Biological and Pharmaceutical Chemistry (BPCH)
Department of Chemistry, College of Engineering and Physical Sciences
The Biological and Pharmaceutical Chemistry program combines the worlds of chemistry and biology in an interdisciplinary fashion using the powerful tools of chemistry to unravel the mysteries of biology. Through hands-on laboratory training, you will master synthetic and analytical techniques and explore pharmaceutical analysis, product formulations and research options. BPCH prepares you for a variety of career and research outcomes after your undergraduate degree. You can learn more about the Department of Chemistry on the Department's website. If you need help with planning your courses, please contact your faculty advisor or program counsellor.
Biological and Pharmaceutical Chemistry Program Learning Outcomes
- Critically evaluate ideas and arguments by gathering and integrating relevant information, assessing its credibility, and synthesizing evidence to formulate a hypothesis, and/or apply an appropriate model, or theory.
- Identify problems and propose solutions individually or as part of a group using creative approaches, acquired through interdisciplinary experiences, and a depth and breadth of knowledge/expertise.
- Accurately interpret and use numerical information or scientific reasoning to evaluate and formulate a hypothesis, model, or theory.
- Accurately and effectively communicate scientific ideas, arguments, and analyses, to a range of audiences, in graphical, oral and written form.
- Demonstrate clear and accurate scientific writing in literature reviews, laboratory reports, or term projects.
- Demonstrate personal and professional integrity by respectfully considering diverse points of view and the intellectual contribution of others, and by demonstrating a commitment to honesty and equity, in scientific practice and society at large.
- Collaborate effectively as part of a team by demonstrating mutual respect, leadership, and an ability to set goals and manage tasks and timelines.
- Plan for professional growth and personal development within and beyond the undergraduate program.
- Demonstrate the ability to examine and interpret intellectual property and/or liability issues pertinent to the range of chemical, pharmaceutical and biochemical industries.
- Demonstrate proper upkeep of laboratory notebooks and lab reports with accurate descriptions of steps carried out in laboratory settings and correct numerical values.
- Apply scientific methods and processes by formulating questions, designing investigations and collecting and processing data to draw conclusions and make scientifically based decisions.
- Generate and interpret scientific data using quantitative, qualitative, and analytical methodologies and techniques.
- Gather, critically assess, and utilize primary scientific literature, digital tools and databases to research a topic.
- Evaluate the limitations of and troubleshoot experimental approaches.
- Design and implement an experiment from start to finish that incorporates analytical, synthetic and/or biochemical techniques to solve a problem being presented.
- Apply the core concepts of mathematics, statistics, physics, chemistry, and biology to the chemistry discipline.
- Demonstrate knowledge of the environmental, ethical, economic, commercial, health and social implications of scientific discovery and/or technological innovation.
- Interpret current scientific concepts and gaps in knowledge (and methods) in the chemistry discipline.
- Demonstrate advanced, contemporary, and relevant knowledge in pharmaceutical chemistry and biochemistry.
- Apply contemporary research methods, skills, and techniques to conduct independent inquiry in chemistry.
- Work safely and effectively in the laboratory to generate reproducible and reliable results.
- Conduct research effectively and reliably with relevant, modern analytical, synthetic, and biochemical instrumentation and techniques.
- Understand and safely navigate hazards including biohazards associated with chemicals and equipment when working in a laboratory setting, including critical assessment of chemical accidents in industry and academia.
Major Requirements (Honours)
This is a major within the degree: Bachelor of Science.
Students may enter this major in Semester 1 or any semester thereafter. A student wishing to declare the major may wish to consult the Faculty Advisor or Program Counsellor.
Credit Summary
This major will require the completion of 20.00 total credits as indicated below:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| First year science credits | 4.00 | |
| Required science courses semesters 3 – 8 | 6.00 | |
| Option A or Option B | 2.00 - 2.50 | |
| Restricted electives (1, 2 and 3 in restricted electives list) | 3.00 - 3.50 | |
| Approved Science electives | 0.50 | |
| Liberal Education electives | 1.00 | |
| Free electives - any approved elective for B.Sc. students | 3.00 | |
| Total Credits | 20.00 | |
Of the total credits required, students are required to complete 16.00 credits in science of which 2.00 credits must be at the 4000 level and an additional 4.00 credits must be at the 3000 or 4000 level.
