Biochemistry

M.Sc, Ph.D

The Master's and Doctoral programs in Biochemistry provide you with the best conditions to develop into an independent, productive, research scientist.

The department offers a dynamic learning environment where you can explore the complex world of biochemistry, including:

• multi-disciplinary research
• a close supervisor-student relationship
• excellent teaching assistant opportunities
• leading-edge facilities

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"The experiences that I have had so far in the department of biochemistry at Queen’s have been nothing but phenomenal. The positive learning environment as well as academic support provided by the faculty is second to none. Even though the academic aspect of the program is top notch, one major criteria of learning that is not written in the books or course guides is the level of international exposure that may be available through each supervisor. As most professors have world-wide recognition in their fields of study, many opportunities are available to attend international conferences. I truly believe that the biochemistry program is outstanding and I would recommend it to all aspiring future biochemists. "

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Degrees Offered / Length of Program

• Full-time M.Sc.: 2 years 
• Ph.D.: 4-5 years 
• Mini -Masters: You can apply to transfer within 1.5 years in our M.Sc. program to the Ph.D program, if you complete 2 courses with a minimum average of 80%. 
• Direct-entry Ph.D.: Students with an Honours degree in Biochemistry with a first-class or 80% overall undergraduate average may qualify with approval.

Method of Completion

• M.Sc.: course work, research, seminar & research proposal review, written thesis with oral defense
• Mini-Masters: course work, written and oral comprehensive exam
• Ph.D.: course work, research, comprehensive exam, seminar, written thesis with oral defense

Degree Learning Expectations and Outcomes

M.Sc. - View this information as a PDF (114 KB)

Ph.D. - View this information as a PDF (118 KB)

Cross Disciplinary Aspects

We have cross-appointed members in Biology, Pathology and Medicine.

 

Travel Opportunities

Supervisors and Fields of Study

Upon acceptance, you must pursue and be recruited by a research supervisor who agrees to guarantee a stipend.  You may contact a prospective supervisor either before or after acceptance, pending final approval from our Graduate Program Committee.

Employment Opportunities

You will be qualified for opportunties such as: teacher (college or university level); scientist in research institutions or industry (i.e. Cytochroma, Toronto, Loeb Institute, Ottawa); research science such as pharmaceuticals, cancer,
heart and stroke (i.e. Health Canada, Ottawa, Caprion Pharmaceuticals, Montreal, Robarts Research Institute, Western Ontario); medicine (i.e. Syn-X-Pharmaceuticals, Toronto); biotechnology, environmental science, biology
(i.e. National Research Council Institute of Biological Sciences, Ottawa, Biotechnology Research Institute, Montreal).

Funding Information

All Queen’s Biochemistry graduate students are guaranteed a minimum stipend that is adjusted annually for inflation and is among the highest in the university. The 2012-13 minimum graduate student stipend is $22,700.00.

We encourage all students to gain additional funding by applying for teaching assistantships and external awards from NSERC, OGS, CIHR, Heart & Stroke Foundation and other organizations. Queen’s automatically issues a $5,000 top-up award to federal government tri-council award winners.
 

Academic Prerequisites

• M.Sc.: B.Sc., Honours degree in Biochemistry or Life Sciences
  Other undergraduate concentration applicants can apply, but may be required to take additional courses to enhance their Biochemistry background.
  Minimum overall cumulative average of 75% (for all 4 years or all courses taken)
• Ph.D.: M.Sc. or exceptional B.Sc. Honours with supervisory support
  First-class or minimum 80% cumulative overall average in Biochemistry courses may apply for direct entry into the Ph.D. program.

Test Requirements

International Applicants are required to provide:

• TOEFL English testing results.
• TOEFL Minimum = 96 out of 120 Internet-based Test (TOEFL iBT) or 600 Paper Based

Program Profiles

• Christopher Garnham - the possibilities for antifreeze proteins...
• Melanie Adams-Cioaba (Alumnist) - showed up at Queen's and stayed for five years...