Biochemistry and Microbiology
Combine microbiology and chemistry to understand the living world. You’ll study the basic sciences and the latest discoveries.
Potential careers
What can you do with a biochemistry and microbiology degree? Here are a few jobs and fields that relate to the program:
- toxicology
- biotechnology
- immunology
- bioinformatics
- food quality control
- microbiologist
- oncology
- pharmacology
- industrial chemistry
- research assistant
- quality control analyst
- epidemiology
- teacher or instructor
- medicine
- virology
- microbrewing
- agriculture
Some of these roles may require post-graduate studies or training.
Find a career that fits you
- Explore your career options at an appointment with a career educator.
- Attend career development workshops as you search for work.
- Take part in the Career Clarity program to generate career ideas and plan your next steps.
Experience & connections
Opportunities in the biochemistry and microbiology program
- With the Co-op Program you can alternate study with paid work.
Opportunities outside your program
- With a work study position you can develop skills during your study term.
- Volunteering is a great way to give back to your community while you build skills.
Networks you can connect to
Here are a few professional associations related to biochemistry and microbiology:
Hands-on learning opportunities
These courses in the biochemistry and microbiology program offer extensive hands-on learning.
Co-op
Co-op work terms
Alternate academic study with paid work terms to gain workplace experience
Course-based
MICR 405 - Biotechnology and Synthetic Biology
Develop biotechnology products of commercial and social value in a team
Lab
BCMB 298 - Research Experience
Introductory work with a research group to gain lab experience
BCMB 398 - Research Experience
Immediate work with a research group to gain lab experience
BCMB 301A - Lab Techniques & Projects I
BCMB 301B - Lab Techniques & Projects II
Introduction to methods of molecular biology and project-based research skills
BCMB 406A - Applied Research Laboratory Techniques I
BCMB 406B - Applied Research Laboratory Techniques II
Develop project-based research skills
BCMB 498 - Applied Research Laboratory Techniques II
Advanced work with a research group to gain lab experience
MICR 200A - Introductory Microbiology I
MICR 200B - Introductory Microbiology II
Learn the basic skills and principles of microbiology
Research project
BCMB 499A - Undergraduate Thesis I
BCMB 499B - Undergraduate Thesis II
Do an independent thesis research project supervised by a faculty member
BIOC 470 - Directed Studies in Biochemistry
Do an independent research project supervised by a faculty researcher
MICR 470 - Directed Studies in Microbiology
Do an independent research project supervised by a faculty researcher
Work experience
Work experience work terms
Take part in a modified co-op program requiring one or two work experiences
These courses are not always offered as described.
What you'll learn
Every student at UVic builds skills all employers look for. At UVic Co-op & Career we call these "competencies". This is what you’ll learn in the biochemistry and microbiology program.
Knowledge
- examine the structure and function of proteins
- understand the principles and analysis of kinetic mechanisms
- use proteomics and protein interactions in binding and catalysis
- understand the structure and function of carbohydrates
- understand the structure and function of lipids
- examine biological membranes and bioenergetics
- understand metabolic processes and their control
- understand the structure and function of DNA, RNA and genes
- understand gene expression in eukaryotes
- explore the biochemical basis of signal transduction
Microbiology and immunology knowledge
- understand prokaryotic and eukaryotic cell structure and function
- understand the physiology and growth of microorganisms
- understand the molecular taxonomy of microorganisms
- understand microbial genetics and genomics
- study microbial cell biology using molecular approaches
- explore immunology, generation of antibody diversity, immune effect or mechanisms and immunological principles
- understand molecular virology and animal viruses
- examine developments and uses of molecular biotechnology
- understand microbial pathogenesis and the molecular mechanisms of pathogenesis
Scientific method
- search and critically evaluate scientific literature
- understand new and emerging uses of biochemistry, microbiology and biotechnology
- gather evidence through observation and experimentation
- analyze data and formulate a clear, answerable question
- use inductive reasoning and deductive methods to develop a testable, falsifiable hypothesis and predict expected results
- design quantitative approaches or experiments to test and evaluate hypotheses
- observe and record the results of research
- use mathematical and statistical methods and analytical tools to evaluate data
- draw conclusions
- communicate results and ideas in scientific reports, papers and oral presentations
- identify the need to do further research
- write and speak effectively
Computer skills
- create and modify scientific software
- use scientific software
- develop and use computer modeling as a proxy for physical experimentation
- develop and use computational methods to analyze large data sets
Field work
- observe behaviour or properties of subjects and phenomena
- make measurements of the subjects or phenomena or their environment
- identify and collect samples for analysis
- use field equipment, tools and machinery
Lab work
- use safe and careful practices
- keep accurate lab records
- use sterile and aseptic techniques
- use pipetting technique
- perform lab experiments following standard methods and procedures
- take accurate measurements and identify potential sources of error
- troubleshoot and optimizes methods and techniques
- develop methods and procedures
- analyze, make, purify, modify and characterize compounds, samples or devices
- use lab instruments
- critically evaluate lab data
Education and training
- teach science at a level appropriate to the audience
- assess achievement of learning outcomes
- train and supervises others to perform scientific procedures