Biochemistry Program
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 Specializations
The table below outlines electives that can be used to customize your program.
Cellular/Molecular
Overview
Cellular and Molecular Biology
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
The following example of elective suggestions that would give an excellent foundation in this area (BIOC - Cell & Molecular Biology).
Year 1 electives:
BIOC 102 Biochemistry and Human Health
EPHE 141 Introductory Human Anatomy
Year 2 electives:
EPHE 241A Introduction to Human Cellular Physiology
EPHE 241B Introduction to Human Systemic Physiology
Year 3 & 4 electives - choose from:
BIOL 309 Developmental Biology
BIOL 360 Cell Biology
BIOL 361 Molecular Genetics & Genomics
BIOL 365 Animal Physiology
BIOL 432 Molecular Endocrinology
BIOL 435 Molecular Evolution
BIOL 436 Human Molecular Genetics
BIOL 437 DNA Repair, Mutation and Human Health
BIOL 439 Molecular Epidemiology
BIOL 447 Ion Channels and Disease
BIOL 458 Plant Biochemistry and Biochemical Ecology
BIOL 465 The Molecular Basis of Cancer
CHEM 437 Biological and Medicinal Chemistry
Links of Interest
Cancer & Immunology
Overview
Cancer & Immunology
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
The following example of elective choices would give an excellent foundation in this area (MICR - Cancer and Immunology):
1st yr electives:
EPHE 141 Introductory Human Anatomy
BIOL 190B General Biology II
2nd yr electives:
ANTH 302 Globalization, Health and Environment
BIOL 215 Principals of Ecology
3rd yr electives:
BIOL 365 Animal Physiology
MEDS 301 Introduction to Pharmacology OR
BIOL 367 Neurobiology: Molecules to Behaviour
4th yr electives:
BIOL 404 Sensory Biology
BIOC 408 Epigenetic Regulation of Chromatin
BIOL 437 DNA Repair, Mutation and Human Health
MICR 400 level
BIOL 465 Molecular Basis of Cancer
BIOL 436 Human Molecular Genetics
Links of interest
Proteomics
Overview
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
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:
Year 1 electives:
BIOC 102 Biochemistry and Human Health
EPHE 141 Introductory Human Anatomy
Year 2 electives:
EPHE 241A Introduction to Human Cellular Physiology
EPHE 241B Introduction to Human Systemic Physiology
Year 3 & 4 electives - choose from:
BIOL 309 Developmental Biology
BIOL 355 Evolution
BIOL 360 Cell Biology
BIOL 361 Molecular Genetics & Genomics
BIOL 365 Animal Physiology
BIOL 432 Molecular Endocrinology
BIOL 435 Molecular Evolution
BIOL 436 Human Molecular Genetics
BIOL 437 DNA Repair, Mutation and Human Health
BIOL 439 Molecular Epidemiology
BIOL 447 Ion Channels and Disease
BIOL 458 Plant Biochemistry and Biochemical Ecology
BIOL 465 The Molecular Basis of Cancer
CHEM 437 Biological and Medicinal Chemistry
MICR 405 Molecular Biotechnology
Links of Interest
UVic Genome BC Proteomics Centre
More information about proteomics can be found at wikipedia and the AMA.
Molecular structure
Overview
Molecular Structure and Function
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
The following example of elective choices would give an excellent foundation in this area (BIOC Molecular Structure & Function).
Year 1 electives:
BIOC 102 Biochemistry and Human Health
BIOL 190B General Biology II
Year 2 electives:
EPHE 241A Introduction to Human Cellular Physiology
EPHE 241B Introduction to Human Systemic Physiology
Year 3 & 4 electives - choose from:
BIOL 360 Cell Biology
BIOL 361 Molecular Genetics
BIOL 365 Animal Physiology
CHEM 437 Biological and Medicinal Chemistry
MICR 405 Molecular Biotechnology