FAQ

Biochemistry is the study of the molecules and mechanisms essential to life. Biochemistry describes how living systems function at the molecular level, including how cells build and maintain their chemical structures, how organisms obtain and use energy, and how living systems sense, respond, adapt to, and modify their environment. Of particular interest is the structure, function, and regulation of biomolecules as they relate to disease.

If you are in Year 1 contact Science and Basic Medical Sciences Academic Counselling.

If you are in Years 2, 3 or 4 contact Dr. Derek McLachlin.

Contact Dr. Derek McLachlin. Note that we will not normally waive restrictions or priorities to give early access to Biochemistry courses.

First, be sure you have the prerequisites. For Biochemistry 3383F/G, Biochemistry 3381A and 3382A are pre- or co-requisites. Summer Biochemistry 4483E requires Biochemistry 3381A and 3382A with a mark of at least 70% in each, and one of Biochemistry 3380G, Microbiology & Immunology 3610F, and Microbiology & Immunology 3620G. For Biochemistry 4999E, Biochemistry 4483E is the prerequisite.

Second, you must arrange a project with a Biochemistry faculty member. Generally this means taking the initiative to contact faculty members and inquire about the possibility of a project. See our Faculty Research webpage for the research interests of faculty members.

Third, email Biochemistry counselling to request permission, indicating which faculty member you will be working with.

Generally restrictions and priorities are lifted toward the end of July. For additional information, please see “Access to Courses” on the BMSc website.

We do not keep waiting lists for courses; all Biochemistry courses operate on a first come, first served basis. If you need to get into section 001 of Biochemistry 2280A because of an unavoidable timetable conflict with section 002, contact Dr. Derek McLachlin.

If you are in Year 1, or Medical Sciences Year 2, contact Science and Basic Medical Sciences Academic Counselling.
If you are in Year 2 of a BSc module or Year 3 or 4 of any module, contact the appropriate departmental advisor.

If there is no practical benefit to changing your module, then just wait for the Intent to Register period and list your desired module as first choice. Otherwise, follow the instructions posted by Science & Basic Medical Sciences Academic Counselling. 

Contact Science and Basic Medical Sciences Academic Counselling. Supply as much information as possible, preferably a course outline.

Yes. Each year, students can apply to register in a module for which they have the required courses; this usually happens at Intent to Register. Note that students entering Year 4 may switch to an Honors Specialization in the BMSc program only if they are already registered in the BMSc program.

Contact Dr. Derek McLachlin.

To determine how many overlapping courses you must compensate for, see “Common Course Policy” on the BMSc website.  For acceptable substitute courses for Biochemistry modules, see “Substitute Courses” on the BMSc website.