Course description
Entrance Requirements
To enter a three year Biochemistry program, a student must have a Quebec collegial diploma (D.E.C.) in science, or the equivalent, including Mathematics NYA, NYB, Physics NYA, NYB, Chemistry NYA, NYB, and Biology NYA. Students entering a degree program with CEGEP Chemistry BFA and Chemistry BFB are exempted from Chemistry 105a and 185a but must include Chemistry 106b and 186b plus an additional one-semester chemistry or biochemistry lecture course in their program; students entering a degree program with CEGEP chemistry BFA only, must include Bishop's Chemistry 105a, 185a, 106b, and 186b in their program.
Students entering four-year degree programs (after completion of Ontario OSSD, grade 12 in other provinces or the USA, or equivalent) must register in the required collegial equivalent science courses (Chemistry 191/081 and 192/082,Mathematics 198/088 and 199/089, Physics 193/083 and 194/084, Biology/Biology Laboratory191, and Biochemistry 192). Those students who intend to take mathematics and physics courses at the University level are advised to replace Mathematics 198/088 by Mathematics 191/081, and Mathematics 199/089 by Mathematics 192/082, Physics 193/083 by Physics 191/081, and Physics 194/084 by Physics 192/082. All students entering four-year degree programs must also register in their first year for English Language 116, or another English course, and an additional three-credit course which must be selected from Humanities courses in English, History, Classical Studies, Philosophy, Religion, or Liberal Arts. Students in four-year programs must complete a total of ten one-semester lecture courses plus all corequisite laboratory courses to complete this U0 year.
Requirements for Honours Programs
Students are not admitted to an Honours Biochemistry program until the end of U2 year. To be eligible to enter the Honours Biochemistry programs, concentration Biology or Chemistry, a student must normally achieve:
1. a minimum cumulative average of 75% by the end of the U2 year, and
2. at least 75% in each course required in the program.
To complete an Honours Biochemistry program, a student must;
1. maintain a minimum cumulative average of 75% and
2. achieve at least 75%in each course required in the program with a maximum permitted exemption of four credits.
The programs also include a six credit honours research project that will be evaluated by at least three faculty from the Biochemistry Program Committee. The scientific results of the honours research project must be presented in a public, oral seminar and submitted in a written thesis.
The Biochemistry Programs
Biochemistry Honours - Concentration Chemistry
The Biochemistry Honours program is a three-year program that prepares a student for graduate studies in biochemistry and related disciplines, for Medicine and Dentistry, as well as for direct professional employment. The program requires 29 three-credit one-semester courses, or their equivalent, for a total of 87 course credits, plus 13 credits of associated laboratory courses, for a total of 100 credits. The 87 course credits are divided as follows:- 36 course credits of required chemistry (plus 10 laboratory credits), 12 course credits of required biology (plus 4 laboratory credits), 21 course credits of required biochemistry (plus 2 laboratory credits), 15 credits of options. The program is under the supervision of the Biochemistry Committee; enquiries and questions concerning the program should be directed to the Director of the Biochemistry Program. The normal sequence of courses in the program is shown below. Students must however, consult with the director before registration.
