Academic Calendar 2023-2024

Biochemistry (BCHM)

BCHM 102  Introduction to Biochemistry  Units: 3.00  

Chemical principles as applied to biochemistry, human and clinical biochemistry.
NOTE Primarily intended for students in Nursing, Life Sciences, or Biochemistry programs. Other Arts and Science students require permission of the Department to enrol.

Learning Hours: 118 (24 Lecture, 16 Tutorial, 6 Group Learning, 36 Online Activity, 36 Private Study)  
Requirements: Prerequisite None. Recommended 4U Chemistry. One-Way Exclusion May not be taken with or after BCHM 270; BCHM 310; BCHM 315; BCHM 316.  
Offering Faculty: Faculty of Health Sciences  
BCHM 218  Molecular Biology  Units: 3.00  

Molecules and macromolecules that participate in the replication and expression of genes. Current methods for exploring the structure, function, and manipulation of genetic material.
NOTE Also offered online. Consult the Bachelor of Health Sciences program office.
LEARNING HOURS may vary. 120 (36L;12T;72P)
EQUIVALENCY MBIO 218/3.0.

Requirements: Minimum 2nd year (Level 2) standing and one of (BIOL 102/3.0; PHGY 170/3.0) and one of (CHEM 112/6.0; CHEM 114/3.0).  
Course Equivalencies: BCHM218; MBIO218;MBIO318  
Offering Faculty: Faculty of Health Sciences  
BCHM 270  Biochemical Basis of Health and Disease  Units: 3.00  

This course will introduce general biochemical concepts that will allow for an understanding of the biological and chemical principles underlying human physiology, health and disease. The course will provide self-paced learning and utilize evidence-based teaching principles, small group learning, peer-learning and guided-independent learning methodologies to provide an inclusive learning environment. Students will gain an enhanced appreciation of general applications of biochemistry as applied in day to day healthy life and during the disease states, diagnosis and clinical management of metabolic disorders.
NOTE Also offered online. Consult the Bachelor of Health Sciences program office.
NOTE This introductory biochemistry online course is intended for prospective students in Nursing, Environmental Sciences, Engineering, Commerce, and general science programs.
NOTE May not be taken for credit towards the Plan requirements of the BCHM or LISC Specialization or Major Plans.

Learning Hours: 126 (66 Online Activity, 60 Private Study)  
Requirements: Minimum 2nd year (Level 2) standing and [(PHGY 170/3.0) or (BIOL 102/3.0 and BIOL 103/3.0)], or permission of the instructor. One-Way exclusion May not be taken with or after BCHM 310/6.0; BCHM 315/3.0.  
Offering Faculty: Faculty of Health Sciences  
BCHM 310  General Biochemistry  Units: 9.00  

Principles of protein biochemistry, enzymology, and protein engineering. Metabolism of carbohydrates, amino acids and lipids. Role of coenzymes. Generation and storage of metabolic energy. Principles of regulatory mechanisms, membrane structure and function, hormone action, and cellular signalling.
NOTE Students lacking the prerequisites CHEM 222/3.0 or CHEM 282/3.0 may take these courses as a corequisite with permission of the Department.

Learning Hours: 348 (72 Lecture, 36 Laboratory, 240 Private Study)  
Requirements: Prerequisite Level 3 or above and BCHM 218 and ([CHEM 222 and CHEM 223] or CHEM 282). Exclusion BCHM 102/3.0; BCHM 315/3.0; BCHM 316/3.0.  
Offering Faculty: Faculty of Health Sciences  
BCHM 313  Molecular Biochemistry  Units: 3.00  

This course will provide an in depth view of the molecular mechanisms controlling how genes are organized, regulated and expressed in mammalian cells. Once you understand how proteins are made, you will learn a variety of approaches to visualize and measure proteins and enzymatic activities in mammalian cells.
NOTE If you have taken or are currently registered in BCHM 310/9.0 you may contact the department for permission to enrol.

