Biochemistry at Western
Not directly. At Western University you apply to Medical Sciences (ESM), then choose biochemistry at the end of Year 2 — you enter the BMSc program and its module in Year 3.
The program you actually apply to
Medical Sciences
83–90%OUAC ESMCo-op available
Prerequisites
- English, ENG4U
- Calculus and Vectors, MCV4U
- Biology, SBI4U
- Chemistry, SCH4U
- Note:
- Although Western offers first-year Physics courses that do not require high school Physics as a prerequisite, it is strongly recommended that students complete SPH4U.
When you choose biochemistry
At the end of Year 2 — you enter the BMSc program and its module in Year 3.
What to watch for
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.
The same application also gets you to
Medical Sciences is the entry point for 3 other majors at Western. You are not choosing between these at application time.
Biochemistry at the other campuses
Compare the entry programs side by side →- Algomanot offered at Algoma
- BrockDirect entry73–77%
- Carletonvia Science - Honours (CT)78%
- Guelphvia Bachelor of Science (BSc) Honours (GZ)80–91%
- Lakeheadvia Chemistry (includes Medical Sciences) (AF)70%
- LaurentianDirect entry70%
- Laurier (Waterloo)Direct entry73–77%
- McMastervia Life Sciences Gateway93–97%
- Nipissingnot offered at Nipissing
- Ontario Techvia Chemical Biology (DSH)70–73%
- Queen'svia Life Science & Biochemistry (QL)83–87%
- TMUvia Chemistry (SCH)70–75%
- TrentDirect entry70%
- U of T (Mississauga)via Chemical & Physical Sciences73–80%
- U of T (Scarborough)via Physical & Environmental Sciences (OUAC TSP)73–80%
- U of T (St. George)via Life Sciences (including Psychology)83–90%
- Waterloovia Life Sciences80–83%
- WindsorDirect entry70–75%
- YorkDirect entry80–87%
Entry routes were researched against each university’s own program pages in 2026-08-16. Western’s page. Faculties restructure — confirm before you apply.