Biochemistry

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Credentials available

Bachelor of Science

Campus

Lethbridge

Intake

Fall & Winter

Admission requirements

Program description

Forensics. Pharmacology. Food science. What do these three areas have in common? They are just some of the career paths you can take with a degree in biochemistry.

Biochemistry is the study of all living systems at the molecular level. It looks at the chemical and physical basis of life and how these living systems interact with their environments. It is a demanding field that combines expertise in the biological sciences, chemistry, physics and mathematics. Versatility and intense curiosity are the hallmarks of successful biochemists, as they draw on knowledge from a variety of fields to investigate the molecules that facilitate life.

From the structure, function and dynamics of molecular machines, to the complex regulation of metabolic pathways and biological processes, biochemists study the extraordinary molecules that are produced and utilized by living systems. As a consequence, many of the most spectacular advances in the sciences are driven by discoveries in biochemistry.

Biochemistry will help you develop a strong background in the basic sciences and extensive laboratory skills, while emphasizing the chemical and physical basis of life. As a biochemistry student, you will gain hands-on experience with the latest tools and technology used in chemistry, physics and biological sciences, such as molecular biology, protein crystallography and advanced biophysics. You will also develop skills in molecular techniques like DNA sequencing, gene cloning and enzymology.

Additionally, you will have access to state-of-the-art science and research facilities. These facilities support the research interests of our award-winning faculty, your instructors, as they investigate diverse areas such as cancer research, toxicology, crystallography, bioinformatics and molecular modelling, as well as applied research in medicine, disease research and food development.

Minors | Adding a minor to your degree is a great way to explore academic interests beyond your major. A minor is a set of courses comprising a secondary focus of interest. It is generally not related to your major. A minor may be required or optional. Pursue a second passion by adding a minor to your degree.

Honours thesis | If your GPA is high enough in your fourth year, you can opt to complete an undergraduate thesis course. This is an excellent opportunity for you to earn an “Honours Thesis” designation on your degree.

Experience learning | Our students have a number of experiential learning opportunities available to them including co-operative education, international exchanges, independent and applied studies as well as volunteer opportunities. uLethbridge is the only university in Alberta to offer co-operative education to all majors in the arts & sciences, at both the undergrad and grad level. Transfer students can actually head out on their first work term before ever stepping foot on campus! For example, many transfer students have completed a summer work term before starting classes in September.

Skills acquired | In addition to developing exceptional written and oral communication skills in this program, you’ll also develop strong critical and analytical thinking skills, advanced information acquisition and management skills, as well as precise attention to detail. All of these abilities are highly sought after in the business world and can be applied to practically any scenario.

Possible careers

Biochemists are employed in virtually all areas of the life sciences as a result of their strong foundation in the basic sciences and extensive laboratory experience. Here are just a few of the career options open to you once you’ve earned your degree:

Laboratory Scientist
Laboratory Technician
Research Assistant
Agricultural Chemistry
Soil Science
Food Technology
Biotechnology
Bioenergy
Forensic Science
Drug Development
Toxicology
Pathology
Commercial Research
Academia

Professional disciplines & graduate studies | Your undergraduate degree in biochemistry provides an excellent foundation for medicine, veterinary medicine, pharmacy, dentistry and research. The University of Lethbridge’s School of Graduate Studies offers programs at the master's and doctoral levels, in more than 60 disciplines — so why not consider pursuing grad school right here in Lethbridge! Whether you choose to do your advanced studies at uLethbridge or another institution, know that your undergraduate degree has set you on the path to post-graduate success
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Admission requirements for Biochemistry

Choose a Province/Territory:

For admission, Canadian high school students in Alberta must have completed five of the following courses with a minimum 65% average across them:

This course is required:

English Language Arts 30-1

Three of these courses are required:

Aboriginal Studies 30
Art 30 or Art 31
Biology 30
Chemistry 30
Choral Music 30, General Music 30, or Instrumental Music 30
Dance 35
Drama 30
Mathematics 30-1 or Mathematics 30-2
Mathematics 31
Physics 30
Science 30
Social Studies 30-1 or Social Studies 30-2
Five credits in Advanced-level CTS Computer Science (CSE)
One or more distinct languages at the 30 level

One additional requirement from this list:

That has not already been used
May be from the list above
Must be at the 30 level
Must be worth at least five credits (multiple courses worth a total of five or more credits can be used)
Cannot be a Special Project

This program also requires

Three of the courses you include must be:

Biology 30
Chemistry 30
Mathematics 30-1

Not a Canadian high school student? Find your admission requirements here

First year cost estimator
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Let us help you understand your tuition and fees for your first year at the University of Lethbridge.

Studying biochemistry at the University of Lethbridge has allowed me to connect and network with professors, faculty, and experienced students while also learning much about the biology and chemistry of living things. By taking an applied study with professor Roy Golsteyn over the summer, I learned how to apply knowledge from my classes to real research, while also gaining connections to organizations both on campus and around Southern Alberta. I never thought that I’d be able to get involved so closely with actual research during my undergraduate studies. Additionally, I learned how to use knowledge and skills from my classes and labs in a work environment. Altogether, studying biochemistry at the University of Lethbridge has allowed me to build my knowledge and skills as a scientist while also giving me the opportunity to contribute and get involved with the university‘s research projects.
- Tanner, Biochemistry

Sample classes

Sample classes list:

Introductory Biochemistry
Proteins, Enzymes & Nucleic Acids
Bioenergetics & Metabolism
Cell Biology
Principles of Genetics
General Chemistry I&II
Organic Chemistry I&II

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Biochemistry

Credentials available

Campus

Intake

Program description

Possible careers

Admission requirements for Biochemistry

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First year cost estimator for Biochemistry

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First year cost estimator
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