university of alberta phd biochemistry

• My UCalgary
• Class Schedule
• UCalgary Directory
• Continuing Education
• Active Living
• Academic Calendar
• UCalgary Maps
• Close Faculty Websites List Viewing: Faculty Websites
• Cumming School of Medicine
• Faculty of Arts
• Faculty of Graduate Studies
• Faculty of Kinesiology
• Faculty of Law
• Faculty of Nursing
• Faculty of Nursing (Qatar)

Faculty of Science

• Faculty of Social Work
• Faculty of Veterinary Medicine
• Haskayne School of Business
• School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape
• School of Public Policy
• Schulich School of Engineering
• Werklund School of Education
• University of Calgary
• Future Students
• Undergraduate
• Explore Programs
• Why UCalgary
• Tours and events
• Connect with a Recruitment Advisor
• How to apply
• Dates and Deadlines
• Fees and financing
• You've been admitted
• Indigenous students
• International students
• Parents and family
• High School Counsellors
• Contacts and help
• Helpful resources
• Student Life
• How to Apply
• Indigenous Graduate Students
• International Students
• Understanding Graduate Studies
• Open Studies
• Degree holders and Non-Degree holders
• Visiting students and Visiting student researcher
• High school students
• University Entrance Program
• Open Studies dates
• Professional & Continuing Education
• Haskayne School of Business - Executive Education
• Faculty of Social Work - Professional Development Program
• Continuing Medical Education & Professional Development

Biochemistry

Bachelor of Science (BSc)

Why choose Biochemistry?

Biochemists ask questions such as: How do fireflies create light and how can this bioluminescence be used as a research tool? What causes mad cow disease and how can this disease be cured? How can some bacteria thrive in boiling temperatures?

Biochemists are curious about how and why biological processes happen, and they research answers down to the molecular level. During the course of your studies, much of your learning will occur while actively working on problems in class, during tutorials, and in the laboratory. This degree will provide you with an understanding of the theory and practical use of current techniques used in biochemical research, and will give you an understanding of newly evolving fields such as bioinformatics and functional proteomics.

Career opportunities

​Biochemists have global opportunities to work in areas such as biotechnology, toxicology, clinical chemistry, animal science, and more. A degree in Biochemistry can also be used as a stepping-stone to graduate studies or a professional degree such as pharmacy, medicine, teaching, veterinary medicine, or law.

Program highlights

• Collaborative team work - Interact with your peers while learning to collaborate on projects.
• Practical research opportunities - Gain hands-on experience learning techniques and using tools to address real-world issues.
• Lab work - Learn how to use tools and develop techniques within a supervised laboratory setting.
• Study abroad opportunities - Cultural and academic experiences at destinations around the world.

Courses in this program

DNA, Inheritance and Evolution, Linear Methods I, Mechanics, University Calculus I, Energy Flow in Biological Systems

Detailed course information

First year Degree Guide - Science

Program description and courses (Course Calendar)

​My undergraduate education and graduate studies training at the University of Calgary set me up to become a leader in my field. My biochemistry education stressed the foundations of concepts and knowledge in chemistry and did not just spoon-feed me facts, which was key for me to become an independent thinker which and led me towards new discoveries in science. I frequently reflect on the excellent mentoring I received early in my training from the faculty at this university.

BSc'09

• After degree student

Use the Undergraduate Student Cost Estimator to calculate your expenses as a first-year student. Undergraduate Student Cost Estimator

See the best of UCalgary

Check out our student experience page to find out more about what life is like on campus or consider visiting campus for a tour led by one of our current students.

Learn about the student experience

More ways to get in touch

Ready to find out what campus is really like? Book a tour, join us at an event, or sign up for more information.

Join us for a future student event

Check our calendar to find out when we'll be in your area, or register for one of our upcoming online events.

Check events

Sign up for more information

Sign up for more information about UCalgary, receive important details and reminders, and find out when UCalgary is visiting your area.

Get more information

See the campus

Guided by a current student, you'll explore our classrooms, residences, athletic facilities, and more.

Book a tour

Contact us and get help

Need assistance? Learn how to get ahold of us and find answers to your questions.

Contact and help

Ready to take the next step?

Science B 149 2500 University Drive NW Calgary, Alberta T2N 1N4

403.220.8600

• My UCalgary
• Class Schedule
• UCalgary Directory
• Continuing Education
• Active Living
• Academic Calendar
• UCalgary Maps
• Close Faculty Websites List Viewing: Faculty Websites
• Cumming School of Medicine
• Faculty of Arts
• Faculty of Graduate Studies
• Faculty of Kinesiology
• Faculty of Law
• Faculty of Nursing
• Faculty of Nursing (Qatar)
• Faculty of Science
• Faculty of Social Work
• Faculty of Veterinary Medicine
• Haskayne School of Business
• School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape
• School of Public Policy
• Schulich School of Engineering
• Werklund School of Education
• GRADUATE SCIENCE EDUCATION
• Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
• Biomedical Technology
• Cardiovascular and Respiratory Sciences
• Community Health Sciences
• Gastrointestinal Sciences
• Microbiology and Infectious Diseases
• Medical Sciences
• Neuroscience
• Pathologists' Assistant
• Precision Health
• Future Students
• Course Registration & FAQs
• Foothills Campus Tour
• Course-based
• Prospective Student FAQ | Biomedical Technology
• Prospective Student FAQ | Pathologists' Assistant
• Prospective Student FAQ | Precision Health
• Thesis-Based
• Graduate Admissions
• Finding a Supervisor
• Current Students
• Welcome New Students
• New Student Checklists & Information
• Milestones & Requirements
• Early Program Requirements
• MSc to PhD Transfer Process
• Admission to Candidacy Process (PhD Only)
• Preparing for Thesis Defense
• Course Requirements
• Exam Notices
• Scholarships
• Student Payments
• Leaders in Medicine
• Professional Development
• Research Integrity Day
• Remote Learning & Examination Tools
• Council of Foothills DGAs
• Foothills Campus Resources
• Faculty and Staff
• Milestone & Program Requirements
• Campus Connections