Students lacking Grade 12 or 4U Biology, Chemistry or Physics should follow the revised schedule of study for this major found at https://www.uoguelph.ca/bsc/revised_SS/.
Recommended Program Sequence
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Semester 1 | ||
| BIOL*1090 | Introduction to Molecular and Cellular Biology | 0.50 |
| CHEM*1040 | General Chemistry I | 0.50 |
| MATH*1200 | Calculus I | 0.50 |
| PHYS*1500 | Introductory Mechanics | 0.50 |
| 0.50 Liberal Education electives | 0.50 | |
| Semester 2 | ||
| BIOL*1070 | Discovering Biodiversity | 0.50 |
| or BIOL*1080 | Biological Concepts of Health | |
| CHEM*1050 | General Chemistry II | 0.50 |
| MATH*1210 | Calculus II | 0.50 |
| PHYS*1510 | Introductory Electricity & Magnetism | 0.50 |
| 0.50 Liberal Education electives | 0.50 | |
| Semester 3 | ||
| CHEM*2060 | Structure and Bonding | 0.50 |
| CHEM*2700 | Organic Chemistry I: Fundamentals | 0.50 |
| CHEM*2820 | Thermodynamics and Kinetics | 0.50 |
| or CHEM*2880 | Physical Chemistry | |
| STAT*2040 | Statistics I | 0.50 |
| 0.50 electives or restricted electives | 0.50 | |
| Semester 4 | ||
| BIOC*2580 | Introduction to Biochemistry | 0.50 |
| CHEM*2070 | Structure and Spectroscopy | 0.50 |
| CHEM*2400 | Analytical Chemistry I: Chemical Analysis | 0.75 |
| MICR*2420 | Introduction to Microbiology and Immunity | 0.50 |
| Electives or restricted electives to a maximum of 2.75 total credits in this semester | ||
Option A
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Semester 5 | ||
| CHEM*3430 | Analytical Chemistry II: Instrumental Analysis | 0.50 |
| CHEM*3640 | Main Group Chemistry | 0.50 |
| CHEM*3750 | Organic Chemistry II: Structure and Synthesis | 0.50 |
| 1.00 electives or restricted electives | 1.00 | |
| Semester 6 | ||
| BIOC*3560 | Structure and Function in Biochemistry | 0.50 |
| CHEM*3650 | Transition Metal Chemistry | 0.50 |
| CHEM*4020 | Chemical Discovery | 0.50 |
| 1.00 electives or restricted electives | 1.00 | |
| Semester 7 | ||
| BIOC*3570 | Analytical Biochemistry | 0.75 |
| Electives or restricted electives to a maximum of 2.75 total credits in this semester | ||
| Semester 8 | ||
| 2.50 electives or restricted electives | 2.50 | |
Restricted Electives (Option A)
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Select 1.00 credits from the following: | ||
| MBG*2040 | Foundations in Molecular Biology and Genetics | 0.50 |
| MCB*2050 | Molecular Biology of the Cell | 0.50 |
| MICR*2430 | Methods in Microbial Culture and Physiology | 0.50 |
| TOX*2000 | Principles of Toxicology | 0.50 |
| 2. Select 0.50 credits from the following: | ||
| CHEM*4720 | Organic Reactivity | 0.50 |
| CHEM*4730 | Advanced Organic Synthesis | 0.50 |
| CHEM*4740 | Bioorganic Chemistry | 0.50 |
| 3. Select a minimum of 0.50 credits at the 3000/4000 level and an additional 1.00 credits at the 4000 level from the following: | ||
| BIOC*4050 | Protein and Nucleic Acid Structure | 0.50 |
| BIOC*4520 | Metabolic Processes | 0.50 |
| BIOC*4540 | Enzymology | 0.75 |
| BIOC*4580 | Membrane Biochemistry | 0.50 |
| BIOM*3090 | Principles of Pharmacology | 0.50 |
| BIOM*3200 | Biomedical Physiology | 1.00 |
| BIOM*4090 | Pharmacology | 0.50 |
| CHEM*3360 | Environmental Chemistry and Toxicology | 0.50 |
| CHEM*3440 | Chemical Instrumentation | 0.50 |
| CHEM*4010 | Chemical Industry, Safety and Sustainability | 0.50 |
