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Biochemistry & Biomedical Sciences

The Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences is known for outstanding research and education focused on the chemical processes within and relating to living organisms.
Faculty members head internationally recognized, multi-disciplinary programs studying anti-microbial research, drug discovery, cell biology and regulation, structural biology, infection and
immunity, nutrition and metabolism, stem cell biology, and cancer. Our research fosters innovation and discovery, and ensures excellence in our undergraduate and graduate programs.

Areas of Research Science Career & Cooperative Education

Focus of Study for Biotechnology & Drug Discovery Nucleic Acid Structure & Function Co-Op Program
Undergraduate Programs Involves screening for activity and further drug investigations Research into nucleic acid structure and function investigates The Honours Biochemistry - Biomedical Research Specialization offers a
from mechanism of action to drug kinetics. how genetic information is carried and used in all cells, giving cooperative education option, beginning at Level III, for students wishing to
Biochemistry is the study of the chemical and molecular basis of insight into disease and cell biology. integrate paid and relevant work experience with their academic program.
Genetic Engineering
life, seeking to describe and understand the structure, function, and
Studies the manipulation of cell cultures to produce Gene Expression Postgraduate Opportunities
organization of living matter in molecular terms. It is a continuum
with structural and molecular biology, and builds on a strong recombinant proteins or other organic products desired for Studies involving how the genetic code we carry translates Graduates from our Honours programs are well prepared to apply to graduate
foundation of the other natural sciences. downstream use. into gene products while investigating how gene can be and professional schools in the following areas:
controlled to express.
Undergraduate programs offer a diverse background in biochemistry Protein Structure & Enzyme Mechanisms Medicine Structural Biology
and molecular biology, including advanced topics including: Researchers explore how proteins function and the intimate Stem Cell Technology Pharmacy Chemical Biology
Biotechnology and Molecular Pharmacology link between a protein’s structure, enzymatic activity and Research on stem cells using state-of-the art facilities to Veterinary Medicine E ukaryotic Cell Biology
Drug Discovery different mechanisms by which these enzymes may function. translate discoveries relating to cellular programming into Dentistry and Human Disease
Nutrition and Metabolism
clinical application involving blood system health, neuron Cancer and Stem Cells Law
Genetic Engineering Membrane Structure & Function
 ucleic Acid Structure
N health, as well as cancer implications.
Researches the importance of membranes to all living MBA  icrobiology and Antimicrobial
M
P rotein Structure and and Function
organisms. Topics include the structure of membranes, Infectious Disease Drug Discovery
Enzyme Mechanisms
Gene Expression Careers
how they are organized, and what properties and functions Research uses novel approaches to speed antibiotic discovery.
 embrane Structure
M Biochemistry Research Skills this creates. Researchers study infectious disease with a strong focus on Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences students develop a range of skills that
and Function
S tructural and Mechanistic antimicrobials and antimicrobial resistance. are easily transferred to a wide range of careers. Graduates have pursued
Molecular Pharmacology
Clinical Biochemistry Aspects of Macromolecules careers in the following areas:
Investigates the biochemical and biophysical characteristics of Neurodegenerative Disease
Immunology Gene Therapy Pathology
drugs to give us molecular understanding of pharmacologically Research observing protein-protein interactions with
relevant compounds and possible resistance mechanisms. biochemical methods and how proteins can lead to Nutritional Science Biomedical Toxicology
disordered states such as genetically inherited Bioinformatics Engineering Embryology
Nutrition & Metabolism
neurodegenerative disease. Science Pharmacology
Investigates the role macronutrients take in fundamental
biological processes and the intricate pathways that exist in
processing these nutrients. Includes disease implications.
 Level II Programs

Honours Biochemistry
(Honours B.Sc.)
Enrolment in this program is limited and possession of the published minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Admission is by selection but requires, as a minimum, completion of any Level I program with a Grade Point Average of at least
5.0 including:
• BIOLOGY 1A03 & 1M03
• CHEM 1A03 & 1AA3
• MATH 1A03 or 1LS3
• PHYSICS 1A03 or 1C03
• 6 units from the Science I Course List

A grade of at least C+ in four of BIOLOGY 1A03, 1M03, CHEM 1A03, 1AA3 and either MATH 1A03 or 1LS3 is required.

Science I Course List:

ASTRON 1F03, BIOLOGY 1A03, 1M03, BIOPHYS 1S03, CHEM 1A03, 1AA3, EARTHSC 1G03, ENVIRSC 1C03, ENVSOCTY 1HA3, 1HB3, LIFESCI 1D03,
MATH 1A03, 1AA3, 1B03, 1LS3, 1LT3, 1MM3, 1MP3, PHYSICS 1A03, 1AA3, 1C03, 1CC3, PSYCH 1F03, 1FF3, 1X03, 1XX3, SCIENCE 1A03

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