205
Graduate Programs
205.6
Biochemistry
205.6 Biochemistry
Department of Biochemistry
474 Medical Sciences Building
University of Alberta
Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2H7
E-mail: gradinfo@biochem.ualberta.ca
205.6.1 General Information
The Department of Biochemistry offers programs leading to the degrees of Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy. Both require the completion of a research program and the preparation of a thesis.
The Department of Biochemistry strives to train scientists with both a broad knowledge of the disciplines of biochemistry, biophysics and molecular biology. It also strives to develop critical and creative scholars who can communicate effectively.
The Department provides a world-class training environment in a broad range of topics.
The Department of Biochemistry is the primary home of the Groups on Protein Structure and Function, Membrane Protein Research, Molecular and Cell Biology of Lipids, Signal Transduction Research and the Membrane Protein and Cardiovascular Disease Training Program. Many members of the Department are active in the Institute for Biomolecular Design and the Stroke, Cardiovascular, Obesity, Lipids, Atherosclerosis Research (SCOLAR) Training Program.
The Department of Biochemistry is endowed with state-of-the art equipment and support facilities. Access to all major techniques utilized in modern biochemical, biophysical and molecular biological research is available to faculty, postdoctoral fellows and graduate students. The Department is also home to the National High Field Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Centre (NANUC).
Entrance Requirements
The Department accepts applicants with a four-year baccalaureate degree, with a grade point average of 3.3 or greater on the 4-point letter grading system, or its equivalent from an academic institution recognized by the University of Alberta.
Applicants with degrees in a language other than English must demonstrate English language proficiency (see §203.2.4). The minimum acceptable scores are TOEFL 600 (paper-based) or 100 (internet-based) or IELTS overall band score of 6.5 (with at least 5 on each academic test band). Acceptable GRE scores are required for all applicants with degrees from outside North America.
Financial Assistance
Students who are accepted into the graduate program will receive a minimum level of support of $19,050 per annum (2009-2010). In addition, full tuition and fees are paid by the Department or supervisor. Students are encouraged to apply for competitive student awards.
205.6.2 The Degree of MSc
Program Requirements
Requirements for the MSc degree include satisfactory completion of at least 
16 course work and a thesis. Additional course work will be necessary when the undergraduate degree is in a different discipline.
Students are required to take three graduate seminar courses: BIOCH 670, 671; and one of BIOCH 623, 626, 640, 650, 651. In addition, all students are required to take two additional courses, at least one of these must be at the 600 level, such as BIOCH 609, 620, 630, 641, 655, 675. The second course may be a 500- or 600-level course in Biochemistry or an approved graduate course from another department. To be eligible for the MSc degree, students must maintain a cumulative GPA of not less than 3.0. The calculation of the GPA does not include marks in seminar courses.
All candidates for the MSc degree must prepare an acceptable thesis describing the results of their research activities, on which they will be examined orally by an approved committee formed in accordance with Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research regulations.
The Department does not require knowledge of any language other than English for the MSc degree.
Length of Program
The time required to complete the program varies; however, a minimum of two years is normally required. Students must complete their degree program within four years after they first register.
205.6.3 The Degree of PhD
Program Requirements
Requirements for the PhD degree include satisfactory completion of at least 16 course work and a thesis. Additional course work will be necessary when the undergraduate degree is in a different discipline. Students are required to take three graduate seminar courses: BIOCH 670, 671; and one of BIOCH 623, 626, 640, 650, 651. In addition, all graduate students are required to take two additional courses, at least one of which must be at the 600 level, such as BIOCH 609, 620, 630, 641, 655, 675. The second course may be a 500- or 600-level course in Biochemistry or an approved graduate course from another department. To be eligible for the PhD degree, students must maintain a cumulative GPA of not less than 3.3. The calculation of the cumulative GPA does not include marks in seminar courses.
PhD students must take a candidacy examination consisting of written and oral sections within 36 months of initial registration. The candidacy examination will normally be taken in conjunction with the BIOCH 671 seminar, which is a presentation of the student’s research.
All candidates for the PhD degree must prepare an acceptable thesis describing the results of their research activities on which they will be examined orally by an approved committee in accordance with Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research regulations.
The Department does not require knowledge of any language other than English for the PhD degree.
Length of Program
The time required to complete the PhD will vary according to the previous training of the candidate and the nature of the research undertaken; however a minimum of four years of study and research is normally required. Candidates must complete their degree programs within six years after they first register for the PhD degree.
205.6.4 Graduate Courses
Graduate courses can be found in §231, Course Listings, under the subject heading Biochemistry (BIOCH).
