Why study this program?
The Department of Biochemistry offers programs leading to the degrees of Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy. Both require the completion of a research program and the preparation of a thesis.
The Department of Biochemistry strives to train scientists with both a broad knowledge of the disciplines of biochemistry, biophysics and molecular biology. It also strives to develop critical and creative scholars who can communicate effectively.
The Department provides a world-class training environment in a broad range of topics.
The Department of Biochemistry is the primary home of the Groups on Membrane Protein Research, Molecular and Cell Biology of Lipids, and the Signal Transduction Research Group. Many members of the Department are active in the Centre for prion and protein folding diseases, the Cardiovascular Research Centre (CVRC), the Alberta Diabetes Institute, the Li Ka Shing Institute of Virology, the Women and Children’s Health Research Institute (WCHRI), and International Research Training Group (IRTG) in Membrane protein diseases.
The Department of Biochemistry is endowed with state-of-the art equipment and support facilities. Access to all major techniques utilized in modern biochemical, biophysical and molecular biological research is available to faculty, postdoctoral fellows and graduate students. The Department is also home to the National High Field Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Centre (NANUC).
Entrance Requirements
See Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry Graduate Program Entrance Requirements.
Program Core Competencies
The following are the program-specific requirements to satisfy the FoMD’s Program Core Competencies (See FoMD Program Core Competencies):
1. Professional Development and Ethics
See GPS Ethics and Academic Citizenship Training Requirement and GPS Professional Development Requirement.
3. Critical Reading/Thinking
All Biochemistry graduate students are required to take at least one of:
- BIOCH 609 - Macromolecular Structure Analysis
- BIOCH 620 - Selected Topics in Protein Structure, Function, and Regulation
- BIOCH 630 - Selected Topics in Modern Molecular Biology
- BIOCH 641 - Selected Topics on the Structure and Function of Biological Membranes
- BIOCH 675 - Magnetic Resonance in Biology and Medicine II
4. Background Knowledge
In addition to one of the above courses in critical reading/thinking, students in the Biochemistry PhD program are required to complete a second course at the 500- or 600-level that may be selected from the above listing or from the following:
- BIOCH 510 - Signal Transduction
- BIOCH 520 - Protein Chemistry, Structure, and Function
- BIOCH 525 - Proteomics
- BIOCH 530 - Biochemistry of Eukaryotic Gene Expression
- BIOCH 541 - Structure and Function of Biological Membranes
- BIOCH 565 - Methods in Molecular Biophysics
This may also be fulfilled by taking relevant Graduate level courses from other departments if approved by the supervisor and Director of Graduate Studies for the Department of Biochemistry.
Thesis
Registration in 900-level THES. Students are required to prepare and defend a thesis on a topic approved by their supervisor and supervisory committee.
Courses
Graduate courses can be found in Course Listings, under the subject heading Biochemistry (BIOCH).
Financial assistance in the form of graduate assistantships is usually available for students that are admitted to the program. Exceptionally qualified applicants may be nominated for University of Alberta entrance scholarships. Students are encouraged to apply for competitive student awards.
For general information, please visit the Tuition and Fees page on the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research site.The Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research administers over $29 million each year in scholarships, awards, and financial support for graduate students, as well as financial and loan advising. Additional scholarships are also available for specific faculties and programs.
Please refer to the detailed program information or email biochem_inquiries@biochem.ualberta.ca.
General inquiriesPlease check out some of our most frequently asked questions (FAQS) to see if your question has been answered, or contact the Faculty of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies (GPS) during our office hours.
Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research (FGSR)
Killam Centre for Advanced Studies
2-29 Triffo Hall
University of Alberta
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T6G 2E1