Medicinal Chemistry at University of Waterloo

Programme overview

Leads to the Bachelor of Science in Medicinal Chemistry. You will learn all about pharmaceutical design, and you can choose to focus on a specific area within medicinal chemistry, like organic synthesis, computer modelling, or biochemistry.Ignite your inner scientist with over 20 hands-on lab courses and a fourth-year independent research project, giving you the chance to explore a topic you're interested in. As a graduate, you'll be equipped to design, create, and develop pharmaceuticals by understanding how the shape and structure of molecules determine their ability to function as medicine. You'll also qualify for membership in the Canadian Society of Chemistry and the Chemical Institute of Canada. Offered as a co-op programme only.

Faculty: Faculty of Science | Study mode: co-op | Location: Waterloo, Ontario, Canada

What you will study

What other courses will you take? Most of the classes you’ll take will be Chemistry and Biochemistry, where you will gain practical knowledge in key areas of drug development. Sample upper-year courses include Metabolism 1, Medicinal Chemistry, Bioorganic Chemistry, Advanced Organic Synthesis Lab, Rational Design of Potential Drug Candidates.

Career pathways

The program focuses on preparing you for drug research-based positions such as working in universities, pharmaceutical companies, and government research labs. One of the great aspects of the program is that it gives you such a broad background in chemistry.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Ontario applicants: Six Grade 12 U and/or M courses including English (ENG4U) (minimum final grade of 70% is required); Advanced Functions (minimum final grade of 70% is required); Calculus and Vectors (minimum final grade of 70% is required); Two of Biology, Chemistry, Earth and Space Science, Mathematics of Data Management, or Physics; Admission average: low 80s. How to apply: Apply to Physical Sciences and select Medicinal Chemistry as your major.

Tuition is charged per credit, so the total depends on the courses you register for each year. Current fees are listed in the official fee schedule.

First-year students are admitted for the September (fall) term only. Terms: fall (September to December), winter (January to April), spring (May to August). Part-time, online, post-degree and non-degree studies can start in the winter, spring or fall term.

Applications for September 2027 entry close on 1 February 2027 for programs other than Engineering (documents due 15 February 2027) and on 15 January 2027 for Engineering programs other than Architecture (documents due 1 February 2027). International students have the same deadlines. Full-time applicants apply through the Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC).

Part-time, online, post-degree and non-degree studies: winter 2027 applications close 30 October 2026 for degree and non-degree (13 November 2026 for post-degree); spring 2027 applications close 26 February 2027 for degree and non-degree (12 March 2027 for post-degree). Optometry closes 12 November 2026 and Pharmacy closes 6 January 2027.

Apply through the official page: https://uwaterloo.ca/future-students/admissions/how-to-apply

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