Molecular Life Sciences
Why choose Molecular Life Sciences at UVic?
Explore life at the molecular level. In Molecular Life Sciences you'll study biochemistry, microbiology, immunology, bioinformatics and molecular biology while investigating topics like genomics, cancer, infectious disease and microbiota health.
- Volunteer in a faculty lab and contribute to active research projects.
- Complete original research and defend your honours thesis under faculty supervision.
- Work directly with a professor in a focused area of their research.
Sample courses
- Biochemistry of Signal Transduction
- Epigenetic Regulation of Chromatin
- Applied Research Laboratory Techniques
Careers
- Health-care professional
- Biotechnologist
- Pharmacologist
- Industrial chemist
Specializations
Tailor your degree to meet your interests and professional goals with one of our two optional areas of focus.
- Choose biochemistry if you’re curious about the chemistry of life. You’ll explore how molecules shape health, disease, cells and living systems.
- Choose microbiology if you’re curious about bacteria, viruses and other tiny life forms. You’ll study how microbes affect health, ecosystems and biotechnology.
Combined degrees
Combine molecular life sciences with a second subject to match your interests and goals. You’ll get a broader education and discover exciting new opportunities.
Student life & community
Connect with other Molecular Life Sciences students through the MLSC Student Society. From your first year onward, you’ll have opportunities to attend social events, find volunteer opportunities, get academic support and meet faculty members.
It’s a great way to make friends, build community and connect with people who share your interest in science.
Co-operative study
- Through UVic’s co-op program, you’ll apply what you learn in paid, career-related positions that count toward your degree—and give you a head start after graduation.
- Co-op is available to everyone, including international students with co-op work permits.
- On average, 70 percent of UVic co-op students graduate with a job offer already in hand.
Student spotlight
Biochemistry student Priyanka Kahlon spent a year as a molecular biology research assistant with Fisheries and Oceans Canada, supporting a coast-wide fish health surveillance project involving thousands of samples. Through co-op, she applied her classroom learning to nationally funded marine research while building advanced lab and leadership skills.
Admission requirements
Apply directly to this program as a high school student or a transfer student from another post-secondary institution.
Select your education system
Choose your current or most recent high school, college or university to see your admission requirements.
British Columbia & Yukon
Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.
Required courses
Grade 11 courses
- Approved English 11
- Pre‑calculus 11
- Chemistry 11
- Physics 11
- Approved social studies 11/12
Grade 12 courses
- English Studies 12 or English First Peoples 12 (minimum 73%)
- Pre‑calculus 12 (minimum 77%)
- Two approved science 12 courses
- If you take two courses in the same science subject (e.g. Physics 12 and AP/IB Physics 12), only the course with the highest grade will be accepted. You must take another science 12 subject to meet the admission requirements.
See all approved high school courses for BC and Yukon.
Recommended admission average
The recommended admission average is an estimate based on data from recent admission cycles. The actual admission average required for entry may be higher in the future due to increased competition and limited capacity.
Estimated admission average: Minimum 85% (based on the required grade 12 courses)
Expanded qualifications
Academic performance is the main criterion for an offer of admission, but a limited number of students graduating from Canadian high schools may also be considered based on non-academic qualifications.
Learn more about expanded qualifications.
Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.
Required courses
Grade 11 courses
- English Language Arts 20‑1
- Mathematics 20‑1
- Chemistry 20
- Physics 20
- Approved social studies 20
Grade 12 courses
- English Language Arts 30‑1 (minimum 73%)
- Mathematics 30‑1 (minimum 77%)
- Two approved science 30 courses
See all approved high school courses for Alberta and Nunavut.
Recommended admission average
The recommended admission average is an estimate based on data from recent admission cycles. The actual admission average required for entry may be higher in the future due to increased competition and limited capacity.
Estimated admission average: Minimum 85% (based on the required grade 12 courses)
Expanded qualifications
Academic performance is the main criterion for an offer of admission, but a limited number of students graduating from Canadian high schools may also be considered based on non-academic qualifications.
