Biochemistry and Forensic Science Combined Honours Bachelor of Science

The full-time, 4-year, Biochemistry and Forensic Science Combined Honours Bachelor of Science program unites the strengths of the University of British Columbia (UBC) and BCIT to provide you with a stellar interdisciplinary educational experience, preparing you to become leaders in the fields of biochemistry or forensic science.
With a primary focus on hands-on work in a laboratory setting, you’ll hone important critical thinking and analytical skills. You’ll conduct academic and applied research and forensic testing, and learn to communicate their results effectively.
This joint Bachelor of Science combines the strengths of UBC and BCIT to provide students with an exceptional interdisciplinary educational experience in biochemistry and forensic science. The students’ educational experience will be enriched by engaging courses at both UBC and BCIT, an optional co-op experience, and the valuable experience gained during the Honours Thesis research course. The program aims to ensure that students develop lifelong learning skills to keep up-to-date with changing technologies and remain at the forefront of science. Graduates are equipped with job-ready skills to become the future leaders of the forensic science and biochemistry industries.
The goal of the program is to provide students with the knowledge and skills to:
Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of biochemistry, molecular biology, chemistry, and forensic science, including the main principles, techniques, and latest developments.Perform with confidence a variety of laboratory procedures relevant to biochemistry, molecular biology, chemistry, and forensic science including the ability to operate analytical instruments.Apply and maintain quality assurance processes and safety standards in a scientific laboratory.Design and conduct research independently and in a team environment.Communicate complex scientific information and evidentiary findings in oral and written formats for academic or legal purposes.Apply critical thinking, analytical, and problem-solving skills to the disciplines of biochemistry, molecular biology, chemistry, and forensic science.Demonstrate the communication and interpersonal skills needed to work effectively in a team environment.Develop lifelong learning skills to keep up-to-date with changing technologies and remain at the forefront of science.Exemplify the highest ethical standards and professional principles.

Option 1: First-year UBC courses or equivalent with a minimum GPA of 76% (the minimum GPA is 70% for the September 2026 intake). The following courses are required for admission to the program:

8.0 credits of UBC Chemistry:

CHEM 121 (or 111 or 141) and

CHEM 123

3.0 credits of UBC Communication Requirement. Can include:

SCIE 113 (recommended)

WRDS 150

ENGL 110 or 111

3.0 credits of UBC Biology:

BIOL 112

3.0 credits of UBC Differential Calculus

The following courses are required to graduate from this degree but are not admission requirements:

3.0 credits of 100-level Physics (beyond PHYS 100)

3.0 credits of 100-level UBC English

3.0 credits of DSCI 100 or CPSC 103

8.0 credits of electives

Refer to Year 1 of the program matrix.

Criminal Record Check [PDF]: Bring this letter to the police department.

OR

Option 2: Transfer credit from another university with a minimum GPA of 76% that includes:

Two terms of first-year university courses (100 or 1000 level) in the following subject:

Chemistry (with lab)

One term of first-year university courses (100 or 1000 level) in each of the following subjects:

Biology

English

Mathematics (differential calculus)

Refer to Year 1 of the program matrix for additional courses that are required to graduate from this program but are not admission requirements. These courses can be transferred from another university or taken at UBC.

Criminal Record Check [PDF]: Bring this letter to the police department.