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Faculty of Science

Introducing the School of Molecular Life Sciences

July 02, 2026

School of Molecular Life Sciences spelled out in Scrabble tiles on a desk

Since 1965, the Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology has been one of the core departments within UVic’s Faculty of Science. But lots has changed over the last 60 years, and starting September 2026, the department’s name will be changing as well.

The Department of Biochemistry & Microbiology is officially renaming to the School of Molecular Life Sciences (MLSC) and will be transitioning from offering a BSc in Biochemistry or Microbiology to a new BSc in Molecular Life Sciences. 

“The Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology has been a powerhouse for years, providing an outstanding undergraduate education and world-class research,” says UVic’s dean of science, Peter Loock. “I’m excited to see the opportunities that open up under the new name and can’t wait to celebrate the accomplishments ahead.”

Meet the School of Molecular Life Sciences

The journey to a new name was not short, easy or impromptu. Conversations about a name change began in 2024 after an external review of the department. It was noted that the existing name, Biochemistry and Microbiology, did not fully encompass the expertise and research in genetics, cancer biology, molecular biology, systems biology, bioinformatics and immunology that was taking place within the department, limiting the visibility of all the work taking place. The new name, the School of Molecular Life Sciences, better aligns with the department’s current research and training activities and strengths, while also reflecting the national and international trend of integrating molecular terminology into names. The new name has the added benefit of clearly distinguishing the unit from Biology and Chemistry within the Faculty of Science.

“This is more than a name change—it reflects a strategic repositioning of the School. Aligning our name with the breadth and direction of our research and teaching will help us better communicate who we are and strengthen interdisciplinary and external partnerships, while ensuring the School remains visible, relevant, and forward-looking.”

- Jennifer Cobb, director of the School of Molecular Life Sciences

A new BSc in Molecular Life Sciences

Alongside a name change, the School has also made changes to their core undergraduate programs. Starting September 1, 2026, the existing BSc in Biochemistry and the BSc in Microbiology programs will be discontinued and replaced with a new BSc in Molecular Life Sciences. The Biochemistry and Microbiology programs have long shared overlapping curricula and research strengths and combining them into a single BSc in Molecular Life Sciences will expand student flexibility, provide a more cohesive foundation across different areas of molecular life science and reduce administrative duplication. The new program will offer options in biochemistry or microbiology, maintaining strong disciplinary emphasis if desired.  

While many of the core courses in the program will remain the same, the new program is designed to provide students with a more cohesive foundation across areas such as molecular biology, genetics, biochemistry, microbiology and related disciplines. Several new courses have been introduced, including a 100-level course, Foundations in Molecular Life Sciences (MLSC 103), and a 300-level course, Bioinformatics for Molecular Life Sciences (MLSC 302). Other changes include a reduction to one 400-level lab course (MLSC 406), no physics requirement and more flexibility in upper-level courses (unless an option is chosen).

Combined programs that previously included biochemistry or microbiology will also change to molecular life sciences. Graduate programs in biochemistry and microbiology remain unchanged.  

“Our goal is always to offer programs that meet the needs of today’s students and prepare them to be excellent scientists,” says Loock. “In recent years, we’ve introduced new programs in climate science and data science. This program change is the latest in our efforts to prepare our students with the skills and knowledge needed to be strong candidates in today’s job market.”

Frequently asked questions

How do these changes affect current students?

Current students who are declared as a Biochemistry or Microbiology major will be fully supported in completing their degree as planned. They have the option of switching to the Molecular Life Sciences program if desired. Students starting after September 1, 2026 will only have the option of Molecular Life Sciences. Read the Student FAQs   

How do these changes affect alumni?

The existing degrees of our alumni are unaffected by this change. Your home department is now the School of Molecular Life Sciences.

How do these changes affect donors?

These changes don’t substantially impact donors. Awards previously intended for biochemistry and/or microbiology students will be amended to be awarded to students in molecular life sciences. Funds will continue to support the same intentions as initially agreed upon.