Learning Hours: 120 (36 Lecture, 84 Private Study)  
Requirements: Prerequisite Level 3 or above and BCHM 315.  
Offering Faculty: Faculty of Health Sciences  
BCHM 315  Proteins and Enzymes  Units: 3.00  

Principles of protein biochemistry, enzymology, and protein engineering.
NOTE Students lacking the prerequisites CHEM 222 or CHEM 282 may take these courses as a corequisite with permission of the Department.

Learning Hours: 120 (36 Lecture, 12 Online Activity, 72 Private Study)  
Requirements: Prerequisite Level 3 or above and BCHM 218 and ([CHEM 222 and CHEM 223] or CHEM 282). Exclusion BCHM 102; BCHM 310.  
Offering Faculty: Faculty of Health Sciences  
BCHM 316  Metabolism  Units: 3.00  

Metabolism of carbohydrates, amino acids and lipids. Role of coenzymes. Generation and storage of metabolic energy. Principles of regulatory mechanisms, membrane structure and function, hormone action, and cellular signalling.

Learning Hours: 122 (36 Lecture, 8 Online Activity, 78 Private Study)  
Requirements: Prerequisite BCHM 315 Exclusion BCHM 310  
Offering Faculty: Faculty of Health Sciences  
BCHM 317  Introductory Biochemistry Laboratory  Units: 6.00  

Application of separation and assay techniques to the study of proteins, metabolism and molecular biology. Attendance required in both terms. Enrollment will be limited because of laboratory constraints, and selection will be based on academic standing.

Learning Hours: 360 (96 Laboratory, 264 Private Study)  
Requirements: Prerequisite Registration in a BCHM Plan. Corequisite BCHM 315/3.0 and BCHM 316/3.0. Exclusion Maximum of 6.0 units from: BCHM 317/6.0; BCHM 319/3.0.  
Offering Faculty: Faculty of Health Sciences  
BCHM 319  Introductory Biochemistry Laboratory  Units: 3.00  

Application of separation and essay techniques to the study of proteins, metabolism and molecular biology.
NOTE This course is for outgoing Biochemistry Honours exchange students who are not able to obtain the equivalent of BCHM 317/6.0 when on exchange.

Learning Hours: 180 (48 Laboratory, 132 Private Study)  
Requirements: coreq BCHM315  
Course Equivalencies: BCHM317B; BCHM319  
Offering Faculty: Faculty of Health Sciences  
BCHM 370  Genetics and Genomics  Units: 3.00  

An introduction to the field of applied genomics for identifying genes underlying multi-factorial traits, diseases, and drug treatment outcomes. Basic principles of gene mapping studies will be covered in the context of recent advances in the field including statistical methods, and integrative analyses of biological datasets.
Notes: Also offered online
LEARNING HOURS may vary: 120(48O;72P)

Requirements: Minimum 3rd year (Level 3) standing and one of (BCHM 218/3.0; BCHM 270/3.0; BIOL 205/3.0) or permission of the instructor. . Exclusion BIOL 331/3.0.  
Offering Faculty: Faculty of Health Sciences  
BCHM 410  Protein Structure and Function  Units: 3.00  

This course presents an integrated approach to the study of protein function. Topics include proteomic techniques, mass spectrometry, protein purification, imaging, surface plasmon resonance, calorimetry, bioinformatics and protein evolution, protein modifications and processing, interpretation and applications of 3-D structure, and structure-function relationships. 

