Honours BSc Biochemistry and Chemical Engineering-Biotechnology

Integrated Masters with deeper specialization and research focus
Taught in English
Duration 5 Years
Mode On Campus
Level Undergraduate
Degree Bachelors Degree
Next Intake TBA

Course Overview

Embark on a transformative journey with the Honours BSc Biochemistry and Chemical Engineering-Biotechnology at the University of Ottawa, a program designed for ambitious students passionate about the intersection of life sciences and engineering. This rigorous undergraduate degree equips you to tackle complex challenges in areas like drug discovery, sustainable bio-processes, and advanced materials. You will delve into the molecular intricacies of life, from protein structure and function to metabolic pathways, while simultaneously mastering the principles of chemical engineering, including fluid flow, heat transfer, and process design. This unique blend prepares you for a dynamic career at the forefront of scientific innovation. This full-time, on-campus program spans five years, offering a comprehensive curriculum that integrates theoretical knowledge with practical application. You will engage in hands-on laboratory work, develop critical analytical skills through case studies, and undertake a significant plant design project in your final year. The curriculum includes compulsory courses in biochemistry, organic chemistry, and chemical engineering fundamentals, alongside opportunities to specialize through electives and an honours project. Graduates are prepared for diverse career paths in the pharmaceutical industry, biotechnology firms, research institutions, and further graduate studies, armed with a dual expertise highly valued in today's scientific landscape.

Course Curriculum & Details

Detailed information for serious evaluators

Program Overview

This program offers a comprehensive education in both biochemistry and chemical engineering, with a specialization in biotechnology. Students will gain foundational knowledge in biology, chemistry, and engineering principles, progressing to advanced topics in metabolism, molecular biology, and biochemical engineering. The curriculum includes extensive laboratory work and culminates in a capstone design project and opportunities for research or specialized electives.

1 Basic Skills

Technical Report Writing

2 Compulsory First-Year Courses

Introduction to Organismal Biology
Introduction to Cell and Molecular Biology
Chemical Engineering Fundamentals I
Numerical Methods and Engineering Computation in Chemical Engineering
Principles of Chemistry
Organic Chemistry I
Introduction to Engineering Design
Engineering Mechanics
Introduction to Computing I
Calculus I
Calculus II
Introduction to Linear Algebra
Fundamentals of Physics II

3 Compulsory Second-Year Courses

Introduction to Biochemistry
Genetics
Organic Chemistry II
Laboratory of Organic Chemistry II
Physical Chemistry: Introduction to the Molecular Properties of Matter
Analytical Chemistry
Ordinary Differential Equations and Numerical Methods
Engineering Economics
Introduction to Product Development for Engineers and Computer Scientists

4 Compulsory Third-Year Courses

General Intermediary Metabolism
Protein Structure and Function
Molecular Biology
Biochemistry Laboratory II
Molecular Biology Laboratory
General Microbiology
Cell Biology
Fluid Flow
Heat Transfer Operations
Introduction to Chemical Process Analysis and Design
Fundamentals and Applications of Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics
Calculus III for Engineers
Technology, Society, and Environment Since 1850
Scientific Thought and Social Values

5 Compulsory Fourth-Year Courses

Topics in Biotechnology
Biochemistry Seminar II
Unit Operations
Process Synthesis, Design, and Economics
Chemical Engineering Practice
Chemical Reaction Engineering
Advanced Materials in Chemical Engineering
Transport Phenomena
Principles of Phase Equilibria and Chemical Reaction Equilibria
Process Control

6 Options for Honours Project

Honours Research - Biochemistry
9 course units among the 3000 or 4000 level courses in biochemistry, biology, biopharmaceutical sciences, cellular and molecular medicine, chemistry, pharmacology, physiology, microbiology and immunology
Human Genome Structure and Function
Analytical Biochemistry
Structural Biology of Proteins
Pathological Biochemistry
Carbohydrates and Glycobiology
Cellular Regulation and Control
Structural Biology of Membranes
Synthetic Biology
Selected Topics in Biochemistry
Genomics
Biosynthesis and Natural Product Derived Medicines
Enzyme Chemistry and Biocatalysis

7 Compulsory Fifth-Year Courses

Data Collection and Interpretation
Chemical Engineering Laboratory
Plant Design Project
Process Risk Management and Sustainability
Computer-Aided Design in Chemical Engineering
Biochemical Engineering
Engineering Law

8 Options for Final Year

Thesis and Seminars I
Thesis and Seminars II
3 course units of technical electives
6 course units of technical electives

9 Electives

6 complementary electives course units at the undergraduate level

Cost & Affordability

A clear picture of what this course will cost you

Program Costs

First Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 39,481.00
Second Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 39,481.00
Third Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 39,481.00
Fourth Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 39,481.00
Fifth Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 39,481.00
Total Program Cost Estimated total tuition
USD 197,409.00

Currency note: Program costs shown in USD based on the available tuition breakdown.

Living Costs

Accommodation
USD 937.00 - USD 1,171.00
Food & Groceries USD 5,981.00 - USD 6,068.00
Transport USD 867.00 - USD 1,041.00
Utilities & Bills USD 1,734.00 - USD 2,167.00
Estimated Total USD 8,582.00 - USD 9,276.00

Living cost estimates are based on Ottawa Campus.

Outcomes & Employability

What happens after you graduate

97%
Graduate Employment Rate Within 6 to 12 months of graduation

Common Graduate Roles

Clinical & Medical ServicesEnergy Equipment & ServicesEnvironmental & Sustainability ServicesHealth Technology & Digital HealthHealthcare Administration & ManagementHydropower & Alternative RenewablesMedical Research & Clinical TrialsOil & Gas Exploration & ProductionRehabilitation & PhysiotherapyRenewable Energy (Solar & Wind)

Top Employers Hiring for this course

Environment and Climate Change Canada

Health Canada

Why Study Honours BSc Biochemistry and Chemical Engineering-Biotechnology at University of Ottawa

What makes this program stand out

Top 20 in UK For Computer Science

Exeter's Computer Science department consistently ranks among the top 20 in the UK for both teaching quality and research output.

Fast Offers Quick turnaround

Exeter typically responds to applications within 2-3 weeks, giving you clarity on your options quickly.

Flexible Intakes September start

Primary intake in September with January start available for some pathways through the INTO foundation program.

Accredited Industry recognized

Accredited by BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT, meeting requirements for Chartered IT Professional (CITP) status.

Life at University of Ottawa in Canada

What daily life looks like for international students

Language

English

Primary language everywhere

Climate

Mild & Rainy

10-20°C average, pack layers

Safety (Numbeo Safety Index)

Very Safe

Exeter is one of UK's safest cities

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Honours BSc Biochemistry and Chemical Engineering-Biotechnology at University of Ottawa

Can I work while studying?

International students can work up to 24 hours per week off-campus during term time and unlimited hours during breaks. On-campus work opportunities are also available without the need for a separate work permit.

What English language score do I need for this course?

To meet the English language requirements, you can achieve scores such as a Duolingo overall score of 120 or an IELTS overall score of 6.5. Other accepted tests include TOEFL and PTE with specified minimum scores.

What jobs can I get after studying this course?

Graduates can pursue careers as biochemists, chemical engineers, medical researchers, laboratory technicians, or immunologists.

What will I actually study in this course?

This program covers essential topics like the chemistry of life and the molecular basis of human disease. It prepares students for careers in medical research and offers options for specialization in microbiology and immunology.

When can I start — what are the intake months?

The intake for the Honours BSc in Biochemistry and Chemical Engineering-Biotechnology program is in September each year.
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