Biochemistry

Biochemistry is the chemistry of life. As such, it provides the foundation for understanding all biological processes and for understanding the molecular basis and treatment of human disease.

The biochemistry program gives you the training needed to play a leading role in the new and exciting areas of medical research. That of course means you get exposed to cutting-edge research and state-of-the-art knowledge. The undergraduate program prepares you for graduate studies in biochemistry and thus for careers in academic or research positions involving the medical sciences. What's more, studies in biochemistry provide an excellent background for further studies in medicine and other health specialties.

You can enroll in a BSc with specialization, with major, or with minor in biochemistry. Take the specialization if you want to pursue a career in experimental biochemistry. Opt for the major if you prefer fundamental training in the discipline. Choose the minor if you're focusing on another discipline but still want exposure to biochemistry. Finally, you can combine studies in biochemistry with training in chemical engineering to obtain both a BSc and a BASc in chemical engineering in five years. As for language of instruction, compulsory courses and electives in the first three years of the program are available in either English or French.

If you enter the specialization, you have the opportunity to complete a full-year thesis project in a research laboratory under the supervision of a professor affiliated with the Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Immunology. The Department has approximately 100 members both on campus and in research institutes throughout the National Capital Region. With the Department's breadth of research expertise (see http://www.medicine.uottawa.ca/microbio/bmi/eng/), you can pursue work in any area of modern medical research, including biochemistry, microbiology, immunology, molecular and cellular biology, proteomics, genomics, systems biology, etc.

The Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology is part of the Faculty of Medicine. Professors in the Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology teach the officially approved biochemistry and microbiology courses in the Faculty of Science.