Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Major in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
The Major in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology will provide students with a strong background in biochemistry, biology, and chemistry so that they will be well-placed to develop their interests and move on to graduate school, or work in allied fields such as microbiology, environmental sciences, plant science, food science, pharmacology, pharmaceutical sciences, industrial applications of molecular techniques, and biotechnology. This program is also suitable for students who would like a career in health or medical sciences, molecular diagnostics, and government agencies dealing with medicinal biochemistry. The program is composed of two options leading to a Major in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. There is a strong lab component to the program, which is essential for students working in this area. The program also allows for the students to do a directed studies research project with various professors in both Chemistry and Biology.
There are two options in the Major in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology:
1. Biochemistry option: encompasses a broad selection of courses from all areas of chemistry as well as biology. The program is especially suited for professional careers in medicine, biochemistry, and biophysics and is well suited to research careers in basic and translational medicine, as well as university and marketplace laboratories.
2. Medical and Molecular Biology option: takes students into the medical aspects of biochemistry and molecular biology, including pharmacology, medical microbiology and virology, and the biochemical basis of disease. This concentration will be of interest to students who would like to do medical research in the future, or those who would like to work in medical or allied health sciences.
The Major is structured to meet the requirements of a major in Science and will normally take four years.
| First and Second Years | Credits |
|---|---|
| BIOL 116, 125 | 6 |
| CHEM 111 or CHEM 121; and CHEM 113 or CHEM 123 | 6 |
| MATH 100 | 3 |
| One of MATH 101 or 103 | 3 |
| PHYS 111 or 112 | 3 |
| PHYS 121 or 122 | 3 |
| ENGL 109, or two of ENGL 112, 113, 114, 150, 151, 153, 154, 155, 156, CORH 2031 | 6 |
| BIOL 200 | 3 |
| BIOL 228 | 3 |
| BIOL 265 | 3 |
| CHEM 203, 204 | 6 |
| CHEM 201 | 3 |
| Arts electives | 6 |
| Biochemistry Option | |
| MATH 2002 | 3 |
| One of CHEM 211, BIOL 202, STAT 230 | 3 |
| Medical and Molecular Biology Option | |
| One of BIOL 201, 204, 205, 209, 210 | 3 |
| One of BIOL 202, STAT 230 | 3 |
| Total Credits | 60 |
| Third and Fourth Years | |
|---|---|
| BIOC 304, 305 | 6 |
| BIOL 366 | 3 |
| BIOC 393 | 3 |
| Arts electives | 6 |
| Biochemistry Option | |
| Three of BIOC 402, 403, 405, 410, 412, 420, 425 | 9 |
| CHEM 305 | 3 |
| Two of CHEM 304, 330, 333, 335, BIOC 494, BIOC 4953 | 6 |
| Upper-level science elective | 6 |
| Upper-level arts or science electives | 6 |
| Electives | 12 |
| Medical and Molecular Biology Option | |
| BIOC 308, 309 | 6 |
| Two of BIOC 402, 403, 405, 410, 412 | 6 |
| BIOC 407 | 3 |
| One of BIOC 494, 4953 | 3 |
| BIOL 318 | 3 |
| Two of BIOL 312, 314, 341, 363 | 6 |
| Upper-level elective | 3 |
| Electives | 12 |
| Total Credits | 60 |
| Minimum credits for degree | 120 |
1It is recommended students take CORH 203 to fulfill the English or Communications requirement.
2Prerequisites for MATH 200 are: either (a) MATH 101 or (b) a score of 65% or higher in MATH 103.
3BIOC 494 and/or 495 (Biotechnology Laboratory I and II) can be replaced by BIOC 448 or BIOC 449, a 6-credit lab-based directed studies or honours course, though students may take all.
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Honours Program
The Honours in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology provides an intensive program of study through coursework and research experience. Students who complete this program will have the ability to work independently and with a high level of competency.
The course requirements are the same as in the Major in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology program, except that 6 credits must be in BIOC 449.
Admission Requirements
- Fourth-year standing (minimum of 78 credits in the Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Major).
- Minimum grade average of 76% in all courses taken applicable to the Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Major.
- Enrolment in BIOC 449 with a research project and a research supervisor approved by either the Chemistry or Biology Department Head.
Graduation Requirements
- Completion of the course requirements for the Major in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.
- A minimum 76% graduating grade average (GGA).
- BIOC 449, with a minimum grade of 76%. A written thesis, with a public presentation of the thesis in the form of a poster or a seminar.
