Biochemistry (BSc)
Bachelor of Science (BSc)
Offered by:Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Arts & Science
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.
Program details
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.
Concentrations:
- Honours in Biochemistry (72 credits)
- Specialization in Biochemistry (69 credits)
- Major in Biochemistry (45 credits)
Minimum cut-off averages
- Quebec CEGEP:
Honours: 28, Co-op (CRC): 28
Specialization: 25, Co-op (CRC): 28
Major: 23
- High School:
Honours: B+ overall, A- in math / sciences
Specialization: B overall, B in math / sciences
Major: C+ overall, C+ in math / sciences - 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 - Bacc. français:
Honours: 14 overall, 15 in math / science
Specialization: 13 overall, 13 in math / science
Major: 11 overall, 11 in math / science - International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma:
Honours: 31 overall, 5 math, 6 science
Specialization: 29 overall, 4 math, 5 science
Major: 26 overall, 4 math, 4 science
Course requirements for admission
- CEGEP STUDENTS: Calculus 1 and Calculus 2 and Linear Algebra – 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.
- HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS: one math and two of either biology, chemistry or physics
- BACC FRANÇAIS STUDENTS: Science programs require the completion of Série S (Sciences) Bacc. français
- IB STUDENTS: one math, one science (HL preferred but SL acceptable). SL grade requirement may vary. Science HL or SL acceptable.
- UNIVERSITY TRANSFERS: one math, one science (if courses are completed during previous studies, they may be considered as the basis of admission)
You must meet Concordia’s minimum admission requirements.
Honours programs: Students applying directly to an honours program should list it as their first choice. If not admitted to honours, they will automatically be considered for the next highest program (i.e. specialization or major).
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.
We consider complete applications year round and we give priority to applicants who apply by official deadlines. Late applications will be considered if places are still available for the fall term only.
| You've sent your application from: | Fall term deadline | Winter term deadline |
| Inside Canada | March 1 Certain programs have extended their deadlines. Please check program availability. |
November 1 Not all programs are available for this term. Please check program availability. |
| Outside Canada (International) | February 1 | September 1 |
We reserve the right to close admission to a program at any time after the official deadline without prior notice.
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.
Full details of individual programs and course descriptions can be found in the Undergraduate Calendar.
Each student will receive a package of information regarding the Registration process, which includes the registration dates. Students must see a Department Advisor who will help in choosing the courses and planning their programme. Unless you are a returning student it is mandatory to have an advisor approve your courses before Registration. You must make an appointment with an advisor:
Telephone: 514-848-2424, ext. 3355
Make sure you bring a copy of your academic record and your letter of admission when you meet the advisor.
The normal course load for a full-time student is 30 credits for the academic year (Note: enrolling in less than 24 credits in an academic year will make a student ineligible for many scholarships, bursaries and loans).
To request permission for a course overload, course substitution or to take a course without the required prerequisite, a student must obtain a Departmental Student Request form from SP-201.01. When the form has been filled in and the appropriate documents attached, it should be given to the Receptionist in room SP-201.01.
Please read the Undergraduate Calendar for deadlines and regulations regarding course changes, withdrawals, etc. Make sure that you understand the Degree Requirements and Academic Performance Regulations for the Faculty of Arts and Science.
A number of scholarships and prizes are available to students in the Department. Some of these are awarded before starting the program of study at Concordia, such as, Entrance Scholarships, while others are awarded during the course of studies, such as, In-Course Scholarships.
There are also Federal and Provincial Loans and Bursaries for eligible candidates. Further information is available in the Undergraduate Calendar.
Concordia University's Science College provides a unique forum where students interested in the sciences can prepare for a life of research, teaching or any challenging pursuit or profession in the sciences.
Founded in 1979, the Science College espouses the following well-defined, distinct, and important concepts of science education: student participation in laboratory research activities from the first year on and a curriculum emphasizing cross-disciplinary thinking as well as intensive student-faculty and student-student interaction.
Reactive Intermediates Student Exchange (RISE)
RISE is a summer student exchange program providing undergraduate students with opportunities to carry out original research and gain hands-on experience in the use of modern instrumental and other experimental techniques. The RISE Group is a collection of scientists at almost twenty institutions in Canada, whose research emphasizes the study of chemical or biochemical reaction mechanisms. Read more about the RISE program.
Inorganic Chemistry Exchange (ICE)
ICE offers summer employment opportunities to 12 qualified candidates from across Canada. The awards are for a summer research assistantship at an institution other than your own, in the laboratory of an ICE faculty member. Read more about the ICE program.
Related programs
United States students
A US Federal Student Aid-eligible version of this program is offered. This version meets all US regulations (such as no co-operative education or e-courses) for eligible programs.
