ubc biochem thesis

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PhD Thesis and Defence

The Faculty of Graduate Studies oversees Doctoral Oral Exams and sets the rules for thesis preparation and submission . However there are a few departmental rules and resources you should bear in mind:

• Provide your supervisor and supervisory committee with a draft of your thesis for approval and make any recommended corrections before submitting it to your external examiner
• Present a full seminar on your research to the Department as part of the BIOC 530 or BMB seminar series, preferably before your oral examination
• The Graduate Secretary can help you obtain the Graduate Advisor’s signature for the necessary forms
• After your oral defense, provide copies of your approved thesis for binding

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• Last Updated: Apr 9, 2024 9:35 AM
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Biochemistry

Parent category, sub-categories, graduate degree programs in biochemistry.

Doctor of Philosophy in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (PhD)

The Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Graduate Program provides advanced, research-based education that will prepare students for a career in academic, industrial, or professional positions in British Columbia and beyond.  The Program offers MSc and PhD degrees, with the option to transfer from...

Master of Science in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (MSc)

Ubc researchers conducting research in biochemistry, brumer, harry, michael smith laboratories, department of chemistry, faculty of science.

Faculty (G+PS eligible/member)

Biochemistry; Chemical sciences; Genomics; Biological and Biochemical Mechanisms; biomass; carbohydrates; cellulose; Chemical Synthesis and Catalysis; Enzymes; microbiota; plant cell walls; polysaccharides

Ciernia, Annie

Department of biochemistry & molecular biology, faculty of medicine.

Biochemistry; Neurosciences, biological and chemical aspects; Neurosciences, medical and physiological and health aspects; Autism; Brain development; Epigenetics; Gene-Environment Interactions; Neurodevelopmental disorders

DeMarco, Mari

Faculty of medicine.

Faculty (non-G+PS member)

Other medical sciences; Analytical chemistry, n.e.c.; Biochemistry; Biomarkers; Neurodegenerative diorders; Alzheimer's disease; Frontotemporal degeneration; Clinical mass spectrometry; Parkinson's disease; Lewy body dementia; ALS

Eltis, Lindsay

Department of microbiology & immunology, faculty of science.

Biochemistry; Genomics; Immunology; Microbiology; Bacterial catabolism of steroids and lignin; biocatalyst development; Enzymes and Proteins; Metabolism (Living Organisms); Mycobacterium tuberculosis

Foster, Leonard

Department of biochemistry & molecular biology, michael smith laboratories, faculty of medicine.

Biochemistry; Genomics; Agriculture; antigen presentation; Bioinformatics; Biological and Biochemical Mechanisms; Biotechnology; Cell Signaling and Infectious and Immune Diseases; Honey bees; host-pathogen interactions; Immune System; Microbiology; Proteomics; Systems Biology

Frankel, Adam

Faculty of pharmaceutical sciences.

Other basic medicine and life sciences; Enzymes (including kinetics and mechanisms, and biocatalyst); Protein Biochemistry; arginine methylation; Histones; Nucleosomes; post-translational modifications; Biological and Biochemical Mechanisms; Organic Molecules and Biomolecules; Bioactive Molecules; Proteins; Chemical Biology; drug discovery; Target Engagement; yeast; Amino acids

Hoodless, Pamela

Department of medical genetics, school of biomedical engineering, faculty of medicine.

Computational cell biology; Cancer; Genomics; Medical and biomedical engineering; Nucleic acids studies; Developmental Genetics; Embryology; Embryonic Development; Epigenetics; Heart Valve / Valvular Diseases; Heart valve formation; Liver; Liver development; Stem Cells and Organogenesis; transcriptional regulation

Howe, Leann

Biochemistry; chromatin; Transcription

Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science

Bioinformatics, n.e.c.; Analytical spectrometry; Metabolomics; Separation science; Cancer progression and metastasis; Human nutrition and metabolism; Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry; Machine Learning; Bioinformatics

Biochemistry; Virus; Nucleic Acids; Proteomics; Antiviral innate immunity; Zika; coxsackievirus; enterovirus; Innate immunity; molecular biology; picornavirus; protease; Protein synthesis; RNA; RNA structure function; RNA virus; ribosome; SARS; tRNA; translation; Virology; virus host interactions; mRNA therapeutics