Biochemistry & Molecular Biology

Discover the world of molecular, cellular and developmental biology, biochemistry, genetics, bioinformatics and cancer and clinical research.

Graduate studies in the Biochemistry & Molecular Biology program at the University of Calgary will expose you to exciting and leading edge research in a number of different research areas, including molecular, cellular and developmental biology, biochemistry, genetics, bioinformatics and cancer and clinical research.

Graduate students can enroll in either the traditional Biochemistry and Molecular Biology stream or in the Bioinformatics Specialization, as part of the Biochemistry & Molecular Biology Graduate Program. The Bioinformatics program provides students with advanced training in the development of computational approaches for understanding large-scale biomedical data.  Click here  for more information on this new program and its requirements.

This is a Thesis-Based Master of Science or Doctor of Philosophy program. There are three intakes: January, May, and September of each year. Deadlines for applications may be found under  Prospective Students .

MDBC/BMB course inquiries can be emailed to [email protected]

Kiran Pandher Graduate Program Administrator [email protected]  

Drs. Jason de Koning & Justin MacDonald Graduate Program Co-Directors

BMB Departmental Graduate Association (DGA) Student Association President: Michelle Hua

STUDENT ASSOCIATION

Bmb departmental graduate association (dga).

The Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Departmental Graduate Association (DGA), is a student organization that represents the students of the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology to the Faculty of Graduate Studies.

Every year, students are elected by their peers to the executive committee which then directs the activities of the organization for the following year; however, everyone is encouraged to get involved regardless of whether a committee position is held or not. 

Executive Committee

President : Michelle Hua

Vice President, PhD : Armaan Mohan

Vice President, MSc: Shreya Tomar

Vice President, Secretary: Liam Wilkinson

Vice President, Treasurer/Finance : Jaime Neira

Vice President, Communications : Sasha Shcherbakova

Members at Large: Jordan La, Mashiat Zaman

The role of the committee is to represent the students at meetings for the Faculty of Graduate studies held throughout the year, however, we also work to bring several events throughout the year. In the past the DGA has been involved with bringing techniques seminar series, new student orientation day, as well as several other social events held throughout the year including the department barbeque.

Again, everyone is encouraged to get involved and help plan exciting events for the students in the department. If you would like more information, or would like to know when the next meeting is, feel free to ask any of the committee members.

• Doctor of Philosophy in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (PhD)
• Graduate School
• Prospective Students
• Graduate Degree Programs

Canadian Immigration Updates

Applicants to Master’s and Doctoral degrees are not affected by the recently announced cap on study permits. Review more details

Go to programs search

The Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Graduate Program provides advanced, research-based education that will prepare students for a career in academic, industrial, or professional positions in British Columbia and beyond.  The Program offers MSc and PhD degrees, with the option to transfer from the MSc into the PhD track during the second year. The bulk of the program is research-intensive and assessed by examination of a dissertation, although students starting in the MSc program are required to take six formal course credits, which are usually completed within the first two academic terms.  Course topics include protein structure and function, gene regulation, epigenetics, membrane structure and function, cellular regulation, and bioinformatics.  Students also present a departmental research seminar in each year of their program, contribute to peer-reviewed publications, and present their work at local, national, or international meetings.

For specific program requirements, please refer to the departmental program website

What makes the program unique?

The Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology is home to more than thirty, highly funded, well-equipped, research groups, that seek to understand the molecular basis of multiples diseases, including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, autism, Alzheimer’s disease, retinal degenerative diseases, bacterial and viral infections, including COVID-19.  The Department has a rich history and on-going record of exceptional academic and research excellence. The Department was home to Nobel Laureate, Michael Smith, and current members hold research chairs, Killam awards and are members of the Royal Society of Canada.  While the majority of our research laboratories are located in the Life Sciences Institute and Michael Smith Laboratories on the Point Grey Campus, member labs are also found in the BC Cancer Research Centre, the Centre for Brain Health, the Centre for Blood Research, and the Child and Family Health Research Institute.  Thus, our program offers trainees a broad range of research topics, world-class mentorship, and diverse training environments.  We encourage you to visit the Department website to check out the specific research interests and achievements of the professors in the Department.

The Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at UBC is well-respected and produces excellent research. My PhD gave me the healthcare background that I needed to work in healthcare consulting.

