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Office of the Associate Dean, Undergraduate Studies

McMaster Academic Planner (MAP) - Faculty of Science

Honours Chemical Biology

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

Learn More About Level 2 Program Types

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 20G3

Organic Chemistry 1

CHEMBIO 20D3

Organic Chemistry 2

BIOLOGY 2B03

Cell Biology