Jean, Francois

Medical virology; Protein trafficking in cell biology; Proteomics; Enzymes (including kinetics and mechanisms, and biocatalyst); Organelle function; Virology; Systems biology; Cellular virology; Emerging human viruses; COVID-19; Host-virus interactions; Broad-based antiviral agents; Antiviral agents; Natural products as antiviral agents; Lipid-modulating drugs; Cellular protease inhibitors; Viral protease inhibitors; Human coronaviruses; SARS-CoV-2; Human flaviviruses; Dengue virus; Zika virus; West Nile virus; Influenza A virus; Human microRNAs; Therapeutic microRNA; Viral and cellular biomarkers; Molecular diagnostics for detecting viral infection; Circulating exosomes; Exosomal microRNAs; Proteomics-based technologies; Multiplexed and Mass Spectrometric quantitation assays

Kobor, Michael

Department of medical genetics, faculty of medicine.

Biochemistry; Bioinformatics; Genetic medicine; Genomics; Chromatin Biology; Epigenetics; molecular biology; Social Epigenetics

Mayor, Thibault

Biochemistry; Genomics; Aging; Cell Biology; Neurodegenerative diseases; Proteasome; Protein Degradation; Protein Folding; Proteomics; Proteostasis; Ubiquitin; Yeast Genetics

Morin, Gregg

Basic medicine and life sciences; Proteomics; mass spectrometry; RNA processing; Ribonucleoproteins; Splicing; Cancer; RNA sequencing

Murphy, Michael

Bacteriology; Enzymes (including kinetics and mechanisms, and biocatalyst); Alternatives to antibiotics; Bacterial pathogenesis; Biological and Biochemical Mechanisms; Functional and Structural Proteomics; Microbial metal metabolism

Parker, Seth

Metabolomics; Cell metabolism; Pediatric cancer; mass spectrometry; Childhood disease; Cancer; Solute carriers; Metabolism; Mitochondria; Stable-isotope tracing; Functional assay development

Teves, Sheila

Biochemistry; Genomics; Epigenetics; Genetics; Genome Science; Molecular Epigenetics (MEG); molecular biology; Transcriptional memory and cellular identity in mouse embryonic stem cells

Van Petegem, Filip

Biochemistry; Biological and Biochemical Mechanisms; Genetic Diseases; Calcium signaling; Cardiac arrhythmia; electrical signaling; electrophysiology; Epilepsy; Ion channels; Structural Biology

Velenosi, Thomas

Pharmacology and pharmaceutical sciences, n.e.c.; Cancer drug development and therapeutics; Cancer molecular targets; Metabolomics; Lipid biology (including lipidomics); Pharmacometabolomics; Pharmacology; Lipidomics; mass spectrometry; Cancer; Stable isotope tracing; Bioinformatics

Wisnovsky, Simon

Cancer genetics; Tumour immunology; Cellular immunology; Glycomics and glycobiology; Chemical genetics; Systems biology; Cellular interactions (including adhesion, matrix and cell wall); Genomics; Cancer molecular targets; glycobiology; carbohydrates; Tumor immunology; Functional genomics; CRISPR screening; Glycomics; Biochemistry; Molecular Genetics; Cell Biology; Cancer

Cancer genetics; Mechanisms of carcinogenesis; Drug discovery, design and delivery; Nucleic acids studies; Enzymes (including kinetics and mechanisms, and biocatalyst); Cancer biology; Aging; Genome Instability; Nucleic Acid Structures; Pharmacology; Genetics and Genomics

Yada, Rickey

Faculty of land and food systems.

