Biochemistry

Program Overview

Biochemistry is the study of the molecular events underlying biological processes. Consequently, it makes fundamental contributions to all disciplines concerned with living systems. The graduate program in Biochemistry enables students to conduct research in modern facilities, leading to the Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degrees in a wide variety of areas including the relationship between structure and biological function in proteins, nucleic acids, and lipids as well as complex multi-component systems such as membranes and sub-cellular organelles.

Students may also be interested in the combined degree program in Medicine, Doctor of / Doctor of Philosophy (MD/PhD).

See video: Explore Graduate Programs at the Faculty of Medicine.

Quick Facts

Master of Science

Minimum Admission Requirements

• Applicants are admitted under the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies. Applicants must also satisfy the Department of Biochemistry's additional admission requirements stated below.

• Normally, a minimum B+ average in the last two years of study in an honours or specialist BSc program in biochemistry or molecular biology. Applicants with strong academic credentials in honours or specialist programs in disciplines related to biochemistry or molecular biology are also considered.

• Applicants arrange for personal reference forms from three individuals familiar with their academic performance.

• Applicants who obtained a degree outside Canada or the United States are generally required to have an MSc degree in Biochemistry or in a closely related subject area.

• Applicants whose primary language is not English and who graduated from a non-Canadian university where the language of instruction was not English must provide Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and Test of Written English (TWE) scores:

  • paper-based TOEFL: minimum 580 score and 5 on the TWE

  • Internet-based TOEFL: minimum 93/120 score and 22/30 on the writing and speaking sections.

• In the absence of TOEFL results, an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score of at least 7.0 (Academic) with at least 6.5 for each component is also acceptable.

Program Requirements

Students must complete any courses that were a condition of acceptance.

• Coursework. Students must successfully complete a total of 1.5 full-course equivalents (FCEs) as follows:

  • BCH2020Y⁰ Seminar Course in Biochemistry Level 1 (1.0 FCE)

  • BCH2101H Scientific Skills for Biochemists (0.25 FCE)

  • at least 0.25 elective FCE.

• Students must submit a thesis (RST9999Y; Credit/No Credit) and successfully complete an oral examination on their research and related aspects of biochemistry.

• Normally, MSc students are expected to participate as full-time students and to maintain full-time status in their laboratories until thesis completion and final defence.

Program Length

6 sessions full-time (typical registration sequence: F/W/S/F/W/S)**

Time Limit

3 years full-time

⁰ Course that may continue over a program. The course is graded when completed.

** Students may begin the program in the Fall or Winter.

Doctor of Philosophy

Students are accepted into the PhD program via one of three routes: 1) following completion of an MSc degree in biochemistry or a cognate discipline; 2) transfer (reclassification) from the University of Toronto MSc program; or 3) following completion of a BSc degree (direct entry) if, in the opinion of the Biochemistry Graduate Committee, the student has an outstanding academic record.

PhD Program

Minimum Admission Requirements

• Applicants are admitted under the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies. Applicants must also satisfy the Department of Biochemistry's additional admission requirements stated below.

• Applicants must arrange for personal reference forms from three individuals familiar with their academic performance.

• Applicants are generally required to have an MSc degree in biochemistry or in a closely related subject area with high academic standing.

• Applicants whose primary language is not English and who graduated from a non-Canadian university where the language of instruction was not English must provide Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and Test of Written English (TWE) scores:

  • paper-based TOEFL: minimum 580 score and 5 on the TWE

  • Internet-based TOEFL: minimum 93/120 score and 22/30 on the writing and speaking sections.

• In the absence of TOEFL results, an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score of at least 7.0 (Academic) with at least 6.5 for each component is also acceptable.

Program Requirements

Students must complete any courses that were a condition of acceptance.

• Coursework. Students must successfully complete a total of 2.0 full-course equivalents (FCEs) as follows:

  • BCH2022Y⁰ Seminar Course in Biochemistry Level 2 (1.0 FCE)

  • BCH2101H Scientific Skills for Biochemists (0.25 FCE). If previously taken students must take a substitute 0.25 FCE course approved by the graduate coordinator.

  • 0.75 elective FCE.

