BSc (120 credit hour) Concentrated Honours in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

Students who want a challenging program that results in a broad and in-depth background in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, and includes an independent research experience, may want to enroll in an Honours program. Students interested in eventually pursuing graduate studies are particularly encouraged to consider Honours. Honours students complete a minimum of 54 credit hours above the 1000 level in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology subject courses, with a minimum GPA of 3.0, and write a research-based Honours thesis. The Honours thesis and Qualifying Examination requirements are satisfied through completion of BIOC 4604.03/BIOC 4605.03. Because Biochemistry and Chemistry are closely interwoven both conceptually and experimentally, the list of required courses includes both subjects. Additional chemistry courses beyond those required for the honours degree may be taken as electives.

A Co-op option is available for students enrolled in a BSc Concentrated Honours in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. See Co-operative Education Program.

Admission to Honours

Students who wish to enrol in a Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Honours program should apply for admission after their second year Fall term grades are in. To be admitted, students must have

• Consulted with a Departmental Academic advisor

Departmental Requirements

In addition to fulfilling the requirements outlined in Academic Regulations and College of Arts and Science Degree Requirements, students in a BSc Concentrated Honours program in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology must complete the following courses:

1000 level

• BIOL 1010.03: Principles of Biology Part I/BIOL 1011.03: Principles of Biology Part II or BIOL 1020.03: Introductory Biology I: Cells, Genetics and Evolution/BIOL 1021.03: Introductory Biology II: Organismal Biology and Ecology
• CHEM 1011.03 Concepts in Chemistry/CHEM 1012.03: Concepts in Chemistry: Structure and Reactivity
• MATH 1000.03: Differential and Integral Calculus I or MATH 1215.03: Life Sciences Calculus
• MATH 1010.03: Differential and Integral Calculus II or MATH 1030: Matrix Theory/Linear Algebra I or STAT 1060.03: Introductory Statistics for Science and Health Sciences

Or Integrated Science Program

2000 level

• BIOC 2300.03: Introduction to Biochemistry and BIOC 2610.03: Introductory Biochemistry Lab
• BIOL 2020.03: Cell Biology and BIOL 2030.03: Genetics and Molecular Biology
• CHEM 2401.03: Introductory Organic Chemistry: Structure, Concepts of Mechanisms and Spectroscopy and CHEM 2402.03: Introductory Organic Chemistry: Reactivity of Functional Groups
• CHEM 2201.03: Introductory Analytical Chemistry

3000 level

• BIOC 3300.03: Intermediary Metabolism
• BIOC 3400.03: Nucleic Acid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
• CHEM 3601.03: Chemistry of Living Systems or one course in Biochemistry at or above the 3000 level
• BIOC 3700.03: Biomolecular Chemistry

4000 level

• BIOC 4604.03: Research Project I and BIOC 4605.03: Research Project II (Honours Thesis)
• Nine credit hours from BIOC 40XX, 43XX, 44XX, 45XX, 47XX
• Six additional credit hours of BIOC at the 4000 level

Other requirements:

A pass is required in the Honours Qualifying examination. Students should ensure that they enrol in any 2000 or 3000 level courses that are prerequisites for advanced courses they intend to take (see calendar entries).