Program Overview:
About Biochemistry
Did you ever wonder how Tylenol works to dull a headache or what really happens to the nutrients in your food once you eat it? Do you want to learn how to design new medicines or understand how environmental pollutants can impact human health? If so, then a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry with a Biochemistry concentration might be the right program for you.
Life ultimately boils down to a series of chemical reactions. Biochemistry is a scientific field that focuses on the chemical processes occurring at cellular and molecular levels. The field combines chemistry and biology for examining chemical reactions and chemical structures in living organisms, with an aim of understanding function and, where possible, to use such information to exert influence over these functions.
This type of information could be used to understand the molecular mechanism of various diseases and/or health inequalities, to develop new vaccines and medical treatments, to genetically engineer crops to withstand changing climate conditions, or to produce sustainable fuels using biological reactions – just to name a few examples.
Why Study Biochemistry at StFX?
You should consider biochemistry if you enjoyed your high school chemistry and biology courses and would like to combine these subjects together. Biochemistry is also a good option if you have an interest in medicine, pharmacology, or food science and would like to gain a better understanding of how our body works.
Our small, primarily undergraduate university offers an intimate and student-centered learning environment. StFX faculty in Chemistry and Biology are actively engaged in research in a variety of fields – from identifying the molecular basis of inflammatory diseases to developing new biosensors for pathogenic bacteria. Opportunities exist for students (particularly B.Sc. Honours students) to become involved in research projects, providing experiential learning in leading-edge research areas of Biochemistry.
Program at a Glance
Year | Recommended Courses | Notes |
---|---|---|
First Year | CHEM 101/102 or CHEM 121/122, BIOL 111/112, PHYS 101/102 or PHYS 121/122, MATH 106/107, MATH 121/122, or MATH 126/127 | Foundational courses in Chemistry, Biology, Physics, and Math |
Second Year | Introductory Biochemistry | Introduction to molecules sustaining life and their functions |
Third Year | Advanced Biochemistry | Discusses connections between biological processes and implications for human health |
Fourth Year | Medicinal Chemistry, Bio-organic Chemistry | Specialization in biochemistry areas, application to real-world problems in medicine, industry, and environment |
This degree structure provides students with a solid background in chemistry and biology. Students will develop important foundations in Analytical Chemistry (instrumental techniques of analysis, data collection and statistical analysis, experiment design), Organic Chemistry (fundamental organic/biochemical reactions, functional groups), Genetics (DNA structure and function, gene manipulation), and other chemistry/biology areas designed to complement the biochemistry curriculum described above.
Future Opportunities
The B.Sc. (Chemistry, Biochemistry Concentration) prepares students well for careers in Health Sciences, Industrial, and Environmental professions, particularly:
- Medical professions (medicine, dentistry, pharmacy)
- Veterinary studies
- Forensic science
- Medical discovery/research
- Pharmaceutical research
- Government/regulatory agencies
- Biotechnology
The degrees also provide a means of entry into post-graduate training programs in both academia and research.