Biochemistry
Biochemistry is the study of the structure and function of biomolecules. It provides an understanding of biomolecular interactions relevant to cell biology and human diseases.
Program Description
This program will give you an introduction to the Chemistry program, but focuses upon the chemistry of biological systems in the senior-level years.
If you are interested in the chemistry of DNA, proteins, enzymes, as well as fundamental relationships between chemistry and living organisms, you will find this program most fascinating.
In addition, the students will have opportunities for work-integrated learning through internships at biotech and health care related industries.
Experiential Learning
Experience is vital to becoming a skilled biochemist. Students in the Biochemistry program enjoy both a broad range of courses—from Pharmacology for Health Sciences, Kinetics and Photochemistry to Drug Design and DNA Science and Diagnostics—and extensive lab time. This provides the unique combination of academics and hands-on experience for which employers look.
Selected students can undertake an undergraduate fourth-year thesis in which they pursue a research project under the supervision of a faculty member. Further, NSERC undergraduate awards support summer research.
Career Paths
- Graduate studies (MSc or PhD)
- Professional schools in medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, veterinary and chiropractic
- Biopharmaceutical and biotechnology industries
- University or government research laboratories
- Clinical investigations and medical research
- Education (with additional studies)
Admission Requirements
Minimum admission average of 70% (plus 70% secondary average). ENG4U, MHF4U, SCH4U and SBI4U are required. MCV4U is strongly recommended. SPH4U is recommended.
Biochemistry for Health Sciences Stream
Health care is currently Canada’s second-largest service industry and one of the world’s fastest-growing employment sectors. The Biochemistry-Health Sciences Stream provides a clear pathway to medicine, pharmacy or graduate research in a health-related science.
Program Description
This program is designed to meet the needs of students who want a strong background in the sciences fundamental to health and medicine and focuses on the central role of biochemistry in the health sciences using a learning-by-doing approach.
The overall curriculum includes a greater focus on core sciences than most other health or biomedical programs, providing rigorous training that keeps career paths open and provides more options for graduate and professional schools.
The curriculum incorporates integrated laboratory components as well as opportunities for participating in original research in biochemistry related to health. In addition, the students will have opportunities for work-integrated learningthrough internships at health care related industries.
The first-year course composition of the Biochemistry Program and the Biochemistry-Health Sciences Stream are identical so that a student can choose to pursue either the Biochemistry Program or the Biochemistry – Health Sciences Stream in their second year.
Student Support
With the breadth of courses offered, opportunity for laboratory/research experience, and approachable professors, learning at UWindsor is a rewarding and stimulating experience.
Support for pre-professional students is available in the Departments of Biological Sciences, Chemistry and Biochemistry and the Faculty of Science, in addition to other student-based support groups such as the Science Society and the Pre-Med Society.
Career Paths
- Professional programs such as medicine or pharmacy
- Industrial and academic R&D
- Health and biomedical research in graduate studies
- R&D in industry or government
- Clinical research
- Education (with additional studies) - appropriate selection of courses allows for fulfilment of teachable subjects
Admission Requirements
Minimum admission average of 70% (plus 70% secondary average). ENG4U, SCH4U, MHF4U, plus one of SPH4U or SBI4U. MCV4U is strongly recommended. SPH4U is recommended.
