Molecular Life Sciences
Bachelor of Science (BSc)
Why choose Molecular Life Sciences at UVic?
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.
Customize your degree
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.
Best fit if you like: chemistry, biology, medicine, genetics, cancer research or biotechnology.
Choose microbiology if you’re curious about bacteria, viruses and other tiny life forms. You’ll study how microbes affect health, ecosystems and biotechnology.
Best fit if you like: infectious disease, public health, lab work, environmental science or biotech.
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.
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.
Inspiring courses
- Biochemistry of Signal Transduction
- Epigenetic Regulation of Chromatin
- Applied Research Laboratory Techniques
Career possibilities
- Health-care professional
- Biotechnologist
- Pharmacologist
- Industrial chemist
- Research and development professional
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, 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.
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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