The Biological Chemistry Specialist is a limited enrolment and interdisciplinary program: with its solid core of chemistry, plus required biology and biochemistry courses it provides an interesting and challenging option in this increasingly important area of chemistry. The subject examines Nature at the molecular level by using a combination of synthetic, inorganic, analytical and physical chemistry as well as the tools of molecular biology and biochemistry. The Biological Chemistry Specialist provides the setting to understand the chemical reactions and interactions that occur in biological processes, as well as how chemical strategies can be used to control these systems. This program includes sufficient flexibility to allow focus in areas such as bioinorganic, bioorganic, biophysical or medicinal chemistry. This program is fully accredited by the Canadian Society for Chemistry.
The important Biological Chemistry Specialist program objectives are as follows:
- to provide a program that is interdisciplinary in design such that students will focus their studies in areas of chemistry, biology, physics, biochemistry and mathematics during first- and second-year.
- to give second-year students opportunities for hands-on learning through laboratory work in the four traditional chemistry sub-disciplines.
- to provide upper-year students with exceptional access to experiential learning via advanced laboratory activities and development of superior communication skills through a choice of at least three courses in analytical, physical, inorganic, organic and environmental chemistry, or by undertaking a research course under the direct supervision of a faculty member.
- to mount a capstone experience in biomolecular chemistry where students learn core experimental techniques in a small group laboratory setting: associated classes discuss the theory behind the techniques and highlight how they are used in modern biological chemistry research and practice. Assessment of individual/group work will take place through written reports and oral presentations.
- to facilitate students taking three fourth-year theoretical courses in areas of bioinorganic, biological and bioorganic chemistry.
- to give students the option to obtain professional development skills and direct work experience through the Arts & Science Internship Program.
- to provide excellent preparation for graduate-level studies in biological chemistry or biochemistry, and/or for careers in these fields (e.g., in the biotechnology, biomedical and pharmaceutical sectors, as well as for research and teaching in related areas of chemistry and biology).
Biochemistry vs. Biological Chemistry
In biological chemistry the focus is more on the chemistry of biological systems and the study of Nature at the molecular level, whereas in biochemistry the emphasis tends to be on whole systems. Biological chemists study individual biomolecules so that they can understand the chemical reactions and interactions that go on in biological systems. In addition, biological chemistry involves manipulation of biological systems, either to figure out how they work or to apply what we know about nature in order to design new systems.
In terms of different undergraduate programs, in biological chemistry there is obviously the opportunity to take more chemistry. Depending on interests, students can focus their program with a few extra courses in organic chemistry, or inorganic, physical or environmental. There is a little overlap with the biochemistry program, especially in second year when a lot of the same introductory material is taken. In the upper years the programs are quite different with respect to the approach that we take in studying biological systems.
Students enrolled in the Biological Chemistry Specialist program are eligible to complete the departmental Focus in Green Chemistry and/or the Focus in Practical Chemical Analysis if the appropriate courses are taken.
Consult:
Professor G. A. Woolley, Biological Organic Chemistry
Enrolment Requirements:
This is a limited-enrolment program. Students must have completed 4.0 credits and meet the requirements listed below to enrol. Minimum grades in required courses or their equivalents are needed for entry, and these minimums change each year depending on available spaces and the number of applicants. The following courses must be completed:
(CHM135H1, CHM136H1)/CHM151Y1)
To ensure that students admitted to the program will be successful, applicants with a final grade lower than 63% in any of the required courses will not be considered for admission. Please note that obtaining the minimum final grades does not guarantee admission to the program.
Students in this program have the option to request enrolment in the Arts & Science Internship Program (ASIP) stream. Students can apply for the ASIP stream after Year 1 (Year 2 entry) or after Year 2 (Year 3 entry, starting Fall 2024). Full details about ASIP, including student eligibility, selection and enrolment, are available in the ASIP section of the Arts & Science Academic Calendar. Please note that the majority of students enter ASIP in Fall term of Year 2. Space is more limited for Year 3 entry. Students applying for Year 3 entry must have been admitted to the Biological Chemistry Specialist in the Summer after Year 2.
Completion Requirements:
(14.0 credits, including 3.0 credits from 400-level courses)
First Year: BIO120H1, BIO130H1; CHM151Y1 (strongly recommended)/ ( CHM135H1, CHM136H1); ( MAT135H1, MAT136H1)/ MAT137Y1/ MAT157Y1
First or Second Year: ( PHY131H1, PHY132H1)/ ( PHY151H1, PHY152H1)
Second and Higher Years:
- BCH210H1; BIO230H1/ BIO255H1; CHM217H1, CHM220H1/ CHM222H1 ( CHM220H1 recommended), ( CHM236H1, CHM237H1)/ CHM238Y1, CHM249H1
- CHM310H1, CHM347H1, CHM348H1, CHM379H1
- At least 1.0 credit from the following: CHM317H1, CHM327H1, CHM338H1, CHM343H1, CHM395Y1/ CHM499Y1/ PHC489Y1, CHM410H1
- CHM437H1, CHM447H1, CHM479H1
- Additional 300/400-level BCH or CHM courses to a total of 14.0 credits. CSB450H1 is also acceptable.
Students in this program have the option to complete the Arts & Science Internship Program (ASIP) stream.
This page was updated on August 26, 2025. Please consult the Arts & Science Academic Calender for the most up-to-date program requirements.