Chemical Biology is the study of biological molecules and living organisms while using the strategies, tools and techniques of chemistry. It crosses the borders between chemistry, biochemistry and biology, integrating tools from all three disciplines.
Chemical biologists use small molecule probes and advanced analytical methods to solve complex biological problems such as the mechanisms of disease, the regulation of biological pathways and the roles of different biomolecules in controlling cellular function (or dysfunction).
Program Type
Honours Bachelor of Science
Degree at Graduation
Limited Enrollment
Co-op Program
Beginning in Level 3
Admission Requirements
Enrollment in this program is limited.
Admission is by selection but requires, as a minimum, completion of any Level 1 program with a Grade Point Average of at least 5.0 including:
- CHEM 1A03, 1AA3 with an average of at least 6.0 (C+) between the courses
- BIOLOGY 1A03, 1M03 with an average of at least 6.0 (C+) in each
- 1 course from MATH 1A03, 1LS3
- 1 course from PHYSICS 1A03, 1C03
- 2 courses from the Science 1 Course List
Typical Second-Year Courses
CHEMBIO 2A03
Introduction to Bio-Analytical Chemistry
CHEMBIO 2L03
Pharmaceutical Chemistry Laboratory 1: Biomolecular Interactions
CHEMBIO 2PO3
Physical Chemistry Tools for Chemical Biology
CHEMBIO 2Q03
Inquiry for Chemical Biology
CHEMBIO 2OG3
Organic Chemistry 1
CHEMBIO 2OD3
Organic Chemistry 2
BIOLOGY 2B03
Cell Biology
Career Opportunities
Chemical Biology students develop a range of skills that are easily transferred to a wide range of careers.
Graduates have pursued careers in the following areas:
- Medicinal Chemistry
- Pharmacy
- Advanced Materials
- Nanotechnology
- Radiochemistry
- Bioanalytical Chemistry
- Environmental Chemistry
- Green Chemistry
- Biotechnology
- Forensic Science
- Computational Chemistry