What is Biochemistry and Biological Chemistry?
Biochemistry and Biological Chemistry are Physical Sciences that examine the chemical processes of living systems. Both examine topics like:
- Toxins/poisons, their effects and how to neutralize them
- Enzymes/proteins: their composition, structure, function and activity
- DNA and RNA: structure, damage and repair
- Metabolism – chemical transformations that sustain life – and its pathways
- Structures and roles of carbohydrates and lipids
- And many more
What makes Biochemistry and Biological Chemistry at UTSC unique?
- Both programs have award-winning, highly motivated and engaging instructors, as well as dedicated program supervisors
- The practical component of the programs takes place in a new building with state-of- the-art space and instrumentation.
Skills of Biochemistry and Biological Chemistry Grads
- Engage in team-based research, analysis and problem solving
- Design and/or conduct laboratory research including data collection, analysis and interpretation
- Write technical reports and project proposals
- Present research findings/topics in an organized and succinct manner for a wide variety of audiences
- Application of modern analytical instrumentation to biological problems
- Use of current information databases and relevant software
- Engage in ethical research practices
Entry-Level Jobs for Bachelor Grads
Common employment destinations include:
- Quality Analyst in Product Development
- Scientific Affairs Liaison in Food Packaging
- Sales Representative in Manufacturing
- Drug Safety Assessor in Pharmaceuticals
- Scientific Analyst/Regulator in Government
- Junior Environmental Scientist in Engineering
- Associate Product Manager in Medical Supplies
- Junior Environmental Technician in Energy Production
- Technical Marketing Associate in Chemicals
Biochemistry and Biological Chemistry Grads from UTSC have gone on to:
- Sick Kids Hospital (Pharmacist Student)
- Apotex (Senior Chemist)
- Coca-Cola Enterprises (Pension Analyst)
UTSC Biochemistry and Biological Chemistry graduates are working in Research, Education, and Healthcare.
Graduate & Professional Studies
Popular further education opportunities include:
- Professional schools:
- Medicine
- Pharmacy
- Law
- Further graduate education:
- Biochemistry/biological chemistry – Master, PhD
- Biochemical technology – graduate degree
- Genetics and engineering – graduate
Examples of Fields that ‘Fit’ the Skills of Biochemistry and Biological Chemistry Grads
- Government Regulation (Federal,Provincial)
- Healthcare
- Manufacturing
- Agribusiness (Farming,Food)
- Government Services (Municipal, Regional, Provincial,Federal)
- Research
- Education
- Energy
Your 4-Year Career Exploration Action Plan
1. Do Your Research
The databases below provide you with details about job prospects, nature of work, educational requirements, working conditions, pay and related career paths:
- Career Cruising: Log into cln.utoronto.ca, click on Resources, and click on Career Cruising to be logged in automatically
- O*Net: online.onetcenter.org (U.S. site)
Attend our workshop Discover Your Skills and Career Options, meet with a Career Counsellor, and use our resources to get to know your skills, values, personality and interests.
Use the advice on our tip sheets for gathering information:
- Information Interviews
- Working On-Campus
- Internships
- Volunteering
2. Explore Career Options & Get Experience
Gain exposure to your options in the world of work and make connections while you’re a student via campus events and programs listed on cln.utoronto.ca and ccr.utoronto.ca:
- Extern Job Shadowing
- In the Field
- Explore It! (course-based)
- Partners in Leadership (4th year students)
- iLead, uLead, weLead (Department of Student Life)
- Employer Information Sessions
- Career & Volunteer Fairs
- Departmental Student Association Events
Apply for Work Study jobs in CLN in Fall and Spring! You might also find work via the SCSU.
Find networking opportunities, internship programs and entry-level jobs via websites like TalentEgg and Charity Village.
As an upper year student (14+ credits), attend UTSC’s Get Hired conference and participate in Jobs for Grads.
As a graduate, explore internships and other trainee programs like Career Edge.
3. Build Your Network
Explore professional associations and get involved! Volunteer for their events and get to know people in your industry of interest. These are your future mentors, supervisors and colleagues!
- Environmental & Physical Sciences Student Association
- Canadian Society for Molecular Biosciences
- BIOTECanada
- Biotalent Canada
- Canadian Society of Clinical Chemists
- Chemistry Industry Association
- Canada Pharma
- Cdn Society for Medical Laboratory Science
- Ontario College of Teachers
- Canadian Institute of Food Science
- Ontario Food Protection Association
- Canadian Association for Professionals in Regulatory Affairs
Please note: This information is a starting point for your further research into career options in this field of study. For more information on this program and course requirements, please visit the Department of Physical & Environmental Sciences website.