| CHEM*4400 | Electrochemistry and Sensors | 0.50 |
| CHEM*4630 | Bioinorganic Chemistry | 0.50 |
| CHEM*4720 | Organic Reactivity | 0.50 |
| CHEM*4730 | Advanced Organic Synthesis | 0.50 |
| CHEM*4740 | Bioorganic Chemistry | 0.50 |
| CHEM*4900 | Chemistry Research Project I | 1.00 |
| CHEM*4910 | Chemistry Research Project II | 1.00 |
| MBG*3040 | Molecular Biology of the Gene | 0.50 |
| MBG*3350 | Laboratory Methods in Molecular Biology | 0.75 |
| MICR*3230 | Immunology | 0.50 |
| TOX*4590 | Biochemical Toxicology | 0.50 |
Note: Some courses have prerequisites not on the required course list, and some are offered in alternate years. Students must plan ahead, with the assistance of the faculty advisor or program counsellor.
Option B
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Semester 5 | ||
| CHEM*3430 | Analytical Chemistry II: Instrumental Analysis | 0.50 |
| CHEM*3750 | Organic Chemistry II: Structure and Synthesis | 0.50 |
| 1.50 credits electives or restricted electives | 1.50 | |
| Semester 6 1 | ||
| 2.50 credits from: | ||
| XSEN*3030 | Pharmacology and Applied Toxicology | 0.50 |
| XSEN*3040 | Occupational Health and Chemistry | 0.50 |
| XSEN*3060 | Pharmaceutical Analysis - Advanced | 0.50 |
| XSEN*3070 | Pharmaceutical Product Formulations | 0.50 |
| XSEN*3090 | Biopharmaceuticals | 0.50 |
| XSEN*3200 | Pharmaceutical Organic Chemistry | 0.50 |
| XSEN*3210 | Introduction to Pharmaceutical Manufacturing | 0.50 |
| Semester 7 | ||
| BIOC*3570 | Analytical Biochemistry | 0.75 |
| Electives or restricted electives to a maximum of 2.75 total credits in this semester | ||
| Semester 8 | ||
| 2.50 credits electives or restricted electives | 2.50 | |
- 1
All XSEN courses are taught at the Seneca@York campus of Seneca College in Toronto.
Restricted Electives (Option B)
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Select 1.00 credits from the following: | ||
| MBG*2040 | Foundations in Molecular Biology and Genetics | 0.50 |
| MCB*2050 | Molecular Biology of the Cell | 0.50 |
| MICR*2430 | Methods in Microbial Culture and Physiology | 0.50 |
| TOX*2000 | Principles of Toxicology | 0.50 |
| 2. Select 0.50 credits from the following: | ||
| CHEM*4720 | Organic Reactivity | 0.50 |
| CHEM*4730 | Advanced Organic Synthesis | 0.50 |
| CHEM*4740 | Bioorganic Chemistry | 0.50 |
| 3. Select a minimum of 1.50 credits at the 4000 level from the following: | ||
| BIOC*4050 | Protein and Nucleic Acid Structure | 0.50 |
| BIOC*4520 | Metabolic Processes | 0.50 |
| BIOC*4540 | Enzymology | 0.75 |
| BIOC*4580 | Membrane Biochemistry | 0.50 |
| BIOM*4090 | Pharmacology | 0.50 |
| CHEM*4010 | Chemical Industry, Safety and Sustainability | 0.50 |
| CHEM*4020 | Chemical Discovery | 0.50 |
| CHEM*4400 | Electrochemistry and Sensors | 0.50 |
| CHEM*4630 | Bioinorganic Chemistry | 0.50 |
| CHEM*4720 | Organic Reactivity | 0.50 |
| CHEM*4730 | Advanced Organic Synthesis | 0.50 |
| CHEM*4740 | Bioorganic Chemistry | 0.50 |
| CHEM*4900 | Chemistry Research Project I | 1.00 |
| CHEM*4910 | Chemistry Research Project II | 1.00 |
| TOX*4590 | Biochemical Toxicology | 0.50 |
Note: Some courses have prerequisites not on the required course list, and some are offered in alternate years. Students must plan ahead, with the assistance of the faculty advisor or program counsellor.