Enzymes (including kinetics and mechanisms, and biocatalyst); Other biological sciences; Food science; Food protein chemistry; Structure-function relationships; Enzymes; aspartic proteases

Yip, Calvin

Biochemistry; Gene Regulation and Expression; Genetic Diseases; Enzymes and Proteins; Biological and Biochemical Mechanisms; Molecular Structure and Sizing; Imaging; Chromatin modification / epigenetic regulation; Molecular etiologies of rare diseases; Regulation of autophagy degradation

Zulyniak, Michael

Human nutrition and metabolism; Population health interventions; Systems biology; Nutritional epidemiology; Epidemiology (except nutritional and veterinary epidemiology); metabolic diseases; Pregnancy; gestational diabetes; type-2 diabetes; Metabolism; Genetics; health disparity; Nutrition; lifestyle; precision nutrition

Student & Alumni Stories in Biochemistry

Mopelola Akinlaja

Understanding host-pathogen interactions between

Lindsey Paskulin

Doctor of Philosophy in Anthropology (PhD)

The search for ancient chocolate: Using proteomics to identify cacao in archaeological ceramic vessels

Atul Aravindakshan

Doctor of Philosophy in Population and Public Health (PhD)

Built environment, metabolomics, and cancer risk

Sepideh Soukhtehzari

Doctor of Philosophy in Pharmaceutical Sciences (PhD)

Identification of polysialylated proteins in breast cancer and correlation with patient prognosis

Naomi Potter

Doctor of Philosophy in Experimental Medicine (PhD)

Patient-derived model systems to assess the in vitro efficacy of Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator (CFTR) modulator therapies in cystic fibrosis

Colton Strong

Supercharging donor platelets for enhanced clotting using mRNA lipid nanoparticles

Abisola Kehinde

Understanding the metabolic consequences of the systemic alanine depletion in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma

Heather Baker

Identifying key E3 ubiquitin ligases and co-factors that target disease-associated mutant cytosolic proteins for degradation

Program Specializations in Biochemistry

Biochemistry and molecular biology, academic units in biochemistry, department of biochemistry & molecular biology, french name, french description, explore our wide range of course-based and research-based program options.

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BIOL 449 – Honours Thesis Information

Biol 449 application form: ( fillable pdf ), *biol 449 applications are due by sept 13, 2023, all honours students in biology are required to take biology 447 and 449..

For Biology 449 , “Directed Biological Research,” students are expected to complete original research under supervision. The scope of the project will be decided between each student and their supervisor. It is anticipated that students will emerge from the program with basic skills in formulating and testing hypotheses, experimental design, data analysis and presentation, critical evaluation of published work and scientific writing; all of the skills required of a good graduate student. The project serves only as a specific focus on which to develop these skills. It is not essential that the project produce positive results leading to clear, definitive conclusions. Projects may yield negative results or no clear results at all. This is the nature of scientific research. It is expected, however, that each project will address a clearly defined hypothesis/research question and that students will learn much about the scientific method in the process of completing the project. The mark in this course will be assigned based on the Final Thesis defense Examination.

For the Final Examination , students are required to submit a written thesis. This must be submitted at least one week prior to the Final Examination . The Final Examination will consist of a short (15 to 20 minute) presentation by the student of the major findings of their work, followed by a round of questioning by the Committee members. The Committee Chair will not normally ask questions and the Supervisor will be allowed to ask questions last. The exam duration ranges from 60 to 90 minutes in length, and not to exceed 90 minutes. All final examinations will be held between April 2nd and 30th. The actual date of the examination will have to be negotiated based on the schedules of all Committee members once the Committees have been set up.

Committee members will assign a number grade to the Thesis based on: 1) the written thesis 2) the oral presentation 3) the defense The Chair will not normally assign a grade but will participate in discussions on the final grade.

Evaluation of the Honours Thesis and Defense is based on not only the ability of the student to master technical skills and perform the mechanical work of data collection but also the extent to which the student has mastered the basic skills required of a scientist.

Thus, all Honours students should be prepared to 1) submit a well-written thesis in the appropriate scientific format, 2) walk the committee through a well-organized presentation on the research findings, and 3) answer questions of both a general and specific nature pertaining to their research project.

Biology 447, “Principles and Methodology in Biological Research II” is a companion course for Biology 449. It is designed to assist students during their research projects and to prepare them for their Honour’s Thesis Defense. A separate grade is given for this course based on a variety of assignments and on class participation.

