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Molecular Life Sciences

Prospective undergraduate students

Explore life at the molecular level. Study biochemistry, microbiology, immunology, bioinformatics and molecular biology while investigating topics like genomics, cancer, infectious disease and microbiota health.

Build advanced lab and research skills through upper-year courses, faculty-led research and an optional Honours thesis. You can also add co-op to graduate with practical experience and career-ready skills. 

Learn everything you need to know about becoming a UVic student, from choosing a program and reviewing admission requirements to submitting your application and reporting your grades. 

If you have questions, talk to a UVic recruiter or come to one of our recruiting events.

Explore the Program Faculty of Science Requirements How to Apply

Major & options

BSc: Molecular Life Sciences

The Molecular Life Sciences Major combines the disciplines such as biochemistry, immunology, microbiology ad bioinformatics into a unified degree. The degree includes hands-on lab courses where students learn to use cutting edge lab techniques and an expansive curriculum that is designed to prepare graduates for a variety of rewarding careers. 

Learn more:

Academic Calendar Program Planning worksheet

BSc: Molecular Life Sciences (Biochemistry option)

Biochemistry merges biology and chemistry and covers some of the most exciting areas of the life sciences. Modern biochemical research includes structural biology, proteomics, genomics, epigenetics, signal transduction, gene expression and development, metabolic diseases, bioinformatics, and molecular evolution.

Learn more about the Biochemistry option:

Academic Calendar Program Planning worksheet

BSc: Molecular Life Sciences (Microbiology option)

Microbiology is the study of life that is too small to see without a microscope. Bacteria, archaea, viruses, and unicellular eukaryotes occupy every conceivable habitat; from arctic ice to hydrothermal vents, from gastrointestinal tracts to deep rock formations, from pristine lakes to polluted bogs. The microbiology option is a strong choice for students with interests in molecular biology, drug discovery, medicine, or biotechnology.

Learn more about the Microbiology option:

Academic Calendar Program Planning worksheet

Co-op

Students of the School of Molecular Life Sciences can elect to undertake a Co-op placement, putting their valuable skills to work in a variety of placements in labs, fieldwork projects, industry, and more.  

Explore more about Co-op terms as a student in the Faculty of Science at UVic.

How Co-op Works Salary Estimator

Funding

Undergraduate Research Awards

Listed below are just some of the awards, scholarships and recognitions available to undergraduate MLSC students. Other award information can be found on through the Faculty of Science and Student Awards & Financial Aid.

JCURA Award NSERC - USRA SURA All Awards

Find out more about student funding, tuition, fees, and general finances as a student in the Faculty of Science.

Career options

What can you do with a degree in Molecular Life Sciences?

Our programs emphasize practical lab techniques and methods, giving you the skills necessary to launch your career. During your labs, you’ll learn the techniques and get the skills necessary to successfully land a career in the field, whether it’s research, healthcare, education or biotechnology. 

With an undergraduate degree in Molecular Life Sciences, you’ll get the opportunity to work on real projects with our researchers and see how their work makes an impact. Students can take the biochemistry and microbiology options to qualify for medicine, dentistry or veterinary medicine.

Career paths

There are many career paths for graduates of our program, including:

  • biotechnology
  • science and health education
  • epidemiology
  • food quality analysis
  • immunology
  • industrial chemistry
  • medical technology
  • microbiology
  • nutrition science
  • oncology
  • pharmacology
  • quality control analysis
  • toxicology
Man in a blue shirt standing in front of three shelves filled with medicine bottles.

Alumni spotlight: Rory Hills

As first author of a cutting-edge study in Nature Nanotechnology, UVic Biochemistry alum Rory Hills demonstrated that a new nanoparticle vaccine with unusual properties is effective against several different coronaviruses, including viruses not represented in the vaccine.

Courses

Undergraduate courses in the School of Molecular Life Sciences range from introductory courses covering important concepts, hands-on labs led by world-class instructors, and advanced upper-level courses that prepare our graduates for rewarding careers.  

Please see the Academic Calendar for a complete and detailed list of our programs and courses.