Jenna Riffell

Quick Facts

Program enquiries, admission information & requirements, 1) check eligibility, minimum academic requirements.

The Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies establishes the minimum admission requirements common to all applicants, usually a minimum overall average in the B+ range (76% at UBC). The graduate program that you are applying to may have additional requirements. Please review the specific requirements for applicants with credentials from institutions in:

• Canada or the United States
• International countries other than the United States

Each program may set higher academic minimum requirements. Please review the program website carefully to understand the program requirements. Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission as it is a competitive process.

English Language Test

Applicants from a university outside Canada in which English is not the primary language of instruction must provide results of an English language proficiency examination as part of their application. Tests must have been taken within the last 24 months at the time of submission of your application.

Minimum requirements for the two most common English language proficiency tests to apply to this program are listed below:

TOEFL: Test of English as a Foreign Language - internet-based

Overall score requirement : 106

IELTS: International English Language Testing System

Overall score requirement : 7.5

Other Test Scores

Some programs require additional test scores such as the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or the Graduate Management Test (GMAT). The requirements for this program are:

The GRE is required by some applicants. Please check the program website.

2) Meet Deadlines

3) prepare application, transcripts.

All applicants have to submit transcripts from all past post-secondary study. Document submission requirements depend on whether your institution of study is within Canada or outside of Canada.

Letters of Reference

A minimum of three references are required for application to graduate programs at UBC. References should be requested from individuals who are prepared to provide a report on your academic ability and qualifications.

Statement of Interest

Many programs require a statement of interest , sometimes called a "statement of intent", "description of research interests" or something similar.

Supervision

Students in research-based programs usually require a faculty member to function as their thesis supervisor. Please follow the instructions provided by each program whether applicants should contact faculty members.

Instructions regarding thesis supervisor contact for Doctor of Philosophy in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (PhD)

Citizenship verification.

Permanent Residents of Canada must provide a clear photocopy of both sides of the Permanent Resident card.

4) Apply Online

All applicants must complete an online application form and pay the application fee to be considered for admission to UBC.

Tuition & Financial Support

Financial support.

Applicants to UBC have access to a variety of funding options, including merit-based (i.e. based on your academic performance) and need-based (i.e. based on your financial situation) opportunities.

Program Funding Packages

Successful applicants to this program will be provided with a base funding package of at least $25,000 for each of the first two years of an MSc or four years of a PhD program. Students awarded major (i.e. greater than $15,000 per year), merit-based (for example: NSERC/CIHR CGSM, NSERC PGSD, or UBC Four-Year Fellowships) awards will receive a minimum of $28,000 per year financial support.  PhD students, except those who have their tuition paid by an external sponsor, will additionally receive the Presidents Academic Excellence Initiative PhD Award, PAEIPA .  Additionally, with the exception of Alexander Graham Bell Canada Graduate Scholarship or Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship recipients, tuition for the first four years of a PhD will be covered by either UBC or a BMB Graduate Tuition Award. These minimum support packages can be further supplemented by TAships, and overall, the average support package for graduate students exceeds $30,000 per annum.     

Average Funding

• 17 students received Teaching Assistantships. Average TA funding based on 17 students was $3,962.
• 39 students received Research Assistantships. Average RA funding based on 39 students was $21,614.
• 9 students received Academic Assistantships. Average AA funding based on 9 students was $473.
• 40 students received internal awards. Average internal award funding based on 40 students was $11,183.
• 12 students received external awards. Average external award funding based on 12 students was $17,052.

Scholarships & awards (merit-based funding)

All applicants are encouraged to review the awards listing to identify potential opportunities to fund their graduate education. The database lists merit-based scholarships and awards and allows for filtering by various criteria, such as domestic vs. international or degree level.

Graduate Research Assistantships (GRA)

Many professors are able to provide Research Assistantships (GRA) from their research grants to support full-time graduate students studying under their supervision. The duties constitute part of the student's graduate degree requirements. A Graduate Research Assistantship is considered a form of fellowship for a period of graduate study and is therefore not covered by a collective agreement. Stipends vary widely, and are dependent on the field of study and the type of research grant from which the assistantship is being funded.

Graduate Teaching Assistantships (GTA)

Graduate programs may have Teaching Assistantships available for registered full-time graduate students. Full teaching assistantships involve 12 hours work per week in preparation, lecturing, or laboratory instruction although many graduate programs offer partial TA appointments at less than 12 hours per week. Teaching assistantship rates are set by collective bargaining between the University and the Teaching Assistants' Union .

Graduate Academic Assistantships (GAA)

Academic Assistantships are employment opportunities to perform work that is relevant to the university or to an individual faculty member, but not to support the student’s graduate research and thesis. Wages are considered regular earnings and when paid monthly, include vacation pay.

Financial aid (need-based funding)

Canadian and US applicants may qualify for governmental loans to finance their studies. Please review eligibility and types of loans .

All students may be able to access private sector or bank loans.

Foreign government scholarships

Many foreign governments provide support to their citizens in pursuing education abroad. International applicants should check the various governmental resources in their home country, such as the Department of Education, for available scholarships.

