Biochemistry explores the structures and chemical processes of molecules in living organisms that interact to form cells, tissues, and whole organisms. The Bachelor of Science degree program in Biochemistry at Queen’s is led by scientists whose research interests span a wide range of important topics, including the mechanisms of cancer progression, cellular communication, and the molecular and chemical basis of infection, inheritance, and disease. The courses that these faculty have developed provide a basis for understanding practical advances that are emerging in medicine, agriculture, and biotechnology. They also provide opportunities for students to explore rapidly expanding fields in molecular genetics, bioengineering, and structural genomics through handson training with professors in research labs. 

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Biology is the science of life. It covers subjects ranging from the origin and evolution of life to the form and function of organisms, from the effects of climate change and the conservation of biodiversity to the ongoing revolution in “omics” – the exploding field that includes genomics and a host of other disciplines dedicated to studying the makeup and behaviour of cells at the molecular level. Biology at Queen’s emphasizes interactive learning with hands-on laboratories, small senior seminar modules and field courses at the internationally recognized Queen’s University Biological Station (QUBS). Our department also offers opportunities for field study around the globe – from Argentina to Africa. We offer students the flexibility to sample areas of interest within the broad scope of Biology or specialize in fields such as Biotechnology, Biology and Math, or Biology and Psychology.  

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Biotechnology works with living organisms and other biological systems to help us improve our lives by discovering new drugs, improving crop production, and helping to develop novel forms of sustainable energy. First-year students at Queen’s will have the chance to focus their studies on this exciting and important discipline in a Biotechnology specialization. Recognizing the interdisciplinary nature of Biotechnology, the program encourages students to take courses from several departments at Queen’s, everything from law to civil engineering to chemistry to biomechanical and molecular sciences. There is also an option to combine this degree with a diploma in Biotechnology from St. Lawrence College. The program has a strong emphasis on laboratory based learning during both the diploma and the degree portions of the program. Combined with the technical training of a college diploma, these students will graduate with a unique set of skills. 

Frequently called the central science because it provides the basis for studies in many other disciplines ranging from biology to materials science, Chemistry explores the composition, structure, and transformation of matter. The Queen’s Department of Chemistry is regarded as one of the best in Canada for both teaching and research. Our aim is to offer a stimulating learning environment for undergraduate students, primarily through participating in engaging, practical laboratory work. In upper years, depending on their interests, undergraduate students can specialize in one of the more fundamental branches of the discipline, such as analytical, inorganic, organic, physical, or theoretical chemistry. Others may choose to explore newer applications, such as environmental, materials, biological, computational, or polymer chemistry. 

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Society has become more aware of the seriousness of the environmental problems we face. Yet, at the same time, we have realized that the solutions are not simple. To work towards environmental sustainability, people need to understand the scientific basis of environmental problems. They also need to have expertise in planning, policy, and other fields to deal with the social, economic, and cultural complexities that surround them. Environmental Science at Queen’s takes an innovative approach to environmental education. Our faculty are drawn from a wide variety of backgrounds – biology, chemistry, geography, geological sciences, economics, history, and policy studies, to name but a few – and they can offer students a truly multidisciplinary perspective on the challenging environmental problems facing humanity today. 

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Geography can be defined as the integrated study of the Earth’s places, societies, environments and landscapes. Among academic disciplines, Geography is unique in combining the social sciences and humanities with the physical sciences. In physical geography, or earth system science, we study natural processes, their interactions, as well as natural and human-generated environmental issues, such as climate change. In addition to a science concentration in Geography, the department offers students the option of earning a certificate in Geographic Information Science and/or Urban Planning Studies. Undergraduate students can also pursue a fast-track professional master’s degree in Urban and Regional Planning with a focus on Environmental Planning. 

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What is Geological Sciences? The discovery and development of water, mineral, and energy resources – and their sustainability – are a key part of it. But so is coping with climate change, the human impact on our world, and the natural hazards facing a growing global population. These all depend on a deep understanding of natural processes. We are one of the largest, dedicated Geology departments in Canada. Study Geological Sciences at Queen’s and you’ll be working with the top professors in their field in small group settings, using state-of-the-art facilities – an X-ray Diffraction and Clay Mineral Lab, a Computational Geomechanics Lab, and a Stable Isotope, to name a few. You will also have many opportunities to apply the knowledge and skills gained in the classroom in realworld settings. Most students in the department complete more than 240 hours on field trips, and secondand upper-year courses including several extended trips to Quebec, Sudbury, and Bermuda. The experience you gain will help you secure employment during the summer months and after graduation. 