Requirements: Prerequisite ([Level 4 or above and registration in the BCHM Specialization or Major Plan] and [a minimum GPA of 2.50 in BCHM 218/3.0; BCHM 313/3.0; BCHM 315/3.0; BCHM 316/3.0; BCHM 317/6.0]) or ([Level 4 or above and registration in the LISC Specialization or Major Plan] and [a minimum GPA of 2.50 in BCHM 218/3.0 and [BCHM 310/9.0 or [BCHM 315/3.0 and BCHM 316/3.0]).  
Offering Faculty: Faculty of Health Sciences  
BCHM 411  Advanced Molecular Biology  Units: 3.00  

This course concentrates on the molecular biology of mammalian models particularly mechanisms involved in human diseases. The human genome project, forensic analysis, DNA diagnostics of human diseases, models of transcriptional and growth regulation and cancer, DNA repair, RNA processing and translation are all discussed. Emphasis on recent findings and course materials will be drawn from current reviews. 

Learning Hours: 120 (36 Lecture, 84 Private Study)  
Requirements: Prerequisite ([Level 4 or above and registration in the BCHM Specialization or Major Plan] and [a minimum GPA of 2.50 in BCHM 218/3.0; BCHM 313/3.0; BCHM 315/3.0; BCHM 316/3.0; BCHM 317/6.0]) or ([Level 4 or above and registration in the LISC Specialization or Major Plan] and [a minimum GPA of 2.50 in BCHM 218/3.0 and [BCHM 310/9.0 or [BCHM 315/3.0 and BCHM 316/3.0]).  
Offering Faculty: Faculty of Health Sciences  
BCHM 421  Advanced Biochemistry Laboratory I  Units: 6.00  

Biochemical research techniques with emphasis on nucleic acids, protein structure and function, regulation of gene expression and metabolic control processes.
NOTE 6.0-unit course offered in the Fall Term.

Requirements: PREREQUISITE Level 4 and registration in a BCHM Specialization Plan and (a GPA of 2.9 in BCHM 218/3.0; BCHM 313/3.0; BCHM 315/3.0; BCHM 316/3.0; BCHM 317/6.0)  
Offering Faculty: Faculty of Health Sciences  
BCHM 422  Advanced Biochem Lab II  Units: 6.00  

An independent research project by each student in one of the departmental research labs. Evaluation is based on oral presentation, lab performance and a thesis.
NOTE 6.0-unit course offered in the Fall Term.

Requirements: PREREQUISITE Level 4 and registration in a BCHM Specialization Plan and (a GPA of 2.9 in BCHM 218/3.0; BCHM 313/3.0; BCHM 315/3.0; BCHM 316/3.0; BCHM 317/6.0)  
Offering Faculty: Faculty of Health Sciences  
BCHM 432  The Molecular Basis of Cellular Function  Units: 3.00  

Principles of regulatory mechanisms; regulation of cellular function and growth by oncogenes, growth factors, isoprenoids and steroid hormones. Receptors, second messengers and protein phosphorylation. Correlation of cell ultrastructure with biochemical function. Description of the components, assembly, metabolism and evolution of cellular structures are described.

Learning Hours: 120 (30 Lecture, 6 Group Learning, 84 Private Study)  
Requirements: Prerequisite ([Level 4 or above and registration in the BCHM Specialization or Major Plan] and [a minimum GPA of 2.50 in BCHM 218/3.0; BCHM 313/3.0; BCHM 315/3.0; BCHM 316/3.0; BCHM 317/6.0]) or ([Level 4 or above and registration in the LISC Specialization or Major Plan] and [a minimum GPA of 2.50 in BCHM 218/3.0 and [BCHM 310/9.0 or [BCHM 315/3.0 and BCHM 316/3.0]).  
Offering Faculty: Faculty of Health Sciences  
BCHM 441  Current Topics in Biochemistry  Units: 3.00  

Tutorials, assignments and demonstrations in important subjects in biochemistry emphasizing topics of broad interest. Particular emphasis will be paid to the applications of biochemical knowledge and new technologies.
NOTE Students in the BCHM Specialization Plan registered in BCHM 421 and BCHM 422 will not be allowed to register in BCHM 441; Students in the LISC Specialization Plan registered in one of ANAT 499, CANC 499, EPID 499, LISC 499, MICR 455, MICR 499, NSCI 499, PATH 499, PHAR 499or PHGY 499 will not be allowed to register in BCHM 441.

