university of alberta phd biochemistry

The master of science in Biochemistry is an integrated program combining coursework in Biology and Chemistry in an online format. Therefore, graduates will have employment opportunities in Biology and Chemistry, as well as jobs requiring an integrated program. Graduates will also be prepared to enter professional training in medicine, veterinary, pharmacy and allied health schools. The program is ideally suited to members of the armed services whose positions deny them the ability to attend classes at a regional college or university on a schedule that meets their terms and locations of service.

Program Outcomes

The student will:

• Recognize the interconnections between Biology and Chemistry
• Relate medical diagnoses and treatment at the molecular level
• Interpret the relationship between the physical properties of the reactants and products, and the reactivity of biological reactions
• Analyze biological systems using advanced chemical concepts
• Examine equilibrium reactions and their biological use in metabolism
• Formulate the major intersections between the fields of Genetics and Biochemistry
• Evaluate the research literature in Biochemistry
• Assess the contributions various sub-disciplines of Biology have made to Biochemistry

Matriculation Requirements

• Graduate application  and nonrefundable application fee
• A baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution in Biochemistry or a closely related discipline
• The prerequisites for admissions include a B- or better in: two semesters of Organic Chemistry, two semesters of Physics, and one semester of Calculus
• A science GPA of 2.8 is recommended, but does not guarantee admission
• Two letters of recommendation
• Official undergraduate transcripts
• Letter of intent (as part of the graduate application)
• An initial planned program of study that indicates your course interests

Please contact admissions if you do not meet either GPA requirement.

Progression Standards

In addition to maintaining a 2.67 GPA, students must earn a B- or better in all required coursework. Students must earn a C or better in all elective courses. Failure to meet these requirements will result in probation. Required courses that were completed with a grade less than a B- must be retaken. Students may retake a course only one time. Students failing to have a GPA of 2.67 must increase the GPA to 2.67 within six credits. Students who fail to increase the GPA in six credits or do not earn a B- in a required course in the second attempt will be dismissed. Students who earn a D or an F in any course will be dismissed.  

Degree Requirements (30 credits)

Required courses.

• CHEM 500 - Introduction to Thermodynamics 3 Credits (only for students that did not take or earned a grade below a B- in Physical Chemistry I at the undergrad level, or have not taken it within 6 years of the application)
• CHEM 510 - Intermediate Organic Chemistry 3 Credits
• CHEM 525 - Metabolic Biochemistry 3 Credits
• CHEM 530 - Protein Structure and Function 3 Credits
• CHEM 575 - Mendelian and Population Genetics 3 Credits
• BIOL 510 - Cell Biology 3 Credits
• BIOL 515 - Pharmacology 3 Credits
• BIOL 516 - Toxicology 3 Credits
• BIOL 518 - Endocrinology 3 Credits
• BIOL 522 - Immunology 3 Credits
• BIOL 530 - Cell Signaling 3 Credits
• BIOL 531 - Proteomics 3 Credits
• BIOL 532 - Genomics 3 Credits
• BIOL 534 - Cardio-Renal Physiology 3 Credits
• BIOL 552 - Pharmacogenomics 3 Credits
• CHEM 562 - Organic Spectroscopy 3 Credits
• CHEM 535 - Biosynthesis of Nucleotides 3 Credits
• CHEM 538 - Medicinal Biosynthesis 3 Credits
• CHEM 550 - Heterocyclic Chemistry 3 Credits
• CHEM 551 - Medicinal Chemistry 3 Credits
• CHEM 557 - Pedagogies of Engagement 3 Credits
• CHEM 560 - Advanced Organic Chemistry Mechanisms 3 Credits
• CHEM 561 - Advanced Organic Chemistry Synthesis 3 Credits
• CHEM 585 - Introduction to the Biochemistry of Cancer 3 Credits
• CHEM 586 - Forensic Chemical Analysis 3 Credits
• CHEM 590 - Special Topics 3 Credits
• CHEM 591 - Special Topics 3 Credits
• CHEM 595 - Biochemistry Comprehensive Exam Review 1 Credits

Comprehensive Examination

All students in the program must pass a written comprehensive evaluation after completing a minimum of 24 credits in the graduate program, including all required courses. Most students will complete a comprehensive exam, which is a literature-based analysis of program goals and course objectives from the required courses. Thesis students and will present and defend their thesis as a culminating activity in lieu of a written comprehensive.