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Bachelor of Science, Honours (BScH)
OUAC code: QK

Kinesiology is the science of the human body in motion. From the structure of the cell to the structure of society, your studies in Kinesiology will expose you to the complex factors that influence health and wellness. Through lab courses in exercise physiology, biomechanics and ergonomics, physical activity counselling, and clinical fitness assessment, you will learn about the physiological and biomechanical factors that influence human movement, exercise and sport performance, and health.

You will think critically about the sociology of sport and physical activity and the positive and negative ways that these cultural, political and social phenomena impact our daily lives. Kinesiology also offers its students multiyear ‘mini-stream’ practicums – in athletic therapy, strength and conditioning, as well as a certificate in Disability and Physical Activity. Students may also choose community-based and research-based practicums in third year. 

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Bachelor of Science (Honours) (BScH)
OUAC code: QL

Queen’s is now accepting direct entry into the Life Sciences and Biochemistry BScH programs as one cohort. The first year of the joint programs provides the vital foundation in sciences. Following first year students will then split into either the Life Sciences or Biochemistry plans during plan selection that takes place in Spring (student’s will be able to choose between either program). Some spots are also available for general sciences students following first year.

The Life Sciences program provides a cross-disciplinary education in the scientific disciplines that are fundamental to the maintenance of health and the treatment of disease. It is designed to exploit the synergy of a highly integrated curriculum that includes traditional and emerging biomedical sciences and to promote the acquisition of critical thinking, independent learning, problem solving, and sophisticated communication skills.

Biochemistry is the branch of science that explores the structures and chemical processes of molecules in living organisms that interact to form cells, tissues and whole organisms. The Biochemistry program at Queen’s provides students with in-depth training in a wide range of important topics that are related to these processes, including the mechanisms of cancer progression, cellular communication, and the molecular and chemical basis of infection, inheritance and disease.

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Mathematics and Statistics open new ways of looking at the world. Mathematicians discover and study structures that are fascinating in themselves and that have a surprising ability to help us make sense of many facets of the world: the physical, the biological, the economic, the artistic, the psychological, and the philosophical. By designing and analyzing mathematical models we increase our understanding of natural processes and human events.

Statistics is the science of designing informative experiments, of displaying and analyzing data, and of drawing valid conclusions from data. There is great demand for those who understand and can apply statistics effectively. Knowledge of statistical methods is useful to scientists and engineers, and to others working in government, research, industry, and medicine. Statistics can also be studied as a subject in its own right.

Mathematics and Statistics at Queen’s is a multifaceted discipline, boasting many areas of study and taught by a faculty that includes leading researchers and many winners of national and university teaching awards. 

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Physics deals with matter and energy and how they are related, starting with such everyday aspects of our world as force, heat, and electricity and progressing to ever-more abstract concepts like relativity, quantum mechanics, and beyond. We are one of Canada’s leading departments for teaching and research in physics, engineering physics, and astronomy, as celebrated in our many recent awards such as the Nobel Prize in Physics, won by Dr. Arthur McDonald. We boast state-of-the-art laboratories, and a faculty that includes high-profile, world-class physicists doing cuttingedge work in theoretical, computational, applied, and experimental physics. Our students undertake interdisciplinary research with other departments at Queen’s, as well as collaborating on international projects. Study Physics with us at Queen’s, and you will be trained in observation and experimentation, in mathematics and model building. You will develop the confidence to tackle new and intellectually demanding problems, placing you at the leading edge of research and development in science and technology.

The Department of Physics, Engineering Physics and Astronomy also offers a Specialization in Astrophysics. 

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Psychology is the study of mental processes and behaviour. Psychologists study relationships between brain function, behaviour, and the environment. As a discipline, psychology explores a wide range of topics including cognition, neuroscience, social influence, mental health, development, relationships, sensation, and perception. Psychology also explores the influence of factors such as gender and culture across these topics.

Our department is home to 31 labs, and we are growing. Our faculty members, globally recognized experts in their fields, conduct research in Brain, Behaviour and Cognitive Science, Developmental Psychology, Social Psychology, and Clinical Psychology.

Our department embraces active learning. From year one, students have hands-on learning opportunities built into their curriculum. Many of our students also choose to volunteer, and later conduct their own research, in our research labs. 

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