• Students must successfully complete a qualifying examination within the first 24 months (ideally 18 months) of the program. To be eligible to write this qualifying examination, students must:

  • complete BCH2101H

  • be concurrently registered in BCH2022Y⁰

  • complete at least 0.25 elective FCE; after completing the qualifying examination, students must complete the remaining 0.5 elective FCE.

• Submit a thesis (RST9999Y; Credit/No Credit) and defend it at the Doctoral Final Oral Examination.

• Normally, PhD students are expected to participate as full-time students and to maintain full-time status in their laboratories until thesis completion and final defence.

Program Length

4 years full-time

Time Limit

6 years full-time

⁰ Course that may continue over a program. Credit is given when the course is completed.

PhD Program (Transfer)

Transfer Requirements

• Transfer applicants must be enrolled in the MSc program in Biochemistry. Excellent students with high academic standing, who have clearly demonstrated the ability to do research at the doctoral level, may be considered for transfer to the PhD program. Recommendation by the student’s supervisory committee is required.

• Transfer applicants must successfully complete a reclassification (transfer) examination within 18 to 24 months of starting the program.

Program Requirements

Students must complete any courses that were a condition of acceptance.

• Coursework. Students must successfully complete a total of 3.5 full-course equivalents (FCEs) as follows:

  • BCH2020Y⁰ Seminar Course in Biochemistry Level 1 (1.0 FCE)

  • BCH2022Y⁰ Seminar Course in Biochemistry Level 2 (1.0 FCE)

  • BCH2101H Scientific Skills for Biochemists (0.25 FCE)

  • 1.25 elective FCEs.

• To be eligible to write the reclassification examination, students must:

  • complete BCH2101H

  • be concurrently registered in BCH2022Y⁰

  • complete at least 0.25 elective FCE; after completing the reclassification examination, students must complete the remaining 1.0 elective FCE.

• Submit a thesis (RST9999Y; Credit/No Credit) and defend it at the Doctoral Final Oral Examination.

• Normally, PhD students are expected to participate as full-time students and to maintain full-time status in their laboratories until thesis completion and final defence.

Program Length

5 years full-time

Time Limit

7 years full-time

⁰ Course that may continue over a program. Credit is given when the course is completed.

PhD Program (Direct-Entry)

Minimum Admission Requirements

• Direct entry is available to highly qualified BSc graduates who completed a Biochemistry specialist program or an appropriate undergraduate program in the life sciences from a recognized university, with a minimum A average in the final two years and relevant research experience.

• Applicants are admitted under the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies. Applicants must also satisfy the Department of Biochemistry's additional admission requirements stated below.

• Applicants must arrange for personal reference forms from three individuals familiar with their academic performance.

• Applicants who obtained a degree outside Canada or the United States are generally required to have an MSc degree in biochemistry or in a closely related subject area with high academic standing.

• Applicants whose primary language is not English and who graduated from a non-Canadian university where the language of instruction was not English must provide Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and Test of Written English (TWE) scores:

  • paper-based TOEFL: minimum 580 score and 5 on the TWE

  • Internet-based TOEFL: minimum 93/120 score and 22/30 on the writing and speaking sections.

• In the absence of TOEFL results, an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score of at least 7.0 (Academic) with at least 6.5 for each component is also acceptable.

Program Requirements

Students must complete any courses that were a condition of acceptance.

• Coursework. Students must successfully complete a total of 3.5 full-course equivalents (FCEs) as follows:

  • BCH2020Y⁰ Seminar Course in Biochemistry Level 1 (1.0 FCE)

  • BCH2022Y⁰ Seminar Course in Biochemistry Level 2 (1.0 FCE)

  • BCH2101H Scientific Skills for Biochemists (0.25 FCE)

  • 1.25 elective FCEs.

• Students must successfully complete a qualifying examination within 18 to 24 months of the program. To be eligible to write this qualifying examination, students must:

  • complete BCH2101H

  • be concurrently registered in BCH2020Y⁰

  • complete at least 0.25 elective FCE; after completing the qualifying exam, students must complete the remaining 1.0 elective FCE.

• Submit a thesis (RST9999Y; Credit/No Credit) and defend it at the Doctoral Final Oral Examination.

• Normally, PhD students are expected to participate as full-time students and to maintain full-time status in their laboratories until thesis completion and final defence.

Program Length

5 years

Time Limit

7 years

⁰ Course that may continue over a program. Credit is given when the course is completed.