Get a post-graduate work permit for up to three years if you are a full-time Ä¢¹½´«Ã½international student graduating from a bachelor’s degree program and meet all .
Want to learn more?
Visit the Irving K. Barber Faculty of Science website to learn more about Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.
Program information
Investigate the world at the molecular level in biochemistry and molecular biology, the study of chemical compounds and reactions that occur in living organisms. This program includes a wide variety of foundational and advanced courses that cover metabolic pathways, the chemistry of winemaking, pharmacology, and more. Choose to specialize in biochemistry or the more medical aspects of cell and molecular biology.
Program overview
- Campus
- Okanagan
- Program length
- 4 years
- Honours This option has additional requirements compared to those required in a Major specialization. Students must maintain high academic standing and may have to write a graduating thesis.
- Yes
- Co-op Co-op is an optional program where students alternate between academic terms and paid work terms. It’s an opportunity to gain relevant job experience while completing your degree.
- Yes
- Faculty
- Irving K. Barber Faculty of Science
- Degree
- Bachelor of Science
What you'll learn
Get your Ä¢¹½´«Ã½degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, which specifically deals with the structure and function of proteins, nucleic acids, carbohydrates and lipids – the basic constituents of living cells. You can choose from one of two program options: General Biochemistry or Medical Biochemistry.
Biochemists work to understand the structure of cells and how they function at the molecular level. They look at the role of these macromolecules in metabolic pathways, how the pathways are controlled, and the consequences of genetic or metabolic disruption. Biochemistry and Molecular Biology can lead to work in mass producing chemicals that are usually found in the body in tiny amounts, mapping the human genetic code, or creating genetically engineered crops that are more resistant to adverse weather conditions, spoilage, disease, and pests.
Experiential learning and research
The Biochemistry and Molecular Biology program includes a strong lab component, which is essential for students working in this area, and the opportunity to do a directed-studies research project with various professors in both chemistry and biology.
The Irving K. Barber Faculty of Science also supports student research through the Undergraduate Research Awards, which allow students to carry out their own projects over the summer months, and other awards, which provide opportunities to work with professors on their research.
You can connect with your peers who are interested in or studying biochemistry and molecular biology through the Biochemistry Course Union, a student organization on UBC’s Okanagan campus.
Program advantages
Learn from researchers that elucidate new metabolic pathways, studying protein structure and function, and devise new biophysical and chemical tools to study biological processes. You will study on a tight-knit campus where you can work closely with professors and peers. There are opportunities to work as a teaching assistant, pursue your own research, or work alongside professors on theirs
Life at UBC's Okanagan campus
UBC’s Okanagan campus is renowned for its research opportunities and access to professors. On a tight-knit campus like the Okanagan’s, you’ll be able to work closely with award-winning faculty and make meaningful connections with your peers. Professors are collaborating with student researchers and community partners in a variety of industries.
Courses
There are hundreds of courses you can take within Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. Here are a few you might like.
First of a pair of courses that introduce students to the biological concepts necessary to continue into second-year biology. Covers evolutionary theory and its underlying genetic basis, basic cell biology, plant and animal nutrition, and energy acquisition.
Mechanistic analysis of chemical reactivity of common functional groups, with focus on carbonyl chemistry; aromaticity and aromatic substitution; functional group transformations in organic synthesis; carbohydrates, amino acids, proteins, heterocycles.
Stresses the principles of molecular biology techniques and their relevance to the study of all areas of biology. Gene expression, gene regulation, and development genetics.
Draws on foundational knowledge of normal biochemistry. Inborn errors of metabolism, abnormal growth and metabolism, neurodegeneration and inappropriate protein folding, deficiency diseases, endocrine disorders, and cardiovascular and hematological disorders.
Outcomes
Graduates from the Biochemistry and Molecular Biology program on UBC’s Okanagan campus go on to graduate or medical school, or careers in fields such as:
- Biotechnology
- Food science
- Pharmacology
Take action & plan
Program requirements
Choose application type:
English-language requirements
English is the language of instruction at UBC. All prospective students must demonstrate English-language competency prior to admission. There are numerous ways to meet the English Language Admission Standard.
General admission requirements
IB Diploma Programme
- Completed IB Diploma, including at least three Higher Level courses.
IB Certificate Courses
- IB Certificate courses (Standard and Higher Level) may be used in an admissions average if you are graduating from a recognized high school curriculum that can be used as your basis of admission.
- IB Math Applications and Interpretations SL, or IB Math Studies, do not satisfy the math requirement for admission to UBC’s science-based programs, the Faculty of Management, the Ä¢¹½´«Ã½Sauder School of Business, or the Vancouver School of Economics.
Degree-specific requirements: Science
- IB Math Analysis and Approaches SL or HL, or IB Math Applications and Interpretations HL (IB Math Applications and Interpretations SL, or IB Math Studies, are not acceptable)
- One of IB Biology, IB Chemistry, or IB Physics
- Grade 11 or equivalent Chemistry
- Grade 11 or equivalent Physics is strongly recommended
Note: Grade 11 Chemistry and Physics requirements listed are only relevant to students who are not completing the equivalent IB Diploma Chemistry and/or Physics courses.
For students studying outside of Canada, some examples of courses that may be accepted as Grade 11 equivalents are junior-level courses for American students, and IGCSE and O Level for those following British-patterned curricula.
Related courses
The following subject categories are particularly relevant for this degree. Consider taking courses in these areas in your junior year and senior year.
- Language Arts
- Mathematics and Computation
- Sciences
Want to get a feel for campus?
If you’re unable to visit Ä¢¹½´«Ã½in person, or you just want to get a sneak peek at your new home campus before you arrive, take one of our virtual tours. Current Ä¢¹½´«Ã½students walk you through UBC’s residences, study spots, recreational facilities, lecture halls, academic buildings, and more.
Related programs
Want to learn more?
Visit the Irving K. Barber Faculty of Science website to learn more about Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.
Get a post-graduate work permit for up to three years if you are a full-time Ä¢¹½´«Ã½international student graduating from a bachelor’s degree program and meet all .
Want to learn more?
Visit the Irving K. Barber Faculty of Science website to learn more about Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.