Biochemistry

The programs prepare candidates for a variety of careers in teaching and research both within and outside of academia.

Graduate students are actively involved in laboratory research, course work, and presentation of research seminars. Thus, they acquire autonomy in conducting research and in preparing publications.

The programs create a stimulating and challenging environment which will allow students to achieve excellence in research. Graduates of the programs must demonstrate research skills and credibility as professionals in their area of research.

Program structure

Expected duration of the program: 6 full-time terms; 24 consecutive months

• Year 1: Courses, thesis proposal, research
• Year 2: Research, thesis writing and oral defence

Suggested course sequence

Admission requirements

Please read the admission requirements to find out if you are eligible for this program.

Fast-track from the MSc to the PhD

Outstanding students enrolled in the MSc program may be allowed to transfer to the PhD program without being required to write a master's thesis.

The MSc in biochemistry with research project is a one-year program designed to prepare candidates for careers in the biomedical sciences by enhancing competency in biomedical research, including the technology and techniques, specialized knowledge, critical thinking skills, communication skills, and professional skills through course work and participation in biomedical research in a laboratory setting.

Students must successfully complete 15 units of courses, a professionalism and professional skills course and an 8-month research project in order to meet the requirements of the program. Student must identify a supervisor prior enrolling.

Program structure

Expected duration of the program: 3 full-time terms; 12 consecutive months (Fall, Winter, Spring/summer)

• Term 1: Completion of the following courses:
  6 units of 5000- or 8000-level courses from the MSc in biochemistry
  6 units at the 5000- or 8000-level from any program at the Faculty of Medicine
  MED 8166 Professionalism and Professional Skills
  MED 5301 Seminars
• Term 2: MED 5900 Research Project
• Term 3: Completion of MED 5900 Research Project

Admission requirements

To be eligible for admission, candidates must:

• Have a bachelor of sciences (BSc) degree with a specialization or major (or equivalent) in one of the following areas: biology, biochemistry, pharmacology, physiology, human kinetics (kinesiology), biopharmaceutical or biomedical sciences with a minimum average of 75% (B+).

Note: International candidates must check the admission equivalencies for the diploma they received in their country of origin.

• Demonstrate a good academic performance in previous studies as shown by official transcripts, research reports, abstracts or any other documents demonstrating research skills.
• Identify at least one professor who is willing to supervise your research project.

Language Requirements

• Applicants must be able to understand and fluently speak the language of instruction (French or English) in the program to which they are applying. Proof of linguistic proficiency may be required. Most of the courses in this program are offered in English.
• Applicants whose first language is neither French nor English must provide proof of proficiency in the language of instruction.

Note: Candidates are responsible for any fees associated with the language tests.

Notes

• The admission requirements listed above are minimum requirements and do not guarantee admission to the program.
• Admissions are governed by the general regulations in effect for graduate studies.

Transfer to/from the MSc with thesis from/to the MSc with research project

Transfer from the MSc with research project to the MSc with thesis is permitted if academic standing in the program is good and permission from the research supervisor is obtained. Transfer from the MSc with thesis to the MSc with research project is not permitted except under exceptional circumstances.

Bioinformatics is an emerging and increasingly important scientific discipline dedicated to the pursuit of fundamental questions about the structure, function and evolution of biological entities through the design and application of computational approaches.

Fundamental research in these areas is expected to increase our understanding of human health and disease which translates into innovation in industry. Bioinformaticians today must be able to appreciate significant research in other fields and therefore require an understanding of the basic principles of other disciplines.

The degree awarded specifies the primary program and indicates "specialization in Bioinformatics."

Program structure

Expected duration of the program: 6 full-time terms; 24 consecutive months

• Year 1: Courses, thesis proposal, research
• Year 2: Research, thesis writing and oral defence

Admission requirements

Please read the admission requirements to find out if you are eligible for this program.

Fast-track from the MSc to the PhD

Outstanding students enrolled in the MSc program may be allowed to transfer to the PhD program without being required to write a master's thesis.

The Faculty of Medicine offers a collaborative program in Human and Molecular Genetics at the master's and doctoral levels. The primary graduate programs in Biochemistry (BCH), Cellular and Molecular Medicine (CMM) and Neuroscience (NSC) collaborate in offering the specialization. The degree awarded specifies the primary program and indicates "specialization in Human and Molecular Genetics."