Co-op Requirements (Honours)
This is a major within the degree: Bachelor of Science.
The Co-op program in Biological and Pharmaceutical Chemistry is a four and a half year program, including four work terms. Students must follow the academic work schedule as outlined below (also found on the Co-operative Education website: https://www.recruitguelph.ca/cecs/).
Academic and Co-op Work Term Schedule
| Year | Fall | Winter | Summer |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Academic Semester 1 | Academic Semester 2 COOP*1100 | Off |
| 2 | Academic Semester 3 | COOP*1000 Work Term I | Academic Semester 4 |
| 3 | Academic Semester 5 | Academic Semester 6 | COOP*2000 Work Term II |
| 4 | COOP*3000 Work Term III | Academic Semester 7 | COOP*4000 Work Term IV |
| 5 | Academic Semester 8 | N/A | N/A |
Please refer to the Co-operative Education program policy with respect to work term performance grading, work term report grading and program completion requirements.
For additional program information students should consult with their Co-op Co-ordinator and Co-op Faculty Advisor, listed on the Co-operative Education web site.
Credit Summary
(22.00 Total Credits)
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| First year science credits | 4.00 | |
| Required science courses semesters 3 – 8 | 6.00 | |
| Option A or Option B | 2.00 - 2.50 | |
| Restricted electives (1, 2 and 3 in restricted electives list) | 3.00 - 3.50 | |
| Approved Science electives | 0.50 | |
| Liberal Education electives | 1.00 | |
| Free electives - any approved elective for B.Sc. students | 3.00 | |
| Co-op Work Terms | 2.00 | |
| Total Credits | 22.00 | |
Of the total credits required, students are required to complete 16.00 credits in science of which a minimum of 2.00 credits must be at the 4000 level and an additional 4.00 credits must be at the 3000 or 4000 level.
Recommended Program Sequence
Students lacking Grade 12 or 4U Biology, Chemistry or Physics should follow the revised schedule of study for this major found at https://www.uoguelph.ca/bsc/revised_SS/.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Semester 1 - Fall | ||
| BIOL*1090 | Introduction to Molecular and Cellular Biology | 0.50 |
| CHEM*1040 | General Chemistry I | 0.50 |
| MATH*1200 | Calculus I | 0.50 |
| PHYS*1500 | Introductory Mechanics | 0.50 |
| 0.50 Liberal Education electives | 0.50 | |
| Semester 2 - Winter | ||
| BIOL*1070 | Discovering Biodiversity | 0.50 |
| or BIOL*1080 | Biological Concepts of Health | |
| CHEM*1050 | General Chemistry II | 0.50 |
| COOP*1100 | Introduction to Co-operative Education | 0.00 |
| MATH*1210 | Calculus II | 0.50 |
| PHYS*1510 | Introductory Electricity & Magnetism | 0.50 |
| 0.50 Liberal Education electives | 0.50 | |
| Semester 3 - Fall | ||
| CHEM*2060 | Structure and Bonding | 0.50 |
| CHEM*2400 | Analytical Chemistry I: Chemical Analysis | 0.75 |
| CHEM*2700 | Organic Chemistry I: Fundamentals | 0.50 |
| STAT*2040 | Statistics I | 0.50 |
| Electives or restricted electives to a maximum of 2.75 total credits in this semester | ||
| Winter Semester | ||
| COOP*1000 | Co-op Work Term I | 0.50 |
| Semester 4 - Summer | ||
| BIOC*2580 | Introduction to Biochemistry | 0.50 |
| CHEM*2070 | Structure and Spectroscopy | 0.50 |