1st Year
(5 courses-15 credits /2 laboratories)
BIO 110a Introductory Cellular & Molecular Biology
CHE 102a Inorganic Chemistry I
CHE 104a Analytical Chemistry
CHE 184a Analytical Chemistry Laboratory
CHE 105a Organic Chemistry I: Introductory
CHE 185a Organic Chemistry Laboratory I
One Option
One Option
(5 courses-15 credits /3 laboratories)
BIO 118b Genetics
BIL 118b Genetics Laboratory
BCH 211b Biochemistry I
CHE 103b Physical Chemistry I
CHE 183b Physical Chemistry Laboratory I
CHE 106b Organic Chemistry II: Introductory
CHE 186b Organic Chemistry Laboratory II
2nd Year
(5 courses-12 credits /5 laboratories)
BCH 212a Biochemistry II
BCH 281a Analytical Biochemistry Laboratory I
CHE 221a Inorganic Chemistry II
CHE 281a Inorganic Laboratory II
CHE 223a Physical Chemistry II
CHE 283a Physical Chemistry Laboratory II
CHE 227a Chemical Spectroscopy
CHE 287a Chemical Spectroscopy Laboratory
CHE 256f Intermediate Organic Chemistry
CHE 285f Intermediate Organic Chem. Laboratory
Note: CHE 221 or CHE 223 can be taken in the 3rd year
(5 courses-15 credits /2 laboratories)
BCH 275b Biochemistry III
BCH 282b Analytical Biochemistry Lab II
CHE 224b Physical Chemistry III
CHE 256f Intermediate Organic Chemistry
CHE 285f Intermediate Organic Chemistry
Two Options
3rd Year
(5 courses-12 credits /3 laboratory)
BIO 226 Animal Physiology I
BIL 226 Animal Physiology Laboratory I
BIO 291a Biometry/BIL291a Biometry Lab
BCH 370a Molecular Genetics
BCH 461a Enzymology
BCH 482a/b Research Project I
BIO 272a Scientific Writing
Free Electives (6)
(4 courses-12 credits)
CHE 465b Topics in Advanced Organic Chemistry
and Biochemistry
BCH 483a/b Research Project II
Two Options
Biochemistry Major - Concentration Chemistry
The Biochemistry Major program is a three-year program that requires 28 three-credit one-semester courses, or their equivalent, for a total of 87 course credits, plus 12 credits for associated laboratory courses, for a total of 99 credits overall. The 87 course credits are divided as follows:- 30 course credits of required chemistry (plus 8 laboratory credits), 9 course credits of required biology (plus 2 laboratory credits), 12 course credits of required biochemistry (plus 2 laboratory credits), 12 course credits of required options in chemistry, biology or biochemistry (plus any co-requisite laboratory courses), 24 credits of options. The program is under the supervision of the Biochemistry Committee; enquiries and questions concerning the program should be directed to the Director of the Biochemistry Program. The normal sequence of courses in the program is shown below. Students must however, consult with the director before registration.
1st Year
(5 courses-15 credits /2 laboratories)
BIO 110a Introductory Cellular & Molecular Biology
CHE 102a Inorganic Chemistry I
CHE 104a Analytical Chemistry
CHE 184a Analytical Chemistry Laboratory
CHE 105a Organic Chemistry I: Introductory
CHE 185a Organic Chemistry Laboratory I
One Option
One Option
(5 courses-15 credits /3 laboratories)
BIO 118b Genetics
BIL 118b Genetics Laboratory
CHE 103b Physical Chemistry I
CHE 183b Physical Chemistry Laboratory I
BCH 211b Biochemistry I
CHE 106b Organic Chemistry II: Introductory
CHE 186b Organic Chemistry Laboratory II
2nd Year
(5 courses-15 credits /3 laboratories)
BCH 212a Biochemistry II
BCH 281a Analytical Biochemistry Laboratory I
CHE 227a Chemical Spectroscopy
CHE 287a Chemical Spectroscopy Laboratory
CHE 256f Intermediate Organic Chemistry
CHE 285f Intermediate Organic Chem. Laboratory
Two Options (5 courses-15 credits /2 laboratories)
BCH 275b Biochemistry III
BCH 282b Analytical Biochemistry Lab II
CHE 256f Intermediate Organic Chemistry
CHE 285f Intermediate Organic Chem. Laboratory
Three Options
3rd Year
(5 courses-12 credits /2 laboratories)
BIO 226 Animal Physiology I
BIL 226 Animal Physiology Laboratory I
CHE 223a Physical Chemistry II
CHE 283a Physical Chemistry Laboratory II
BCH 370a Molecular Genetics
Two Options
(4 courses-12 credits)
CHE 224b Physical Chemistry III
Three Options
Required Optional Courses (4 from the list):
Biology:
BIO 228 Animal Physiology II (L)
BIO 310 Advanced Cell Biology
BIO 320 Programmed Cell Death
BIO 345 Plant Physiology
BIO 352 Microbiology (L)
BIO 359 Human Genetics
BIO 365 Developmental Biology
Biochemistry:
BCH 336 Immunology
BCH 338 Environm. Toxicology
BCH 280 Psychopharmacology
BCH 461 Enzymology
BCH 374 Biotechnology (L)
BCH 341 Current Topics in Biotechnology
Chemistry:
CHE 221 Inorganic Chem II (L)
CHE 233 Introd. Chem. Literat. (L)
CHE 464 Computational Chem.