Working while studying

The possibility to pursue work to supplement income may depend on the demands the program has on students. It should be carefully weighed if work leads to prolonged program durations or whether work placements can be meaningfully embedded into a program.

International students enrolled as full-time students with a valid study permit can work on campus for unlimited hours and work off-campus for no more than 20 hours a week.

A good starting point to explore student jobs is the UBC Work Learn program or a Co-Op placement .

Tax credits and RRSP withdrawals

Students with taxable income in Canada may be able to claim federal or provincial tax credits.

Canadian residents with RRSP accounts may be able to use the Lifelong Learning Plan (LLP) which allows students to withdraw amounts from their registered retirement savings plan (RRSPs) to finance full-time training or education for themselves or their partner.

Please review Filing taxes in Canada on the student services website for more information.

Cost Estimator

Applicants have access to the cost estimator to develop a financial plan that takes into account various income sources and expenses.

Career Outcomes

66 students graduated between 2005 and 2013: 2 are in non-salaried situations; for 6 we have no data (based on research conducted between Feb-May 2016). For the remaining 58 graduates:

Sample Employers in Higher Education

Sample employers outside higher education, sample job titles outside higher education, phd career outcome survey, career options.

During the past year we undertook a detailed survey of all graduates who completed their graduate programs in the period from 2003-2014. Of the total of 138 graduates, we have tracked the career progress of more than 120 so far.  Of this total, 35 have completed further training in graduate and postdoctoral positions, 20 have entered a professional program (mostly in Law or Medicine), 11 have progressed to a tenure-stream faculty position and 32 have full-time research positions in academia (8), industry (21) or government departments (3). Others have established careers in technical writing or management and the most recent cohort (13) are still at a very early stage of career development.  Although we need to continue to track and refine our understanding of career outcomes, it is very clear that our programs enable our graduates to achieve career success in a number of academic, professional and commercial areas.

Enrolment, Duration & Other Stats

These statistics show data for the Doctor of Philosophy in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (PhD). Data are separated for each degree program combination. You may view data for other degree options in the respective program profile.

ENROLMENT DATA

Completion rates & times, upcoming doctoral exams, monday, 24 june 2024 - 9:00am - 1312, life sciences institute, 2350 health sciences mall.

• Research Supervisors

Advice and insights from UBC Faculty on reaching out to supervisors

These videos contain some general advice from faculty across UBC on finding and reaching out to a supervisor. They are not program specific.

This list shows faculty members with full supervisory privileges who are affiliated with this program. It is not a comprehensive list of all potential supervisors as faculty from other programs or faculty members without full supervisory privileges can request approvals to supervise graduate students in this program.

• Bromme, Dieter (Lysosomal proteases, centre for blood research )
• Brumer, Harry (Biochemistry; Chemical sciences; Genomics; Biological and Biochemical Mechanisms; biomass; carbohydrates; cellulose; Chemical Synthesis and Catalysis; Enzymes; microbiota; plant cell walls; polysaccharides)
• Ciernia, Annie (Biochemistry; Neurosciences, biological and chemical aspects; Neurosciences, medical and physiological and health aspects; Autism; Brain development; Epigenetics; Gene-Environment Interactions; Neurodevelopmental disorders)
• Dedhar, Shoukat (molecular biology, molecular biology as it relates to disease; developing new theraputics for cancer; how brain cells (neurons)make connections, therapeutics for cancer; molecular genetics and cancer; medical research, cancer, inflammatory diseases, cariovascular diseases, Cellular proteins, extracellular martrix, integrins, signal transduction, calreticulin, protein kinase, gene expression, cell differentiation)
• Duong, Franck (Applied immunology (including antibody engineering, xenotransplantation and t-cell therapies); Medical molecular engineering of nucleic acids and proteins)
• Eltis, Lindsay (Biochemistry; Genomics; Immunology; Microbiology; Bacterial catabolism of steroids and lignin; biocatalyst development; Enzymes and Proteins; Metabolism (Living Organisms); Mycobacterium tuberculosis)
• Finlay, B Brett (Infectious agents, bacteria, microbial infections and how humans react to it)
• Foster, Leonard (Biochemistry; Genomics; Agriculture; antigen presentation; Bioinformatics; Biological and Biochemical Mechanisms; Biotechnology; Cell Signaling and Infectious and Immune Diseases; Honey bees; host-pathogen interactions; Immune System; Microbiology; Proteomics; Systems Biology)
• Greenblatt, Ethan
• Gsponer, Joerg (Protein-DNA, protein-RNA and protein-protein interactions)
• Hieter, Philip (Molecular biology of eukaryotic chromosome transmission )
• Howe, Leann (Biochemistry; chromatin; Transcription)
• Jan, Eric (Biochemistry; Virus; Nucleic Acids; Proteomics; Antiviral innate immunity; Zika; coxsackievirus; enterovirus; Innate immunity; molecular biology; picornavirus; protease; Protein synthesis; RNA; RNA structure function; RNA virus; ribosome; SARS; tRNA; translation; Virology; virus host interactions; mRNA therapeutics)
• Kelleher, Dermot (immune response to many of the leading causes of gastrointestinal infectious disease worldwide)
• Kim, Hugh (platelet biochemistry)
• Kobor, Michael (Biochemistry; Bioinformatics; Genetic medicine; Genomics; Chromatin Biology; Epigenetics; molecular biology; Social Epigenetics)
• Lim, Emilia (Bioinformatics, Cancer, Aging, Genomics, Transcriptomics, Epigenomics, Pollution Exposure)
• Mayor, Thibault (Biochemistry; Genomics; Aging; Cell Biology; Neurodegenerative diseases; Proteasome; Protein Degradation; Protein Folding; Proteomics; Proteostasis; Ubiquitin; Yeast Genetics)
• Measday, Vivien (Chromosome segregation in the budding yeast using molecular biology and genomic tools)
• Molday, Robert (Proteins, cell structure, lipids, drug discovery, gene therapy)
• Mui, Alice (Inflammatory Signalling Pathways)
• Nislow, Corey (genomics and develops biotechnology tools to address both fundamental and applied biological questions; Parallel genome-wide chemical genomic screens; High throughput cell-based screens; Next Generation Sequencing)
• Parker, Seth (Metabolomics; Cell metabolism; Pediatric cancer; mass spectrometry; Childhood disease; Cancer; Solute carriers; Metabolism; Mitochondria; Stable-isotope tracing; Functional assay development)
• Sadowski, Ivan (Gene regulation contributing to cancer and HIV, and yeast, regulation of HIV-I latency and replication in T cells)
• Strynadka, Natalie (Blood Research, structure-based design of inhibitors, antibiotic-resistance mechanisms, macromolecular assemblies, bacterial viability pathogenesis)

