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BCH Biochemistry


On this page: Introduction | Programs |
See also: Faculty Members | Course Descriptions | Course Winter Timetable | Prospective Student Guide to Academic Programs | More on Department

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 (416-978-2704) (lamoran@bioinfo.med.utoronto.ca)

Enquiries:

Medical Sciences Building, Room 5207 (416-978-2700) (brenda.bradshaw@utoronto.ca)

World Wide Web:

http://bioinfo.med.utoronto.ca/Biochemistry/

BIOCHEMISTRY PROGRAM BIOCHEMISTRY

(Hon.B.Sc.)

The Biochemistry Specialist Program is a Type 3 program. Enrolment is limited and selection is based on performance in First year required courses. Students apply via the Faculty’s Subject POSt web site.

Specialist program (entry into the program beginning 2001): (14 full courses or their equivalent, including at least three 400-series courses)

First Year:
BIO 150Y1; CHM 151Y1/(CHM 138H1, 139H1); MAT 135Y1/136Y1/137Y1; PHY 110Y1/138Y1/140Y1 (PHY 138Y1 recommended)

Second Year:
BCH 242Y1; BIO 250Y1; CHM 220H1, 247H1

Third Year:

1. BCH 335H1, 340H1, 371H1; MGB 311Y1
2. CHM 345H1/347H1
3. One full-course equivalent from BIO 260H1; CHM 217H1, and/or any 300-level course(s) in ANA/BIO/BOT/CHM/HMB/IMM/LMP/MBY/MGB/ PCL/PSL/ZOO (departamental approval required)

Fourth Year:
1. BCH 471Y1
2. Four of: BCH 422H1/425H1/426H1/440H1/441H1/CHM 447H1/JBI 428H1/MGB 420H1/425H1

Specialist program (entry into the program in 2000 and earlier):(14 full courses or their equivalent, including at least three 400-series courses)

First Year:
BIO 150Y1; CHM 137Y1/151Y1; MAT 135Y1/137Y1; PHY 110Y1/138Y1/140Y1 (PHY 138Y1 recommended)

Second Year:
BIO 250Y1; CHM 222Y1/225Y1, 240Y1/248Y1 (CHM 240Y1 recommended)

Third Year:
1. BCH 321Y1, 371H1; MGB 311Y1
2. CHM 345H1/347H1/348H1
3. One 300-series full-course equivalent from BIO/BOT/CHM/IMM/MBY/ZOO (departmental approval required)

Fourth Year:
1. BCH 471Y1
2. Four of: BCH 421H1/422H1/424H1/425H1/426H1/430H1/440H1/441H1/CHM 447H1/JBI 428H1/MGB 420H1/425H1


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