Biochemistry (Thesis) (M.Sc.) (45 credits)
Offered by: Biochemistry (Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences)
Degree: Master of Science
Program credit weight: 45
Program Description
The M.Sc. in Biochemistry focuses on the chemistry, structure and function of biological molecules through seminars, courses and a major part of work in a research laboratory.
Note: For information about Fall 2025 and Winter 2026 course offerings, please check back on May 8, 2025. Until then, the "Terms offered" field will appear blank for most courses while the class schedule is being finalized.
Thesis Courses (36 credits)
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| BIOC 697 | Thesis Research 1. | 9 |
Thesis Research 1. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Independent research work under the direction of the Thesis Supervisor and the Supervisory Committee. | ||
| BIOC 698 | Thesis Research 2. | 12 |
Thesis Research 2. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Independent research work under the direction of the Thesis Supervisor and the Supervisory Committee. | ||
| BIOC 699 | Thesis Research 3. | 15 |
Thesis Research 3. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Independent research work under the direction of the Thesis Supervisor and the Supervisory Committee. | ||
Required Course (3 credits)
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| BIOC 696D1 | Seminars in Biochemistry. 1 | 1.5 |
Seminars in Biochemistry. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Seminars in biochemistry. | ||
| BIOC 696D2 | Seminars in Biochemistry. 1 | 1.5 |
Seminars in Biochemistry. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. See BIOC 696D1 for course description. | ||
| BIOC 696N1 | Seminars in Biochemistry. 1 | 1.5 |
Seminars in Biochemistry. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Seminars in biochemistry. | ||
| BIOC 696N2 | Seminars in Biochemistry. 1 | 1.5 |
Seminars in Biochemistry. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. For description see BIOC 696N1. | ||
- 1
Students choose either BIOC 696D1/D2 or BIOC 696N1/N2.
Complementary Courses1 (6 credits)
- 1
Complementary courses are chosen in consultation with the Research Director.
At least 3 credits must be chosen from the following:
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| BIOC 600 | Advanced Strategies in Genetics and Genomics. | 3 |
Advanced Strategies in Genetics and Genomics. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Advanced technologies and methods in genomics research, presented by experts actively pursuing the experimental approaches discussed. | ||
| BIOC 603 | Genomics and Gene Expression. | 3 |
Genomics and Gene Expression. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Examination of recent developments in analysis of eukaryotic cell genomes and control of gene expression during differentiation and growth control. Molecular genetics; genomics and the bioinformatics of analysis of genomic and functional-genomic data; mechanisms and signal-transduction pathways for regulation of gene expression; applications to human disease with a strong emphasis on cancer. | ||
| BIOC 604 | Macromolecular Structure. | 3 |
Macromolecular Structure. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. X-Ray crystallography, NMR spectroscopy, Electron Microscopy. Theory and methods used to determine macromolecular structures will be covered. Several practical sessions with hands-on experience for students are included. | ||
| BIOC 605 | Protein Biology and Proteomics. | 3 |
Protein Biology and Proteomics. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Examination of recent developments in protein biology and proteomics analysis. Proteomics, modeling and biophysical approaches to characterize the functional interactions of biological macromolecules; applications to biological problems. Lectures and in-class discussions are supplemented by practical training in proteomics. | ||
| BIOC 670 | Biochemistry of Lipoproteins. | 3 |
Biochemistry of Lipoproteins. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Structure, function and metabolism of lipids and lipoproteins as they relate to lipid storage diseases, obesity, diabetes and heart disease. | ||
| EXMD 615 | Essentials of Glycobiology. | 3 |
Essentials of Glycobiology. Terms offered: Winter 2026 Examination of the structure, function, and biosynthesis of glycoproteins, glycolipids and glycosaminoglycans, and the biological role of complex carbohydrates. Lectins, methods for elucidating carbohydrate structure, glycomics, and human diseases due to disorders of glycan synthesis. | ||
| EXMD 635D1 | Experimental/Clinical Oncology. | 3 |
Experimental/Clinical Oncology. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. The course will deal, on a site by site basis, with the incidence of cancer, present treatment, treatment outcome, underlying causes, current research and directions for development of new treatments. Chemotherapy, surgery, radiation therapy and nutrition as therapy and treatment of cancer will be included. | ||
| EXMD 635D2 | Experimental/Clinical Oncology. | 3 |
Experimental/Clinical Oncology. Terms offered: Winter 2026 See EXMD 635D1 for course description. | ||
0-3 credits, at the 500 level or higher in biomedical and allied sciences.
The Graduate Advisory Committee may stipulate additional coursework depending on the background of the candidate. BIOC 450 Protein Structure and Function. and BIOC 454 Nucleic Acids. are additional requirements for those who have not previously completed equivalent courses in their prior training.