Biochemistry


Biochemistry is an interdisciplinary science, linking chemistry and biology to increase our understanding of the fundamental chemical processes that facilitate life.

Overview

Biochemistry is an interdisciplinary science, linking chemistry and biology to increase our understanding of the fundamental chemical processes that facilitate life.

Biochemistry is the study of the chemical structures and processes of living organisms. It is an inherently mechanism-focused discipline.

Accredited by the Canadian Society for Chemistry.

At a Glance

Degree options
Bachelor of Science (BSc), major or honours
Minor

Curriculum

At Mount Allison, Biochemistry students begin their studies by examining the world around them at the molecular level.

As part of the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, the program is designed to provide students with a solid science foundation in the first two years, with paths for specialization in third and fourth years.

Intro courses include:

  • introductory biochemistry
  • introductory chemistry
  • cell biology
  • organic or analytical chemistry
  • enzymology and metabolism

Third year is a pivotal year in the program as you will take core lab courses that lay the foundation for research in biochemistry, including lab only courses like Molecular Analyses and Experiential Biochemistry.

Upper year courses concentrate on sub-disciplines of biochemistry, with topics like:

  • nucleic acids
  • molecular structure of the immune system
  • animal, bacterial, and plant viruses
  • protein structures and function
  • biochemical ecology
  • lipids and membranes
  • signal transduction
  • animal physiology

Biochemistry is an interdisciplinary program, which means you may also take courses in biology, chemistry, physics, environmental science, and mathematics.

Biochemistry is available as:

  • BSc major (75 credits)
  • BSc honours (84 credits)
  • Minor in any degree (24 credits)

Not sure about the difference between a major, a minor, an honours, and a certificate?

Faculty Spotlight

Careers

Whether you're entering the job market or continuing your education, your Mount Allison degree will stand out.

Mount Allison has been recognized by Maclean's as the top primarily undergraduate university in Canada more times than any other university.

With experiential learning and career development opportunities available in every degree, you'll also graduate with hands-on learning and real-world experience.

Our graduates also boast extraordinarily high acceptance rates to top graduate programs and professional schools such as law and medicine.

Popular career paths for biochemistry graduates include:

  • genetics researcher
  • pharmacologist/pharmacist
  • agricultural biochemist
  • atmospheric/environmental biochemist
  • public health nutritionist/dietitian
  • food/nutritional biochemist
  • forensic scientist
  • biological oceanographer
  • medical doctor
  • dentist
  • public/global health administration

Alumni Spotlight

Stephen Crozier ('97)
BSc (Honours), Biochemistry
Manager of research and development partnerships, The Hershey Co.

» How sweet it is — Stephen Crozier ('97) applies research expertise in role with The Hershey Company

 

Testimonials

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One thing that Mount Allison is famous for is their small class sizes, and ability to conduct a significant amount of hands-on learning. I have learned so many techniques and worked with a variety of different professional instruments, and this skillset/knowledge is very attractive to future employers. In bigger schools, working with expensive equipment is often saved for MSc. students, but here, our undergraduates are trusted and encouraged to use the equipment that is available to them. Being able to do hands-on work has helped me better understand my class work, and made me a better biochemist overall.


Charlotte
Hache
'22
Honours Biochemistry, minors in Biology and Chemistry
Sackville, NS
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I enjoyed the hands-on practical experience I received during my degree through labs and various research opportunities. Through this experience in the Biochemistry program I was pushed to become confident, independent, and a critical thinker in the classroom. These developed skills will support my future academic and career plans.


Charlie
Burke
'22
Honours Biochemistry, minors in Biology and Chemistry
Middle Sackville, NS

Extras

Experiential learning

The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry emphasizes experiential learning — you will graduate with 600 to 1,200 hours of lab experience, developing important analytical and presentation skills along the way.

L.H. Cragg Resource Centre

Generously donated by the Mount Allison Class of 1949, the L.H. Cragg Resource Centre plays an integral part in research done by Science students by providing computing facilities and software to help analyze and present data collected during research.

Research opportunities

Research is a key component of the department's approach. You will be encouraged to take advantage of faculty-supervised independent research, job opportunities as summer research assistants, and chances to contribute to faculty research projects, which often leads to co-authoring a paper with your professor for publication.

MacCormack Laboratory

The MacCormack Lab uses a variety of physiological and biochemical techniques to study how animals adapt to environmental stressors like hypoxia, extreme temperatures, and anthropogenic pollutants. The team of researchers in this lab is made up of highly qualified Mount Allison undergraduate and master's students.

/current-students/department-chemistry-and-biochemistry

Bachelor of Science

Admission Requirements

Our admissions decisions are based on your academic record, leadership skills, a high level of commitment, and the potential for personal growth. The drop down menus below will help you find information on what pre-requisites are recommended for a Bachelor of Science.

Academic Awards

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Mount A is #2 in student awards


Maclean’s ranks Mount Allison second in student and faculty awards in its latest University Rankings. To date, 56 Mount Allison students have become Rhodes Scholars — one of the best per capita records in Canada.

Next Steps

Be part of Canada's best undergraduate university