CHE 465 Topics in Advanced
Organic Chemistry & Biochemistry
Free Electives (8)
Recommended Free Elective Course:
BIO 212 Evolution
BIO 279 Neuropsychology
PHI 245 The Philosophy of Science
Biochemistry Honours - Concentration Biology
The Biochemistry Honours program is a three-year program that prepares a student for graduate studies in biochemistry and related disciplines, for medicine and Dentistry, as well as for direct professional employment. The program requires 30 three-credit one-semester courses, or their equivalent, for a total of 90 course credits, plus 9 credits for associated laboratory courses, for a total of 99 credits overall. The 90 course credits are divided as follows:- 15 course credits of required chemistry (plus 4 laboratory credits), 15 course credits of required biology (plus 5 laboratory credits), 21 course credits of required biochemistry (plus 2 laboratory credits), 3 course credits of required physics, 18 course credits of required options in chemistry, biology or biochemistry (plus any co-requisite laboratory courses), 18 credits of options. The program is under the supervision of the Biochemistry Committee; enquiries and questions concerning the program should be directed to the Director of the Biochemistry Program. The normal sequence of courses in the program is shown below. Students must however, consult with the director before registration.
1st Year
(5 courses-15 credits /2 laboratories)
BIO 110a Introductory Cellular & Molecular Biology
CHE 102a Inorganic Chemistry I
CHE 104a Analytical Chemistry
CHE 184a Analytical Chemistry Laboratory
CHE 105a Organic Chemistry I: Introductory
CHE 185a Organic Chemistry Laboratory I
PHY 101a Statistical Methods
One Option
(5 courses-15 credits /3 laboratories)
BIO 118b Genetics
BIL 118b Genetics Laboratory
CHE 103b Physical Chemistry I
CHE 183b Physical Chemistry Laboratory I
BCH 211b Biochemistry I
CHE106b Organic Chemistry II: Introductory
CHE186b Organic Chemistry Laboratory II
2nd Year
(5 courses-15 credits /3 laboratories)
BCH 212a Biochemistry II
BCH 281a Analytical Biochemistry Laboratory I
BIO 226a Animal Physiology I
BIL 226a Animal Physiology Laboratory I
BIO 352a Microbiology
BIL 352a Microbiology Laboratory
Two Options
(5 courses-15 credits /2 laboratories)
BCH 275b Biochemistry III
BCH 282b Analytical Biochemistry Lab II
Four Options
3rd Year
(5 courses-15 credits/2 laboratories)
BIO 291a Biometry
BIL 291a Biometry Lab
BCH 370a Molecular Genetics
BCH 461a Enzymology
BCH 482a/b Research Project I
BIO 272a Scientific Writing
One Option
(5 courses-15 credits)
BCH 483a/b Research Project II
Four Options
Required Optional Courses (6 from the list):
Biology:
BIO 228 Animal Physiology II (L)
BIO 252 Bioethics
BIO 291 Biometry (L)
BIO 310 Advanced Cell Biology
BIO 320 Programmed Cell Death
BIO 328 Adv. Animal Physiology
BIO 345 Plant Physiology
BIO 359 Human Genetics
BIO 365 Developmental Biology
Biochemistry:
BCH 336 Immunology
BCH 338 Environm. Toxicology
BCH 280 Psychopharmacology
BCH 374 Biotechnology (L)
BCH 341 Current Topics in Biotechnology
Chemistry:
CHE 223 Physical Chem II (L)
CHE 227 Chem. Spectroscopy (L)
CHE 256 Interm. Org. Chem (L)
Free Electives (6)
Biochemistry Major - Concentration Biology
The Biochemistry Major program is a three-year program that requires 30 three-credit one- semester courses, or their equivalent, for a total of 90 course credits, plus 9 credits for associated laboratory courses, for a total of 99 credits overall. The 90 course credits are divided as follows:- 15 course credits of required chemistry (plus 4 laboratory credits), 12 course credits of required biology (plus 3 laboratory credits), 12 course credits of required biochemistry (plus 2 laboratory credits), 3 course credits of required physics, 18 course credits of required options in chemistry, biology or biochemistry (plus any co-requisite laboratory courses), 30 credits of options. The program is under the supervision of the Biochemistry Committee; enquiries and questions concerning the program should be directed to the Director of the Biochemistry Program. The normal sequence of courses in the program is shown below. Students must, however, consult with the director before registration.
