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Explore the fundamental chemistry of life and harness technology to improve the quality of life on Earth. Biochemistry is a multidisciplinary science that draws on core components of chemistry, microbiology, molecular biology and genetics. Biotechnology is the application of biochemistry to develop technologies, materials and products. Gain theoretical and practical skills in molecular biosciences to meet the needs of industry and research.
Students applying to this program from a Canadian province outside of Ontario are encouraged to review our course equivalents by province chart. This chart will show you what courses from your province are equivalent to the admission requirements listed under Ontario High School Admission Requirements.
Students applying to this program from an international curriculum are encouraged to review our curriculum-specific requirements; you must also meet all program-specific requirements listed under the Ontario High School Admission Requirements section.
Laurier's language of instruction is English, and so we may require you to provide evidence of your English proficiency to help make sure you experience success in your academic courses.
Your three most recent years of full-time education must be in English without taking any ESL (English as a Second Language) courses. If you do not meet this requirement, you must provide evidence of your English proficiency.
We reserve the right to request an English-language test from any applicant.
If you do not meet Laurier's English proficiency requirement but are academically qualified for your program, you may be eligible for a conditional offer of admission.
The Laurier English and Academic Foundation (LEAF) program is an academic English program for Laurier applicants who have to prove English proficiency. If you have received an offer to Laurier with a condition to meet our English- proficiency requirement, you can meet that condition by successfully completing the LEAF program.
Completed the first year of a college program:
Completed a two-year diploma or two years of a three-year advanced diploma:
Completed a two to three-year advanced diploma:
Visit our admission requirements section to find specific requirements for university students, indigenous applicants, mature learners, homeschooled applicants, senior citizens, refugees, and more.
Biochemistry is a fundamental multidisciplinary science that explores the molecular aspects of life and is the basis for many other disciplines in life sciences, including cell and molecular biology, microbiology, genetics and molecular medicine.
Biotechnology is the application of biochemistry to develop technologies, materials and products that help improve, replenish and sustain the health of our planet.
In our program, we emphasize the health and pharmaceutical sciences, which constitute more than 50% of the total activity in biochemical research and biotechnology in Canada.
You’ll take several courses in mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology and biochemistry, along with courses in applied biochemistry, and gain the practical skills and the academic knowledge you’ll need to succeed in a career in research, service, industry or academia.
You’ll benefit from a research-intensive environment. In your fourth year, you'll have an option to complete a senior thesis research project. The thesis option will provide you with hands-on experience using state-of-the-art equipment in a new and challenging area of biochemical research.
The Canadian Society for Chemistry has accredited the thesis option of this program.
You can tailor your studies by choosing to concentrate in:
In addition to adding a concentration to your degree, you can add one of our popular options or minors that allow you to dive deeper into your major area of study or broaden your knowledge:
Check out other options to enhance your degree.
Co-op is a way to integrate what you are learning in the classroom with practical experience in your field of study. Build your resume, earn money, develop your network, and graduate with work experience.
You can apply for admission to co-op in your first year and may be eligible for an admission interview early in your second year. As a student in this program, you will be eligible to complete paid work terms lasting 12 to 16 weeks.
Interested? Learn more about co-op.
Getting a university education is an investment in your future.
At Laurier, we take financial health seriously by providing a wide variety of funding opportunities for you throughout your degree, such as scholarships and bursaries, and by equipping you with the skills to manage your finances effectively in the years to come.
"I really enjoyed learning about how the body works in the Biochemistry and Biotechnology program. My favourite course was CH350, where you learn a lot there about the metabolic pathways of human life and eukaryotic life."
"My Laurier education was one of the most defining experiences of my life. My degree equipped me with the essential skills I needed to excel in the classroom, workplace and community. I graduated with a deep understanding of myself and a broadened perspective of the world. These attributes prepared me for my first job after graduation, where I served as the first international student president and CEO of the Wilfrid Laurier University Students’ Union. Now I’m completing my Master of Business Administration and working as a technical account manager."
Tarique Plummer, Biochemistry and Biotechnology graduate
This program will provide you with the practical and research skills needed to meet the demanding requirements of biotechnology, pharmaceutical and chemical companies, as well as biochemical and health science research and service laboratories.
Our program also provides a strong educational background for those interested in continuing their studies at the graduate level in chemistry, biochemistry, biotechnology, biophysics, medicine, pharmacy, dentistry or other health science-related programs.
Note: Additional training and education may be required.
Alumni for life means that you have access to Career and Employment Support offered at Laurier for your entire career.
Email chooselaurier@wlu.ca, call 519.884.0710 x3385 or see all contact information.