- PhD candidate in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of British Columbia
- Associate attorney, Sullivan & Cromwell LLP
- Dentist, Baker Hill Dental Clinic
- Medical student, University of British Columbia
- PhD candidate in Membrane Biology, University of Alberta
- Graduate student in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biophysics, University of Minnesota
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Want to learn more?
Visit the Faculty of Science website to learn more about Biochemistry.
Program information
Biochemistry is the study of the chemical processes occurring in living matter, a discipline which encompasses an incredibly diverse field of research that touches nearly all aspects of our lives. Biochemists are working in areas as diverse environmental degradation, forensics, disease research, and archaeology.
Program overview
- Campus
- Vancouver
- Program length
- 4 years
- Honours This option has additional requirements compared to those required in a Major specialization. Students must maintain high academic standing and may have to write a graduating thesis.
- Yes
- Co-op Co-op is an optional program where students alternate between academic terms and paid work terms. It’s an opportunity to gain relevant job experience while completing your degree.
- Yes
- Faculty
- Faculty of Science
- Degree
- Bachelor of Science
What you'll learn
Biochemistry is concerned with the chemical compounds and processes that occur in plants, animals, and microorganisms. Specifically, it involves the analysis of proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids, which comprise the basic constituents of cells.
This specialization equips you with a strong foundation in biochemistry while also providing the flexibility to cultivate your interests in allied fields (e.g., microbiology, food science, and chemistry). An undergraduate degree in biochemistry is particularly appropriate for students who anticipate a professional career in the health sciences or research.
Biochemistry is available at the undergraduate level as a major or honours. It can also be paired with chemistry for a combined major or combined honours degree.
Housed in the Faculty of Medicine, the program鈥檚 primary focus is on the biochemistry of the human body. Biochemistry can also be studied as an elective in biology, chemistry, microbiology and immunology, and cellular, anatomical and physiological sciences.
Experiential learning and research
The Biochemistry program champions and supports the participation of undergraduates in research and provides students the opportunity gain hands-on research experience through several upper-year laboratory courses.
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology is located in the Life Sciences Centre, a multi-disciplinary research space where more than 80 faculty investigators and approximately 600 trainees and research staff conduct innovative research in many areas of the life and biomedical sciences. The Laboratory for Molecular Biophysics has state-of-the-art instrumentation and facilities.
Hands-on experience
The Biochemistry program champions and supports the participation of undergraduates in research and provides students the opportunity gain hands-on research experience through several upper-year laboratory courses.
Program advantages
Students attend lectures and labs in UBC鈥檚 state-of-the-art Life Sciences Institute. You will prepare for graduate study in biochemistry, molecular biology, biophysics, or professional schools. Students will gain hands-on research experience through upper-year laboratory courses.
Campus features
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology is located in the Life Sciences Centre, a multi-disciplinary research space where more than 80 faculty investigators and approximately 600 trainees and research staff conduct innovative research in many areas of the life and biomedical sciences. The Laboratory for Molecular Biophysics has state-of-the-art instrumentation and facilities.
Life at UBC's Vancouver campus
The Biochemistry program is housed in the Life Sciences Centre. Constructed in 2005, the Life Sciences Centre is part of the Life Sciences Institute, which is the largest research centre on UBC鈥檚 Vancouver campus.
Courses
There are hundreds of courses you can take within Biochemistry. Here are a few you might like.
Principles of storage and transmission of genetic variation; origin and evolution of species and their ecological interactions.
Amino acids and proteins. Enzymes and enzymology. Human metabolic pathways. Structure, function and metabolism of carbohydrates including glycogen storage and gluconeogenesis.
Exploration of the breadth and importance of biochemical research to present day challenges in medicine and biotechnology. Detailed experimental research case studies of novel biochemical methods used to address pressing and ongoing biochemical issues.
Multi-week experiments involving contemporary nucleic acid research, cloning and recombinant protein engineering. Emphasis is on experimental design, critical analysis of data and scientific communication skills.
Outcomes
A BSc in Biochemistry is a perfect stepping stool for entry into graduate programs, as well as medical, law, dental, or pharmacy school.
Students graduate with strong critical thinking, communication, and research abilities. These skills are highly sought after and are transferable to many workplaces.
Program graduates
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Program requirements
Choose application type:
English-language requirements
English is the language of instruction at UBC. All prospective students must demonstrate English-language competency prior to admission. There are numerous ways to meet the聽English Language Admission Standard.
General admission requirements
IB Diploma Programme
- Completed IB Diploma, including at least three Higher Level courses.
IB Certificate Courses
- IB Certificate courses (Standard and Higher Level) may be used in an admissions average if you are graduating from a recognized high school curriculum that can be used as your basis of admission.
- IB Math Applications and Interpretations SL, or IB Math Studies, do not satisfy the math requirement for admission to UBC’s science-based programs, the Faculty of Management, the 糖心logo入口Sauder School of Business, or the Vancouver School of Economics.
Degree-specific requirements: Science
- IB Math Analysis and Approaches SL or HL, or IB Math Applications and Interpretations HL (IB Math Applications and Interpretations SL, or IB Math Studies, are not acceptable)
- One of IB Biology, IB Chemistry, or IB Physics
- Grade 11 or equivalent Chemistry, and
- Grade 11 or equivalent Physics (may be waived with grades of 5 in IB Chemistry and in your IB Mathematics course)
Note: Grade 11 Chemistry and Physics requirements listed are only relevant to students who are not completing the equivalent IB Diploma Chemistry and/or Physics courses.
For students studying outside of Canada, some examples of courses that may be accepted as Grade 11 equivalents are junior-level courses for American students, and IGCSE and O Level for those following British-patterned curricula.
Related courses
The following subject categories are particularly relevant for this degree. Consider taking courses in these areas in your junior year and senior year.
- Language Arts
- Mathematics and Computation
- Sciences
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Related programs
Want to learn more?
Visit the Faculty of Science website to learn more about Biochemistry.
Get a post-graduate work permit for up to three years if you are a full-time 糖心logo入口international student graduating from a bachelor’s degree program and meet all .
Want to learn more?
Visit the Faculty of Science website to learn more about Biochemistry.