Biochemistry (BSc)

Why study Biochemistry?

Biochemistry may not give you the answers to the meaning of life, but it can tell you how life works. As a biochemist, you will study the chemical processes that occur within the cells of living organisms. You could use your knowledge of cellular processes and molecular inheritance to combat disease, engineer pest-resistant crops, or develop microorganisms to clean up oil spills.

Our state-of-the-art labs and equipment include the Biomolecular Function, Interactions and Structure facility (BIOFINS) which houses a collection of instruments that is unique in Eastern Canada. Small class sizes foster strong student–professor relationships, and our teaching labs introduce you to the techniques used in the field. You will also:

• Study the role of proteins, carbohydrates and lipids in cellular processes
• Examine biochemical responses to toxic compounds in the environment
• Receive extensive training in research methodology
• Perform original research as an undergraduate (honours and specialization students only)

Concordia’s honours and specialization in Biochemistry programs are accredited by the Ordre des chimistes du Québec.

Minimum cut-off averages and course requirements

• Quebec CEGEP:
  Specialization: 25
  Major: 23
  
  • Admission is based on the CRC requirements indicated above and completion of the following classes as part of their DEC: Calculus 1 and Calculus 2; Mechanics, Electricity and Magnetism and Wave, Optics and Modern Physics; General Chemistry and Chemistry of Solutions; General Biology (OR Cellular Biology AND Ecology and Evolution)
  • Additional information for CEGEP applicants
• High School:
  Specialization: B overall, B in math / sciences
  Major: C+ overall, C+ in math / sciences
  • Completed courses in the disciplines of Calculus, Biology, Chemistry and Physics.
    • One math from Pre-Calculus, Calculus, or equivalent
    • Two sciences (from Biology, Chemistry or Physics)
  • ACT or SAT is NOT required
  • Canadian curricula course requirements
  • Accepted international qualifications
• International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma:
  Specialization: 29 overall, 4 HL or 5 SL math, 5 HL science
  Major: 26 overall, 4 HL or SL math, 4 HL science
  • one math (Applications and Interpretations HL, Analysis and Approaches HL or Analysis and Approaches SL)
  • one science (Physics, Chemistry or Biology, either SL or HL)
  • one of the science or math courses must be completed at the HL level
• International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme (CP):
  Specialization: 4.8/7 overall, 4 HL or 5 SL math, 5 HL science
  Major: 4.3/7 overall, 4 HL or SL math, 4 HL science
  • one math (Applications and Interpretations HL, Analysis and Approaches HL or Analysis and Approaches SL)
  • one science (Physics, Chemistry or Biology, either SL or HL)
  • one of the science or math courses must be completed at the HL level
  • Additional Career-related Programme (CP) course requirements
• Baccalauréat français:
  Specialization: 13 overall, 13 in math / science
  Major: 11 overall, 11 in math / science
  • Première: Spécialité mathématiques AND Spécialité physique-chimie
    Terminale: Spécialité mathématiques (also accepted, Spécialité Physique-Chimie AND Mathématiques Complémentaires)
• British system of education (GCE):
  • A-levels:
    Specialization: At least two A-level exams CD, C in math, C in science
    Major: At least two A-level exams CD, C in math, D in science
    or
  • AS-levels: At least 4 AS-level exams with equivalent results or
  • BTEC: Level 3 Diploma or Extended Diploma in a related subject area with equivalent results
  • Students without math or science A-levels may be admissible based on AS-level or iGCSE/GCSE/O-Level exam results. Students should include all their exam results from iGCSE (or equivalent) onwards to support their application.
  • Additional information for British System of Education (GCE) applicants
• University Transfers (internal/external):
  Specialization: B overall, B in math / sciences
  Major: C overall, C in math / sciences
  • Completed courses in the disciplines of Calculus, Biology, Chemistry and Physics.

Minimum cut-off averages should be used as indicators. The cut-off data may change depending on the applicant pool. Applicants who meet the stated minimum requirements are not guaranteed admission to these programs.

After your degree

Some Biochemistry alumni pursue graduate studies. Others establish careers in the pharmaceutical and health science sectors, environmental or government laboratories, or in genetic engineering, biotechnology and nanotechnology.