Learn more about expanded qualifications.
Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.
Required courses
- Full IB diploma with at least three subjects at the Higher Level
- English HL or SL (minimum score of 3)
- Math HL or SL (minimum score of 4)
- Math Studies or Math Applications and Interpretations SL are not acceptable
- Two of Biology, Chemistry or Physics (HL or SL)
Estimated IB score
Estimated scores are based on data from recent admission cycles. The actual score required for entry may be higher in the future due to increased competition and limited capacity.
Estimated IB score: 30 points (excluding additional points)
Expanded qualifications
Academic performance is the main criterion for an offer of admission, but a limited number of students graduating from Canadian high schools may also be considered based on non-academic qualifications.
Learn more about expanded qualifications.
Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.
Required courses
Grade 11 courses
- English Language Arts 30S
- Pre‑calculus 30S
- Chemistry 30S
- Physics 30S
- Approved social studies 30S
Grade 12 courses
- English Language Arts 40S (minimum 73%)
- Pre‑calculus 40S (minimum 77%)
- Two approved science 40S courses
See all approved high school courses for Manitoba.
All versions of English Language Arts 30S and English Language Arts 40S are acceptable as the required English courses, except for ELA: English Language & Technical Communication.
Recommended admission average
The recommended admission average is an estimate based on data from recent admission cycles. The actual admission average required for entry may be higher in the future due to increased competition and limited capacity.
Estimated admission average: Minimum 85% (based on the required grade 12 courses)
Expanded qualifications
Academic performance is the main criterion for an offer of admission, but a limited number of students graduating from Canadian high schools may also be considered based on non-academic qualifications.
Learn more about expanded qualifications.
Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.
Required courses
Grade 11 courses
- English 111 or 112
- Pre‑calculus 110
- Chemistry 111 or 112
- Physics 111 or 112
- Approved social studies 110/111/112
Grade 12 courses
- English 121 or 122 (minimum 73%)
- Pre‑calculus B120 (minimum 77%)
- Two approved science 120/121/122 courses
See all approved high school courses for New Brunswick.
Recommended admission average
The recommended admission average is an estimate based on data from recent admission cycles. The actual admission average required for entry may be higher in the future due to increased competition and limited capacity.
Estimated admission average: Minimum 85% (based on the required grade 12 courses)
Expanded qualifications
Academic performance is the main criterion for an offer of admission, but a limited number of students graduating from Canadian high schools may also be considered based on non-academic qualifications.
Learn more about expanded qualifications.
Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.
Required courses
Grade 11 courses
- English Language Arts 2201
- Math 2200 (advanced)
- Chemistry 2202
- Physics 2204
- Approved social studies 2200
Grade 12 courses
- English Language Arts 3201 (minimum 73%)
- Math 3200 (advanced) (minimum 77%)
- Two approved science 3200/4200 courses
See all approved high school courses for Newfoundland and Labrador.
Recommended admission average
The recommended admission average is an estimate based on data from recent admission cycles. The actual admission average required for entry may be higher in the future due to increased competition and limited capacity.
Estimated admission average: Minimum 85% (based on the required grade 12 courses)
Expanded qualifications
Academic performance is the main criterion for an offer of admission, but a limited number of students graduating from Canadian high schools may also be considered based on non-academic qualifications.
Learn more about expanded qualifications.
Curriculum change
High schools in the Northwest Territories are changing from the Alberta curriculum to the BC curriculum.
- If you graduate in 2027 (or after), your admission requirements are based on the BC curriculum.
- If you graduated in 2026 (or before), your admission requirements are based on the Alberta curriculum.
Learn more about the JK-12 Curriculum Renewal.
Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.
Required courses
Grade 11 courses
- English 11 (academic)
- Math 11 (academic) or Advanced Math 11
- Chemistry 11
- Physics 11
- Approved social studies 11
Grade 12 courses
- English 12 (academic) (minimum 73%)
- Pre-calculus Math 12 (minimum 77%)
- Two approved science 12 courses
See all approved high school courses for Nova Scotia.
Recommended admission average
The recommended admission average is an estimate based on data from recent admission cycles. The actual admission average required for entry may be higher in the future due to increased competition and limited capacity.
Estimated admission average: Minimum 85% (based on the required grade 12 courses)
Expanded qualifications
Academic performance is the main criterion for an offer of admission, but a limited number of students graduating from Canadian high schools may also be considered based on non-academic qualifications.
Learn more about expanded qualifications.
Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.
Required courses
- Chemistry 3U
- Physics 3U
- English 4U (minimum 73%)
- Advanced Functions 4U (minimum 77%)
- Two approved science 4U courses
- Two additional 4U/4M courses
See all approved high school courses for Ontario.
Recommended admission average
The recommended admission average is an estimate based on data from recent admission cycles. The actual admission average required for entry may be higher in the future due to increased competition and limited capacity.
Estimated admission average: Minimum 85% (based on the required grade 12 courses)
Expanded qualifications
Academic performance is the main criterion for an offer of admission, but a limited number of students graduating from Canadian high schools may also be considered based on non-academic qualifications.
Learn more about expanded qualifications.
Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.
Required courses
Grade 11 courses
- English 521A (academic)
- Math 521A or 521B
- Chemistry 511A or 521A
- Physics 521A
- Approved social studies 521A
Grade 12 courses
- English 621A (academic) (minimum 73%)
- Math 621A or 621B (minimum 77%)
- Two approved science 621A courses
See all approved high school courses for Prince Edward Island.
Recommended admission average
The recommended admission average is an estimate based on data from recent admission cycles. The actual admission average required for entry may be higher in the future due to increased competition and limited capacity.
Estimated admission average: Minimum 85% (based on the required grade 12 courses)
Expanded qualifications
Academic performance is the main criterion for an offer of admission, but a limited number of students graduating from Canadian high schools may also be considered based on non-academic qualifications.
Learn more about expanded qualifications.
The following admission requirements are for private high schools in Québec that follow the Ontario curriculum. If you're attending a CÉGEP, refer to the transfer requirements for CÉGEP students.
Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.
Required courses (Ontario curriculum)
- Chemistry 3U
- Physics 3U
- English 4U (minimum 73%)
- Advanced Functions 4U (minimum 77%)
- Two approved science 4U courses
- Two additional 4U/4M courses
See all approved high school courses for Ontario.
Recommended admission average
The recommended admission average is an estimate based on data from recent admission cycles. The actual admission average required for entry may be higher in the future due to increased competition and limited capacity.
Estimated admission average: Minimum 85% (based on the required grade 12 courses)
Expanded qualifications
Academic performance is the main criterion for an offer of admission, but a limited number of students graduating from Canadian high schools may also be considered based on non-academic qualifications.
Learn more about expanded qualifications.
Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.
Required courses
Grade 11 courses
- English Language Arts 20
- Pre‑calculus 20
- Physical Science 20 (or Chemistry 20 and Physics 20)
- Approved social studies 20/30
Grade 12 courses
-
English as required by your graduation program (minimum 73% for all courses):
- Regular English: both of English Language Arts A30 and B30
- New SK Regular or SK French Immersion: one English Language Arts course at level 30
- Pre‑calculus 30 (minimum 77%)
- Two approved science 30 courses
See all approved high school courses for Saskatchewan.
The marks from English Language Arts A30 and B30 will be averaged to provide a single English mark that will be used in your admission average calculation.
Recommended admission average
The recommended admission average is an estimate based on data from recent admission cycles. The actual admission average required for entry may be higher in the future due to increased competition and limited capacity.
Estimated admission average: Minimum 85% (based on the required grade 12 courses)
Expanded qualifications
Academic performance is the main criterion for an offer of admission, but a limited number of students graduating from Canadian high schools may also be considered based on non-academic qualifications.
Learn more about expanded qualifications.
Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.
Required courses
- Graduation from a recognized high school with 14 or more college preparatory courses
- 4 English (minimum C+ in senior-level English)
- 4 math including pre-calculus (minimum B-)
- 3 science (at least one must have a lab component):
- 1 chemistry
- 1 physics
- 1 of the following:
- a biology, environmental science or geology course taken in your senior year (AP and IB HL courses are also acceptable)
- a second chemistry or physics course (does not need to be taken in your senior year)
- 3 social studies
Recommended admission average
The recommended admission average is an estimate based on data from recent admission cycles. The actual admission average required for entry may be higher in the future due to increased competition and limited capacity.
Estimated admission average: Minimum 3.40 (cumulative unweighted GPA)
Standardized tests
Standardized tests are not required, but will be considered if submitted.
- SAT score: minimum 1250 (UVic code 0989)
- Composite ACT score: minimum 26 (UVic code 5327)
Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.
Required courses
- General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) and Advanced Level Examinations
- One of the following combinations (minimum grade of "C" in each exam):
- 3 A-level exams
- 2 A-level exams and 2 AS-level exams in distinct subjects
- 4 AS-level exams in distinct subjects
- English at the ordinary or advanced level
- Mathematics at the advanced level
- Two of biology, chemistry or physics at the ordinary or advanced level (at least one must be at the advanced level)
Recommended admission average
The recommended admission average is an estimate based on data from recent admission cycles. The actual admission average required for entry may be higher in the future due to increased competition and limited capacity.
A-level grades: BBC (based on 3 exams)
If you haven't written three A-level exams, your application will be evaluated using a combination of 2 A-level and 2 AS-level exams, or on 4 AS-level exams.
Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.
Required courses
- Senior secondary school graduation showing grade results for Senior Years 1, 2 and 3 with a minimum overall average of 80%
- Huikao or Xuekao
- Three years of senior-level secondary school math (Pre-Calculus) (Minimum 85% in senior math)
- Chemistry and Physics (Grade 11 or equivalent)
- Two senior-level science courses (Grade 12 or equivalent)
Recommended admission average
The recommended admission average is an estimate based on data from recent admission cycles. The actual admission average required for entry may be higher in the future due to increased competition and limited capacity.
Estimated admission average: 85% (based on the average from years 10 to 12)
Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.
Required courses
- Twelve years of academic preparation and one of the following:
- Indian Senior School Certificate (CISCE) or All India Senior School Certificate (CBSE) with at least 75%.
- Year 12 State Board Exams: Higher Secondary School Certificate (HSSC); applicants with excellent academic results will be considered on a case-by-case basis
- Chemistry and Physics (Grade 11 or equivalent)
- Senior-level academic math course (minimum grade of 85% on board exams)
- Two senior-level science courses
Recommended admission average
The recommended admission average is an estimate based on data from recent admission cycles. The actual admission average required for entry may be higher in the future due to increased competition and limited capacity.
- Estimated admission average for Class X board exam results: 82%
- Estimated admission average for Class XII board exam results: 77%
Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.
Required courses
- Full IB diploma with at least three subjects at the Higher Level
- English HL or SL (minimum score of 3)
- Math HL or SL (minimum score of 4)
- Math Studies or Math Applications and Interpretations SL are not acceptable
- Two of Biology, Chemistry or Physics (HL or SL)
Estimated IB score
Estimated scores are based on data from recent admission cycles. The actual score required for entry may be higher in the future due to increased competition and limited capacity.
Estimated IB score: 30 points (excluding additional points)
Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.
Required courses
- Successful completion of Bachillerato
- Chemistry and Physics (Grade 11 or equivalent)
- Senior-level academic math course (minimum grade of 8.0)
- Two senior-level science courses
Recommended admission average
The recommended admission average is an estimate based on data from recent admission cycles. The actual admission average required for entry may be higher in the future due to increased competition and limited capacity.
Estimated admission average: 8.3 (based on the overall average of grades 10-12)
Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.
Required courses
- Completion of Senior Secondary School Graduation Certificate and National High School Graduation Examination
- Chemistry and Physics (Grade 11 or equivalent)
- Senior-level academic math course (minimum grade of 8.0)
- Two senior-level science courses
Recommended admission average
The recommended admission average is an estimate based on data from recent admission cycles. The actual admission average required for entry may be higher in the future due to increased competition and limited capacity.
Estimated admission average: 8.0 (based on years 10-12 with good scores required on the Certificate of Examination Results)
Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.
Required courses
- Twelve years of academic preparation and graduation from a recognized senior secondary school or completion of a recognized diploma program.
- Applicants must satisfy the minimum admission requirements for international students.
- High school graduation examinations or university entrance examinations offered in the home country may also be required.
- Chemistry and Physics (Grade 11 or equivalent)
- Senior-level academic math course
- Two senior-level science courses
The following admission requirements are the minimums as stated in the UVic academic calendar. The actual admission average required for entry may be higher in the future due to increased competition and limited capacity.
Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.
Minimum required average
| Amount of study completed | Minimum average |
|---|---|
| Eight or more university-transfer courses (equivalent to 12 UVic units or 24 credits) | "C" (2.00 on the UVic 9‑point scale) on the most recent 12 UVic units/24 credits |
| One full year of a diploma program | "A-" (7.00 on the UVic 9‑point scale) on all courses attempted |
| Completed diploma program | "B" (5.00 on the UVic 9‑point scale) on all courses attempted |
| Certificate program | Not eligible for admission |
Admission averages include all repeated and failed courses.
If you have not completed the equivalent of 12 UVic units or at least one year of a diploma program, you are also required to meet the high school requirements for Year 1 entry.
Required courses
The following post-secondary courses (or equivalents) are required:
- Two of MATH 100, 101, 102, 109 or 151
- Four approved Science courses
Refer to the academic calendar for course descriptions. If you have not completed all of the above courses, your high school transcript may also be considered when your application is evaluated.
The following admission requirements are the minimums as stated in the UVic academic calendar. The actual admission average required for entry may be higher in the future due to increased competition and limited capacity.
Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.
Minimum required average
| Amount of study completed | Minimum average |
|---|---|
| One full year of a diploma program | "A-" (7.00 on the UVic 9‑point scale) |
| Two or more years of a diploma program | "B" (5.00 on the UVic 9‑point scale) |
| Three-year diploma program | "B" (5.00 on the UVic 9‑point scale) |
| Certificate | Not eligible for admission |
Admission averages include all repeated and failed courses.
If you have not completed the equivalent of 12 UVic units or at least one year of a diploma program, you are also required to meet the high school requirements for Year 1 entry.
Required courses
The following post-secondary courses (or equivalents) are required:
- Two of MATH 100, 101, 102, 109 or 151
- Four approved Science courses
Refer to the academic calendar for course descriptions. If you have not completed all of the above courses, your high school transcript may also be considered when your application is evaluated.
The following admission requirements are the minimums as stated in the UVic academic calendar. The actual admission average required for entry may be higher in the future due to increased competition and limited capacity.
Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.
Minimum required average
| Amount of study completed | Minimum average |
|---|---|
| Eight or more university-transfer courses (equivalent to 12 UVic units or 24 credits) | "C" (2.00 on the UVic 9‑point scale) on the most recent 12 UVic units/24 credits |
| One full year of a diploma program | "A-" (7.00 on the UVic 9‑point scale) on all courses attempted |
| Completed diploma program | "B" (5.00 on the UVic 9‑point scale) on all courses attempted |
| Certificate program | Not eligible for admission |
Admission averages include all repeated and failed courses.
If you have not completed the equivalent of 12 UVic units or at least one year of a diploma program, you are also required to meet the high school requirements for Year 1 entry.
