Biochemistry
Why Study Biochemistry at U of G?
Biochemistry is the study of the molecules, processes, and reactions that underpin life. At the interface of biology and chemistry, biochemistry explores biological processes at the molecular level to better understand ourselves and the world around us.
Biochemistry seeks to understand the origins, roles and fates of the biological molecules that are the building blocks of all cellular life, using tools and approaches drawn from chemistry, molecular biology, genetics, microbiology, and cell biology.
The University of Guelph's lab-intensive Biochemistry program offers a hands-on, multidisciplinary education across the life sciences, with specific attention paid to the physical and chemical nature of biomolecular systems.
Engage in Interdisciplinary Studies
Combine practical laboratory training in biochemistry, molecular biology and microbiology with courses in areas such as immunology, toxicology and physiology.
Gain Hands-on Experience
Gain real-world experience through labs, undergraduate research projects and co-op work terms.
A Foundation for Your Career
Many graduates go on to pursue professional programs or else careers within related fields, including in the health care, toxicology, regulatory testing, food manufacturing, pharmaceuticals and biotechnology sectors.
To see all courses offered in the Biochemistry program, visit our Academic Calendar.
- Top Comprehensive University
- in Canada (Maclean’s)
- Top 150 in the World
- for Life Sciences (Times Higher Education 2025)
- Top 20% in the World
- for Biological Sciences (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025)
- Top 6 in Canada for Life Sciences
- Top 4 for Life Sciences Teaching (THE 2025)
Gain Valuable Experience Through Co-op
The Biochemistry co-op is a four-and-a-half-year program that includes four paid work terms. Apply what you’ve learned in the classroom to the real world, with hands-on work experiences available in private, non-profit, and governmental organizations. Benefits of co-op include:
- Up to 16 months of relevant work experience
- Earn money while you learn
- Career exploration
- Professional networking
Students can apply for the co-op program directly from high school or later for in-course admission. Learn more about the Biochemistry Co-op program.
- Assistant Sampling Technician
- Environmental Technician
- Food Innovation Center Technician
- Food Technologist
- Pharmacy Assistant
- Product Development Technician
- Quality Assurance Assistant
- Regulatory Affairs Co-op Student
- Research & Development Assistant
- Research Assistant
- Technical Marketing Analyst
Careers in Biochemistry
Graduates pursue challenging careers in health care, pharmaceuticals, research, governmental regulatory work, biotechnology, toxicology, and academia, among many other fields.
Here are just a few careers our graduates have successfully pursued:
- Research biochemist
- Forensic scientist
- Sales and marketing
- Scientific writing and publishing
- Laboratory technician
- Analytical chemist
- Ecologist
- Pharmacologist
- Nanotechnologist
- Data scientist
- Biotechnologist
Hear from Biochemistry Graduates
From a young age, I have been fascinated by the intricate ways chemistry and biology work together. Upon receiving an offer from the University of Guelph to pursue my dream of studying Biochemistry, I immediately realized how fulfilling this experience would be. The way courses are structured, and professors go above and beyond at U of G mesmerizes me. The most important experience that U of G has provided me is the co-op experience. I gained firsthand practical exposure to how different each industry is and how biochemistry is the binding element that ties them all together. With immersive lectures, interactive laboratory sessions and hands-on experience, a biochemistry degree from U of G opens many doors for my future.
As an international student from Qatar, I chose the University of Guelph for its highly ranked biological science programs, the good professor ratings, and the co-op option to gain experience in my field. At my last co-op placement with Sanofi Pasteur, I worked on a project in collaboration with NASA. The project had a tight deadline and a few months into my co-op, we began to see some problems due to some problems with a genetically modified virus we were working with. I took the initiative to look into all the reagents we were using and discovered a mistake in the dilution calculations. My work was able to get the project back on track! The hands-on experience in my program helped me find a job immediately after graduation. I now work as a research associate at STEMCELL Technologies, where I continue to pursue my passion for science.
Discover More Options
Students considering Biochemistry may also be interested in Biological and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Biomedical Toxicology, Microbiology and Immunology, Molecular Biology and Genetics, or other majors.
Admission Requirements
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