Doctoral Citations

Sample thesis submissions.

• Discovery and engineering of enzymes for the manipulation of glycoproteins
• Biochemical and structural characterization of the human autophagy factor and Vici syndrome protein EPG5
• Structural characterization of novel bactericidal and virulence targets in gram-positive bacteria of actinomycetia
• Optimizing systems to enable genetic engineering of transfusable platelets
• The role of STAC proteins in regulation of calcium channels and skeletal muscle excitation-contraction coupling
• Characterization of the interaction between Ty1 integrase and RNA polymerase III for Ty1 retrotransposon insertion into the yeast genome
• Characterization of membrane proteomes from prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells using peptidiscs
• Investigating the assembly and function of the enteropathogenic Escherichia coli type 3 secretion system
• Modulating clot stability by regulating lysis with lipid nanoparticle-delivered siRNA
• Exploring the interactome of the bacterial Sec translocon
• Structural insights into calmodulin regulation and dysregulation of the L-type voltage-gated calcium channel
• Mechanisms of eukaryotic transcription in mouse embryonic stem cells
• TBP and its diversified role in transcription initiation
• Improving detection and quantification of major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-presented immunopeptides for vaccine development
• Molecular mechanisms of SARS-CoV-2 variant spike proteins

Related Programs

Same specialization.

• Master of Science in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (MSc)

At the UBC Okanagan Campus

Further information, specialization.

Possible areas of research in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology include: control of gene expression in eukaryotes and bacteria; structure and function of genes; systems biology; blood proteins; the mechanism of the action of insulin; membrane and membrane protein structure and function; protein trafficking; cell-surface receptors, signal transduction, and cell-growth control; neural and retinal photoreceptor membranes; lipid-based targeted delivery systems; macromolecular crystallography and X-ray diffraction techniques for the characterization of enzymes and protein complexes; metalloprotein structure and function; mechanisms of enzyme activity; mechanism of hemoprotein electron transfer; structural analysis of proteins by nuclear magnetic resonance; mechanisms of multi-drug resistance; and cancer.

UBC Calendar

Program website, faculty overview, academic unit, program identifier, classification, supervisor search.

Departments/Programs may update graduate degree program details through the Faculty & Staff portal. To update contact details for application inquiries, please use this form .

Colton Strong

When considering where to pursue my graduate degree, UBC was the obvious choice for me for several reasons. UBC has an international reputation for excellence in nanomedicine and gene therapy research, and many notable discoveries made by UBC researchers have resulted in approved drugs. One of the...

Heather Baker

A big part of what brought me to UBC was the research. Professor Thibault Mayor’s research interests in proteostasis, aging, and using proteomics tools to explore these topics were what drew me to the idea of a PhD at UBC. The Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (BMB) also seemed like...

Abisola Kehinde

Researching clinical diseases has always been my passion but due to the lack of clinical research labs in my undergraduate department, I had to choose a different research area (which was largely self-funded). In pursuit of that goal, I came to Canada for graduate training, specifically at the...

Mopelola Akinlaja

Honestly, Vancouver! It's such a breathtaking city, and it doesn't hurt that one of the best learning institutions in the world is located in it. It's honestly such a blessing to be here.

Curious about life in Vancouver?

Find out how Vancouver enhances your graduate student experience—from the beautiful mountains and city landscapes, to the arts and culture scene, we have it all. Study-life balance at its best!