Suggested timelines for BIOL 449 during September – December of 4th Year:

At this point, all students should be thinking of specific deadlines for the various stages of completion of their Honours Thesis. These include: – Completion of literature review – Completion of experiments and/or data collection – Completion of data analysis – Preparation of data for presentation (graphs, tables, etc.) – Completion of the first draft of the thesis (submit to supervisors) – Completion of the final draft of the thesis (submit to examining committee)

For students only beginning their Thesis projects in September of their 4th year, a realistic appraisal of these deadlines is even more critical.

The Examining Committee for each student will consist of the Thesis Supervisor, one Nominee chosen by the Student and Supervisor (with an in-depth knowledge of the student’s research area), and one or two Members chosen from the Botany or Zoology Departments. The members chosen to sit on any given committee will not necessarily work in the student’s research field, but will be chosen simply to assess the overall scientific ability of the student). One of the course coordinators for Biology 449 will serve as the Chair of the Examining Committee.

– If a student has a co-supervisor they may also be on the committee, but they may not act as the Nominee chosen by the student and supervisor, because the Nominee must be impartial to the thesis.

Guidelines for BIOL 449 Thesis Writing:

• Guidelines for the Introduction of an Honours Thesis
• Guidelines for Materials and Methods Section of an Honours Thesis

Last updated on April 3, 2024 @12:49 pm

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Biochemistry

The Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology offers opportunities for study leading to bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees. For information on advanced degrees, see graduate Biochemistry and Molecular Biology .

Students wishing to enter second-year Biochemistry Major, Honours, or Combined Honours specializations must apply using the online process administered by the Faculty of Science . Students will receive an email communication regarding the process in late May or early June. Due to the similarity between the major and honours biochemistry specializations in second year, the Faculty of Science only admits students directly to either the Major or Combined Honours. Qualified students wishing to transfer to Honours Biochemistry should contact the Undergraduate Advisor for advice. Only students in the second year Combined Majors or Combined Honours in Biochemistry and Chemistry specializations will be required to register using a Standard Timetable (STT) available on the registration system. The progress of continuing biochemistry students will be reviewed at the end of each academic year. Students making satisfactory progress do not require annual specialization approval. The Department will contact students with unsatisfactory standing in honours or combined honours.

The major specialization provides a strong background in biochemistry and is sufficiently flexible for students to develop their interests in allied fields (e.g., microbiology, food science, and chemistry). It is also appropriate for students who anticipate a professional career in the health sciences. The honours specialization is the recommended route for students interested in graduate studies in biochemistry or related disciplines. However, students enrolled in a major specialization with a strong academic record may also apply for graduate studies. For more information, see Biochemistry .

Co-operative (Co-op) Education Option

The department offers an optional Co-op Education Option (honours and majors). The program is open to interested and qualified students and is intended to provide additional practical and technical biochemical and molecular biological experience in academic and industrial research laboratories. This is normally achieved through a period of 12 to 15 months of approved work placement under the supervision of practising professionals. A faculty advisor will be assigned to each internship student. Acceptance into the Co-op Option is based upon academic standing and general suitability to perform in a technical research environment. The first phase is a placement for three or four months (summer following third year) in an academic research or industrial laboratory (either at UBC or at an off-campus site). This is normally followed by placement in off-site laboratories for three consecutive, four-month terms. Placements are arranged by mutual agreement of the student, employer, and faculty advisor through the Office of Co-operative Education. Students participating in the Co-op Option must register for off-site placements by using BIOC 398, 399, 498 and, where appropriate, 499, and pay the co-op education program fee for each course. After completion of the work terms, students return to the University for completion of the normal fourth-year major or honours academic requirements. This option requires five years and is not a requirement for admission to the graduate program in biochemistry and molecular biology.

Enrolment in the Co-op Education Option is limited; continuation in the option is contingent on the availability of suitable work placements. For more information contact the Co-operative Education Program .

Specializations

Major (0244): biochemistry (bioc), honours (0186): biochemistry (bioc), combined major (3382): biochemistry and chemistry (bioc, chem), combined honours (0565): biochemistry and chemistry (bioc, chem), combined honours (3508): biochemistry and forensic science.

See Forensic Science .