Members of the program include scientists with interest and expertise in the following areas: developmental genetics, neuromuscular disease, microbial genetics, host resistance, cancer biology, aging, development of novel molecular therapeutics, gene therapy, growth and development, auto-immune diseases, molecular biology of viruses, bacteria and parasites, genetic epidemiology, retinal development and disease, animal models of human disease, molecular aspects of signal transduction.

Program structure

Expected duration of the program: 6 full-time terms; 24 consecutive months

• Year 1: Courses, thesis proposal, research
• Year 2: Research, thesis writing and oral defence

Suggested course sequence

Admission requirements

Please read the admission requirements to find out if you are eligible for this program.

Fast-track from the MSc to the PhD

Outstanding students enrolled in the MSc program may be allowed to transfer to the PhD program without being required to write a master's thesis.

The objective of the Pathology and Experimental Medicine collaborative program is to provide graduate students with the knowledge and skills to examine the basic mechanisms of disease pathology, and to develop new strategies for prevention and treatment. The degree awarded specifies the primary program and indicates “Specialization in Pathology and Experimental Medicine.”

Program structure

Expected duration of the program: 6 full-time terms; 24 consecutive months

• Year 1: Courses, thesis proposal, research
• Year 2: Research, thesis writing and oral defence

Admission requirements

Please read the admission requirements to find out if you are eligible for this program.

Fast-track from the MSc to the PhD

Outstanding students enrolled in the MSc program may be allowed to transfer to the PhD program without being required to write a master's thesis.

The programs prepare candidates for a variety of careers in teaching and research both within and outside of academia.

Graduate students are actively involved in laboratory research, course work, and presentation of research seminars. Thus, they acquire autonomy in conducting research and in preparing publications.

The programs create a stimulating and challenging environment which will allow students to achieve excellence in research. Graduates of the programs must demonstrate research skills and credibility as professionals in their area of research.

The doctoral program participates in the Combined MD / PhD Program, which allows students to graduate with both a PhD in Biochemistry and an MD.

Program structure

Expected duration of the program: 16 full-time terms; 64 consecutive months

• Year 1 and 2: Courses, thesis proposal, comprehensive exam, research
• Year 3 and 4: Research, thesis writing and oral defence

Suggested course sequence

Admission requirements

Please read the admission requirements to find out if you are eligible for this program.

The Faculty of Medicine offers a collaborative program in Human and Molecular Genetics at the master's and doctoral levels. The primary graduate programs in Biochemistry (BCH), Cellular and Molecular Medicine (CMM) and Neuroscience (NSC) collaborate in offering the specialization.

The degree awarded specifies the primary program and indicates "specialization in Human and Molecular Genetics."

The doctoral program participates in the Combined MD / PhD Program, which allows students to graduate with both a PhD in Biochemistry and an MD.

Program structure

Expected duration of the program: 16 full-time terms; 64 consecutive months

• Year 1 and 2: Courses, thesis proposal, comprehensive exam, research
• Year 3 and 4: Research, thesis writing and oral defence

Admission requirements

Please read the admission requirements to find out if you are eligible for this program.

The objective of the Pathology and Experimental Medicine collaborative program is to provide graduate students with the knowledge and skills to examine the basic mechanisms of disease pathology, and to develop new strategies for prevention and treatment.

The degree awarded specifies the primary program and indicates “Specialization in Pathology and Experimental Medicine.”

The doctoral program participates in the Combined MD / PhD Program, which allows students to graduate with both a PhD in Biochemistry and an MD.

Program structure

Expected duration of the program: 16 full-time terms; 64 consecutive months

• Year 1 and 2: Courses, thesis proposal, comprehensive exam, research
• Year 3 and 4: Research, thesis writing and oral defence

Admission requirements

Please read the admission requirements to find out if you are eligible for this program.

Bioinformatics is an emerging and increasingly important scientific discipline dedicated to the pursuit of fundamental questions about the structure, function and evolution of biological entities through the design and application of computational approaches.

Fundamental research in these areas is expected to increase our understanding of human health and disease which translates into innovation in industry. Bioinformaticians today must be able to appreciate significant research in other fields and therefore require an understanding of the basic principles of other disciplines.

The degree awarded specifies the primary program and indicates "specialization in Bioinformatics."

The doctoral program participates in the Combined MD / PhD Program, which allows students to graduate with both a PhD in Biochemistry and an MD.

Program structure

Expected duration of the program: 16 full-time terms; 64 consecutive months

• Year 1 and 2: Courses, thesis proposal, comprehensive exam, research
• Year 3 and 4: Research, thesis writing and oral defence

Admission requirements

Please read the admission requirements to find out if you are eligible for this program.