Biochemistry program

Biochemistry student

Biochemistry: the chemistry of biological molecules

Biochemists seek explanations for the molecular basis of life. They are primarily interested in the relationship of molecular structure with function, but modern Biochemistry now covers a broad range of approaches to fundamental questions and practical problems.

Biochemistry merges biology and chemistry and covers some of the most exciting areas of the life sciences. Modern biochemical research includes structural biology, proteomics, genomics, epigenetics, signal transduction, gene expression and development, metabolic diseases, bioinformatics, and molecular evolution.

Biochemistry programs in the UVic Calendar

Biochemistry specializations

The information below outlines electives that can be used to customize your program.

A strong foundation in biochemistry, genetics, cellular biology and physiology can lead you to a career working in drug development, medicine, biotechnology or research.

Suggested courses

There are a variety of courses that you might wish to consider as electives.  Keep in mind that the core courses for your program are the ones that you will definitely need to graduate, and electives need to fit in your schedule of core courses. The following example of elective suggestions that would give an excellent foundation in this area (BIOC - Cell & Molecular Biology).

Links of interest

Our department has strong ties to the BC Cancer Agency Deeley Research Centre. The courses we have suggested in this area would give you a great background to carry on in this field as a graduate student.

Suggested courses

There are a variety of courses that you might wish to consider as electives.  Keep in mind that the core courses for your program are the ones that you will definitely need to graduate, and electives need to fit in your schedule of core courses. The following example of elective choices would give an excellent foundation in this area (MICR - Cancer and Immunology):

Links of interest

The proteome is the entire complement of proteins encoded in the genome—it is larger, more complex, and more closely related to function than the genome. Analysis of the proteome is an area of specialization that can be applied to cancer biology, biomarker diagnostics, and molecular medicine.

Suggested courses

There are a variety of courses that you might wish to consider as electives.  Keep in mind that the core courses for your program are the ones that you will definitely need to graduate, and electives need to fit in your schedule of core courses. If you have an interest in this area, some courses that you will find useful as potential electives in your biochemistry or microbiology degree include:

Links of interest

More information about proteomics can be found at wikipedia.

Determining the atomic level structure of biological molecules enables detailed analysis of their function. Students who specialize in this area will have opportunities in drug discovery, molecular medicine, biotechnology, and research.

Suggested courses

There are a variety of courses that you might wish to consider as electives.  Keep in mind that the core courses for your program are the ones that you will definitely need to graduate, and electives need to fit in your schedule of core courses. The following example of elective choices would give an excellent foundation in this area (BIOC Molecular Structure & Function).

Links of interest