Minor (1184): Biochemistry (BIOC)

Biochemistry Minor course requirements vary depending on the first area of specialization (e.g., Major, Honours) of the student and must be decided upon in consultation with the Biochemistry advisor. A maximum of 6 credits of overlap between the requirements of the two areas of specialization is allowed.

In general the Biochemistry Minor consists of all of BIOC 303, 402, and 410; and 6 credits selected, in consultation with the Biochemistry advisor, from: BIOC 403, 440, 450, 460; BIOL 335; CHEM 305, 313; MICB 302, 306, 325, 405, 425. BIOC 302 can be substituted for BIOC 303, with an additional 3 credits of upper level credit selected from the list provided.

For Chemistry Major or Honours students, the Biochemistry Minor consists of all of BIOC 303, 402 and 410; one of BIOC 403, 440, 450, 460; and one of BIOL 335, MICB 325. BIOC 302 can be substituted for BIOC 303, with an additional 3 credits of upper level credit selected from the list provided.

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Biochemistry

Biochemistry is the study of the chemical processes occurring in living matter, a discipline which encompasses an incredibly diverse field of research that touches nearly all aspects of our lives. Biochemists are working in areas as diverse environmental degradation, forensics, disease research, and archaeology.

This program is also offered at UBC's Okanagan Campus

Why this program.

• Attend lectures and labs in UBC’s state-of-the-art Life Sciences Institute.
• Prepare for graduate study in biochemistry, molecular biology, biophysics, or professional schools.
• Gain hands-on research experience through upper-year laboratory courses.

Program information

• Campus: Vancouver
• Length 4 yrs
• Co-op Yes You can combine your studies with full-time, paid work at top local and international organizations.
• Honours Yes You can study intense specialization in a single field.

Biochemistry is concerned with the chemical compounds and processes that occur in plants, animals, and microorganisms. Specifically, it involves the analysis of proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids, which comprise the basic constituents of cells.

This specialization equips you with a strong foundation in biochemistry while also providing the flexibility to cultivate your interests in allied fields (e.g., microbiology, food science, and chemistry). An undergraduate degree in biochemistry is particularly appropriate for students who anticipate a professional career in the health sciences or research.

Biochemistry is available at the undergraduate level as a major or honours. It can also be paired with chemistry for a combined major or combined honours degree.

Housed in the Faculty of Medicine, the program’s primary focus is on the biochemistry of the human body. Biochemistry can also be studied as an elective in biology, chemistry, microbiology and immunology, and cellular, anatomical and physiological sciences.

Campus features

Biochemistry and Molecular Biology is located in the Life Sciences Centre, a multi-disciplinary research space where more than 80 faculty investigators and approximately 600 trainees and research staff conduct innovative research in many areas of the life and biomedical sciences. The Laboratory for Molecular Biophysics has state-of-the-art instrumentation and facilities.

• Laboratory for Molecular Biophysics

Experiential learning and research

The Biochemistry program champions and supports the participation of undergraduates in research and provides students the opportunity gain hands-on research experience through several upper-year laboratory courses.

Life at UBC's Vancouver campus

The Biochemistry program is housed in the Life Sciences Centre. Constructed in 2005, the Life Sciences Centre is part of the Life Sciences Institute, which is the largest research centre on UBC’s Vancouver campus.

Your future

A BSc in Biochemistry is a perfect stepping stool for entry into graduate programs, as well as medical, law, dental, or pharmacy school.

Students graduate with strong critical thinking, communication, and research abilities. These skills are highly sought after and are transferable to many workplaces.

Program graduates

• PhD candidate in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of British Columbia
• Associate attorney, Sullivan & Cromwell LLP
• Dentist, Baker Hill Dental Clinic
• Medical student, University of British Columbia
• PhD candidate in Membrane Biology, University of Alberta
• Graduate student in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biophysics, University of Minnesota

Related programs

Program requirements.

• Canadian high schools
• International high schools
• International baccalaureate

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 UBC Sauder 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, and
• Grade 11 or equivalent Physics (may be waived with grades of 5 in IB Chemistry and in your IB Mathematics course)

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

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Meet suud, a biochemistry student from a small community in tanzania, ready to choose your degree.