Cutoffs

Studying Biochemistry in Ontario

You can’t always apply to biochemistry directly. Some universities admit you straight into it; others admit you into a broad first-year category and you choose biochemistry later. That difference is why searching for a major by name can make it look like a university doesn’t offer it.

Apply broad, choose biochemistry later

  • Western University

    Apply to Medical Sciences (ESM)

    You choose biochemistry at the end of Year 2 — you enter the BMSc program and its module in Year 3.

    Biochemistry is a BMSc module you enter in YEAR 3, not first year — Western calls BMSc a 'second-entry' program. ESM gives assured Year-3 entry if you finish Year-2 core courses with at least an 80% average and no mark below 60%; from Science (ES) you take the same first two years but must compete for Year-3 seats through the competitive pool. ESM requires ENG4U, MCV4U, SBI4U and SCH4U (SPH4U recommended) and its average guideline runs above Science's. If you would rather stay in Science, note the Honours Specialization in Biochemistry and Chemistry (Chemistry) and the Honours Specialization in Genetics and Biochemistry (Biology) are separate ES routes into the subject.

    https://www.schulich.uwo.ca/bmsc/future-students/esm-vs-other.html

  • Queen's University

    Apply to Life Science & Biochemistry (QL)

    You choose biochemistry at Plan Selection after first year, when you choose the Biochemistry plan rather than Life Sciences.

    CORRECTED FROM DIRECT ENTRY: you apply to the COMBINED code Queen's calls "Life Science & Biochemistry (QL)" — you are not admitted to Biochemistry specifically, and you still choose between the Life Sciences and Biochemistry plans at Plan Selection after first year. The good news is that unlike most Queen's plans there is no GPA threshold for direct-entry students, so the choice is effectively yours. Requires English 4U, Calculus and Vectors 4U, Biology 4U and Chemistry 4U — verified on Queen's requirements table.

    https://healthsci.queensu.ca/liscbchm/life-sciences/degree-plans

  • McMaster University

    Apply to Life Sciences Gateway

    You choose biochemistry at the end of first year.

    Honours Biochemistry is run by the Faculty of Health Sciences but you cannot apply to it from Grade 12 — it is a limited-enrolment Level 2 entry program. McMaster's own wording is that students from any undergraduate program who meet the course and GPA requirements may be considered, but that those courses are most commonly completed in the Life Sciences Gateway I program. Applying to Honours Health Sciences is not the route to Biochemistry.

    https://future.mcmaster.ca/programs/lifesci/

  • University of Toronto — St. George

    Apply to Life Sciences (including Psychology)

    You choose biochemistry at the end of first year.

    U of T lists Biochemistry as Major and Specialist only — there is no Minor. Entered from Life Sciences after first year on your BIO and CHM grades. SBI4U, SCH4U and MCV4U all required, SPH4U recommended.

    https://future.utoronto.ca/program/biochemistry/

  • University of Toronto — Mississauga

    Apply to Chemical & Physical Sciences

    You choose biochemistry after first year (4.0 credits).

    UTM has no program called 'Biochemistry' — the equivalent is Biological Chemistry, and its admission table confirms Chemical & Physical Sciences (TMW), NOT Life Sciences. Applying to TML expecting biochemistry is a common mistake. Prerequisites are ENG4U, MHF4U, SBI4U and SCH4U.

    https://www.utm.utoronto.ca/future-students/programs/biological-chemistry

  • University of Toronto — Scarborough

    Apply to Physical & Environmental Sciences (OUAC TSP)

    You choose biochemistry end of first year, on ACORN.

    The trap: at UTSC, Biochemistry is under Physical & Environmental Sciences (TSP), not Life Sciences (TSL) — applying to Life Sciences to do biochemistry is the wrong entry point. Requires Grade 12 Biology, Advanced Functions and Calculus & Vectors (Chemistry and Physics only recommended), mid 70s.

    https://www.utsc.utoronto.ca/admissions/programs/biochemistry

  • University of Waterloo

    Apply to Life Sciences

    You choose biochemistry you name Biochemistry as your major when you apply to Life Sciences.

    "Apply to Life Sciences and select Biochemistry as your major." Biochemistry is one of only three majors under the Life Sciences code (with Biology and Psychology). Advanced Functions and Calculus and Vectors are both required on top of two sciences — the calculus requirement is what disqualifies students who assume a biochem degree only needs biology and chemistry.

    https://uwaterloo.ca/future-students/programs/biochemistry

Read off each university’s own admissions pages, and covering the seven campuses Ontario students apply to most. Entry structures change — confirm with the university before you build a timetable around one. Search all programs.