What will I learn?
Biochemistry is a fundamental multidisciplinary science that explores the molecular aspects of life and is the basis for many other disciplines in life sciences, including cell and molecular biology, microbiology, genetics and molecular medicine. Biotechnology is the application of biochemistry to develop technologies, materials and products that help improve, replenish and sustain the health of our planet. In this program, your learning will focus in on the health and pharmaceutical sciences, which make up more than 50% of the total activity in biochemical research and biotechnology in Canada.In our program, you will take several introductory courses in mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology and biochemistry, along with advanced courses in applied biochemistry (e.g., Biochemical Basis of Disease, Molecular Principles of Drug Design, Molecular Approaches to Diagnostics and Therapy, and Medicinal Chemistry), and gain the practical skills and the academic knowledge you’ll need to succeed in a career in research, service, industry or academia.You’ll benefit from a research-intensive environment. Volunteer and paid opportunities for research exist in your first and second year, and research for credit (Directed Studies) can be done in your third year. In your fourth year, you'll have an option to complete a senior thesis research project. The thesis option will provide you with hands-on experience using state-of-the-art equipment in a new and challenging area of biochemical research.This program will provide you with the practical and research skills needed to meet the demanding requirements of biotechnology, pharmaceutical and chemical companies, as well as biochemical and health science research and service laboratories.Our program also provides a strong educational background for those interested in continuing their studies at the graduate level in chemistry, biochemistry, biotechnology, biophysics, medicine, pharmacy, dentistry or other health science-related programs.