| CHEM*3430 | Analytical Chemistry II: Instrumental Analysis | 0.50 |
| MICR*2420 | Introduction to Microbiology and Immunity | 0.50 |
| 0.50 electives or restricted electives | 0.50 | |
Option A
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Semester 5 - Fall | ||
| BIOC*3570 | Analytical Biochemistry | 0.75 |
| CHEM*2820 | Thermodynamics and Kinetics | 0.50 |
| or CHEM*2880 | Physical Chemistry | |
| CHEM*3640 | Main Group Chemistry | 0.50 |
| CHEM*3750 | Organic Chemistry II: Structure and Synthesis | 0.50 |
| Electives or restricted electives to a maximum of 2.75 total credits in this semester | ||
| Semester 6 - Winter | ||
| BIOC*3560 | Structure and Function in Biochemistry | 0.50 |
| CHEM*3650 | Transition Metal Chemistry | 0.50 |
| CHEM*4020 | Chemical Discovery | 0.50 |
| 1.00 electives or restricted electives | 1.00 | |
| Summer Semester | ||
| COOP*2000 | Co-op Work Term II | 0.50 |
| Fall Semester | ||
| COOP*3000 | Co-op Work Term III | 0.50 |
| Semester 7 - Winter | ||
| CHEM*4020 | Chemical Discovery | 0.50 |
| 2.00 electives or restricted electives | 2.00 | |
| Summer Semester | ||
| COOP*4000 | Co-op Work Term IV | 0.50 |
| Semester 8 - Fall | ||
| 2.50 electives or restricted electives | 2.50 | |
Restricted Electives (Option A)
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Select 1.00 credits from the following: | ||
| MBG*2040 | Foundations in Molecular Biology and Genetics | 0.50 |
| MCB*2050 | Molecular Biology of the Cell | 0.50 |
| MICR*2430 | Methods in Microbial Culture and Physiology | 0.50 |
| TOX*2000 | Principles of Toxicology | 0.50 |
| 2. Select 0.50 credits from the following: | ||
| CHEM*4720 | Organic Reactivity | 0.50 |
| CHEM*4730 | Advanced Organic Synthesis | 0.50 |
| CHEM*4740 | Bioorganic Chemistry | 0.50 |
| 3. Select a minimum of 0.50 credits at the 3000/4000 level and an additional 1.00 credits at the 4000 level from the following: | ||
| BIOC*4050 | Protein and Nucleic Acid Structure | 0.50 |
| BIOC*4520 | Metabolic Processes | 0.50 |
| BIOC*4540 | Enzymology | 0.75 |
| BIOC*4580 | Membrane Biochemistry | 0.50 |
| BIOM*3090 | Principles of Pharmacology | 0.50 |
| BIOM*3200 | Biomedical Physiology | 1.00 |
| BIOM*4090 | Pharmacology | 0.50 |
| CHEM*3360 | Environmental Chemistry and Toxicology | 0.50 |
| CHEM*3440 | Chemical Instrumentation | 0.50 |
| CHEM*4010 | Chemical Industry, Safety and Sustainability | 0.50 |
| CHEM*4400 | Electrochemistry and Sensors | 0.50 |
| CHEM*4630 | Bioinorganic Chemistry | 0.50 |
| CHEM*4720 | Organic Reactivity | 0.50 |
| CHEM*4730 | Advanced Organic Synthesis | 0.50 |
| CHEM*4740 | Bioorganic Chemistry | 0.50 |
| CHEM*4900 | Chemistry Research Project I | 1.00 |
| CHEM*4910 | Chemistry Research Project II | 1.00 |
| MBG*3040 | Molecular Biology of the Gene | 0.50 |
| MBG*3350 | Laboratory Methods in Molecular Biology | 0.75 |
| MICR*3230 | Immunology | 0.50 |
| NUTR*3210 | Fundamentals of Nutrition | 0.50 |
| PATH*3610 | Principles of Disease | 0.50 |
| TOX*4590 | Biochemical Toxicology | 0.50 |
Note: Some of these courses are offered only in alternate years, and some have additional prerequisites for which the student must plan ahead, with the assistance of the faculty advisor or program counsellor.
