Biochemistry (BSc)

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.

A Bachelor of Science degree takes a minimum of three or four years (90–120 credits) of full-time study, depending on your academic background.

Program options

• Honours in Biochemistry (72 credits)*
• Specialization in Biochemistry (69 credits)
• Major in Biochemistry (45 credits)

*Honours is a highly concentrated program, ideal for students planning to continue to graduate studies. If you are interested in Honours, speak with your program advisor in your first year of study at Concordia. Students applying to the University are able to apply to the major or specialization.

Courses

Each of our programs comprises a core component taken by all students. Specialization and honours students take additional courses at the intermediate and advanced levels.

Co-op program

The Co-op program gives you the chance to complete paid work terms that last 12 to 16 weeks. As a Co-op student, you will work for firms where you may:

• Analyze anti-viral compounds
• Clone and express genes
• Perform cell culture, receptor and enzyme assays
• Detect biomolecular interactions

Minimum cut-off averages and course requirements

• Quebec CEGEP:
  Specialization: 25
  Major: 23
  
  • Calculus 1 and Calculus 2 – Mechanics, Electricity and Magnetism and Wave, Optics and Modern Physics – General Chemistry and Chemistry of Solutions – General Biology OR Natural Science DEC OR DEC intégré en sciences, lettres et arts.
  • 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
• University Transfers (internal/external):
  Honours: B+ overall, B+ in math / sciences
  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.
• 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)
• International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma:
  Specialization: 29 overall, 4 math, 5 science
  Major: 26 overall, 4 math, 4 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 competed at the HL level

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.

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.