phd in biochemistry canada

• Doctor of Philosophy in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (PhD)
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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.

As a world-class university that is also a hub for many collaborative engagements with other researchers, I felt that UBC would be an ideal place to continue my education. UBC is also one of the leading destinations in the world for developing nanomedicines, an area of research I was keen on pursuing heading into graduate studies.

Jerry Leung

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.

Alumni on Success

Jenna Riffell

Job Title Vice President

Employer Kx Advisors

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

• 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)
• Schindler, Corinna (Developing innovative strategies for synthesis and catalysis)

Doctoral Citations

Sample Thesis Submissions

• Protease regulation of disease : SARS-CoV-2 3CLᴾʳº is secreted and cleaves interferon-lambdas, and MMP12 regulates substrates in age-related fatty liver disease
• Investigating the assembly and function of the enteropathogenic Escherichia coli type 3 secretion system
• Characterization of membrane proteomes from prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells using peptidiscs
• 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
• Structural and functional characterization of key proteins essential to the lifecycle of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2
• 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

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.

Experience the colours of Vancouver

Great academic programs, great location: the distinct seasons and mild climate are among the reasons why graduate students choose to study here -- from the autumn leaves to cherry blossoms, witness the many colours Vancouver has to offer.

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Biochemistry (PhD)

Program description.

The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Biochemistry offered by the Department of Biochemistry in the Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences is a research-intensive program that emphasizes cutting-edge and experiential learning opportunities. The program's objective is to equip students with skills in literature synthesis, resourceful thinking, and the presentation of complex ideas to pursue professional opportunities in academia or industry.

Unique Program Features

• Students gain in-depth expertise in biochemistry and the biomedical sciences, with the opportunity to carry out research projects at a world-class level and build collaborations with other leading research groups;
• The program has a Harmonized Stipend Policy to ensure students are paid an adequate stipend;
• Students may focus their research work Chemical Biology, Human Systems Biology (Bioinformatics), Cancer Research/Oncology, or Structural Biology;
• Students benefit from access to world class facilities including the Bellini Life Sciences Building, Rosalind and Morris Goodman Cancer Research Institute, and the McIntyre Medical Sciences Building, together comprising one of the best-equipped research facilities in Canada;
• Graduates pursue their careers as leaders in the basic health sciences in industry, the public sector, or academia.

University-Level Admission Requirements

• An eligible Bachelor's degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA out of a possible 4.0 GPA
• English-language proficiency

Each program has specific admission requirements including required application documents. Please visit the program website for more details.

Visit our Educational credentials and grade equivalencies and English language proficiency webpages for additional information.

Program Website

PhD in Biochemistry website

Department Contact

Graduate Program christine.laberge [at] mcgill.ca (subject: PhD%20in%20Biochemistry) (email)

Available Intakes

Application deadlines.

Note : Application deadlines are subject to change without notice. Please check the application portal for the most up-to-date information.

Application Resources

• Application Steps webpage
• Submit Your Application webpage
• Connecting with a supervisor webpage
• Graduate Funding webpage

Application Workshops

Consult our full list of our virtual application-focused workshops on the Events webpage.

Department and University Information

Graduate and postdoctoral studies.

Doctorate (PhD) in Biochemistry

It is the student’s responsibility to enrol to courses that meet the program requirements . Visit ‘My Academic Requirements’ in uoZone  to make sure you enrol in all courses or activities required to obtain your degree.

• Fall cohort
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• Spring/Summer cohort

Year 1 course sequence and milestones

Year 2 course sequence and milestones

Year 3 course sequence and milestones

Year 4 course sequence and milestones

Year 3 course sequence and milestones

Doctoral thesis & continuous activities

Thd 9999 & continuous activities.

• Once you have enrolled for the first time in a continuing activity such as the seminar, comprehensive exam and/or thesis, you must maintain your enrolment until the activity is completed.

Enrolment to continuous activities:

• Enrolment to seminars and comprehensive exam course is not automatic. Every term, you must go to your uoZone to enrol to this continuous before the deadline.
• THD 9999: After your first (manual) enrolment to the thesis, all subsequent enrolments are automatic, unless you have a hold on your account, which will require that you manually enrol once you have arranged to have your hold lifted.

Useful links

• Important forms
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• Course enrolment guide
• Class search tool

The above should match the information found in the  official program calendar  (and related  archives ), under ‘program requirements’. However, despite our rigorous control procedures, we cannot guarantee complete accuracy.

• In the event of a discrepancy between the content on this page and the official calendar, the calendar takes precedence and is the authoritative source.
• Please note that you must follow the program requirements in effect in  the calendar year of your first enrolment . Additional requirements may apply.

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University of Manitoba Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada, R3T 2N2

Biochemistry and Medical Genetics (PhD)

Earn a Biochemistry and Medical Genetics (PhD) in this four-year immersive program with a wide-range of potential thesis projects related to the following areas of research: cancer, computational biology, epigenetics, genetic basis of development and disease and regenerative medicine.

Program details

Admission requirements.

• Rady Faculty of Health Sciences • Faculty of Graduate Studies

• Doctor of Philosophy

Expected duration

• 4-5 years

Study with us

Dive into the thrilling world of biochemistry and medical genetics. From computational biology to molecular cytogenetics and beyond, your graduate studies begin here. The Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics strives to provide a stimulating educational experience that will motivate its students to become outstanding independent investigators, practitioners and teachers.

Cutting-edge research facilities

In addition to laboratories, The Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics offers common research support facilities and equipment to students and faculty. The department is home to biochemistry, molecular biological sciences and medical genetics expertise, creating an intellectually enriching research and teaching environment.

Dedicated faculty

Our faculty are locally, nationally and internationally recognized for their teaching and research accomplishments, having received prestigious awards for both. Moreover, our faculty members play a tremendous role in providing health care services to individuals and families affected with genetic and metabolic disorders.

The Faculty of Graduate Studies and the Rady Faculty of Health Sciences offer a four to five-year program of study leading to a Biochemistry and Medical Genetics (PhD).

Expected duration: 4-5 years

Tuition and fees:  Tuition fees are charged for terms one and two and terms four and five. A continuing fee is paid for term three, term six and each subsequent term. (Refer to Graduate tuition and fees .)

In addition to the minimum course requirements of the Faculty of Graduate Studies found in the Graduate Studies Regulations Section , students must meet the following requirements depending on their method of entry.

Students entering with a thesis-based MSc must:

• Complete a minimum of 9 credit hours of coursework
• Complete and successfully defend a doctoral thesis

Students transferring from the Biochemistry and Medical Genetics (MSc) must:

• Complete 6 credit hours in addition to the 10 credit hours required in fulfillment of the MSc program

Sample course offerings

Here are some examples of the courses offered for this program:

• BGEN 7020: Proteins
• BGEN 7070: Special Topics in Human Genetics
• BGEN 7090: Principles and Practice of Human Genetics
• BGEN 7130: Genetic Epidemiology of Human Populations
• BGEN 7180: Clinical and Molecular Cytogenetics
• BGEN 7200: Topics in Biochemistry
• BGEN 7250: Gene Expression and Epigenetics
• IMED 7120: Medical Biochemistry
• IMED 7170: Medical Genetics
• IMED 7200: Cancer Biology

For a full list of courses and descriptions of each, please visit the Academic Calendar .

The following are minimum requirements to be considered for entry into the Biochemistry and Medical Genetics (PhD) program. Meeting these requirements does not guarantee acceptance into the program.

To be considered for admission to the Biochemistry and Medical Genetics (PhD), you must have:

• A thesis-based master's degree (of at least two years in duration) or equivalent in biochemistry, genetics or a closely related field
• a cumulative GPA of 3.5 over a 4.5 scale or equivalent and no grade less than C+ in courses taken during the master's program

In some cases, master's students who have made excellent progress in the first year of their program, may be considered for a transfer to the PhD program. Please refer to the Faculty of Graduate Studies supplementary regulations for more information.

In addition to the admission requirements described here, all applicants must meet the minimum admission and English language proficiency requirements of the Faculty of Graduate Studies .

How to apply

Applicants must interview (by email or virtually) with a potential supervisor prior to applying and obtain confirmation from the supervisor that the supervisor will accept them if they are approved and offered admission by the Faculty of Graduate Studies. This potential supervisor must be a University of Manitoba Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics faculty member.

The Biochemistry and Medical Genetics (PhD) program accepts applications for Fall, Winter and Summer entry. Applications must be completed online and include several parts:

• Application fee (non-refundable)
• Unofficial copies of transcripts and degree certificates
• Supervisor support (must be confirmed prior to applying)
• Statement of intent
• Two letters of recommendation (must be requested from within the application)
• Proof of English language proficiency (if required)

Please read the Faculty of Graduate Studies online application instructions before beginning your application.

Application deadlines

Applications are reviewed on a committee basis . The Admissions committee for Architecture reviews applications in March.

Applications open up to 18 months prior to start term.

Applicants must submit their online application with supporting documentation and application fee by the deadline date indicated.

Start or continue your application

Applications are reviewed on a committee basis . The Admissions committee for City Planning reviews applications in March.

Winter applications are accepted on a case-by-case basis.

Applications are reviewed on a committee basis . The Admissions committee for Design and Planning reviews applications in March.

Applications are reviewed on a committee basis . The Admissions committee for Interior Design reviews applications in March.

Applications are reviewed on a committee basis . The Admissions committee for Landscape Architecture reviews applications in March.

Applications are reviewed on a committee basis . The Admissions committee for Anthropology reviews applications in March/April.

Applications are reviewed on a  committee basis . Please contact the department for admission committee review timelines.

Applications open September 1 of year prior to start term.

Applications open   up to 18 months prior  to start term.

Applications are reviewed on a  committee basis . The Admissions committee for History reviews applications in February.

Applications are reviewed on a  rolling basis .

Applications open July 1 of year prior to start term.

Applications are reviewed on a  Committee basis . The Committee for German and Slavic Studies reviews applications in February/March.

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis .

Applications are reviewed on a committee basis . The Admissions committee for Management reviews applications in February / March.

Applications are reviewed on a committee basis . The Admissions committee for Physical Therapy reviews applications in April / May.

Applications open  August 1 of the year prior to start term.

Applications are reviewed on a committee basis . Please contact the department for admission committee review timelines.

Applications are reviewed on a committee basis . The Admissions committee for Orthodontics reviews applications in August/September and holds interviews in September/October.

Program currently undergoing review, applications will not be opening at this time.

Select Preventive Dental Science in the Program drop-down on the application form.

Applications are reviewed on a  committee basis . The Admissions committee for Educational Administration, Foundations and Psychology reviews applications in March / April.

Applications are reviewed on a  committee basis . The Admissions committee for Education reviews applications in February / March.

Applications are reviewed after the deadline, with decisions issued in March - April.

Currently not accepting applications to this program.

Applications are reviewed on a  committee basis . Please contact the department for admission committee review timelines.

Applicants must submit their online application with supporting documentation and application fee by the deadline date indicated. Applications received by the March 1 deadline for a September start-date will receive first consideration for any available funding. Late applications will be considered on a case-by-case basis for any available funding, please contact the department for further information.

Applications are reviewed on a  committee basis . The Admissions committee for Human Rights reviews applications in January - March.

Applications are reviewed on a  committee basis . The Admissions committee for Law reviews applications in January - March.

Applications are reviewed on a  committee basis . The Admissions committee for Nursing (MN) reviews applications in April / May.

Applications are reviewed on a  committee basis . The Admissions committee for Nursing PhD reviews applications in February / March.

Applications are reviewed on a  committee basis . The Admissions committee reviews applications as per the timelines noted below each table.

Winter applications reviewed in October Summer applications reviewed in February Fall applications reviewed in June

Winter applications reviewed in June Summer applications reviewed in October Fall applications reviewed in February

Applicants must submit their online application with supporting documentation and application fee by the deadline date indicated. This includes having the support of a faculty supervisor before you apply.

Applications are reviewed on a  committee basis . The Admissions committee for Natural Resources Management reviews applications in March - June.

After the annual application deadline (see below), applications are reviewed on a committee basis by the Faculty of Social Work internal admissions committee. Once this process is complete, decisions are sent to all applicants in March / April. 

Applications open  July 1 of year prior to start term.

Applications are reviewed on a  committee basis . The Admissions committee for Social Work reviews applications in March / April.

Applications are reviewed on a  committee basis . The Admissions committee for Music reviews Fall term applications in December / January, and Winter term applications in July.

Applications are reviewed on a committee basis . The Admissions committee for Occupational Therapy reviews applications in May / June.

Master of Occupational Therapy regular program  applications open September 15 of the year prior to deadline .

Master of Occupational Therapy accelerated program  applications open October 1  of the year prior to deadline .

The name of your confirmed supervisor is required at the time of application. To identify a prospective thesis research supervisor on your application, please  contact Immunology Faculty members .

Applications are reviewed on a  committee basis . The Admissions committee for Community Health Sciences reviews applications in March / April.

Canadian, US and International applicants

The name of your preferred supervisor is required at time of application.

Applications are reviewed on a  committee basis . Students selected for in-person interview will be notified in February.

Applications are reviewed on a  committee basis . The Admissions committee for Physician Assistant Studies reviews applications in April.

Offers of admission will be released to successful applicants on May 17, 2024 from the University of Manitoba Master of Physician Assistant Studies, the same day as the University of Toronto BScPA Program and McMaster University Physician Assistant Education Program. The three institutions are pleased to provide applicants their offers on the same day to help with the decision-making process.

Applications are reviewed on a  committee basis . The Admissions committee for Pharmacology and Therapeutics reviews applications one month after the application deadline.

Applications for Pathology MSc are reviewed on a  rolling basis .

Applications for Pathologist Assistant are reviewed on a  committee basis . The Admissions committee for Pathologist Assistant reviews applications in April / May. 

The Pathologist Assistant program only admits Canadian and US students every two years. The next intake is tentatively scheduled for Fall 2026.

Canadian and US applicants

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Applications are reviewed on a  committee basis . The Admissions committee for Statistics reviews applications in March / April.

Applications are reviewed on a  committee basis . The Admissions committee for Biological Sciences reviews applications one month after deadline.

Applications are reviewed on a committee basis . The Admissions committee for Indigenous Studies reviews applications in February and June.

Applicants must submit their online application with supporting documentation and application fee by the deadline date indicated. For those who wish to be considered for scholarships, applications must be received by January 15 of the year in which you're seeking admission.

Applications are reviewed on a committee basis . The Admissions Committee for Applied Human Nutrition reviews applications in February.

Les demandes d’admission sont évaluées par un comité . Le comité d’admission évalu les demandes durant les mois de Mars et Avril.  

Les demandes peut être surmise jusqu’à concurrence de 18 mois avant le début de premier trimestre.

Toute demande d’admission en ligne doit être déposée, avec documents à l’appui, au plus tard aux dates indiquées.

Soumettre ou continuer votre application

Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics

Through innovative research and scholarship, the Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics working to understand, prevent and treat disease, including genetic disorders.

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There are a variety of awards and funding options available to help you pay for school as a student in the Max Rady College of Medicine.

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Learn more about tuition and fee requirements associated with graduate studies at UM.

Explore program requirements and detailed descriptions of required and elective courses offered in the Biochemistry and Medical Genetics (PhD) program.

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For over 125 years, the Max Rady College of Medicine has contributed to education, research and clinical service. Western Canada’s first medical school, the College develops qualified medical graduates who distinguish themselves through excellence in clinical care, health system innovation and leadership, and internationally recognized research.

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Discovery happens here. Join the graduate students and researchers who come here from every corner of the world. They are drawn to the University of Manitoba because it offers the opportunity to do transformational research.

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With over 140 graduate programs across multiple faculties, schools and colleges, the University of Manitoba offers more learning, teaching and research opportunities than any other post-secondary institution in the province.

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Dalhousie University

Biochemistry & molecular biology  master's (msc), doctorate (phd).

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Why do your PhD in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at Dal?

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Conduct important research

Phd in biochemistry & molecular biology.

Enroll in Dalhousie’s PhD in Biochemistry & Molecular Biology for excellent training opportunities, as well as the chance to conduct important research alongside internationally respected faculty members .

In addition to exploring theories, methodological concepts and substantive knowledge related to the field, this full-time PhD program will also help you develop deep expertise in areas like:

• molecular evolution
• cell signaling
• gene expression
• protein chemistry

By the time you've completed your degree, you'll be ready for a career in an academic, medical or industrial setting.

Program Details

Phd in biochemistry & molecular biology, program structure.

This is a full-time program. Students admitted from the MSc program may take three years to finish. Many students can take additional time to complete their required thesis, which will be facilitated by a thesis supervisory committee.

Admission requirements

For the PhD in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology , you'll need:

• a thesis-based Master's degree or its equivalent
• a TOEFL score of at least 600 (paper-based) or 100 (Internet) or an IELTS score of at least 7.5 for those whose first language is not English

Degree requirements

To complete the PhD in Biochemistry & Molecular Biology , you’ll need to:

• complete 5000-level courses as required by the Graduate Advisory Committee after consulting with you and your supervisor
• spend at least two terms as a laboratory demonstrator
• take BIOC 5914.03 and BIOC 5914.03 , unless you are entering from an MSc program that contained a significant seminar component
• complete a PhD Comprehensive Exam
• present two or three department seminars
• complete and defend a thesis
• prepare a grant proposal on a topic related to, but separate from, your research

Choosing a research supervisor

Before you begin, you’ll need to find a supervisor who is able to support your research interests and has the capacity to take on the added responsibility. This individual will be an important part of your supervisory committee. Start by checking out our faculty profiles , then get in touch with them directly.

When designing your thesis, you should keep in mind that to be successful, it must describe an original contribution to knowledge made while you attended Dalhousie University. It also needs to be valuable enough to merit publication in a reputable scientific journal with a system of external review.

Research for your thesis is conducted under the guidance of your research supervisor, in whose laboratory you work. A Thesis Supervisory Committee for each student provides additional expertise and advice to facilitate the research and the preparation of the thesis.

Important application deadlines

June 1 (for September start) is the deadline for Canadian applicants.

April 1 (for September start) is the deadline for non-Canadian applicants. If you think your visa processing will take some time, please apply by March 1.

Contact information

Roisin McDevitt, graduate administrator Email:  [email protected] Phone: 902-494-2306    

Dr. Jan Rainey, graduate coordinator Email:  [email protected]

Dr. Barbara Karen, associate graduate coordinator Email:  [email protected]

Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada  B3H 4R2 1-902-494-2211

Agricultural Campus Truro, Nova Scotia, Canada  B2N 5E3 1-902-893-6600

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Graduate Studies in Biochemistry

Prospective students, join us – here’s why, how to apply, important deadlines, tips for a successful application, choosing your research lab, fees , funding , & awards, registration and enrollment, current students, grad seminars, seminar schedule, your career: m.sc. or ph.d., personal time off and leaves of absence, program requirements, requirements for msc and phd streams, supervisory committee, transfer & qualifying exams, ph.d. thesis & oral defense, m.sc. thesis & oral defense, graduate student life, biochemistry graduate student union (bgsu), graduate student videos, living in toronto, transcripts blog, support & resources, program administrators, school of graduate studies, health and wellness resources, important links, health & safety, graduate committee.

School of Graduate Studies

Biochemistry, program overview.

Biochemistry is the study of the molecular events underlying biological processes. Consequently, it makes fundamental contributions to all disciplines concerned with living systems. The graduate program in Biochemistry enables students to conduct research in modern facilities, leading to the  Master of Science  and  Doctor of Philosophy  degrees in a wide variety of areas including the relationship between structure and biological function in proteins, nucleic acids, and lipids as well as complex multi-component systems such as membranes and sub-cellular organelles.

Students may also be interested in the combined degree program in  Medicine, Doctor of / Doctor of Philosophy (MD/PhD) .

See video: Explore Graduate Programs at the Faculty of Medicine .

Quick Facts

“What I have always found impressive is U of T’s immense library resources.”

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Chemistry and Biochemistry (MSc, PhD)

Join a community focused on scientific discovery with our thesis-based Master of Science and Doctoral programs in chemistry and biochemistry. Both degree programs involve coursework and research under the supervision of a faculty member.

As a U of R graduate student, you will receive a variety of hands-on experiences in laboratories and research labs that cover broad areas of chemistry and biochemistry ranging from fundamentals in your fields of study, to applied experiences in environmental areas and industrial areas, as well as disciplines related to medicine.

You’ll work closely with prominent researchers and learn in world-class facilities in the following fields:

• Analytical/physical chemistry including nuclear magnetic resonance and chromatography-mass spectrometry
• Biophysics of biological interfaces
• Chemogenomics
• Enzymology/chemical biology
• Environmental chemistry
• Inorganic/organometallic chemistry
• Proteomics and bioinformatics
• Supramolecular organic photochemistry and photophysics
• Synthetic organic chemistry
• Theoretical/computational chemistry

Prepare for a future with strong job prospects. Chemists and Biochemists are in high demand in areas such as chemical manufacturing, federal and provincial government departments, laboratories for the protection of health and the environment, as well as testing a wide range of chemical and food products across the manufacturing industry.

Learn from the best! Chemistry is one of only six subjects taught since the University of Regina began as Regina College in 1911.

Chemistry and Biochemistry Meet Your Faculty

Quick facts, why study chemistry and biochemistry at the university of regina.

Our graduate students benefit from access to state-of-the-art facilities, close interaction with supervisors, and conducting their own research in a collegial environment.

Interdisciplinary Research Opportunities

Interdisciplinary research areas in our department include:

• Biochemistry: elucidating biosynthetic pathways by understanding enzyme mechanisms.
• Biophysics: using microscopy and biochemistry to understand the structure and function of cellular membranes.
• Computational Chemistry: simulating catalytic systems with molecular dynamics simulations.
• Environmental Analytical Chemistry: identifying and quantifying pesticides in our environment.
• Photochemistry: developing photochromic materials and photoresponsive nanoparticles.
• Synthetic Chemistry: developing catalysts using organic, inorganic and organometallic chemistry.
• Systems Biology: characterizing comprehensive networks of protein-protein and gene-gene interactions to identify therapeutic treatments for disease.

More details about research opportunities and areas is located in the graduate section of the Chemistry and Biochemistry department website.

Expert Professors and Researchers

Learn from expert faculty members whose research interests include:

• Nuclear Magnetic Resonance, Quantum Chemistry, Crystallography, Pharmaceuticals
• Biochemistry, Biosynthesis
• Inorganic Chemistry, Organometallic Chemistry, Spectroscopy
• Organic Chemistry, Organic Synthesis, Medicinal Chemistry
• Antimicrobial Resistance, Mitochondrial Medicine, Network medicine, Systems Biology and Proteomics, Systems Neuroscience, Integrative and Quantitative Biology
• Antibiotic resistance, Interbacterial interaction, Microbial virulence, Antibiotic discovery
• Analytical Chemistry, Environmental Chemistry
• Photoresponsive lipid-based self-assemblies, Photochromism, Photochemistry, Supramolecular Chemistry
• Electrochemistry, Physical Inorganic Chemistry
• Physical Biochemistry, Microscopy, Microbiology

Our Chancellor’s Research Chair in Network Biology, Dr. Mohan Babu, was awarded nearly $1 million in federal funding for COVID-19 treatment research.

Our Canada Research Chair in Chemogenomics and Antimicrobial Research, Dr. Omar El-Halfawy, is working on solutions for the current antibiotic crisis by uncovering novel antibiotic resistance and microbial virulence mechanisms, and discovering new antimicrobial strategies.

Good Job Prospects

Chemists and Biochemists are in high demand in areas such as chemical manufacturing (potash, agricultural production, pharmaceutical and medicine manufacturing), federal and provincial government departments, laboratories for the protection of health and the environment (including COVID-19 testing,) as well as testing a wide range of chemical and food products across the manufacturing industry.

This allows our graduates to be mobile and adaptive in their careers, whether they choose to remain in Saskatchewan or venture elsewhere. For example, of our graduates is a co-director of the biochemical genetics laboratory at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota.

The Department has common instrumentation in instrument rooms, for use in research laboratories. Tabletop equipment includes HPLC, GC, GCMS, AA, FTIR, UV-Vis, and fluorescence spectrometers. Our research laboratories have CFI, CIHR, and NSERC funded infrastructure that is specific to our research.

Chemistry and Biochemistry Frequently Asked Questions

Bioc 827ag chemical biology.

Chemical biology can be defined as an interdisciplinary science where chemistry is applied to problems in biology. Many topics in this fast growing field are covered including protein engineering, abzymes, chemical genetics, genomics/proteomics, ribozyme/DNAzyme, metabolic engineering, antibiotic resistance, DNA nanotechnology, and chemical ecology.

BIOC 822 Biochemical Control Mechanisms

Control mechanisms for the regulation of metabolic pathways and biosynthesis of macromolecular components in procaryotic and eucaryotic organisms, examined in terms of regulation of enzyme synthesis and activity as well as the regulation of RNA and DNA synthesis.

CHEM 858 Topics in Spectroscopy

Specialized topics in spectroscopy related to student and staff interest. Suggested topics may include: Raman, IR, UV, circular dichroism, fluorescence, high-resolution, time-resolved, or single-molecule spectroscopy.

CHEM 857AE Industrial Chemistry

Overview of industrial chemistry including business considerations and chemical evaluations, patents, and process chemistry. Agrichemicals, blends and additives, basic inorganic chemicals, oil extraction, emulsions, petrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, polymer, water issues, and Saskatchewan chemical industries will be covered.

Yes! Fully-qualified students accepted into our graduate programs are generally guaranteed financial support in the form of scholarships, fellowships, teaching assistantships, or research assistantships to help cover tuition and living expenses.

Once you have been accepted as a fully-qualified graduate student with no conditions or holds on your admission, then you are eligible to apply for our scholarships, awards, or graduate teaching assistant positions.

Chemistry and Biochemistry Scholarships and Awards

R.A. Kelln - J. Neuhard Graduate Entrance Scholarship in Biochemistry/ Molecular Biology

Faculty of Science Graduate Funding

• Paul W. Riegert Memorial Scholarship in Graduate Studies
• Gerhard Herzberg Fellowship
• Saskatchewan Innovation and Excellence Graduate Scholarship

Apply for these scholarships, and more, by visiting our Graduate Awards Portal (GAP), the U of R online graduate scholarship application system.

All Graduate Funding Opportunities

Visit our Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research website to learn about all graduate funding opportunities including:

• National Scholarships (including Tri Council funding)
• Awards to Study Abroad
• FGSR Funding/Special Awards
• Funding for Indigenous Students
• Funding for International Students
• Other Awards and Scholarships
• External Scholarship Opportunities
• External Student and Faculty Awards

What Can You Do with a Chemistry or Biochemistry Degree?

Upon successfully completing their programs, our graduates have gone on to a wide range of careers. Some have stayed in academia as postdoctoral fellows, lab instructors, lecturers, and Chemistry or Biochemistry professors in North America and Asia. Others pursue professional programs such as medicine, pharmacy, veterinary medicine, and optometry. Graduates have also pursued careers as research scientists at international companies including IntelliSyn, Quantiam Technologies, K+S Potash Canada, Syngenta Crop Protection Canada, and Septodont, as well as at public agencies including the Roy Romanow Provincial Laboratory, the Saskatchewan Health Authority, and the Public Health Agency of Canada.

The jobs graduates go on to include:

• Research scientist
• Lab technologist
• Lab manager
• Development chemist
• Food safety manager
• Clinical research coordinator

Request More Information

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Program Summary

Watch the Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies UBC-wide recruitment video , and current and recent student profiles: Mopelola Akinlaja , Andrew Alexander , Heather Baker , Helena Biasibetti Brendler , Peter Grin , Abisola Kehinde , Calem Kenward , Jerry Leung , Jobin Parker , Jenna Riffell , Colton Strong , Reid Warsaba and Zhiyu (Katherine) Zhao .

Our graduate program provides an advanced education with the goal of preparing students for a career in research. We offer an MSc degree and a PhD degree program, with most of our master’s students transferring into the PhD track during their second year. As part of UBC’s Life Sciences Institute students have the opportunity to collaborate with researchers from a wide range of disciplines. We also offer students who do not secure external funding stipends of $33,250 to $35,000 per year. The University and the department provides additional support for PhD students to cover their tuitions. Example of UBC Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Graduate Student Financial Support 2023-2024 . A Master degree can be completed in two years, while a PhD is typically completed between 4 to 6 years. After graduation many of our students continue on to academic or industrial positions at UBC or other institutions.

If you have questions about our program, contacted  [email protected] or at 604 822-5925. Additional information:

Entrance Requirements

Application Information

Awards and Scholarships

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Faculty of Medicine

PhD in Biochemistry Academic regulations

Graduate 3-465-1-0

Academic regulations for graduate and postdoctoral studies (page in French)

Studies in this program are governed by the educational regulations of the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies, the provisions for direct entry to the PhD programs in the Faculty of Medicine, and the following provisions:

1. Admission requirements To be admitted as a regular student in the PhD (Biochemistry) program, candidates must:

• Meet the general admission requirements (section XI) of the “Règlement pédagogique de la Faculté des études supérieures et postdoctorales” (educational regulations of the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies).
• Demonstrate good knowledge of French and English ( learn more ).
• Provide two letters of recommendation and a curriculum vitae.
• For the Cellular Dynamics of Macromolecular Complexes limited-enrolment option, priority will be given to students whose supervisors are part of the group of researchers who are working on this specific research problem.

1.1 Admission requirements – Entry to PhD from MSc

• Have an MSc (Biochemistry), an MSc in a relevant discipline or an equivalent degree, or show proof of equivalent education.
• Have obtained a grade-point average at the graduate level of at least 3.3 out of 4.3.

1.2 Admission requirements – Direct entry to PhD from MSc without dissertation

• Be enrolled in the MSc program and have finished all compulsory MSc courses.
• Have obtained a grade-point average at the graduate level of at least 3.4 out of 4.3.

1.3 Admission requirements – Direct entry to PhD from BSc

• Have a BSc (Biochemistry), a BSc in a relevant discipline, an MD, or an equivalent degree.
• Have obtained a grade-point average at the undergraduate level of at least 3.6 out of 4.3.
• Have research experience.

Programs and courses

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Doctorate in Philosophy Biochemistry

• Degrees offered: Doctorate in Philosophy
• Registration status option: Full-time
• Language of instruction: English
• with thesis (16 full-time terms; 64 consecutive months)
• Academic units: Faculty of Medicine , Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology .

Program Description

The programs prepare candidates for a variety of careers in teaching and research both within and outside of academia.

Graduate students are actively involved in laboratory research, course work, and presentation of research seminars. Thus, they acquire autonomy in conducting research and in preparing publications.

The programs create a stimulating and challenging environment which will allow students to achieve excellence in research. Graduates of the programs must demonstrate research skills and credibility as professionals in their area of research.

The Department is a participating unit in the following collaborative programs: the Bioinformatics program (at the master’s level), the Human and Molecular Genetics program (at the master’s and doctoral levels), and the Pathology and Experimental Medicine program (at the master's and doctoral levels).

The doctoral program participates in the Combined MD / PhD Program, which allows students to graduate with both a PhD in Biochemistry and an MD. For more information please see the website of the  Faculty of Medicine .

Main Areas of Research

• General biochemistry
• Molecular biology
• Nutrition and metabolism

Other Programs Offered Within the Same Discipline or in a Related Area

• Master of Science Biochemistry (MSc)
• Master of Science Biochemistry Specialization in Human and Molecular Genetics (MSc)
• Master of Science Biochemistry Specialization in Bioinformatics (MSc)
• Master of Science Biochemistry Specialization in Pathology and Experimental Medicine (MSc)
• Doctorate in Philosophy Biochemistry Specialization in Human and Molecular Genetics (PhD)
• Doctorate in Philosophy Biochemistry Specialization in Pathology and Experimental Medicine (PhD)

Fees and Funding

• Program fees:

The estimated amount for university fees associated with this program are available under the section Finance your studies .

International students enrolled in a French-language program of study may be eligible for a differential tuition fee exemption .

• To learn about possibilities for financing your graduate studies, consult the Awards and financial support section.
• Programs are governed by the general regulations in effect for graduate studies.
• In accordance with the University of Ottawa regulation, students have the right to complete their assignments, examinations, research papers, and theses in French or in English.

Program Contact Information

Graduate studies office, faculty of medicine, 451 smyth road, room rgn 2016, ottawa, ontario, canada, tel.: 613-562-5215, email: [email protected]  , twitter | faculty of medicine, youtube | faculty of medicine, flickr | faculty of medicine.

For the most accurate and up to date information on application deadlines, language tests and other admission requirements, please visit the  specific requirements  webpage.

To be eligible, candidates must:

• Have a master's degree in science (or equivalent) with a minimum average of 75% (B+).

Note: International candidates must check the admission equivalencies for the diploma they received in their country of origin.

• Demonstrate a good academic performance in previous studies as shown by official transcripts, research reports, abstracts or any other documents demonstrating research skills.
• We recommend that you contact potential thesis supervisors as soon as possible.
• To register, you need to have been accepted by a thesis supervisor.

Language Requirements

Applicants must be able to understand and fluently speak the language of instruction in the program to which they are applying. Proof of linguistic proficiency may be required.

Applicants whose first language is neither French nor English must provide proof of proficiency in the language of instruction.

Note: Candidates are responsible for any fees associated with the language tests.

• The admission requirements listed above are minimum requirements and do not guarantee admission to the program.
• Admissions are governed by the general regulations in effect for graduate studies.
• Research activities can be conducted either in English, French or both, depending on the language used by the professor and the members of his or her research group.

Fast-Track from Master’s to PhD

Students enrolled in the master’s program in Biochemistry at the University of Ottawa may be eligible to fast-track directly into the doctoral program without writing a master’s thesis, provided the following conditions are met:

• Maintain an A- average during their graduate studies and in the last two years of undergraduate studies.
• Complete all the core courses required for the M.Sc.
• Demonstrate a satisfactory progress in the research program.
• Provide a written recommendation by the thesis supervisor.
• Provide a written recommendation by the Departmental Graduate Studies Committee.

Note: The transfer must take place within sixteen months of initial enrollment in the master’s. Please note that the minimal admission average requirements for the doctoral program must also be met. Following transfer, all of the requirements of the doctoral program must be met.

Students must meet the following requirements:

The Department may require students to take additional courses, depending on their backgrounds.

The optional course units may be selected from other approved graduate courses in related disciplines approved by the Department.

This requirement involves the presentation of a seminar and regular attendance at the departmental seminars.

Successful presentation and defense of a thesis based on original research carried out under the direct supervision of a faculty member of the Department.

Students are responsible for ensuring they have met all of the thesis requirements . 

Minimum Requirements

The passing grade in all courses is C+.

Students who fail 6 units, the thesis proposal, or the comprehensive exam or whose research progress is deemed unsatisfactory must withdraw from the program.

Research at the University of Ottawa

Located in the heart of Canada’s capital, a few steps away from Parliament Hill, the University of Ottawa ranks among Canada’s top 10 research universities. Our research is founded on excellence, relevance and impact and is conducted in a spirit of equity, diversity and inclusion.

Our research community thrives in four strategic areas:

• Creating a sustainable environment
• Advancing just societies
• Shaping the digital world
• Enabling lifelong health and wellness

From advancing healthcare solutions to tackling global challenges like climate change, the University of Ottawa’s researchers are at the forefront of innovation, making significant contributions to society and beyond.

Research at the Faculty of Medicine

“The Faculty of Medicine has a long history of conducting both basic and clinical research of the highest quality. Many of our high profile research projects are conducted in partnership with affiliated-teaching hospitals and research institutes. These partnerships lead to biomedical discoveries that have a significant impact on health care. In the process they educate the next generation of Canadian scientists. Our research activity also attracts significant investment, which stimulates the Ottawa economy.”

- Dr. Bernard Jasmin, Dean Faculty of Medicine

Facilities, Research Centres and Institutes at the Faculty of Medicine

• Centre for Neural Dynamics
• University of Ottawa Centre for Neuromuscular Disease
• Centre for Research in Biopharmaceuticals and Biotechnology
• Canadian Partnership for Stroke Recovery
• Kidney Research Centre
• University of Ottawa Skills and Simulation Centre
• Medical Devices Innovation Institute
• Ottawa Institute of Systems Biology
• University of Ottawa Brain and Mind Research Institute

For more information, refer to the list of faculty members and their research fields on Uniweb . 

IMPORTANT: Candidates and students looking for professors to supervise their thesis or research project can also consult the website of the faculty or department of their program of choice. Uniweb does not list all professors authorized to supervise research projects at the University of Ottawa.

Not all of the listed courses are given each year. The course is offered in the language in which it is described.

BCH 5101 Analysis of -Omics Data (3 units)

Theoretical and practical aspects of various methods currently used to analyze the plethora mountain of omics data. Methods: sequence alignment and database searches; sequence analysis and bioinformatics of gene regulation; DNA microarray and sequencing technologies to identify transcription factor binding sites; analysis of proteomics data; statistical analysis of preprocessed gene expression and protein/ metabolite abundance data; epidemiology applications. Critical reading of the literature and strategies for making informed choices of methods for the analysis of students' own data.

Course Component: Lecture

BCH 5102 Principles of Biomanufacturing (3 units)

This course will cover the fundamental biological principles impacting the development and efficacy of biotherapeutics. The course will also include topics such as the steps related to biomanufacturing processes, analytical development, quality control and assurance.

BCH 5103 Seminar in Biomanufacturing and Commercialization (3 units)

Seminars on topics of current interest in biomanufacturing and related subjects. Seminars will consist of visiting lectures from entrepreneurs and speakers from industry, regulatory agencies and patient advocate organizations with real-life experience, who will share their stories on the path to production, clinical implementation and commercialization of biological therapeutics.

Course Component: Seminar

BCH 5366 MSc Seminar (3 units)

Attendance and participation in the annual BMI Student Symposium and BMI Poster Day, attendance at BMI seminars relevant to Biochemistry. Students must present at least one poster and one oral presentation during the course of their program. Graded S (Satisfactory) / NS (Not Satisfactory).

BCH 5501 Analyse des données omiques (3 crédits)

Les aspects théoriques et pratiques des méthodes actuellement utilisées pour l'analyse des données omiques. Méthodes : alignement des séquences et recherche dans les bases de données; analyse des séquences et bioinformatique de l'expression génique; micro puces d'ADN et technologies de séquençage utilisées pour l'identification des sites de liaison des facteurs de transcription; l'analyse des données protéomiques; l'analyse statistique de l'expression génique prétraitée; et applications aux données protéine/abondance de métabolites, épidémiologie. Lecture critique de la littérature et stratégies pour faire des choix informés quant à la sélection des méthodes pour l'analyse des données.

Volet : Cours magistral

BCH 8101 Physical and Chemical Methods in Biochemistry (3 units)

Current applications of physical and chemical methods to the study of macromolecule structure-function relationships.

BCH 8102 Selected Topics in Protein Structure and Function (3 units)

An advanced study of recent literature dealing with structure-function relationships in selected proteins.

BCH 8103 Advanced Topics in Gene Expression and Protein Synthesis (3 units)

An advanced study of the recent literature dealing with the chemistry, metabolism and function of nucleic acids, the biosynthesis of proteins, biochemical and genetic control mechanisms, genetic engineering and the control of gene expression. Offered every second year in alternation with BCH 8105 .

BCH 8104 Advanced Topics in Cell Regulation (3 units)

An advanced study of recent literature dealing with signal transduction processes and the regulation of metabolism, cell proliferation and differentiation.

Offered in alternate years.

BCH 8105 Advanced Topics in Molecular Biology of Human Diseases (3 units)

Topics will be selected and representative of current developments in the field. The course consists of a repeated series of a 3 hour lecture by an expert in the field one week, followed by student presentations, discussions and critique of assigned papers on that topic the following week. Topics on selected diseases will focus on various aspects of cancer, apoptosis, disease gene identification and gene therapy. In the past these topics have included the molecular aspects of various cancers, spinal muscular atrophy, tissue regeneration, the discovery of disease genes, infectious disease (HIV) and gene therapy. Students will write a grant proposal and participate in mock grant review panels. Depending on enrolment, the course may be limited to HMG students only.

BCH 8106 Mitochondrial Medicine: Theory and Approaches (3 units)

An advanced study of the recent literature dealing with metabolism, nutrition and metabolic control theory, with emphasis on both whole body and cell metabolism in metabolic and nutritional disorders such as obesity and non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM).

BCH 8107 Advanced Topics in Lipid Metabolism and Disease (3 units)

An advanced study of the recent literature dealing with the role of lipids in both normal physiology and pathophysiology, with a focus on the mechanisms underlying the regulation of both lipid signaling and lipid metabolism in disease processes.

BCH 8108 Advanced Methods of Macro-Molecular Structure Determination (3 units)

A detailed examination of modern methods used to determine the structures of proteins, nucleic acids, and carbohydrates. May include X-ray crystallography, electron diffraction, nuclear magnetic resonance, and other spectroscopic methods.

BCH 8109 Advanced Topics in Cell Death (3 units)

Molecular mechanisms of cell death. Particular attention to be paid to role of aberrant cell death in human disease. Offered in the Fall of odd numbered years.

BCH 8110 Advanced Topics in Systems Biology (3 units)

Recent advances in genomics, proteomics, bioinformatics, and neuroinformatics including functional and chemical genomics, RNA analyses, microarrays, mass spectrometry, and neural imaging. Course requirements include student presentations and writing a mock research proposal based on Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) guidelines. Limited enrollment. Offered in alternate years with BCH 8101 Physical and Chemical Methods in Biochemistry.

Permission of the Department is required.

BCH 8111 Chromosome and Chromatin Biology (3 units)

Higher order chromosome structure and chromatin remodeling and their impact on regulation of gene expression, DNA replication, repair and recombination, and chromosome segregation. Histone modifications and nucleosome positioning and their influence on higher order chromosome structure. Importance of chromosome and chromatin in the context of the cell cycle, development, and disease. Critical reading of the literature on chromosome and chromatin biology.

BCH 8114 Advanced Topics in the Cell Cycle (3 units)

Mechanisms of cell cycle regulation. Model systems critical to deciphering the cell cycle in eukaryotes: budding and fission yeast, Xenopus laevis egg extracts, Aspergillus nidulans, Drosophila melanogaster, sea urchin and mouse oocytes and cultured vertebrate cells. Overview of the prokaryotic cell cycle.

BCH 8116 Model Organisms and Systems Biology (3 units)

Utilization of model organisms in the development and advancement of the systems biology field. Particular attention will be paid to the use of organisms such as Saccharomyces cerevisiae as a model platform for cell cycle progression/cancer. Other models may also be included. The basics of the technology will be discussed along with the application of technology to complex biological questions, in particular relating to the cell cycle. Course offered in alternate years.

BCH 8117 Advanced Topics Relating to the Cell Cytoskeleton and Membranes (3 units)

Advanced study of recent literature dealing with the mammalian cellular cytoskeleton and membrane with an emphasis on the regulation of cell motility, adhesion and cell division.

BCH 8120 ADVANCED TOPICS IN IMMUNOMETABOLISM (3 units)

An advanced study of the recent literature dealing with the field of immunometabolism, with a focus on both immunometabolic pathways and the specialized techniques that allow for understanding chronic inflammatory/metabolic diseases, such as cancer, type 2 diabetes, obesity, atherosclerosis, neurodegeneration, etc.

BCH 8134 Structure and Expression of Eukaryotic and Prokaryotic Genomes (3 units)

Sequencing of eukaryote and prokaryote genomes with emphasis on recent technologies, sequence alignments and databases and assembly of genomes from massively parallel sequencing data. Focus on mapping studies, including linkage disequilibrium-based genome-wide association study (GWAS), to characterize functional variants associated with complex traits. Analysis and structure of microbial metagenomes from environmental and human habitats, including structure-function analysis of microbial communities, microbiota-human disease correlations, and molecular phylogeny. Genome expression, including measures of RNA transcripts and proteins and statistical analysis of data. Combination of various -omics data to understand gene-environment interactions.

BCH 8165 Special Topics in Biochemistry (3 units)

A survey of recent advances in selected areas of biochemistry.

BCH 8166 Special Topics in Biochemistry II (3 units)

BCH 8213S Seminars (2 crédits / 2 units)

Compulsory for second-year graduate students.

Volet / Course Component: Cours magistral / Lecture

BCH 8214S Seminars (2 crédits / 2 units)

Compulsory for third-year graduate students.

BCH 8310 Current Topics in RNA Molecular Biology (3 units)

Properties, mechanisms associated with regulation and the functions of RNAs and Ribonucleoprotein (RNPs) as well as RNA organisms. Current knowledge on RNA expression (synthesis, processing, transport and localization), the structure-function relationship and molecular mechanisms associated with RNAs and RNA genomes, RNA in evolution and in the origin of life, and RNA as therapeutic agents.

Courses CMM 8310 , BCH 8310 cannot be combined for units.

BCH 8366 PhD Seminar (3 units)

Attendance and participation in the annual BMI Student Symposium and BMI Poster Day, attendance at BMI seminars relevant to Biochemistry. Students will present a poster in their first and every alternate year, and an oral presentation the second and every alternate year until they have permission to write their thesis. Graded S (Satisfactory) / NS (Not satisfactory).

BCH 8511 Biologie des chromosomes et de la chromatine (3 crédits)

Organisation de la structure des chromosomes et le remodelage de la chromatine ainsi que l'impact de ceux-ci sur la régulation de l'expression génique, la réplication, la réparation et la recombinaison de l'ADN ainsi que sur la ségrégation des chromosomes. Les modifications histoniques et le positionnement des nucléosomes ainsi que leur influence sur la structure organisée des chromosomes. Importance des chromosomes et de la chromatine dans le contexte du cycle cellulaire, du développement et des maladies. Lecture critique de la littérature portant sur la biologie des chromosomes et de la chromatine.

BCH 8534 Structure et expression des génomes procaryotes et eucaryotes (3 crédits)

Le séquençage des génomes eucaryotes et procaryotes, avec un accent particulier sur les technologies récentes, l'alignement des séquences et les bases de données, et l'assemblage des génomes à partir de données générées par séquençage haut débit. Les études de cartographie comparée incluant les études d'associations pangénomiques basées sur le déséquilibre de liaison pour caractériser les variantes fonctionnelles associées aux traits complexes. L'analyse et la structure de métagénomes microbiens issus d'habitats humains et environnementaux incluant l'analyse structure-fonction des communautés microbiennes, les corrélations entre les maladies humaines et le microbiome ainsi que la phylogénie moléculaire. L'expression génique incluant les mesures de transcriptomes et de protéomes ainsi que l'analyse statistique des données. La combinaison des différentes -données omiques pour comprendre les interactions gène-environnement.

BCH 9998 Examen de synthèse (doctorat) / Comprehensive-Examination (PhD)

À l'intention des étudiants inscrits au programme de Ph.D. L'inscription à ce cours est limitée à trois sessions consécutives. / For students enrolled in the doctoral program. Enrollement in this course is limited to three consecutive academic sessions.

Volet / Course Component: Recherche / Research

Undergraduate Studies

For more information about undergraduate studies at the University of Ottawa, please refer to your faculty .

Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies

For more information about graduate studies at the University of Ottawa, please refer to your academic unit .

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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 .

Biology subfields in Canada

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Biological Sciences

Thesis-based program, program overview.

Graduate study in Biological Sciences puts students on the front lines of discovery. Doctoral students design, conduct and analyze original research; they develop rigorous expertise in everything from foundational theory and the study of evolution to cutting-edge research methodologies as they investigate a broad range of biological problems ranging from the molecular level to the biosphere. Degrees are offered in four integrated areas: biochemistry; ecology and evolutionary biology; integrative cell biology; and microbiology. The program takes four to five years, with funding available through sources such as scholarships, teaching assistantships, research assistantships, and supervisor's research grants.

Completing this program

Research Seminar: Related to supervisor interest, and may include biochemistry, cell biology, ecology and evolutionary biology or microbiology.

Candidacy: Students will prepare a research proposal or essay, followed by an oral exam in their field of research expertise.

Additional Courses: Topics may cover biology of laboratory animals, theory and lab methods, statistical methods, recent advances and Darwin.

Thesis:  Students will propose, write and successfully defend a research thesis.

Specializations

• Biochemistry
• Biophysical Chemistry
• Cell Biology
• Developmental Biology
• Environmental Biology
• Evolutionary Biology
• Molecular Microbiology
• Structural Biology
• Host-Pathogen Interactions
• Energy and Environmental Systems

Professor, biologist, teacher, consultant, scientist (agricultural/forestry breeding, process development, environmental), data analyst, biotechnologist, genetic counsellor, manager (lab, project, clinic, territory, resource), science writer, research technician, bioscience/biotechnology business.

A PhD in biological sciences is usually considered a final degree.

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

Minimum of two courses, with additional seminar courses

Learn more about program requirements in the Academic Calendar

Classroom delivery

Time commitment.

Four years full-time; six 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 .

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Arshad Ayyaz

Robert Barclay

Benjamin Barst

John EA Bertram

Tamara Bodnar

Gordon Chua

Antoine Dufour

Peter Dunfield

Peter Facchini

Constance Finney

Admission requirements

A minimum of 3.2 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

Completion of a Master of Science program recognized by the Faculty of Graduate Studies. Exceptional students may apply to a PhD program without a Master of Science recognized by the Faculty of Graduate Studies.

Work samples

A concise statement outlining the applicant's research interests and reasons for wishing to attend the University of Calgary

Reference letters

Three academic reference letters along with the required reference form.

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*).

For admission on September 1

• Canadian and permanent resident (students with Canadian or U.S. transcripts)- apply by June 1 
• International (students with international transcripts)- apply by May 1 

For admission on January 1

• Canadian and permanent resident (students with Canadian or U.S. transcripts)- apply by Oct. 1 
• International (students with international transcripts)- apply by Sept. 1

For admission on May 1

• Canadian and permanent resident (students with Canadian or U.S. transcripts)- apply by March 1 
• International (students with international transcripts)- apply by Jan. 1

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

Have you made your final decision and you’re ready to apply?

Learn more about this program, department of biological sciences.

Biological Sciences Building 186 2500 University Drive NW Calgary, ABT2N 1N4 403-220-6623

Contact the Graduate Program Administrator

Visit the departmental website

University of Calgary 2500 University Drive NW Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4

Visit the Faculty of Science website

Related programs

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

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Anthropology

Thesis-based MA

Thesis-based PhD

Archaeology

Biochemistry and molecular biology, medical science, microbiology and infectious disease, veterinary medicine, curious about the university of calgary.

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