Bachelor of Arts and Science

at University of Guelph Canada

Biochemistry is the study of biological processes at the cellular and molecular level. The study of biochemistry showcases the complexity of life.

The Honours B.Sc. major in Biochemistry (BIOC) is offered by the Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, home to many distinguished biochemists, microbiologists, geneticists, and molecular & cellular biologists. The variety of courses will cover everything from the atomic structure of proteins to the organization of cells in humans, plants, and animals. Undergraduate laboratories will provide you with many practical skills in manipulating and analyzing biological molecules. In your upper years, you will also have the opportunity to access some of the University of Guelph’s outstanding research labs and facilities. Our biochemistry program provides you with a degree that is truly interdisciplinary, ensuring that upon graduation you have acquired an expertise and proficiency in great demand by employers.  

Combine practical laboratory training in biochemistry, molecular biology and microbiology with courses in areas such as immunology, enzymology or physiology. Students in biochemistry can focus in the areas plants, nutrition, physiology, immunology or toxicology, just to name a few. Gain real-world experience from co-op work terms and complete an undergraduate research project.  

Learning Outcomes
You can expect to learn how to:

• Apply thermodynamic principles to the molecular basis of biological energy generation, storage and usage  
• Conduct research by applying scientific methods and processes and interpreting data to draw appropriate and scientifically based conclusions. 
• Design and implement experimental procedures using relevant techniques to purify, characterize and quantify metabolites and macromolecules. 
• Describe how cells are capable of producing almost all required metabolites and macromolecules from diverse precursors.  
• Understand the relationship between the structure and the functional properties of proteins, nucleic acids, lipids and carbohydrates.  

Co-Op Options
Biochemistry co-op is a four- and half-year program, which includes four work terms. Below is one example of how the academic and work sequence will look for a biochemistry major.

*Please note this sequence may change. The current undergraduate calendar will house the most accurate sequence that students must follow.   

Students in this co-op major complete a course, COOP*1100, in the winter semester of first year.  This course helps students prepare for their work term by developing professional attitudes and skills for the workplace. This course also provides students with a toolkit of resume and cover letter writing as well as interview skills, which helps students to apply, interview and secure their work term positions

Environmental Engineering is the application of scientific theories and principles to minimize the impact of human activities on the environment.

The Environmental Engineering program at Guelph was designed from the ground up as a complete, comprehensive environmental program.  It provides in-depth knowledge of relevant physical, chemical and biological systems with a strong emphasis on engineering design.  Our students experience the important role Environmental Engineering plays in serving the current and future needs of all humanity.

Co-op
The Co-op program in Environmental Engineering is a five year program, including five work terms. Students must complete a Fall, Winter and Summer work term and must follow the academic work schedule as outlined below.

To be eligible to continue in the Co-op program, students must meet a minimum 70% cumulative average requirement after second semester, as well as meet all work term requirements. Please refer to the Co-operative Education program policy with respect to work term performance grading, work term report grading and program completion requirements. 

As an Economist, you may be called on to explain or predict some of the most interesting and puzzling issues of our time, such as the fluctuations in interest rates and oil prices, the value of the dollar or the implications of continental free trade. Studying Economics within the Bachelor of Arts degree integrates pure and applied economics theories with areas of thought, techniques and critical analysis drawn from the arts. A knowledge of economics helps you understand the implications of global trends and changes to the tax system or health insurance plans. As a student in the Economics major, you will be provided with excellent preparation for a
management career in business or government, or the background you need to pursue graduate studies

WHY CO-OP?
As a co-op student, you will gain relevant work experience, build professional networks and develop essential interpersonal skills needed to succeed in the workplace, all while getting paid and earning your university degree. Guelph’s co-op program is unique due to the exceptional level of support provided, including an inclass preparatory course, a personal connection with a Co-op Coordinator to assist you during the employment process, and access to senior student mentors.

