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 programs in the UVic Calendar
Biochemistry specializations
The information below outlines electives that can be used to customize your program.
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
There are a variety of courses that you might wish to consider as electives. Keep in mind that the core courses for your program are the ones that you will definitely need to graduate, and electives need to fit in your schedule of core courses. The following example of elective suggestions that would give an excellent foundation in this area (BIOC - Cell & Molecular Biology).
- BIOC 102 Biochemistry and Human Health
- EPHE 141 Human Anatomy
- EPHE 241 Introduction to Human Systemic Physiology
- 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 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
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
There are a variety of courses that you might wish to consider as electives. Keep in mind that the core courses for your program are the ones that you will definitely need to graduate, and electives need to fit in your schedule of core courses. The following example of elective choices would give an excellent foundation in this area (MICR - Cancer and Immunology):
- EPHE 141 Human Anatomy
- BIOL 184 Evolution and Biodiversity
- ANTH 302 Globalization, Health and Environment
- BIOL 215 Principals of Ecology
- BIOL 365 Animal Physiology
- BIOL 367 Neurobiology: Molecules to Behaviour
- BIOL 404 Sensory Biology
- BIOC 408 Epigenetic Regulation of Chromatin
- MICR 400 level
- BIOL 465 Molecular Basis of Cancer
- BIOL 436 Human Molecular Genetics
Links of interest
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
There are a variety of courses that you might wish to consider as electives. Keep in mind that the core courses for your program are the ones that you will definitely need to graduate, and electives need to fit in your schedule of core 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:
- BIOC 102 Biochemistry and Human Health
- EPHE 141 Human Anatomy
- EPHE 241 Introduction to Human Systemic Physiology
- 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 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 Biotechnology and Synthetic Biology
Links of interest
More information about proteomics can be found at .
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
There are a variety of courses that you might wish to consider as electives. Keep in mind that the core courses for your program are the ones that you will definitely need to graduate, and electives need to fit in your schedule of core courses. The following example of elective choices would give an excellent foundation in this area (BIOC Molecular Structure & Function).
- BIOC 102 Biochemistry and Human Health
- BIOL 184 Evolution and Biodiversity
- EPHE 241 Introduction to Human Systemic Physiology
- BIOL 360 Cell Biology
- BIOL 361 Molecular Genetics
- BIOL 365 Animal Physiology
- CHEM 437 Biological and Medicinal Chemistry
- MICR 405 Biotechnology and Synthetic Biology