• Why Grad School at UBC?
• Application & Admission
• Info Sessions
• Research Projects
• Indigenous Students
• International Students
• Tuition, Fees & Cost of Living
• Newly Admitted
• Student Status & Classification
• Student Responsibilities
• Supervision & Advising
• Managing your Program
• Health, Wellbeing and Safety
• Professional Development
• Dissertation & Thesis Preparation
• Final Doctoral Exam
• Final Dissertation & Thesis Submission
• Life in Vancouver
• Vancouver Campus
• Graduate Student Spaces
• Graduate Life Centre
• Life as a Grad Student
• Graduate Student Ambassadors
• Meet our Students
• Award Opportunities
• Award Guidelines
• Minimum Funding Policy for PhD Students
• Killam Awards & Fellowships
• Policies & Procedures
• Information for Supervisors
• Dean's Message
• Leadership Team
• Strategic Plan & Priorities
• Vision & Mission
• Equity, Diversity & Inclusion
• Initiatives, Plans & Reports
• Graduate Education Analysis & Research
• Media Enquiries
• Newsletters
• Giving to Graduate Studies

Strategic Priorities

• Strategic Plan 2019-2024
• Improving Student Funding
• Promoting Excellence in Graduate Programs
• Enhancing Graduate Supervision
• Advancing Indigenous Inclusion
• Supporting Student Development and Success
• Reimagining Graduate Education
• Enriching the Student Experience

Initiatives

• Public Scholars Initiative
• 3 Minute Thesis (3MT)
• PhD Career Outcomes

• My UCalgary
• Class Schedule
• UCalgary Directory
• Continuing Education
• Active Living
• Academic Calendar
• UCalgary Maps
• Close Faculty Websites List Viewing: Faculty Websites

Cumming School of Medicine

• Faculty of Arts
• Faculty of Graduate Studies
• Faculty of Kinesiology
• Faculty of Law
• Faculty of Nursing
• Faculty of Nursing (Qatar)
• Faculty of Science
• Faculty of Social Work
• Faculty of Veterinary Medicine
• Haskayne School of Business
• School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape
• School of Public Policy
• Schulich School of Engineering
• Werklund School of Education
• Future Students
• Explore programs
• How to apply
• Understanding graduate studies
• Indigenous graduate students
• Financing grad school
• International students
• Graduate Student life
• Current Students
• Indigenous Graduate Students
• Newly Admitted
• Graduate Orientation
• Pre-arrival
• Registration
• Annual Registration
• Concurrent Registration
• Flexible Grading Option (CG Grade)
• Confirmation of registration
• Course registration
• Leave of absence
• Registration status
• Studying at another university
• Updating personal information (included preferred name)
• Thesis-based students

Fees and funding

• Understanding your fees
• Paying your fees
• Funding options
• Payment plan
• Supervision
• Best practices and guidelines
• Conflict of interest
• Changing supervision
• Academic integrity
• Annual progress report
• Intellectual property
• Building a thesis
• Submit your thesis
• Conducting oral exams remotely
• Thesis defence
• Course-based Students
• Academic Integrity
• Sources of funding
• Payment Plan
• NEW: Term-Based Registration
• Completing my degree
• Important dates and resources
• Forms and documents
• Service Requests and eForms
• News, updates and events
• Find your Graduate Program Administrator
• Calendar Archives
• Award Opportunities
• Graduate Awards Database
• Award opportunities
• Doctoral Recruitment Scholarships
• Award Guide
• Step 1: Applying
• Looking for awards
• Eligibility
• Preparing your application
• Step 2: Receiving
• Accept/Decline your award
• Getting paid
• Step 3: Managing your award
• Renewing your award
• Award interruption
• Award Termination
• Policies and Regulations
• Regulations
• Contact the Scholarship Office
• My GradSkills
• Academic Success
• My GradSkills Partners
• Communication Skills
• Research Communications Feedback Sessions
• Oral communication
• Visual communication
• Written communication
• Experiential Learning
• Internships
• For employers
• For graduate students
• Finding an internship
• Making your internship a TTI
• Applying for a TTI
• For graduate supervisors
• Images of Research
• Three Minute Thesis
• 2024 UCalgary 3MT Finalists
• 2024 3MT Finals' Hosts and Judges
• Past Three Minute Thesis Videos
• Workshops and Resources
• Career planning and professional development resources
• My GradSkills Calendar
• My GradSkills Workshop Matrix
• Online/Virtual Training
• UCalgary Alumni Mentorship Program
• Exceptional scholars
• What I wish I knew
• FGS Services
• Supervisory Renewal
• Supports for graduate students
• Graduate Academic and International Specialists
• Graduate supervisors
• Thesis and candidacy exams
• Supervisor resources
• Maintaining your supervisor profile
• Supervisory privileges
• Leadership team
• FGS Council
• Committees of Council
• Minutes and meetings
• Website Feedback

Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

Master of Science (MSc)

Thesis-based program

Program overview.

Students with a bachelor’s degree who are looking enjoy a wide variety of research that is at the forefront of many fields should consider getting a Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (MSc Thesis) degree. Research can include everything from biochemistry to molecular research, as well as cellular and developmental biology. It also ranges from genetics and immunology to bioinformatics, with applications to cancer and clinical research. As they deepen their skills, students will get to enjoy the amenities of a large city near the outdoor leisure activities of the Rocky Mountains. Completion of the program usually takes two years of full-time study.