Learning Hours: 120 (21 Lecture, 9 Seminar, 3 Group Learning, 3 Off-Campus Activity, 84 Private Study)  
Requirements: Prerequisite Level 4 or above and registration in a BCHM Major Plan and (a GPA of 2.5 in BCHM 218; BCHM 313; BCHM 315; BCHM 316; BCHM 317).  
Offering Faculty: Faculty of Health Sciences  
BCHM 442  Seminars in Biochemistry  Units: 3.00  

Seminars, assignments and demonstrations focused on important subjects in biochemistry, emphasizing the scientific pipeline, from discovery to commercialization. Particular emphasis will be placed on applications of biochemical knowledge and new technologies.
NOTE    Students in the BCHM Major Plan registered in BCHM 441/3.0 will not be allowed to register in BCHM 442/3.0.

Learning Hours: 120 (18 Seminar, 18 Group Learning, 84 Private Study)  
Requirements: Prerequisites Level 4 and registration in a BCHM Specialization Plan and (a GPA of 2.7 in BCHM 218, BCHM313, BCHM315, BCHM316, BCHM317).  
Offering Faculty: Faculty of Health Sciences  
BCHM 482  Proteomics and Metabolomics  Units: 3.00  

This course will focus on the principles of proteomics and metabolomics and their application in the new systems biology `omics approach to scientific discovery. This course will emphasize both the methodologies used in proteomics and metabolomics, as well as their applications in both research, medical diagnostics, and disease management.
NOTE: Only offered online. Consult the Bachelor of Health Sciences program office.

Learning Hours: 114 (36 Online Activity, 78 Private Study)  
Requirements: Prerequisite Level 4 or above and registration in a BCHM/LISC Major or Specialization, or BHSc program and a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher and ([BCHM 218/3.0 and BCHM 270/3.0 and BCHM 370/3.0] or BCHM 310/9.0 or [BCHM 315/3.0 and BCHM 316/3.0]).  
Offering Faculty: Faculty of Health Sciences  
BCHM 594  Independent Study  Units: 3.00  

Exceptionally qualified students entering their fourth-year may take an independent study provided it has been approved by the Program Office(s) principally involved. The Program Office may approve an independent study without permitting it to be counted toward a concentration in that Program Office. It is, consequently, the responsibility of a student taking an independent study to ensure that the concentration requirements for their degree will be met.
NOTE Requests for an independent study must be received one month before the start of the first term in which the student intends to undertake the independent study.

Requirements: Prerequisite Permission of the Program Office(s) principally involved.  
Offering Faculty: Faculty of Health Sciences  
BCHM 595  Independent Study  Units: 6.00  

Exceptionally qualified students entering their fourth-year may take an independent study provided it has been approved by the Program Office(s) principally involved. The Program Office may approve an independent study without permitting it to be counted toward a concentration in that Program Office. It is, consequently, the responsibility of a student taking an independent study to ensure that the concentration requirements for their degree will be met.
NOTE Requests for an independent study must be received one month before the start of the first term in which the student intends to undertake the independent study.

Requirements: Prerequisite Permission of the Program Office(s) principally involved.  
Offering Faculty: Faculty of Health Sciences  
BCHM 596  Independent Study  Units: 12.00  

Exceptionally qualified students entering their fourth-year may take an independent study provided it has been approved by the Program Office(s) principally involved. The Program Office may approve an independent study without permitting it to be counted toward a concentration in that Program Office. It is, consequently, the responsibility of a student taking an independent study to ensure that the concentration requirements for their degree will be met.
NOTE Requests for an independent study must be received one month before the start of the first term in which the student intends to undertake the independent study.

Requirements: Prerequisite Permission of the Program Office(s) principally involved.  
Offering Faculty: Faculty of Health Sciences