1st Year
(5 courses-15 credits /2 laboratories)
BIO 110a Introductory Cellular & Molecular Biology
CHE 102a Inorganic Chemistry I
CHE 104a Analytical Chemistry
CHE 184a Analytical Chemistry Laboratory
CHE 105a Organic Chemistry I: Introductory
CHE 185a Organic Chemistry Laboratory I
PHY 101a Statistical Methods
One Option
(5 courses-15 credits /4 laboratories)
BIO 118b Genetics
BIL 118b Genetics Laboratory
CHE 103b Physical Chemistry I
CHE 183b Physical Chemistry Laboratory I
BCH 211b Biochemistry I
CHE 106b Organic Chemistry II: Introductory
CHE 186b Organic Chemistry Laboratory II
2nd Year
(5 courses-15 credits /3 laboratories)
BCH 212a Biochemistry II
BCH 281a Analytical Biochemistry Laboratory I
BIO 226a Animal Physiology I
BIL 226a Animal Physiology Laboratory I
BIO 352a Microbiology
BIL 352a Microbiology Laboratory
Two Options
(5 courses-15 credits)
BCH 275b Biochemistry III
BCH 282b Analytical Biochemistry Lab II
Four Options
3rd Year
(5 courses-15 credits)
BCH 370a Molecular Genetics
Four Options
(5 courses-15 credits)
Five Options
Required Optional Courses (6 from the list):
Biology:
BIO 228 Animal Physiology II (L)
BIO 252 Bioethics
BIO 291 Biometry (L)
BIO 310 Advanced Cell Biology
BIO 320 Programmed Cell Death
BIO 328 Adv. Animal Physiology
BIO 345 Plant Physiology
BIO 365 Developmental Biology
Biochemistry:
BCH 336 Immunology
BCH 338 Environm. Toxicology
BCH 280 Psychopharmacology
BCH 374 Biotechnology (L)
BCH 461 Enzymology
BCH 341 Current Topics in Biotechnology
Chemistry:
CHE 223 Physical Chem. II (L)
CHE 227 Chem. Spectroscopy (L)
CHE 256 Interm. Org. Chem. (L)
Free Electives (10)
Recommended Free Elective Course:
BIO 212 Evolution
BIO 279 Neuropsychology
PHI 245 The Philosophy of Science
Biochemistry Minor
This program is intended for students who are not registered in the Department of Chemistry. The program requires 8 three-credit one-semester courses, or their equivalent, for a total of 24 course credits, plus credits for associated laboratory courses.
Required Courses: (5 courses - 15 credits, plus 4 laboratory credits)
BIO 110a Introductory Cellular & Molecular Biology
BCH 211b Biochemistry I: Proteins
BCH 281bAnalytical Biochemistry Laboratory I
BCH 275b Biochemistry III: Metabolism
BCH 282a Introductory Biochemistry Laboratory II
CHE 104aAnalytical Chemistry
CHE 184aAnalytical Chemistry Laboratory
CHE 105a Organic Chemistry I: Introductory
CHE 185a Organic Chemistry Laboratory I
Required Optional Courses (3 from the list):
Chemistry:
CHE 103 Physical Chemistry I (L)
CHE 106 Organic Chemistry II: Introductory (L)
Biochemistry:
BCH 212 Biochemistry II: Lipids and Biomembranes
BCH 336 Immunology
BCH 461 Enzymology
BCH 370 Molecular Genetics
BCH 280 Psychopharmacology
Biology:
BIO 218 Genetics (L)
BIO 226 Animal Physiology I (L)
BIO 228 Animal Physiology II (L)
BIO 252 Bioethics
BIO 320 Programmed Cell Death
BIO 345 Plant Physiology
BIO 352 Microbiology (L)
Course Prerequisites
The normal prerequisites for each course are listed. Students not having the appropriate prerequisite may be admitted to a course with permission of the instructor.
Cross-Listed Courses
Students can receive credits only once for any courses that are cross-listed between Biochemistry, Biology and/or Neuroscience. BCH 275b is a cross-listed course with BIO 215b. BCH 280b is a cross-listed course with PBI 280b and BIO 280b. BCH282b is a cross-listed course with BIL 215b. BCH 370a is a cross-listed course with BIO 360a. BCH 374b/BCH 384b is a cross-listed course with BIO314b/BIL314b.
