Biochemistry in the 21st century will continue to uncover the biochemical basis for life. Emerging knowledge in biochemistry will help to unravel the molecular basis for diseases such as cancer and hypertension, and in turn lead to the development of new tools for disease detection and new therapies for treatments and cures.
The biochemist applies the basic principles of chemistry, mathematics, physics, and biology to the study of cellular processes; thus a good grounding in these subjects is an integral part of the program. Biochemistry at Queen’s offers a wide scope of diverse topics ranging from molecular genetics and structural biology to the functional basis of enzymes, hormones, and vitamins. These biochemistry courses incorporate an understanding of specific organisms, as well as organ systems such as musculoskeletal and cardiovascular.
Degree Options
Bachelor of Science (Honours) - BScH
Specialization in Biochemistry
An intensive course of study with approximately two-thirds of your courses within the subject of study.
Specialization in Biochemistry - Cooperative Program
An intensive course of study with approximately two-thirds of your courses within the subject of study.
Major in Biochemistry
A major is an intensive course of study in one discipline, with approximately half of your courses within the discipline with room for an optional minor in any other Arts and Science discipline.
Internship option available
Job and Career Opportunities for Biochemistry Grads
Biochemistry, the study of chemical processes in living tissues, is one of the fastest developing subjects within the biological sciences. Many of the major scientific discoveries during the last forty years have been in the area of biochemistry, which is benefiting greatly from the recombinant DNA revolution. The sequencing of the entire genomes of many organisms including humans is the start of a new era in Biochemistry which will involve the use of microchips to study patterns of protein and gene expression changes occurring in disease states. In addition, global efforts are underway to identify all protein lipid and metabolite components of a given state of health or disease. Biochemistry in the 21st century will uncover the biochemical basis for life, continue to unravel the cause for many diseases including cancer and heart disease offering new pathways for the development of cures and establish new tools for the development of emerging nanotechnologies. Biochemistry has wide scope and deals with such diverse topics as molecular genetics, the structure and function of nucleic acids and proteins, enzymology, metabolism and bioenergetics, hormones and vitamins and the specialized biochemistry of specific organisms or tissues such as muscle or brain.
Where could Biochemistry students go after graduation?
January 2025
Main Campus
99 University Avenue,
Kingston,
Ontario,
K7L 3N, Canada
September 2025
Main Campus
99 University Avenue,
Kingston,
Ontario,
K7L 3N, Canada
Applicants must have the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) and Secondary School prerequisites include English 4U, Advanced Functions 4U, Calculus and Vectors 4U, plus two of Biology 4U, Chemistry 4U, or Physics 4U.
The accepted tests of facility in English and the minimally acceptable scores for each are:
International English Language Testing System (IELTS) - Score of 6.5 on Academic Module with no band below 6.0; Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) - iBT (Internet Based TOEFL)/88 overall: 24 Writing, 22 Speaking, 22 Reading, 20 Listening; Paper Based TOEFL (PBT)/580 (TBC); Canadian Academic English Language Assessment (CAEL) - Overall band of 70 with no band below 60; Michigan English Language Assessment Battery (MELAB) - 90; Queen’s School of English - High standing on 12-week English for Academic Purposes advanced level English courses; Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic) - Overall score of 60.
*There may be different IELTS requirements depending on your chosen course.
Help me Apply