Water Resources Engineering focuses on the use and management of land and water resources in rural and urban watersheds.

A growing population and the need for clean water demands Water Resources Engineers to develop solutions that are environmentally sustainable and economically viable.  Water Resources Engineering combines elements of other disciplines such as civil engineering, environmental engineering, agriculture, planning and geography in a unique combination ideally suited to address society's concerns and needs surrounding water.

Students design and develop creative solutions to protect groundwater, soil, wetlands, streams and lakes to ensure that the development of new water supplies not disrupt natural processes.  Students learn to apply engineering analysis and computer models to identify water resources problems and design engineering solutions to these challenges.

The Marketing Management major is interdisciplinary, follows a liberal education philosophy, and is built on the Department’s expertise in the field of marketing and consumer research.

The Department of Marketing and Consumer Studies prepares students for a career in marketing but also for educating them so that they can be active and engaged citizens. This is achieved from a balanced curriculum of marketing and liberal education courses that provide students with an understanding of the world they will work and live in. Students will gain knowledge in creating, communicating, and delivering product offerings to create value to stakeholders in a global and connected economy. Students completing this major will be prepared to pursue a variety of marketing career paths and diverse leadership roles.

Bring about positive change in the world. Explore the nature and impacts of economic and social development in Canada and around the world and gain experience engaging with development organizations. Tackle the big issues like poverty, social justice, food insecurity, gender, inequality and climate change. You can choose from five areas of emphasis: Agriculture and Food Security; Development in the Canadian Context; Development in Fragile Contexts; Environment and Sustainable Development; and Gender and Inclusive Development.

Knowledge of statistics is crucial for understanding our world. An understanding of statistics is vital in many disciplines including psychology, sociology, political science, marketing and economics. Students can choose to study statistics as a minor in the B.A. Honours Program or as an area of concentration in the General Program.

Geomatics, the science of spatial analysis using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and remotely sensed imagery, is a core component of the rapidly growing information sector worldwide. The Environmental Geomatics program at Guelph offers students the opportunity to study the processes and properties of the biophysical environment and provides them with a core foundation in the analytical techniques used for interpretation, analysis and presentation of geographical data. Students will combine field research with image analysis and computer modeling to specialize in the spatial analysis of environmental systems and will apply these techniques to examine human-environment interactions and address human impacts on the environment.

Why Co-op?
As a co-op student, you will gain relevant paid work experience, build professional networks, and develop essential interpersonal skills needed to succeed in the workplace, all while earning your university degree. Guelph’s co-op program is unique due to the exceptional level of support provided, including a co-op preparatory course, a personal connection with a Co-op Coordinator to assist you during the employment process, and access to senior student mentors.

Course Sequencing

Combine politics, law and business and explore the unique intersection of the public sector with business and economics. Examine issues like whether government should be run in a more “business-like” manner, and equality and justice in decision-making. Develop transferable business skills in law, human resources, marketing, accounting and finance, and pursue diverse career opportunities within the public, private and voluntary sectors. A great choice for students hoping to pursue law school.

College of Biological Science, Department of Integrative Biology, College of Social and Applied Human Sciences Department of Sociology and Anthropology, Ontario Veterinary College and Ontario Agricultural College, School of Environmental Sciences

The One Health degree offers student the opportunity to explore animal, environmental and human health from both the scientific and socio-cultural perspective. One Health is an approach to research and problem-solving that brings together different knowledge systems and perspectives in order to find solutions that ensure people, animals and our environment stay healthy.

Students in the One Health degree are required to complete a One Health core, comprising required courses and restricted electives. Students will also be required to declare one of four areas of emphasis by the end of the first year of their program. As part of the OH core, students will complete a set of preparation courses, in year 1 and 2, for their preferred Area of Emphasis (hereafter referred to as sub-core).

The Co-op program in One Health is a five-year program, including three work terms. Students must complete a Fall, Winter and Summer work term, and must follow the academic work schedule as outlined below: