Our program provides an advanced education with the goal of preparing students for a career in research. We do not provide introductory training to applicants who possess a minimal background in the basic sciences. Students who wish to upgrade their undergraduate record for (MSc-level only) admissions may consider registering in an unclassified year.
A First Class standing, (80% or better) should be obtained in courses recommended by the Department. Successful completion of an unclassified year does not guarantee admission to the MSc program.
Recommended Courses for Unclassified Studies
The courses in this list are merely suggestions. They might be a good scenario for some students, but not the best choices for someone else. We suggest you consult with a biochemistry undergraduate advisor before making any decisions.
Print Suggested Unclassified Course List (94 KB)
| Course | Credits | Subject | Course Description |
| BIOC 303 | 6 | Molecular Biochemistry | Structure, function and metabolism of lipids, steroids, amino acids and nucleotides; the biochemistry and molecular biology of replication, transcription, translation and gene regulation. For Majors and Honours students in Biochemistry and Honours students in other life science programs. |
| BIOC 402 | 3 | Proteins: Structure and Function |
Structural components of proteins, classification by primary, secondary and tertiary structure, protein chemistry and purification, peptide and protein synthesis by chemical means and three-dimensional structure determination using X-ray diffraction and NMR. |
| BIOC 501 ABC |
3-6 | Advanced Biochemistry Laboratory | Practical applications of advanced biochemical techniques. Admission is limited and is by permission of the department head. |
| BIOC 503 | 2 | Molecular Biochemistry | A lecture course in molecular biology: replication, transcription, translation, gene organization, gene expression. |
| BIOL 334 | 3 | Basic Genetics |
Mendelian genetics, chromosome theory of heredity, linkage, mutation, mapping, gene structure and function, gene interaction, quantitative genetics, population genetics. |
| BIOL 335 | 3 | Molecular Genetics |
Isolation and identification of genes, analysis of gene structure; gene expression and its regulation in prokaryotes and in eukaryotes; developmental genetics. |
| CHEM 305 | 3 | Biophysical Chemistry |
Diffusion and transport phenomena; interaction of radiation and matter. Methods for determining molecular weight, size, and shape of molecules in solution. |