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Introduction

Biochemistry is the study of the chemistry of living organisms. It includes the identification of cellular molecules and their formation and degradation in cells; the production of energy by cells; and the structure, synthesis and information content of macromolecules such as proteins and nucleic acids. Biochemists seek a molecular explanation of life; they are primarily interested in the relationship between molecular structure and function.

Modern Biochemistry grew out of the application of chemical techniques to biological problems. In many ways it combines biology and chemistry but the subject now covers such a broad range of activity that it is difficult to draw a neat border around biochemistry. Molecular biology, for example, is such an important part of biochemistry that it is often thought of as a separate discipline. Biochemists use molecular methods to explain biological processes whereas other biological scientists study the integrated function of organs, whole organisms, and the complexes of species represented by ecosystems. This is what distinguishes biochemistry from other fundamental disciplines such as physiology and ecology. Some of the most exciting areas of current biochemistry research include: structural biology, enzyme mechanisms, signal transduction, gene expression and development, biotechnology, metabolic diseases, bioinformatics, and molecular evolution.

The Biochemistry Specialist program is designed to provide students with a fundamental understanding of the theoretical and practical aspects of the discipline. Frequently, students who have completed a B.Sc. in Biochemistry continue their studies in graduate programs in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Departments at this and other universities. Because of the fundamental nature of Biochemistry they also find it easy to enter graduate programs in related disciplines. Graduates from either the undergraduate or graduate programs often find employment in research and teaching. Employers include universities and colleges, government laboratories, clinical biochemistry laboratories, forensic laboratories, pharmaceutical companies, biotechnology companies, and many other industries. A knowledge of Biochemistry is also helpful in other areas such as marketing, finance, and law. Some Biochemistry graduates continue their studies in medicine, dentistry or other health related programs.

Undergraduate Coordinator:

L.A. Moran (978-2704) (lamoran@bioinfo.med.utoronto.ca)

Enquiries:

Medical Sciences Building, Room 5207 (978-2700)

World Wide Web:

http://bioinfo.med.utoronto.ca/biochem.html

BIOCHEMISTRY PROGRAM

BIOCHEMISTRY (Hon.B.Sc.)

Enrolment in the Specialist program requires a minimum CGPA of 3.0 and completion of five courses including the first-year prerequisite courses. Students enrol at the end of their first year of studies. Students who do not meet the minimum requirements for entry into the Specialist program may contact the Undergraduate Coordinator in order to request special consideration.

Specialist program:
(14 full courses or their equivalent, including at least three 400-series courses)

First Year:
BIO 150Y; CHM 137Y/151Y; MAT 135Y/137Y; PHY 110Y/138Y/140Y (PHY 138Y recommended)

Second Year:
BIO 250Y; CHM 222Y/225Y, 240Y/248Y (CHM 240Y recommended)

Third Year:

1. BCH 321Y, 371H; MGB 311Y
2. CHM 346H/347H/348H
3. One 300-series full-course equivalent from: BIO/BOT/CHM/IMM/MBY/ZOO course
NOTE: CHM347H/348H require permission of the Chemistry Department

Fourth Year:

1. BCH 471Y
2. Four of: BCH 421H/422H/423H/424H/425H/429H/430H/CHM 447H/JBI 428H/MGB 420H

BIOCHEMISTRY (Hon.B.Sc.) (beginning 2001-02)

Specialist program:
(14 full courses or their equivalent, including at least three 400-series courses)
Students entering the program in the academic year 2001-02 will take the following first and second year courses:

First Year:
BIO 150Y; CHM 138H, 139H; MAT 135Y/137Y; PHY 110Y/138Y/140Y (PHY 138Y recommended)

Second Year:
BCH 242Y; BIO 250Y; CHM 220H, 247H