Option B
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Semester 5 - Fall | ||
| BIOC*3570 | Analytical Biochemistry (can be taken in Semester 8) | 0.75 |
| CHEM*2820 | Thermodynamics and Kinetics | 0.50 |
| or CHEM*2880 | Physical Chemistry | |
| CHEM*3750 | Organic Chemistry II: Structure and Synthesis | 0.50 |
| Electives or restricted electives to a maximum of 2.75 total credits in this semester | ||
| Semester 6 - Winter 1 | ||
| Select 2.50 credits from the following: | ||
| XSEN*3030 | Pharmacology and Applied Toxicology | 0.50 |
| XSEN*3040 | Occupational Health and Chemistry | 0.50 |
| XSEN*3060 | Pharmaceutical Analysis - Advanced | 0.50 |
| XSEN*3070 | Pharmaceutical Product Formulations | 0.50 |
| XSEN*3090 | Biopharmaceuticals | 0.50 |
| XSEN*3200 | Pharmaceutical Organic Chemistry | 0.50 |
| XSEN*3210 | Introduction to Pharmaceutical Manufacturing | 0.50 |
| Summer Semester | ||
| COOP*2000 | Co-op Work Term II | 0.50 |
| Fall Semester | ||
| COOP*3000 | Co-op Work Term III | 0.50 |
| Semester 7 - Winter | ||
| 2.50 electives or restricted electives | 2.50 | |
| Summer Semester | ||
| COOP*4000 | Co-op Work Term IV | 0.50 |
| Semester 8 - Fall | ||
| 2.50 electives or restricted electives | 2.50 | |
- 1
All XSEN courses are taught at the Seneca@York campus of Seneca College in Toronto.
Restricted Electives (Option B)
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Select 1.00 credits from the following: | ||
| MBG*2040 | Foundations in Molecular Biology and Genetics | 0.50 |
| MCB*2050 | Molecular Biology of the Cell | 0.50 |
| MICR*2430 | Methods in Microbial Culture and Physiology | 0.50 |
| TOX*2000 | Principles of Toxicology | 0.50 |
| 2. Select 0.50 credits from the following: | ||
| CHEM*4720 | Organic Reactivity | 0.50 |
| CHEM*4730 | Advanced Organic Synthesis | 0.50 |
| CHEM*4740 | Bioorganic Chemistry | 0.50 |
| 3. Select a minimum 1.50 credits at the 4000 level from the following: | ||
| BIOC*4050 | Protein and Nucleic Acid Structure | 0.50 |
| BIOC*4520 | Metabolic Processes | 0.50 |
| BIOC*4540 | Enzymology | 0.75 |
| BIOC*4580 | Membrane Biochemistry | 0.50 |
| BIOM*4090 | Pharmacology | 0.50 |
| CHEM*4010 | Chemical Industry, Safety and Sustainability | 0.50 |
| CHEM*4020 | Chemical Discovery | 0.50 |
| CHEM*4400 | Electrochemistry and Sensors | 0.50 |
| CHEM*4630 | Bioinorganic Chemistry | 0.50 |
| CHEM*4720 | Organic Reactivity | 0.50 |
| CHEM*4730 | Advanced Organic Synthesis | 0.50 |
| CHEM*4740 | Bioorganic Chemistry | 0.50 |
| CHEM*4900 | Chemistry Research Project I | 1.00 |
| CHEM*4910 | Chemistry Research Project II | 1.00 |
| TOX*4590 | Biochemical Toxicology | 0.50 |
Note: Some of these courses are offered only in alternate years, and some have additional prerequisites for which the student must plan ahead, with the assistance of the faculty advisor or program counsellor.