About
Cellular, physiological and pharmacological sciences is the study of the structure, function and development of organisms at the molecular, subcellular, cellular, tissue and organ levels. It investigates the functions and mechanisms of major systems of the human body and studies the effects and mode of action of drugs which modify major body systems.
- Three- or four-year degree
- Full- or part-time program
- You can enter this program directly from high school
- You can begin this program off-campus
What you will learn
You will study human anatomy, cell biology, neurobiology, skeletal biology, embryonic development, histology, and anatomical imaging. You will also study the properties of chemical compounds in relation to their interactions with living organisms and examine the basis for the discovery and study of drug actions either as therapeutic agents or as tools in physiological research. These fields can be used to advance medical science with clinical relevance to osteoarthritis, Alzheimer's disease, peripheral nerve damage and repair, multiple sclerosis, aging, cancer and pain.
A first-year schedule sample
This degree program is flexible and offers you the opportunity to take courses in many different subject areas. Here’s what a typical first-year schedule might look like:
| Course | Description |
|---|---|
Fall Term |
|
| BIOL 120a | The Nature of Life |
| CHEM 112a | General Chemistry I Structure Bonding and Properties of Materials |
| PHYS 115a | Physics and the Universe |
| MATH 125b | Mathematics for the Life Sciences |
| HIST 165c or INDG 107d | History Matters Health and Society or Introduction to Canadian Indigenous Studies |
Winter Term |
|
| CHEM 115a | General Chemistry II Chemical Processes |
| PHYS 117a | Physics for the Life Sciences |
| PHIL 140a | Critical Thinking |
| STAT 245b | Introduction to Statistical Methods |
| BMSC 200a | Biomolecules |
a Required course for the major
b One of the course options to complete the Quantitative Reasoning Requirement
c One of the course options to complete the English Language Writing Requirement
d One of the course options to complete the Indigenous Learning Requirement
The Course and Program Catalogue has the complete and official listing of required classes and their descriptions for this program.
- ACB 310: Basic Human Anatomy
This course covers the structure and functions of the human body. All major body systems are surveyed via lectures and practical laboratory sessions that focus on the direct study of human tissues. - ACB 325: Advanced Cell Biology
Recent concepts in the regulation of cell signaling, motility and chromatin dynamics are discussed, with a focus on how these processes are regulated, and involved in select disease pathogenesis, aging, pain and therapeutic interventions. Consideration is also given to the experimental findings and approaches leading to these insights. - PHPY 302: Human Physiology Transport Systems
This course begins with an introduction to the physiology of the muscle types powering the respiratory pump, the heart and controlling the distribution of blood, before moving to a study of the physiology of the respiratory, cardiovascular and renal systems.
Opportunities
This program provides an excellent foundation of knowledge in the biomedical and anatomical sciences if you are seeking subsequent admission into professional health science schools such as medicine, dentistry, physical therapy, chiropractic medicine, veterinary medicine and optometry.
This program also prepares you to be well qualified to progress into more advanced biomedical research training at the master's and Ph.D. levels.
Hands-on experience
You will receive a comprehensive education of anatomy, physiology and pharmacology along with hands-on experience in experimental techniques.
Careers
Preparation for professional health science programs and graduate studies: The cellular, physiological and pharmacological sciences program provides an excellent foundation in the biomedical sciences for students seeking subsequent admission into professional health science schools such as medicine, dentistry, physical therapy, chiropractic, veterinary medicine and optometry. Cellular, physiological and pharmacological sciences graduates are also well qualified to progress into more advanced biomedical research training in the master's and Ph.D. levels.
Other careers:
(Note that some of the following positions may require further education or qualifications, depending on the hiring institution and the jurisdiction in which the position is found).
Research and lab positions: A variety of technical positions are available in academia (e.g., universities and colleges), industry (e.g. biotechnology, private research firms, biomedical supply, and pharmaceutical companies), government (e.g. agricultural and food agencies and police forensic laboratories) and the healthcare system (e.g. medical labs).
Communications: Cellular, physiological and pharmacological sciences studies may lead to a career in technical writing for textbooks and/or government and industry reports.
Business: Cellular, physiological and pharmacological sciences graduates may obtain sales, consulting or management positions in science-related private sector companies such as pharmaceutical and biomedical supply firms.
Regulatory/Law: Cellular, physiological and pharmacological sciences graduates may be employed by regulatory bodies such as the Canadian Food Inspection Agency and the Food and Drug Administration to develop government policies and procedures.
Tuition estimates
| Canadian students | International students | |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $7,919 | $38,328 |
| Student fees | $1,121 | $1,121 |
| Books | $1,500 | $1,500 |
| Total | $10,540 | $40,949 |
Tuition will vary depending on the type and number of classes you take in a year. This estimate reflects a typical amount you could expect to pay in your first year if you enroll in a full course load, the maximum number of courses allowed (2024-2025 Canadian dollar rates).
Student fees are used to fund specific student benefits, including health, vision and dental coverage, a bus pass, recreational programs and fitness centre access.
The cost of books and supplies varies widely depending on the courses you choose. It is recommended that you budget between $1,500-$2,500 per year.
Program options
These degrees are offered jointly by the University of Saskatchewan's College of Arts and Science and College of Medicine:
- Bachelor of Science (Biomedical Science) Four-year
- Bachelor of Science (Biomedical Science) Honours - Cellular, Physiological and Pharmacological Sciences
You should consult with an academic advisor in the college when you begin your studies to decide if you want a four-year or honours degree.
Admission requirements and deadlines
Deadlines
Ready to apply?
Create an admissions account and start your application today. When you are ready to submit your application, you will be assessed a non-refundable application fee of $90 CAD. Effective December 2, the application fee is increasing to $120 CAD.
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