About the Program
Biological Chemistry deals with the chemical processes of and relating to living organisms. The program, with its solid core of chemistry, plus the required biology and biochemistry courses, provides an interesting and challenging interdisciplinary study experience. Biological Chemistry 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. This program provides the context 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. Students graduating from this program will be prepared for career paths in the biotechnology, biomedical and pharmaceutical sectors, as well as for research and teaching in related areas of chemistry and biology.
Honours Bachelor of Science
After completing your first year, you'll be asked to confirm what program(s) you wish to study – your Programs of Study. They can be integrated in unique ways to obtain your U of T degree, but must be one of the following three combinations: one Specialist; or two Majors; or one Major and two Minors. You don't need to worry about that now, but if you'd like to learn more about this process, watch our handy video (7 min).
Admission Requirements
You apply to an admission category, which is a collection of similar programs. Once you've accepted an offer of admission to our campus, we go into greater detail about specific program and course selection options.
At the end of your first year, you will choose your program(s), which means that your first year is an excellent opportunity to explore the full breadth of offerings.
Regardless of what you study, remember that you will receive a prestigious University of Toronto degree when you graduate that tells everyone that you are ranked among the best in the world!
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The admission average is calculated with English (ENG4U) plus the next best five Grade 12 U or M courses. Meeting these minimum requirements does not guarantee you admission to the University. Admission is subject to space availability and competition.
The content in this section is based on requirements in the Ontario curriculum.
Find requirements to other common curricula:
- Canadian High School
- International Baccalaureate
- U.S.-Patterned Education
- British-Patterned Education
- French Baccalaureate
- Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE)
Please visit the Admissions section of our site for full requirements.
Discover Your Potential
There may come a time when the next blouse or pair of gym shorts you buy are made of banana peels, rotten tomatoes, coffee grounds or mouldy bread. It’s not as gross as it sounds. And in fact, the future of fashion depends on the use of biodegradable and carbon-neutral materials, says Avneet Ghotra.
A medicinal chemist at the U of T Mississauga is drawing on the popular classic video game Tetris to battle cancer. Muhammad Murtaza Hassan, a PhD student in Professor Patrick Gunning’s lab, has turned to mainstream gameplay, harnessing the concept of fitting geometric patterns together to create an inhibitor that targets a specific protein associated with cancer.
As a UTM science student, Eugenia Addy (formerly Eugenia Duodu) became a volunteer with the Visions of Science Network for Learning, encouraging low-income and underprivileged children to pursue science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). Today, at 32, Addy (PhD ’15) is Vision of Science’s CEO.
Student Experience
Courses You Would Love
Methods used for forming carbon-carbon bonds will be reviewed, including reactions of the various types of nucleophilic carbon and the use of organometallic reagents.
An introduction to the molecular biology of the cell with an emphasis on similarities and differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.
Fundamentals of organic chemistry emphasizing reactions of alkanes and alkenes. The first half of a two-course sequence (with CHM243H5) required in the Chemistry major and specialist programs.
Planning Ahead
Whether you want to land your dream job, conduct groundbreaking research, or start your own business, we can get you there. Here are resources to help you explore your career options.
Career Options
Created by our Career Centre, the Careers by Major database identifies some potential career fields, how to gain related skills and experience, and useful resources and job samples. But always remember, your program of study doesn't have to determine your career!
Program Plans
Program Plans are quick and accessible overviews of the many academic and co-curricular opportunities available to help you get the most out of your UTM experience.
Tip Sheets
The Career Centre offers dozens of tip sheets with helpful information about topics related to searching for work, planning your career, and pursuing further education.
View to the U: An eye on UTM research
View to the U is a podcast that features U of T Mississauga faculty members from a range of disciplines who will illuminate some of the inner-workings of the science labs and enlighten the social sciences and humanities hubs at UTM.
Professor Ulli Krull is a prof in UTM’s Department of Chemical & Physical Sciences, he’s one of Canada’s leading experts in analytical chemistry, the AstraZeneca Chair in Biotechnology, and just an all-around prince of a guy.
Learn More About this Program
Other Programs to Consider
Chemistry
Chemistry plays a vital and well-integrated role in many areas of scientific discovery, including the development of new drugs, materials and diagnostics. Advancements made in the field of chemistry have brought improvements to our quality of life, and will help us to control the impact we are making on our environment in order to form the basis for a strong economy.
Environmental Science
Environmental Science is an interdisciplinary study of complex environmental problems involving the natural world and human impacts. Students can tailor the scientific focus of the program to their own interests, by choosing courses from Geographical and Earth Science perspectives; Biological/Ecological perspectives; and Physical/Chemical perspectives. Courses on Social and Policy perspectives are also part of the program; no matter which pathway is followed, some courses on Social and Policy Perspectives are required.