Biochemistry 101b Introduction to Nutrition 3-3-0
This course is designed for students from any discipline (except Biochemistry, Biology and Chemistry). It will provide an introduction to basic concepts of nutrition and ways that good nutrition can be integrated into a healthy life style. Principles of digestion and absorption, the function of nutrients, disease prevention, diet modification and weight control will be discussed.
Prerequisites: None. However, secondary school Biology is strongly recommended.
Note: This course may not be taken for credit by students in Biology, Biochemistry or Chemistry programs.
Biochemistry 192b Biochemistry of Macromolecules 3-1-3
Introduction to biochemistry with the emphasis on the structure and function of proteins, lipids, carbohydrates and nucleic acids.
Prerequisites: Chemistry 191 and Biology 191.
Biochemistry 211a Biochemistry I - Proteins 3-3-0
Protein structure and function, including protein purification, structure analysis, protein synthesis, distribution and degradation, as well as molecular visualization of protein structure
Prerequisite: Chemistry 105a/185a, Biology 110a
Co-requisite: Chemistry 106b/186b
Professor Prusak
Biochemistry 212b Biochemistry II - Lipids and Biomembranes 3-3-0
Biomembranes structure and function, including study of cell membrane structure, trans- membrane signaling, hormones and secondary messengers.
Prerequisite: Biochemistry 211b
Co-requisite: Biochemistry 281a
Professor Prusak
Biochemistry 275b Biochemistry III - Metabolism 3-3-0
Introduction to the basic metabolic pathways of living cells. These include the central metabolic pathways associated with cellular energy generation, carbohydrate degradation and synthesis, fatty acid degradation and synthesis, lipid metabolism and nitrogen metabolism. Emphasis will be placed on the role and regulation of enzymes associated with these pathways.
See Biology 215b
Students may not take this course for credit if they have received credit for BIO 215b
Prerequisite: Biochemistry 211a and Biochemistry 212a/281a
Co-requisite: Biochemistry 282b
Professor Stroeher
Biochemistry 280b Psychopharmacology 3-3-0
This course is designed to introduce students in psychology and the natural sciences to the field of neuropsychology. Emphasis will be placed on the relationships between psychoactive drugs, their mechanisms of action in the nervous system, and human behavior. Following an analysis of the principles of pharmacology and pharmacokinetics, as well as the mechanisms of drug tolerance and dependence, the cognitive, emotional and behavioral aspects of specific classes of drugs will be examined. These classes of drugs will include sedatives, hypnotics, stimulants, narcotics, psychomimetics, psychedelics, and hallucinogens.
Prerequisites: As required by the Department of Psychology
See Psychology Biology 280b and Biology 280b
Students may not take this course for credit if they have received credit for PBI 280b, BIO 280b, or BIO 279
Professor Drumheller
Biochemistry 281a Analytical Biochemistry Laboratory I 1-0-3
This course, together with BCH 282a, will introduce the basic concepts of isolation and identification of biomolecules, the use of chromatography, electrophoresis, and the enzymatic techniques for the quantization of metabolites.
Co-requisite: Biochemistry 212a
See CHE 189b
Students may not take this course for credit if they have received credit for CHE 189b.
Professor Wood
Biochemistry 282b Analytical Biochemistry Laboratory II 1-0-3
This course, together with BCH 281b, will introduce the basic concepts of protein isolation and identification; the use of high pressure, thin layer and gas/liquid chromatography, and enzymatic techniques for the quantitation of metabolites.
Co-requisite: Biochemistry 275b
Professor Prusak
Biochemistry 336b Immunology 3-3-0
A comprehensive study of the fundamental principles of immunobiology. Intercellular recognition and self/non-self discrimination. Clonal selection theory and genetic basis of antibody diversity. Biochemistry of immunoglobulins. Regulation of immune response and tolerance.
Prerequisites: Biology 110a and Biology 118b/Biology Lab 118b
Professor Prusak
Biochemistry 338b Environmental Biochemistry and Toxicology 3-3-0
This course will examine the biochemical effects of environmental stresses on organisms, and adaptations that allow organisms to face these stresses. Emphasis is placed on biochemical responses to toxic compounds such as aromatics, halogenated aliphatics, drugs, and heavy metals. Other topics will include adaptations to stresses such as temperature extremes, pathogens, and ionizing radiation. Applications to related biotechnological processes may also be considered.
