General Information
The Department of Biochemistry offers programs leading to the degrees of Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy. Both require the completion of a research program and the preparation of a thesis.
The Department of Biochemistry strives to train scientists with both a broad knowledge of the disciplines of biochemistry, biophysics and molecular biology. It also strives to develop critical and creative scholars who can communicate effectively.
The Department provides a world-class training environment in a broad range of topics.
The Department of Biochemistry is the primary home of the Groups on Membrane Protein Research, Molecular and Cell Biology of Lipids, and the Signal Transduction Research Group. Many members of the Department are active in the Centre for prion and protein folding diseases, the Cardiovascular Research Centre (CVRC), the Alberta Diabetes Institute, the Li Ka Shing Institute of Virology, the Women and Children’s Health Research Institute (WCHRI), and International Research Training Group (IRTG) in Membrane protein diseases.
The Department of Biochemistry is endowed with state-of-the art equipment and support facilities. Access to all major techniques utilized in modern biochemical, biophysical and molecular biological research is available to faculty, postdoctoral fellows and graduate students. The Department is also home to the National High Field Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Centre (NANUC).
Entrance Requirements
The Department’s minimum admission requirements are an undergraduate degree with an admission GPA of at least 3.3 on the 4-point scale from the University of Alberta, or an equivalent qualification and standing from a recognized institution. The admission GPA will be calculated on the last 60 units of graded coursework completed, or on the equivalent of the last two years of full-time graded coursework.
Where applicable, applicants must provide proof of English Language Proficiency (refer to English Language Requirement ). Any one of the following is acceptable:
- TOEFL 100 (internet-based) or equivalent
- IELTS overall band score of 6.5 (with at least 6.0 on each academic test band).
In addition, all applicants must submit the following:
- Three letters of reference
- A current curriculum vitae
- A Statement of Intent
- A list and description of all biochemistry courses that have been taken outside of the University of Alberta
- Copies of any research papers or publications.
All applicants require a research supervisor. Applicants should correspond with faculty members and have a tentative supervisory arrangement prior to applying for admission. For further information see the Department of Biochemistry website.
The deadlines for submitting applications for admission are July 1 for September admission and November 1 for January admission. International applicants are encouraged to apply early to account for the processing time required to have a study permit issued.
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