Why choose Biochemistry

Our Biochemistry graduate programs offer a dynamic, research driven environment where students gain the skills and experience needed to become independent scientists. Through laboratory research, advanced coursework, and presentation of research seminars, you’ll build the confidence and expertise to make meaningful contributions to the scientific community.

You’ll have the opportunity to explore a wide range of research areas, from molecular structures and protein function to metabolism and whole organism biology. Our students benefit from close collaboration with national and international research partners and academic spin-off companies, gaining direct exposure to innovation and industry-focused research.

As a trainee, you’ll also have access to exceptional infrastructure that supports rigorous, stimulating and interdisciplinary research. With access to state-of-the-art facilities, strong national and industry partnerships and a culture of excellence, equity, collaboration, and mentorship, our program will empower you to:

  • Lead innovative research
  • Contribute to scientific advancements
  • Improve human health
  • Drive innovation
  • Inform evidencebased policy

Together, we advance scientific excellence, drive health innovation, and inform evidence-based policy in Canada and around the world.  

Join a community dedicated to discovery, impact, and shaping the future of biomedical science.

Program highlights

  • The University of Ottawa has the second-largest biochemistry program in Ontario.
  • The program combines advanced courses with hands-on experimental investigation. This helps build strong conceptual, technical, and analytical skills in biochemistry.
  • Opportunities to transform your training into opportunity. You'll have opportunities to network with members of Health Canada, the National Research Council and member of the Ottawa Academic Health Network.
  • Students can work in several research institutes in the nation’s capital. Including the Ottawa Hospital Research Institute (OHRI), the University of Ottawa Heart Institute, and CHEO.
  • The university offers many cutting-edge research facilities. Including equipment for proteomics and lipidomics (LC‑MS/MS), genomics, structural biology, cell imaging, and flow cytometry.
  • CIHR Training Program in neurogenerative lipidomics.  
  • Participation in the NSERC-CREATE Training program in Quantitative Biomedicine at the University of Ottawa. 

Career pathways

As a graduate from the biochemistry program, you will be well prepared for a diverse range of rewarding career opportunities. You will be equipped to pursue roles in:

  • Academics
  • Government
  • Industry
  • Policy-relevant biomedical careers 

Program options

Program Options

Criteria

Master’s thesis 

Master’s research project

Doctorate

Program type

Research-intensive

Applied, non-thesis

Research-intensive

Duration

 2 years / 24 months

1 year / 12 months

4 years / 48 months

Thesis required

Yes

No

Yes

Research project

No

Yes

No

Concentrations available

Yes

  • Bioinformatics
  • Human and molecular genetics

No (general program only)

Yes

  • Bioinformatics
  • Human and molecular genetics

Ideal for students who...

Want to pursue a PhD, academic research, or specialized research careers

Want to quickly enter the workforce 

Language of study

English

English

English

Concentration options

Person typing on keyboard

Bioinformatics

Bioinformatics is an emerging and increasingly important scientific discipline dedicated to the pursuit of fundamental questions about the structure, function and evolution of biological entities through the design and application of computational approaches.

Fundamental research in these areas is expected to increase our understanding of human health and disease which translates into innovation in industry. Bioinformaticians today must be able to appreciate significant research in other fields and therefore require an understanding of the basic principles of other disciplines.

The degree awarded specifies the primary program and indicates "specialization in Bioinformatics. 

Blue-toned molecular structure with connected nodes and pathways.

Human and molecular genetics

The Faculty of Medicine offers a collaborative program in Human and Molecular Genetics at the master's and doctoral levels. The primary graduate programs in Biochemistry (BCH), Cellular and Molecular Medicine (CMM) and Neuroscience (NSC) collaborate in offering the specialization. The degree awarded specifies the primary program and indicates "specialization in Human and Molecular Genetics".

Members of the program include scientists with interest and expertise in the following areas: developmental genetics, neuromuscular disease, microbial genetics, host resistance, cancer biology, aging, development of novel molecular therapeutics, gene therapy, growth and development, auto-immune diseases, molecular biology of viruses, bacteria and parasites, genetic epidemiology, retinal development and disease, animal models of human disease, molecular aspects of signal transduction. 

Areas of research

  • Brain and Mind

    This research aims to understand and manipulate brain connectivity in meaningful ways to develop effective treatments for neurological disorders

  • Cancer biology

    How cancer cells repair their DNA, regulate their genes, differentiate, migrate, and recruit blood vessels to uncover the mechanisms of disease

  • Cardiovascular, Metabolism & Lipid Biology

    Explore the molecular determinants and develop new therapies for treating diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, atherosclerosis, and obesity

  • Cell, Genetic & Developmental Biology

    Fundamental mechanisms that govern cell function, investigate new therapies for genetic diseases and conceive novel approaches

  • Structural & Chemical Biology

    Disciplines from biotechnology and biopharmaceuticals to precision medicine and collectively uses other approaches

  • Systems & Computational Biology

    While biology provides the context for applying these technologies, computation mathematically and spatial modelling enable the molecular exploration 

Research centers and institutes

Fast Track

Thinking about a PhD already? If your research is progressing exceptionally well, fast-tracking lets you move directly into the PhD and keep your momentum going, helping you focus on bigger research goals sooner.
This option is only available to students in the Masters with thesis option.

Take the next step

Start your journey with the essential information and resources to help you plan your academic path and achieve your goals.