Completing this program

• Courses: Courses may include Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Bioinformatic Resources for the Biologist.
• Research Ethics: Students are required to attend Research Integrity Day sessions in the first year of their program.
• Sex & Gender Module: Students are required to complete one of the CIHR sex and gender online training modules found at discoversexandgender.ca in the first year of their program.
• Seminars: Students participate in a journal club and work-in-progress seminars for their research group, and will present one seminar per year.
• Thesis: Students will be required to submit and defend an original research thesis.

Specializations

Bioinformatics

Academic research; post-secondary and secondary teaching; industry research and consulting; business consulting, analytics, management, sales, research and marketing; scientific writing; IP and patent law; medicine (lab tech; physician; clinical scientist); veterinary medicine.

A master’s degree in biochemistry and molecular biology will give you the pre-requisite for a PhD.

Students are required to prepare a thesis and successfully defend in an open oral defense.

Three core courses and one elective

Learn more about program requirements in the Academic Calendar

Classroom delivery

Time commitment.

Two years full time; four years maximum

A supervisor is required, and must agree to oversee the student's research before admission will be granted

See the Graduate Calendar for information on  fees and fee regulations,  and for information on  awards and financial assistance .

Virtual Tour

Explore the University of Calgary’s (UCalgary) Foothills Campus from anywhere. Experience all that the Cumming School of Medicine has to offer for interested prospective graduate students. Explore this state of the art campus from wherever you are. Discover the buildings, student services and available programs all from your preferred device.

Supervisors

Learn about faculty available to supervise this degree.  

Pierre Billon

Janice Braun

George Chaconas

Sarah Childs

A.P. Jason de Koning

Ina Dobrinski

Antoine Dufour

Sabine Gilch

Paul Gordon

Steven Greenway

Admission requirements

A minimum of 3.3 GPA on a 4.0 point system, over the past two years of full-time study (a minimum of 10 full-course equivalents or 60 units) of the undergraduate degree.

Minimum education

A four year baccalaureate degree, or equivalent from a recognized institution.

Work samples

• A current C.V.

Reference letters

Test scores, english language proficiency.

An applicant whose primary language is not English may fulfill the English language proficiency requirement in one of the following ways:

• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL ibt)  score of 105.
• International English Language Testing System (IELTS)  score of 7.5 (minimum of 6.0 in each section)
• Pearson Test of English (PTE)   score of 75, or higher (Academic version).
• Canadian Academic English Language test (CAEL)  score of 70 (minimum 70 in each section)  
• Academic Communication Certificate (ACC)  score of A- in each course.
• Cambridge C1 Advanced or Cambridge C2 Proficiency  minimum score of 200.
• Duolingo English Test  and obtaining a minimum score of 145* (with no sub-score below 125*). ( temporary until Fall 2024 intake )

For admission on May 1:

• Canadians and permanent residents: Mar. 1 application deadline
• International students: Dec. 1 application deadline

For admission on September 1:

• Canadians and permanent residents: June 1 application deadline
• International students: Apr. 1 application deadline

For admission on January 1:

• Canadians and permanent residents: Oct. 1 application deadline
• International students: Aug. 1 application deadline

If you're not a Canadian or permanent resident, or if you have international credentials, make sure to learn about international requirements

Are you ready to apply?

Learn more about this program, department of biochemistry and molecular biology.

Health Sciences Centre HSC G345C, 3330 Hospital Drive NW Calgary, AB T2N 1N4

Contact the Graduate Program Administrator

Visit the departmental website

Health Sciences Centre Foothills Campus, University of Calgary Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4

Visit the Cumming School of Medicine website

Learn more about UCalgary by taking a virtual tour

Related programs

If you're interested in this program, you might want to explore other UCalgary programs.

Thesis-based PhD

Biological Sciences

Thesis-based MSc

Biomedical Engineering

Thesis-based MEng

Cardiovascular and Respiratory Sciences

Community health sciences, computer science, kinesiology.

Course-based MKin

Microbiology and Infectious Disease

Neuroscience, veterinary medicine, highlights of the biochemistry and molecular biology program.

These stories from those involved in the program show what it's like to be involved yourself.

Carla Davidson, Owner - Endeavour Scientific Management and Consulting

"I learned a combination of critical thinking, clear communication and broad experience. My graduate degree gave me the willingness to start my own business."

Kevin Thorneloe, Director - Biopharm Translational Medicine

"The critical thinking skills I acquired during my PhD has been the foundation of my career in the pharmaceutical industry."

Nima Najand, Technology Analyst - Innovate Calgary

"UCalgary has been instrumental in providing me with skills to succeed in careers outside academia."

Curious about the University of Calgary?

Located in the nation's most enterprising city, we are a living, growing and youthful institution that embraces change and opportunity with a can-do attitude.

College of Science

Zoology graduate thrives with Oregon State's Ecampus

College was just not working out for Samantha Crockett.

She graduated from Eagle Rock High School in Los Angeles with a perfect 4.0 GPA in 2020 and headed off to the nearby university to study zoology.

“The professors weren't very welcoming,” Crockett remembered. “They didn't seem to care about the students that much. They cared more about their own research and graduate students."

Discouraged, she returned home to Los Angeles with serious doubts about her college education. Her father told her about Oregon State University's Ecampus program, where students can earn their degrees almost entirely online.

