University of New Brunswick

What you'll study

This Bachelor programme combines biology and chemistry coursework to provide a broad, connected understanding of molecular, cellular and organismal biology alongside chemical principles and analytical techniques. Typical first-year courses build core skills in general chemistry, introductory biology, calculus or statistics, and academic writing. In second and third years you will study subjects such as organic chemistry, biochemistry, molecular biology, genetics, microbiology, ecology, analytical chemistry and physical chemistry, alongside laboratory practica that emphasise experimental design, instrument use and data analysis.

• Laboratory and practical training: regular wet-lab sessions, instrument-based labs (e.g. spectrophotometry, chromatography), and safe-practices training.
• Advanced options: courses in genomics, proteomics, biochemical methods, environmental chemistry, pharmacology or developmental biology depending on availability and interests.
• Research experience: opportunities for independent research projects, honours theses or supervised lab placements with faculty members.
• Capstone and electives: senior-level seminars and elective modules allow specialisation or interdisciplinary study (for example environmental science, biotechnology or bioinformatics).

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold a high school diploma with strong academic performance in science and mathematics. Typical course preparation includes senior-level chemistry and biology, mathematics (pre-calculus or calculus), and English. Physics is recommended but not always required. Admissions decisions consider overall academic record, and some applicants may be required to meet faculty-specific grade thresholds.

• Domestic applicants: completion of provincial secondary school requirements with competitive grades in required subjects.
• International applicants: equivalent secondary-school qualifications and proof of English language proficiency where applicable.
• Transfers and mature students: assessed on post-secondary transcripts and course equivalencies; prior lab experience or STEM coursework can strengthen an application.

Career prospects

Graduates leave with practical laboratory skills, data-analysis experience and a scientific foundation applicable across many sectors. Common career destinations include laboratory technician or technologist roles, research assistant positions in academic or industrial laboratories, roles in environmental assessment and consulting, quality control and regulatory positions in chemical and pharmaceutical companies, and positions in biotechnology firms.

Many students use the degree as preparation for further study: graduate research (MSc/PhD), professional programmes such as medicine or veterinary medicine (with required prerequisites), or applied master's programmes in environmental science or public health. Other paths include science education, forensic science, science policy and technical roles in government and non-profit organisations.

Why study at University of New Brunswick

UNB offers a research-active environment with accessible faculty and well-equipped teaching and research laboratories, allowing undergraduates to gain hands-on experience. Small class sizes in upper-level courses make it easier to develop mentoring relationships with professors and to join ongoing research projects. The university also provides experiential learning options — including co-op placements, summer research assistants and community-engaged projects — that help bridge academic study and workplace skills.

Students benefit from regional partnerships with industry and government labs, on-campus resources such as modern analytical instrumentation and computing facilities, and support services for academic advising and career development. The programme’s flexibility permits students to tailor their studies toward ecology and environmental science, biochemistry and molecular biology, or pre-professional tracks, making it suitable for a wide range of career goals.