Biochemistry & Biotechnology
Understand life processes. Learn how organisms function. Study the chemistry of living organisms. These are just a few opportunities available to you when you choose to major in Biochemistry & Biotechnology at the University of Saskatchewan.
What is Biotechnology?
Biotechnology is the application of biological science to improve the lives of humans and quality of the environment. Biotechnology provides the means to engineer biological systems towards a desired product or service.
Continuous discoveries of information from various sources are identifying innovative approaches for the improvement of life. Scientists are developing medicines and vaccines to combat diseases and aging. Plants are being genetically modified to improve their nutritive value for the consumer. Microbes are being used to detoxify the environment. Reforestation efforts are being implemented to rebuild lost forests and help producers grow trees. Choose biotechnology and be at the forefront of scientific breakthroughs and advancements!
Biotechnology brings together the life sciences and the rest of the
world. It is an integration of many aspects regarding our society,
commerce, law and our philosophical views. This integration of
multifaceted areas is what makes biotechnology so enjoyable and
rewarding. The U of S brings these areas together
in a well organized manner.—Willie Sankey, Third-year Biochemistry & Biotechnology,
Hometown: Saskatoon SK
A Stepping Stone...
A major in Biochemistry & Biotechnology prepares students for a career in the growing biotech industry. Many of the world’s leading biotechnology companies are located in Saskatoon and are hiring graduates who are educated in new applications in biochemistry and biotechnology.
Career Opportunities
Graduates from Biochemistry & Biotechnology have many job opportunities in Saskatchewan, Canada and around the world. They work for regulatory government agencies or in university, industrial or government laboratories. Graduates are employed in a variety of industries, including environment, agriculture, health, forensics, pharmaceutical, food science and public relations. Many students pursue Master’s or Ph.D. programs, obtain senior positions in industry or government, or become university professors or researchers.
Potential breakthroughs could mean great leaps in improving the human condition. Diversity and constant change make biotechnology an interesting area of study, as well as a promising one for employment opportunities.
Companies such as Aventis and Philom Bios recruit employees who are knowledgeable in the current applications of biotechnology.
The U of S Advantage
The interdisciplinary approach to this program gives students a solid background in the social, ethical, commercial and scientific issues associated with biotechnology.
Saskatchewan is recognized as a world-class centre of innovation in biotechnology. The Saskatoon biotechnology complex includes the U of S; federal and provincial government institutes including the Plant Biotechnology Institute, Agriculture & Agri-Food Canada Research Centre, Saskatchewan Research Council, Vaccine & Infectious Disease Organization, POS Pilot Plant, Royal University Hospital, Saskatoon Cancer Centre, Neuropsychiatric Research Unit, Centre for Agricultural Medicine; and over 30 Canadian and international biotechnology companies located in Innovation Place on campus.
The beauty of the U of S campus and the quality of the staff make this a compelling place to concentrate on one’s studies. In addition, the location of major biotech companies at Innovation Place, combined with accessibility to resources like government and university labs on campus, give students amazing research advantages.
Choose Your Program!
An understanding of life processes and how organisms function is imperative to biomedical research or plant manipulation. Biochemistry involves the study of the chemistry of living organisms. There are three different biochemical streams in which a student may choose to specialize:
- Animal/Human
- Plant
- Microbial
In addition to taking the core science courses, you will take courses in commerce, economics, philosophy and sociology. With this broad background, students are able to enter the workforce with the skills necessary to converse with industry leaders and administration.
A Major in Biochemistry & Biotechnology
Students majoring in Biochemistry & Biotechnology can choose from one of the following degree programs:
- B.Sc. Four-year
- B.Sc. Honours
Getting Involved!
Join the Biotech Students' Society as a member or in an executive position. The club provides opportunities for students from many disciplines to discuss their interests in biotechnology. The club also coordinates social events, speaker sessions and networking between students and industry.
Admission Requirements
The following is a list of high school subjects required for admission. Please select the province/territory where you completed high school.
Additional Information
Related Interests
If you are interested in Biochemistry & Biotechnology,
you might also be interested in:
Relevant Links
For more information available online for Biochemistry & Biotechnology:
Check your application status
Finish your application
Report your marks
Get help with your application