Required courses
The following post-secondary courses (or equivalents) are required:
- Two of MATH 100, 101, 102, 109 or 151
- Four approved Science courses
Refer to the academic calendar for course descriptions. If you have not completed all of the above courses, your high school transcript may also be considered when your application is evaluated.
The following admission requirements are the minimums as stated in the UVic academic calendar. The actual admission average required for entry may be higher in the future due to increased competition and limited capacity.
Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.
Minimum required average
| Amount of study completed | Minimum average |
|---|---|
| Eight or more university-level courses (equivalent to 12 UVic units or 24 credits) | "C" (2.00 on the UVic 9‑point scale) on the most recent 12 UVic units/24 credits |
Admission averages include all repeated and failed courses.
If you have not completed the equivalent of 12 UVic units or at least one year of a diploma program, you are also required to meet the high school requirements for Year 1 entry.
Required courses
The following post-secondary courses (or equivalents) are required:
- Two of MATH 100, 101, 102, 109 or 151
- Four approved Science courses
Refer to the academic calendar for course descriptions. If you have not completed all of the above courses, your high school transcript may also be considered when your application is evaluated.
Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.
Minimum requirements
- One or more years of an approved diploma program with a minimum average of 70% or "B" (5.00 on the UVic 9-point scale) on all courses attempted
- Two semesters of English
- Two semesters of math
- Two semesters each of two science subjects
Additional requirements for entry to Year 2
To be considered for Year 2, applicants must have completed at least 12 units of transferrable coursework, including the following courses (or equivalents):
- Two of MATH 100, 101, 102, 109 or 151
- Four approved Science courses
The following admission requirements are the minimums as stated in the UVic academic calendar. The actual admission average required for entry may be higher in the future due to increased competition and limited capacity.
Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.
Minimum required average
| Amount of study completed | Minimum average |
|---|---|
| Eight or more university-transfer courses (equivalent to 12 UVic units or 24 credits) | "C" (2.00 on the UVic 9‑point scale) on the most recent 12 UVic units/24 credits |
| One full year of a diploma program | "A-" (7.00 on the UVic 9‑point scale) on all courses attempted |
| Completed diploma program | "B" (5.00 on the UVic 9‑point scale) on all courses attempted |
| Certificate program | Not eligible for admission |
Admission averages include all repeated and failed courses.
If you have not completed the equivalent of 12 UVic units or at least one year of a diploma program, you are also required to meet the high school requirements for Year 1 entry.
Required courses
The following post-secondary courses (or equivalents) are required:
- Two of MATH 100, 101, 102, 109 or 151
- Four approved Science courses
Refer to the academic calendar for course descriptions. If you have not completed all of the above courses, your high school transcript may also be considered when your application is evaluated.
The following admission requirements are the minimums as stated in the UVic academic calendar. The actual admission average required for entry may be higher in the future due to increased competition and limited capacity.
Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.
Minimum required average
| Amount of study completed | Minimum average |
|---|---|
| One full year of study in a bachelor degree program at a recognized university | "B" (5.00 on the UVic 9‑point scale) on the most recent 12 UVic units (24 credits) |
Admission averages include all repeated and failed courses.
If you have not completed the equivalent of 12 UVic units or at least one year of a diploma program, you are also required to meet the high school requirements for Year 1 entry.
Required courses
The following post-secondary courses (or equivalents) are required:
- Two of MATH 100, 101, 102, 109 or 151
- Four approved Science courses
Refer to the academic calendar for course descriptions. If you have not completed all of the above courses, your high school transcript may also be considered when your application is evaluated.
English language proficiency
If English is not your primary language at home and school, you must demonstrate language proficiency to attend UVic.
Tuition & Fees
Tuition rates effective May 1, 2026 (please note some ancillary fees are subject to change for Fall 2026).
This is an estimate only and should be used to give students, parents, and/or sponsors an approximation of the tuition and ancillary fees. This estimate does not include housing, food, cost of books and supplies or other expenses that students can expect in a term.
Ready to apply?
We'll walk you through all of the steps in the process, from submitting your online application to accepting your offer of admission.