Biochemistry and Molecular Biology University of British Columbia

Overview

The Biochemistry and Molecular Biology M.Sc. at the University of British Columbia provides an advanced, research-based education designed to prepare graduates for influential roles in academia and industry. This programme emphasises the development of independent investigative skills through a combination of rigorous coursework and a primary research thesis. Students benefit from a constructive community that supports scientific discovery and professional growth within the Faculty of Medicine.

Why Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at the University of British Columbia?

The Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology is home to more than thirty highly funded and well-equipped research groups. These teams seek to understand the molecular foundations of various conditions, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and viral infections. The department maintains a prestigious history of excellence, having been home to Nobel Laureate Michael Smith, and continues to host members of the Royal Society of Canada.

Trainees have access to diverse training environments across several world-class facilities. While many laboratories are situated in the Life Sciences Institute and Michael Smith Laboratories on the Point Grey Campus, others operate within the BC Cancer Research Centre and the Centre for Blood Research. This network provides students with exceptional mentorship and a broad range of specialised research topics.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

• International fee: CAD 9884 per year
• National fee: CAD 5626 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The programme is primarily research-intensive, with the initial stages focusing on foundational knowledge. Students are required to complete six formal course credits, typically within the first two terms, alongside annual departmental research seminars. Modules may include:

• Protein Structure and Function
• Gene Regulation
• Epigenetics
• Membrane Structure and Function
• Cellular Regulation
• Bioinformatics

Careers with Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

Graduates from this programme have successfully transitioned into a variety of professional sectors. Many alumni continue their academic journeys in doctoral or postdoctoral positions, while others enter professional programmes in medicine or law. The department has a strong track record of graduates securing full-time research roles within the biotechnology industry, government departments, and healthcare organisations.

Beyond laboratory research, the skills acquired during the M.Sc. enable success in technical writing, management, and consultancy. Recent data indicates that the majority of graduates achieve career success in commercial and academic areas, supported by the programme's emphasis on peer-reviewed publications and presentations at national and international scientific meetings.