Thesis Option

Exceptional students may apply for the thesis option under certain conditions. First, the student must have a GPA of 3.3 without having repeated any courses in the program. Second, the student must have completed the coursework without academic probation. Third, the student must identify: a thesis supervisor at their location; a hypothesis-driven, laboratory-based thesis project; and a USJ thesis advisor; all in consultation with the Graduate Program Director.   Any student who has been accepted as a thesis candidate and earns a grade less than a B will be subject to departmental review. The department determines whether the student may continue in the thesis option or be asked to submit a non-thesis plan of study.

Thesis students will complete CHEM 598 - Research Planning Seminar    and CHEM 599 - Master’s Thesis    in lieu of two of their elective courses on the initial plan of study. CHEM 598 will be completed before research begins and CHEM 599 will be completed after the research project has been completed. Please note that the thesis option typically adds a year of time to completion of the degree program.

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• PhD in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (BMB) with Laboratory Rotations

The Department of Biological Sciences provides contemporary education of the highest quality to students pursuing graduate degrees in:

• Biology (Physiology and Neuroscience)
• Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
• Environmental Science
• G-RISE Program

Research, strong professor-student mentoring, high-quality instruction, and professional community service are the foundation of our mission.

The cornerstone of our graduate programs is the creation of new knowledge through research. We offer students the opportunity to conduct research that leads to theses and dissertations in aquatic biology, aquatic toxicology, biochemistry, cell and molecular biology, ecology, environmental science, forensic biology, genetics, limnology, microbiology, neurobiology, physiology, and plant sciences.

74 Best universities for Biochemistry in Canada

Updated: February 29, 2024

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Below is a list of best universities in Canada ranked based on their research performance in Biochemistry. A graph of 31.8M citations received by 813K academic papers made by 74 universities in Canada was used to calculate publications' ratings, which then were adjusted for release dates and added to final scores.

We don't distinguish between undergraduate and graduate programs nor do we adjust for current majors offered. You can find information about granted degrees on a university page but always double-check with the university website.

1. University of Toronto

For Biochemistry

2. McGill University

3. University of British Columbia

4. University of Alberta

5. University of Montreal

6. McMaster University

7. University of Calgary

8. University of Ottawa

9. Laval University

10. Western University

11. University of Manitoba

12. University of Guelph

13. Queen's University

14. Dalhousie University

15. University of Saskatchewan

16. University of Waterloo

17. University of Sherbrooke

18. Memorial University of Newfoundland

19. Simon Fraser University

20. York University

21. University of Victoria

22. Concordia University

23. Carleton University

24. University of Quebec in Montreal

25. University of Windsor

26. University of New Brunswick

27. Brock University

28. Polytechnic School of Montreal

29. University of Lethbridge

30. University of Quebec, Trois-Rivieres

31. Wilfrid Laurier University

32. University of Regina

33. Lakehead University

34. Ryerson University

35. Laurentian University

36. University of Prince Edward Island

37. Ontario Tech University

38. Trent University

39. University of Winnipeg

40. Royal Military College of Canada

41. Mount Allison University

42. St. Francis Xavier University

43. University of Quebec at Chicoutimi

44. University of Moncton

45. Acadia University

46. Saint Mary's University

47. University of Northern British Columbia

48. University of Quebec in Rimouski

49. School of Higher Technology - University of Quebec

50. Mount Saint Vincent University

51. HEC Montreal

52. Brandon University

53. University of Quebec

54. Cape Breton University

55. University of Quebec, Abitibi-Temiscamingue

56. Thompson Rivers University

57. MacEwan University

58. Nipissing University

59. Vancouver Island University

60. Mount Royal University

61. Bishop's University

62. Trinity Western University

63. University of Quebec in Outaouais

64. British Columbia Institute of Technology

65. Quest University Canada

66. Algoma University

67. Kings University in Canada

68. University of the Fraser Valley

69. University of Saint-Boniface

70. Royal Roads University

71. Concordia University of Edmonton

72. OCAD University

73. Kwantlen Polytechnic University

74. SAIT Polytechnic

The best cities to study Biochemistry in Canada based on the number of universities and their ranks are Toronto , Montreal , Vancouver , and Edmonton .

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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

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Thesis-based MEng

Cardiovascular and Respiratory Sciences

Community health sciences, computer science, kinesiology.

Course-based MKin

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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.

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Edmonton, AB

Department of Biochemistry / Department of Biochemistry is located in Edmonton, AB, in an urban setting.

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