Biochemistry and Microbiology

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Student Sarah Khan in a lab looking at samples

Undergraduate studies

Gain the lab skills and modern molecular techniques needed to succeed in biotechnology and the biomedical sciences. Sarah Khan won the prestigous 3M National Student Fellowship and is working toward a future as a family physician.

Undergraduate studies
Student Julian Smazynsk in a lab

Graduate studies

Engage in research that has the potential to improve health and the environment. PhD student Julian Smazynski is engineering immune cells in order to target and kill cancer cells.

Graduate studies
Researcher Caren Helbing in a lab with two students looking at a laptop

Research that makes an impact

We're recognized internationally for our research programs. Researchers like Caren Helbing, who develops tools to assess the effect of environmental pollutants on development and disease, work to improve lives.

Our research
Student in a lab looking at fire off a bunsen burner

Study biochemistry with us

Biochemists seek explanations for the molecular basis of life and includes some of the most exciting areas of the life sciences, including cancer research, drug developments, personalized medicine and biotechnology.

Our biochemistry program
Two students in a lab

Study microbiology with us

Microbiology is the study of life that is too small to see without a microscope. Bacteria and viruses are everywhere—from arctic ice to gastrointestinal tracts, from pristine lakes to polluted bogs.

Our microbiology program

Introducing the School of Molecular Life Sciences!

 

The Department of Biochemistry & Microbiology is becoming the School of Molecular Life Sciences!

This new name better aligns with today’s rapidly evolving scientific landscape, including advances in genetics, molecular cancer biology, systems biology, bioinformatics, and immunology. While biochemistry and microbiology remain foundational disciplines within our programs, the previous department name no longer fully captured the breadth and interdisciplinary nature of the research being done within the school.

As part of this transition, our undergraduate offerings are also evolving. Beginning in September 2026, new students will pursue a degree in Molecular Life Sciences, replacing the current Major and Honours degrees in Biochemistry or Microbiology. Take a look at our FAQ page if you are interested.

A new School of Molecular Life Sciences website is currently in development and will launch later this summer. Stay tuned for more information

 

 

 

 

  

Territory acknowledgement

We acknowledge and respect the Lək̓ʷəŋən (Songhees and Esquimalt) Peoples on whose territory the university stands, and the Lək̓ʷəŋən and W̱SÁNEĆ Peoples whose historical relationships with the land continue to this day.

Interested in learning more about UVic’s territory acknowledgement? Please visit the Office of Indigenous Academic and Community Engagement (IACE).

 

 

Undergraduate

Undergraduate student in a lab class

Undergraduate studies

Graduate

Graduate student looking into a microscope

Graduate studies

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