"Everything was a million times better when I enrolled in Ecampus," she said. "I stuck with it and really loved it. At Oregon State, a lot of professors are more welcoming to their students. They respond to emails quickly, and they're willing to work with you. They want you to do well in their classes."

Crockett spent most of her college years in Los Angeles but will come to Corvallis in June to walk in graduation. A couple of summer courses later, she will officially have her degree in zoology.

Samantha Crockett holds a bird.

Ecampus offers customizable online learning

Distance learning is not a 21st-century technological innovation at Oregon State. As far back as the 1880s, students living hundreds of miles from Corvallis could attend college lectures on agricultural science in their hometowns.

Some lectures were delivered from the cabooses of trains, organized through local train depots. Other early distance learning programs brought business and manufacturing classes to Portland and the Oregon Coast.

In the 1980s, Oregon State students took liberal arts classes through video presentations and corresponded with professors through phone calls and traditional mail.

Internet technology created the modern Ecampus program in 2002. OSU's Ecampus bachelor's degree programs were ranked in the Top 10 in the nation this year by U.S. News & World Report for the 10th straight year.

Crockett is an enthusiastic supporter of the Ecampus concept.

"It made my life a lot easier," she said. "I was also able to learn about what I love, about zoology. It was really a great solution for me. Oregon State professors are encouraging, especially if you're struggling. They're willing to give you extensions on assignments and things like that to make sure you still do well in the class."

Ecampus enabled Crockett to work and pursue internships while studying remotely. Classes are individualized, with weekly assignment deadlines.

"However, you don't have to log in at a certain hour for class," she said. "There's a flexible schedule."

Professors post videos, readings and lectures. Yet there are still group projects. For example, as she finishes her senior year, Crockett is working in a group studying the intelligence of crows and other corvid species.

"There's still interaction with your classmates and still communication with your professors," she said. "You're just not meeting them face-to-face."

Students have opportunities to meet their professors and classmates in person. Crockett said she made friends while working last summer at the Hatfield Marine Science Center in Newport.

She took two classes at the center -- one on birds and one on ecosystems. "They were lab-based classes, so we did a lot of field work," said Crockett. "It was a cool experience because they treated us as scientists rather than students. We had a lot of freedom in the classes."

"OSU opened my mind to other career paths."

Crockett’s passion for animals began in childhood, growing up near the Los Angeles Zoo. In 10th grade she became a student volunteer, undergoing a two-month course on all the species. Her role involved educating zoo guests about conservation.

While the experience gave Crockett the opportunity to work with animals, there were other benefits.

"I grew up having a lot of stage fright and a fear of public speaking," she said. "Volunteering at the zoo helped me get out of my shell. I was speaking about what I love. I'm very interested in conservation and getting people involved."

Crockett was already somewhat accustomed to distance learning when she started the Ecampus program. The pandemic hit during the second semester of her senior year at Eagle Rock High School.

"We had all the senior activities of first semester, and we were excited about prom, graduation and all that," she remembered. "Then came March. Everything shut down. We had a virtual graduation and didn't get a prom or anything like that. It was an upsetting year, but we made it through."

Emerging from the pandemic into in-person college was just not for her, Crockett said. Ecampus enabled her to shine.

"I enjoyed a lot of my classes," she said. "I'm taking an animal behavior class right now. That's one of the main topics I'm interested in. I took another class on general ecology. That's not something I'm generally interested in, but I really enjoyed the class."

Such pleasant surprises came several times, Crockett said. "There were some classes I didn't think I'd like but I ended up loving. It pushed me to expand my horizons in zoology and different parts of it. It's not just animal behavior. There's ecology, there's conservation, there's field work and conducting research."

As a result, she changed her perspective on what she may want to do next.

"I went into college thinking I want to work in a zoo, I want to be a zookeeper," Crockett said. "Now I think I might want to do some field research. I kind of want to work in conservation. OSU opened my mind to other career paths."

Samantha Crockett explores Oregon.

Looking to the future

Crockett currently volunteers at the California Wildlife Center in Calabasas. "We're a rescue, rehabilitation and release facility," she said. "We work hands-on with a lot of birds like early native Californian species."

While she works with birds, she works with squirrels and possums as well. "We also have seals and sea lions," she added. "We're the only rehab facility available to go out and rescue seals and sea lions. It's a great atmosphere to work in. Not a lot of places allow you to have close, personal contact with the animals as a volunteer."

After she receives her degree, Crockett plans to send resumes to the California Wildlife Center and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. She is also eyeing Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park in Florida and employers in Oregon and Hawaii.

"I definitely want to work in some form of conservation," she said.

Graduate school may also be in her future, but for now, she wants to gain work experience.

Her Ecampus experience at Oregon State opened her eyes to a world of possibilities, she added.

"I'm young. I don't want to rush myself."

Read more stories about: students , research , facilities and instrumentation , online learning , zoology major

Related Stories

Across the college, explore related stories.

Black holes devour light — except when they create it, finds physics undergrad

Undergrad explores the avian world in paid summer research adventure

Biochemistry PRAx fellow conveys science through art

Physics major, Madalyn Gragg, receives prestigious Goldwater scholarship