Biochemistry
Biochemistry is the chemistry of life. As such, it provides the foundation for understanding all biological processes and for understanding the molecular basis and treatment of human disease.
The biochemistry program provides you with the training needed to play a leading role in the new and exciting areas of medical research. You will be exposed to cutting-edge research and state-of-the-art knowledge. The undergraduate biochemistry program prepares you for graduate studies and thus for a career in academic or research positions involving the medical sciences. What's more, biochemistry provides an excellent foundation for further studies in medicine and other health specialties.
You can enroll in a BSc with specialization, with a major, or with a minor in biochemistry. Choose the specialization if you want to pursue a career in experimental biochemistry. Opt for the major if you prefer fundamental training in the discipline. Choose the minor if you're focusing on another discipline but are interested in biochemistry. An Honours B.Sc. with specialization in Biochemistry with an option in microbiology and immunology is also available if you have a particular interest in microbes and the role of the immune system in health and disease. You can combine studies in biochemistry with training in chemical engineering to obtain both a BSc in biochemistry and a BASc in chemical engineering in five years. As for the language of instruction, compulsory courses and many electives of the program are available in either English or French.
If you enter the specialization program, you have the opportunity to complete a full-year research project under the supervision of a professor affiliated with the Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology. The Department has approximately 100 members both on campus and in research institutes throughout the National Capital Region. With the Department's breadth of research expertise (see http://www.biochemistry.uottawa.ca/welcome.html), you can pursue work in many areas of modern medical research, including biochemistry, microbiology, immunology, molecular biology, cell biology, proteomics, genomics, systems biology and bioinformatics.
The officially approved biochemistry and microbiology courses in the Faculty of Science are taught by professors in the Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, which is part of the Faculty of Medicine.