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 provides you with the training needed to play a leading role in new and exciting areas of medical research. You will be exposed to cutting-edge research and state-of-the-art knowledge. The undergraduate biochemistry program prepares you for graduate studies and thus for a career in academic or research positions within the medical sciences. What's more, biochemistry provides an excellent foundation for further studies in medicine and other health specialties.

You can enroll in an Honours BSc with either a specialization, a major, or a minor in biochemistry. Choose a specialization if you want to pursue a career in experimental biochemistry. Opt for a major if you would prefer fundamental training in the discipline. Choose a minor if you want to focus on another discipline but are interested in biochemistry. An honours BSc with specialization in biochemistry with an option in microbiology and immunology is also available if you have a particular interest in microorganisms and the role that the immune system plays in health and disease. The integrated biotechnology program allows you to combine studies in biochemistry with training in chemical engineering to obtain both a BSc in biochemistry and a BASc in chemical engineering in five years. As for the language of instruction, compulsory courses and many of the program electives are available in either English or French.

If you enter the specialization program, you will have the opportunity to complete a full-year research project under the supervision of a professor affiliated with the Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology. This department has approximately 100 members, both on Roger-Guindon campus and in research institutes throughout the National Capital Region. Given the breadth of research expertise within the Department (see www.biochemistry.uOttawa.ca/welcome), you can pursue work in many areas of modern medical research, including biochemistry, microbiology, immunology, molecular biology, cell biology, proteomics, genomics, systems biology and bioinformatics.

The officially approved biochemistry and microbiology courses at the Faculty of Science are taught by professors in the Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, which is part of the Faculty of Medicine.