Biological Chemistry

For an updated list of Program Supervisors, please visit the Chemistry website.

This program is intended for students who want to specialize in chemistry, and in particular, its applications to and interactions with living systems. The first year of the program emphasizes learning fundamentals across various disciplines, including biology, chemistry, physics, and math. In the second year, additional coursework in chemistry and biology prepares students to merge these disciplines in more specialized courses later in the program. In their third and fourth years, students will explore the complex chemistry of living systems, including proteins, enzymes and metabolism. Students will also learn how chemistry can be used to study and manipulate these systems through courses in pharmaceutical and biological chemistry. In their fourth year, students will have the opportunity to contribute to the creation of scientific knowledge in this field by participating in a directed research project. The combination of coursework and research experience makes this program ideally suited for students who wish to pursue graduate studies in biological chemistry or a related discipline, or to work in biologically chemistry-related industries. It is also excellent preparation for students wishing to pursue professional schools such as medicine, pharmacy or law.

The biological chemistry specialist program is accredited by the Canadian Society for Chemistry (CSC). It meets the national standards of education required by the CSC, ensuring that graduating students possess skills in both the core chemical concepts and practical laboratory skills that are necessary to thrive in today's workforce. Graduates of these programs will receive a certificate stating that they have completed a nationally accredited chemistry program.

Enrolment Requirements
Students may apply to this program after completing at least 4.0 credits including: BIOA01H3, BIOA02H3, CHMA10H3, [CHMA11H3 or CHMA12H3], MATA30H3 and PHYA10H3 with a cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of at least 2.0. Application for admission to the program is made to the registrar through ROSI in April/May and July/August. See the UTSC Office of the Registrar's website for information on the program (Subject POSt) selection.