Biochemistry
Bachelor of Science (BSc)
Why choose biochemistry at UVic?
At UVic, Biochemistry blends biology and chemistry to explore everything from genomics and proteomics to cancer, metabolic disease and molecular evolution. You’ll build advanced lab skills in upper-level courses, gain real research experience alongside faculty and have the option to complete original research through an Honours thesis. Add co-op opportunities and customizable focus areas, and you graduate with both scientific depth and practical, career-ready expertise — all while studying in Victoria, BC.
Hands-on learning
Deepen your expertise through:
- Research experience — volunteer in a faculty lab and contribute to active research projects.
- Honours program — complete original research and defend a thesis under faculty supervision.
- Directed studies — work directly with a professor in a focused area of their research.
Earn while you learn
Co-operative Education (Co-op)
- 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.
- Unlike at some universities, at UVic, you don’t have to compete for a spot in Co-op.
Co-op in action: Priyanka's chemistry co-op story
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.
Customize your degree
Focus your studies in areas such as:
- Cellular and molecular biology
- Cancer and immunology
- Proteomics
- Molecular structure and function
Shape a degree that aligns with your academic interests and long-term goals in research, health or biotechnology.
Career possibilities
- Health-care professional
- Biotechnologist
- Pharmacologist
- Industrial chemist
- Research and development professional
Inspiring courses
- Biochemistry of Signal Transduction
- Epigenetic Regulation of Chromatin
- Applied Research Laboratory Techniques
Admission
Apply directly to this program as a high school student or a transfer student from another post-secondary institution.
Program details
Providing you accurate application deadlines, tuition fee estimates, admission requirements, scholarships and transfer credit depends on your situation.
Program details
Application deadline
Admission requirements
Recommended admission average
Expanded qualifications
English language proficiency
Transfer credit
Tuition & fees
Tuition rates effective May 1, 2025 (please note some ancillary fees are subject to change for Fall 2025).
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.
Scholarships
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We'll walk you through all of the steps in the process, from submitting your online application to accepting your offer of admission.
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