Medicinal Chemistry

University of Waterloo

Canada, Waterloo

University RankQS Ranking

115

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Home/Canada/Waterloo /University of Waterloo/Medicinal Chemistry

University of Waterloo

Canada , Waterloo

Key Facts

Program Level

Bachelor

Study Type

Full Time

Delivery

On Campus

Campuses

Main Site

Program Language

English

Start & Deadlines

Next Intake DeadlinesSeptember-2026

Apply to this program

Go to the official application for the university

Duration 4 year(s)

Tuition Fee

CAD 24,560 / per year

Next Intake September-2026

Medicinal Chemistry

About

Venture beyond traditional chemistry and discover the advanced intricacies of bio-based chemistry and pharmaceutical drug design, building key skills in organic, physical, and analytical chemistry.

You'll learn to design and develop pharmaceuticals by understanding how the shape and structure of molecules determine their ability to function as medicine. Ignite your inner scientist with 20+ immersive lab courses and a fourth-year independent research project, allowing you to explore a topic of personal interest.

As a graduate, you'll be equipped to design, create, and develop pharmaceuticals by understanding how the shape and structure of molecules determine their ability to function as medicine.

You'll also qualify for membership in the Canadian Society of Chemistry and the Chemical Institute of Canada. Benefits include access to job postings, networking opportunities, and industry events and professional development.

Disciplines

Faculty of Science

Requirements

Entry Requirements

Admission requirements

Ontario students: six Grade 12 U and/or M courses including

English (ENG4U) (minimum final grade of 70% is required)
Advanced Functions (minimum final grade of 70% is required)
Calculus and Vectors (minimum final grade of 70% is required)
Two of Biology, Chemistry, Earth and Space Science, Mathematics of Data Management, or Physics

Admission averages: Low 80s

Not studying in Ontario? Search our admission requirements.

How to apply

Apply to Physical Sciences and select Medicinal Chemistry as your major.

Career

What can you do with a degree in Medicinal Chemistry?

The program focuses on preparing you for drug research-based positions such as working in universities, pharmaceutical companies, and government research labs. One of the great aspects of the program is that it gives you such a broad background in chemistry. You'll be able to work in more general chemistry fields, such as quality control and the oil and gas industry, if you decided that’s a route you wanted to take.

Our graduates often pursue careers in pharmacology, drug discovery and design, organic chemistry, industrial research and development, and experimental research. Many graduates also pursue specialized master's and PhD degrees.