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Programs

The Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences offers:

  • Three bachelor of health sciences in biochemistry program streams
  • Minor in biochemistry
  • Bachelor-master of health sciences program in biomedical discovery and commercialization

Information Box Group

Eligibility and application to honours biochemistry (BHSc)

Information for high school students

Honours biochemistry (BHSc) is a Level II entry program. Students typically apply at the end of their first year of undergraduate studies at McMaster University.

Students from any undergraduate program who have met the course and GPA requirements may be considered for admission. While there is no program requirement to be eligible for admission, these courses are most commonly completed in the Life Science Gateway I program. Full admission requirements for honours biochemistry can be found in the Undergraduate Academic Calendar. For admission information related to Life Science Gateway I, please review the Associate Dean of Science (Academic)’s website and contact them with any inquiries.

Admission requirements – honours biochemistry (BHSc)

Current McMaster undergraduate students

Eligibility for admission into honours biochemistry is based on grade point average (GPA), and completion of the following courses. Honours biochemistry (BHSc) is a limited enrollment program. A minimum GPA of 6.0 is required for consideration but the GPA cutoff will change year to year based on the merit of that year’s applicants.

Course requirements:

  • 6 units of BIOLOGY 1A03 and BIOLOGY 1M03
  • 6 units of CHEM 1A03 and CHEM 1AA3
  • 3 units of MATH 1A03 or MATH 1LS3
  • 3 units of PHYSICS 1A03 or PHYSICS 1C03
  • 6 units from the Science I Course List

Note: A grade of at least C+ in four of BIOLOGY 1A03, 1M03, CHEM 1A03, 1AA3 and either MATH 1A03 or 1LS3 is required.

There is no supplementary application to complete for admission into honours biochemistry (BHSc).

The admission cutoff GPA changes each year depending on the number and merit of the applicants. A typical cutoff ranges from 9.0 – 10.5, but may be higher or lower.

All Other Students

Students with at least one year completed at another university are eligible to apply to honours biochemistry (BHSc) through OUAC (105 application). Admission is by selection and course equivalencies to the admission requirements needed by current McMaster students must be completed.

Level II program option: honours biochemistry (BHSc)

  • A more broadly based academic program that would be chosen if you intend to apply to a professional school or if graduate school is not one of your main aims. It allows more room for electives to pursue other interests (e.g., a minor in another faculty).
  • After admission in Level II, students may remain in honours biochemistry (BHSc) or may choose to apply to one of the department’s Level III entry programs.

Entry from Level III

Honours biochemistry – biomedical research specialization (BHSc)

  • For students interested in gaining hands-on experience with the cutting-edge research done in our department.
  • A research intensive option offers up to 21 units of additional laboratory experience to students who may be interested in pursuing graduate studies or a career in research and development.
  • Admission is from Level II honours biochemistry and course requirements can be found in the Undergraduate Academic Calendar.
  • Admission is based on GPA, and an additional supplementary application.  Please email us for details.

Honours biochemistry co-op (BHSc)

  • This 5-year work-study program provides an excellent opportunity for students to develop laboratory skills while obtaining work experience relevant to academia or in the private sector.
  • Entry in Level III following completion of Level II Honours Biochemistry (BHSc)
  • For more information, please go to the Science Career & Cooperative Education website.
  • Admission and course requirements can be found in the Undergraduate Academic Calendar.

Bachelor-master in biomedical discovery and commercialization (BDC)

Minor in biochemistry

Requirements can be found in the Undergraduate Academic Calendar.

Specializations through other faculties

Honours arts & science and biochemistry