Overview
Our mandate is to conduct outstanding research while maintaining providing exceptional training of graduate students. The Department of Biochemistry offers M.Sc. and Ph.D. programs which emphasize laboratory research, in a wide variety of areas. These include:
· Molecular and Cell Biology
· The Regulation of Gene and Protein Expression
· Signal Transduction
· Protein Structure and Function
· Membrane Biology
· Cell Death and Differentiation
· Embryonic Development
· Neurobiology
· Bioinformatics
· Cancer
Stipends and Fees
The Department is committed to helping graduate students secure adequate funding. All students are financally supported either by their supervisor or through fellowships or scholarships. Applications may be made for a variety of fellowships administered by the University or by various federal, provincial, or private agencies.
- Masters students receive a minimum stipend of $20,000 annually; doctoral students receive $22,000.
- Funding Opportunities
- Departmental Tuition Assistance compensates Canadian M.Sc. students from outside Quebec for the difference in tuition fees, and assists international graduate students.
Departmental Seminars
Visiting scientists and senior doctoral students present their research findings to the Department at a regular seminar series throughout the academic year.
Career Development
M.Sc. and Ph.D. graduates in Biochemistry go on to a broad range of careers in the private sector (companies), public sector (government), the health professions, and of course in research. The SKILLSETS program for graduate students offers professional development seminars and workshops. The GRAPHOS program provides additional training in academic writing.
Master’s Degree
The M.Sc. in Biochemistry introduces students to laboratory-based research at an advanced level.
The thesis-based M.Sc. program offers core courses in advanced biochemistry topics, but focuses on laboratory research. The program provides sophisticated training in the technical as well as theoretical aspects of biochemistry, at one of the leading Biochemistry departments in Canada. The M.Sc. program is an excellent preparation for skilled positions in the biomedical sciences, in industry or the public sector, or for superior research in a Ph.D. program.
M.Sc. Outline
· Usually two courses are required, it is recommend they be completed within the first year
· One year of seminar attendance is required
· Students interested in promoting (fast-track) to the Ph.D. program present the Junior Seminar to the Department in second year
· M.Sc. degree is to be completed by the end of year 3
· Thesis is evaluated without an oral examination
Doctoral Degree
The Ph.D. in Biochemistry trains students in laboratory-based research at the highest level.
The Ph.D. program is streamlined to emphasize independent research, and the many areas of biochemistry studied in our Department offer a wide choice of specialties. Students gain in-depth expertise in biochemistry and the biomedical sciences, with the opportunity to carry out research projects at a world-class level and participate in collaborations with other leading research groups.
Graduates of the Ph.D. program are outstandingly prepared for leadership careers in the basic health sciences in industry, the public sector, or academia.
Ph.D. Outline
· Fast-track students, and students admitted with an M.Sc., start in Ph.D. year 2
· Usually two courses and one year of seminar attendance are required, unless completed before fast-track from the M.Sc. program
· Junior Seminar presented to the Department in second year, or as prerequisite to fast-track
· Thesis Proposal presented to the Graduate Advisory Committee in third year
· Senior Seminar presented to the Department around 6 months before submitting the Thesis
· Ph.D. degree must be completed by the end of year 7