Biochemistry Programs (BSc)

This program is offered through the Departments of Biological Sciences and Chemistry

Co-ordinators
Fiona Hunter, Department of Biological Sciences
Paul Zelisko, Department of Chemistry

Academic Advisor
Heather VanVolkenburg
Academic Advising - Faculty of Mathematics & Science (brocku.ca)

General Information

Administrative Assistant
Brittany Kalbfleisch, Nicole Mooney

905-688-5550, extension 33880
Mackenzie Chown F234
brocku.ca/biochemistry

Biochemistry describes the structure, organization and function of living systems in molecular terms. The goals of biochemistry are to identify the chemical components and molecules (such as DNA, RNA and protein) of living cells and to determine the function of each component, how components interact, how they are integrated into biological systems, and how these components affect the overall functions of cells and living systems. The Biochemistry Program is a broadly based program designed to provide the student with a thorough understanding of living systems from a molecular perspective. The program is run jointly by the Departments of Biological Sciences and Chemistry.

The Biochemistry Co-op program combines academic and work terms over a five-year period. Students spend two years in an academic setting studying the fundamentals of Biochemistry prior to their first work placement. Successful completion of courses in the core areas of Biochemistry provides the necessary academic background for the work experience. In addition to the current fees for courses in academic study terms, Biochemistry Co-op students are assessed an administrative fee for each work term (see the Schedule of Fees).

Students wishing to gain entry (or re-entry) into the Biochemistry program from another university program (including from accredited programs offered outside of the university) must have first completed all first-year requirements of the program being sought (with a minimum of 60 achieved in each of BIOL 1P91  , BIOL 1P92  and CHEM 1P91  and CHEM 1P92 ) and hold a minimum major average of 70 and overall average of 60.

Eligibility to continue in the Biochemistry Co-op program is based on the student’s major and non-major averages. A student with a minimum 70 percent major average and a minimum 60 percent non-major average may continue. A student with a major average lower than 70 percent will not be permitted to continue in the Biochemistry Co-op program, but may continue in the non co-op Biochemistry stream. If a student subsequently raises his/her major average to 70 percent, the student may be re-admitted only if approved by the Co-op Admissions Committee. For further information, see the Co-op Programs section of the Calendar, and contact the Departments of Biological Sciences or Chemistry.

All students in the Co-operative Education program are required to read, sign and adhere to the terms of the Student Regulations Waiver and Co-op Student Manuals (brocku.ca/co-op/current-students/co-op-student-manuals) as articulated by the Co-op Programs Office. In addition, eligibility to continue in the co-op option is based on the student’s major average and non-major average, and the ability to demonstrate the motivation and potential to pursue a professional career.

Each four-month co-operative education work term must be registered. Once students are registered in a co-op work term, they are expected to fulfill their commitment. If the placement accepted is for more than one four-month work term, students are committed to complete all terms. Students may not withdraw from or terminate a work term without permission from the Director, Co-op Program Office.

The Biochemistry Co-op program designation will be awarded to those students who have honours standing and who have successfully completed a minimum of twelve months of Co-op work experience.

Eligibility to graduate requires that students maintain a major average of 70 (Honours program) or 60 (with Major program) and an overall average of 60.

Program Notes

1. Students preparing for professional studies in health sciences should note that many such programs require completion of a laboratory physics course i.e. PHYS 1P91  and PHYS 1P92 .
2. CHEM 3P40 is strongly recommended for most projects in CHEM 4F90 , CHEM 4F91  and should be taken in year 3 by students intending to proceed to a year 4 thesis in CHEM.
3. CHEM 4P27  is strongly recommended when offered.
4. The following course will count as electives only and not towards major credit: BIOL 1P23, BIOL 1P24  , BIOL 1F25, BIOL 1P27, BIOL 1P28, BIOL 1P30, BIOL 2P95 .
5. In 20 credit degree programs a maximum of eight credits may be numbered 1(alpha)00 to 1(alpha)99; at least three credits must be numbered 2(alpha)90 or above; at least three credits must be numbered 3(alpha)90 or above; and the remaining credits must be numbered 2(alpha)00 or above.
   
   In 15 credit degree programs a maximum of eight credits may be numbered 1(alpha)00 to 1(alpha)99; at least three credits must be numbered 2(alpha)90; and the remaining credits must be numbered 2(alpha)00 or above.
   
   In some circumstances, in order to meet university degree and program requirements, more than 15 or 20 credits may be taken.