Bioanalytical Chemist
- Biotechnology Scientist
- Clinical Research Associate
- Patent Examiner
- Medical Writer
- Forensic Scientist
- Nanotechnologist
Further Education
- Professional schools (medicine, pharmacy, dentistry, law, engineering...)
- Graduate school (masters, PhD, technology, education...)
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
Life On Earth: Unifying Principles
Life on Earth: Form, Function and Interactions
Introductory Chemistry I: Structure and Bonding
[ Introductory Chemistry II: Reactions and Mechanisms or Advanced General Chemistry]
[ Calculus I for Life Sciences or Calculus I for Physical Sciences]
[ Calculus II for Biological Sciences or Calculus II for Physical Sciences]
[ Physics I for the Physical Sciences or Physics I for Life Sciences]
Introduction to Statistics
Develop Your Academic & Research Skills
- Attend Facilitated Study Groups.
- Schedule an appointment with your for in-depth library research assistance.
- Writing support is available at the Centre for Teaching & Learning (CTL) .
- Chemistry support is available at the .
Apply Theory to Practice
- Attend the UTSC Faculty Mix & Mingle Fair to connect with professors and learn more about their specialties.
- Start building your Co-Curricular Record (CCR) and search for Experiential Learning opportunities.
Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)
- Join the (EPSA) and (CSU) and get involved in their activities.
- Volunteer in DSL鈥檚 Alternative Reading Week program to gain experience and knowledge about social change and community development.
Plan for Your Future Career
- Volunteer with organizations to explore your interests; check listings on .
- Attend the UTSC Get Experience Fair in September and register with to explore opportunities.
Year 2
Choose Your Courses Wisely
Cell Biology
Molecular Aspect of Cellular and Genetic Processes
Laboratory for Cell and Molecular Biology
Techniques in Analytical Chemistry
Chemical Structure and Spectroscopy
Introduction to Chemical Thermodynamics and Kinetics: Theory and Practice
Introduction to Inorganic Chemistry
Organic Chemistry I
Organic Chemistry II
Develop Your Academic & Research Skills
- Check the Research Catalogue and jobs on for possible research opportunities.
- Drop by the Math & Statistics Learning Centre to have your course-related questions answered.
- Consider doing a directed research course: - Physical Sciences Research Experience.
Apply Theory to Practice
- Check out Global Research Abroad opportunities through the International Student Centre (ISC) to gain valuable international and research experiences.
Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)
- Look into International Student Centre鈥檚 (ISC) Global Learning opportunities, such as the , Explore, or Student Exchange Programs.
- Participate in outreach events organized by and the .
Plan for Your Future Career
- Gain experience by applying for a summer, part-time or Work Study position via (>Jobs & Recruitment).
- Considering grad school? Speak to professors and advisors early so you are on track.
- Explore careers through the AA&CC鈥檚 Job Shadowing and In The Field programs.
Year 3
Choose Your Courses Wisely
Biochemistry I: Proteins and Enzymes
Biochemistry II: Bioenergetics and Metabolism
Practical Approaches to Biochemistry
Principles of Analytical Instrumentation
Organic Synthesis
Bio-Organic Chemistry
/鈥(CHMD71H3) Medicinal Chemistry
and
0.5 credit from:
Analytical Instrumentation
Topics in Biophysical Chemistry
Intermediate Inorganic Chemistry
Develop Your Academic & Research Skills
- Volunteer in a research lab to gain experience for graduate or professional school.
- Enter to win the UTSC Library or .
Apply Theory to Practice
- Build on your skills and knowledge through relevant events offered through your department, student groups, DSL and the AA&CC.
Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)
- Run for an elected position in or the or another campus club.
Plan for Your Future Career
- Plan a career path with a staff member at the AA&CC.
- Check for networking events and employer information sessions to attend.
- Attend the Graduate & Professional School Fair in September.
Year 4
Choose Your Courses Wisely
Topics in Biological Chemistry
1.5 credits in D-level CHM courses
including
0.5-1.0 credits from the following:
Directed Research
Directed Research
Advanced Chemistry Laboratory Course
and
0.5 credit from the following:
/鈥(CHMC41H3) Physical Organic Chemistry
Advanced Bio-Organic Chemistry
Chemical Elements in Living Systems
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
- Attend the Summer & Full-time Job Fair in January to meet with potential employers looking to hire students for summer and full-time positions relevant to your field.
Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)
- Participate in the AA&CC鈥檚 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 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 your Personal Statement reviewed in the AA&CC.