Prerequisite: Biology 110a and Biology 118b/ Biology Lab 118b
Professor Prusak
Biochemistry 341b Current Topics in Biotechnology 3-3-0
Seminar style course in which students will explore the current topics in biotechnology.
Prerequisites: Biochemistry 370
Biochemistry 342b Bioinformatics 3-1-3
This course will introduce students to Bioinformatics, which uses computer databases to store, retrieve and assist in understanding biological information.
Prerequisites: Biochemistry 370
Biochemistry 370a Molecular Genetics 3-3-0
The molecular biology of nucleic acids and proteins, including DNA replication, mutation, and recombination; RNA transcription; and protein synthesis. Also covered will be protein/nucleic acid interactions and regulation of gene expression.
See Biology 360a
Students may not take this course for credit if they have received credits for BIO 360a
Prerequisite: Biology 118b, Biochemistry 211b and Biochemistry 212a
Professor Stroeher
Biochemistry 371a Independent Studies in Biochemistry I 3-1-3
This course is not regularly offered and is only meant for final-year students who wish to pursue in-depth study of a particular area of biochemistry or who have a special need for a biochemistry course that would otherwise not be available during their final semester of course work. This course can only be done in close collaboration with a faculty advisor from within the Biochemistry program, and may not be used as a supplement to a student's honours project. Requirements for this course will be agreed upon by at least three professors from within the Biochemistry Program.
Prerequisite: Consent of members of the Biochemistry Program.
Biochemistry 372b Independent Studies in Biochemistry II 3-1-3
This course represents an additional semester of independent work, either a continuation of or a separate course from Bch 371a, meant for final-year students who wish to pursue in-depth study of a particular area of biochemistry or who have a special need for a biochemistry course that would otherwise not be available during their final semester of course work. This course can only be done in close collaboration with a faculty advisor from within the Biochemistry Program, and may not be used as a supplement to a student's honours project. Requirements for this course will be agreed upon by at least three professors from within the Biochemistry Program.
Prerequisite: Consent of members of the Biochemistry Program.
Biochemistry 374b Biotechnology 3-3-0
This course will explore the technical approaches used in current research and biotechnology, emphasizing the applications of molecular strategies and processes studied in Biology 360/Biochemistry 370. Both the theoretical and practical aspects of these molecular approaches will be discussed, as well as how these techniques are utilized and how they have changed modern research and medicine.
Prerequisite: Biology 360a or Biochemistry 370a
Corequisite: Biochemistry 384b
Professor Stroeher
Biochemistry 384b Biotechnology Laboratory 1-0-3
Practical application of several of the techniques introduced in Biochemistry 374b.
Prerequisite: Biology 360a or Biochemistry 370a
Corequisite: Biochemistry 374b
Professor Stroeher
Biochemistry 461a Enzymology 3-3-0
Kinetics of enzyme reactions and mechanism of catalysis. Regulation by allosteric effectors and covalent modification. Protein targeting and degradation.
Prerequisites: Biochemistry 211b, 212a and 275b
Professor Prusak
Biochemistry 482a/b Honours Research Project I 3-1-6
An introduction to the planning, execution and reporting of biochemical research. Students are required to choose a research project and in consultation with an approved supervisor, draw up a formal research proposal of work to be undertaken. The proposal must be submitted in final form by November 1or (February 1 for winter semester). The final mark in this course will be based on the research proposal, a written report of the results of the initial experiments as outlined in the proposal and a poster presentation. Satisfactory completion of Biochemistry 482 with a minimum mark of 70% will permit enrolment in Biochemistry 483a/b.
Prerequisite: Permission of course coordinator
Co-requisite: Biology 272a
Professor Prusak
Biochemistry 483b Honours Research Project II 3-1-12
A continuation of Biochemistry 482, consisting of experimentation as outlined in the research proposal; presentation of a seminar based on research findings, to be scheduled in the last two weeks of term; and submission of a written dissertation on or before the last day of classes.
Prerequisite: Biochemistry 482a/b and permission of course coordinator.
Professor Prusak
