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Molecular Biology and Biochemistry Honours

Bachelor of Science

The MBB honours program provides a broad foundation in the life sciences from a biochemical, cellular, and molecular perspective. Flexibility in upper division course selection allows students to tailor the program to their own interests as well as meet the entry requirements for medical school and other professional and graduate programs. The MBB honours program provides an intense research experience for students wanting to go on to graduate programs.

間眅埶AV Requirements

Program entry requires MBB advisor permission. Declared honours students may follow the requirements in effect when they were accepted into the program, or the requirements as set out below. Acceptance into and continuance in the program requires a minimum 3.0 cumulative grade point average (CGPA).

Prerequisite Grade

For a course to be accepted as fulfilling a prerequisite for any upper division MBB course, a student must have obtained a minimum grade of C

Program Requirements

Students complete a total of 132 units, including lower and upper division requirements as shown below, and enough elective courses to total 132. Of these 132 units, 60 units must be in upper division courses, and 12 must be from outside the Faculty of Science, fulfilled as follows: six units from the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences and at least 60 upper division units.

Lower Division Requirements

Students complete a total of 52-55 units, including all of

BISC 101 - General Biology (4)

An introduction to the biochemical and physiological mechanisms of living organisms. Topics covered include cell structure and function, DNA replication and the flow of genetic information, enzyme function, metabolism and physiology of microorganisms, plants, and animals. Prerequisite: High school biology 12 (or equivalent) with a C grade or better, or BISC 100 with C- or better, or HSCI 100 with C+ or better. Breadth-Science.

BISC 102 - General Biology (4)

Survey of the diversity of life, and its evolutionary history on earth. The student is introduced to the study of genetics, development, and evolution, giving an overview of how these processes interact to produce form and function. Also included are principles of behavior and ecological relationships of organisms to each other and their environment. Prerequisite: High school biology 12 (or equivalent) with a C grade or better, or BISC 100 with C- or better, or HSCI 100 with C+ or better. Breadth-Science.

BISC 202 - Genetics (3)

Principles and concepts of the transmission of genetic information treated comparatively in man, animal, plant and microbe. Prerequisite: BISC 101 and 102 with a grade of C- or better.

CHEM 121 - General Chemistry and Laboratory I (4)

Atomic and molecular structure; chemical bonding; thermochemistry; elements; periodic table; gases liquids, solids, and solutions. This course includes a laboratory component. Prerequisite: BC high school chemistry 12 or CHEM 111. Recommended: MATH 151 (or 154) and PHYS 120 (or 101) as a corequisite. Students may not count both CHEM 120 and 121 for credit. Quantitative/Breadth-Science.

CHEM 122 - General Chemistry II (2)

Chemical equilibria; electrochemistry; chemical thermodynamics; kinetics. Students who intend to take further laboratory courses in chemistry should take CHEM 122 concurrently with CHEM 126. Prerequisite: CHEM 121 or 120. Recommended: MATH 152 (or 155) and PHYS 121 (or 102) as a corequisite. Quantitative.

CHEM 126 - General Chemistry Laboratory II (2)

Experiments in chemical equilibrium, acids and bases, qualitative analysis, electrochemistry and chemical kinetics. Prerequisite: CHEM 121. Corequisite: CHEM 122. Quantitative.

CHEM 215 - Introduction to Analytical Chemistry (4)

The principles of analytical chemistry and their practical application to solution samples. Titrimetric and electrochemical methods. Prerequisite: CHEM 122 and 126. Quantitative.

CHEM 281 - Organic Chemistry I (4)

Structure, bonding, physical and chemical properties of simple organic compounds. Introduction to spectroscopy. Kinetics and mechanisms of organic reactions. This course includes a laboratory component. Prerequisite: CHEM 121. Corequisite: CHEM 122. Quantitative.

CHEM 286 - Organic Chemistry Laboratory II (2)

Laboratory work chosen to complement CHEM 282. Prerequisite: CHEM 281. Corequisite: CHEM 282 or 283. Quantitative.

MBB 222 - Molecular Biology and Biochemistry (3)

The structure, function and synthesis of proteins, RNA and DNA and their interrelated biological functions within the cell. An introduction to molecular biology techniques and methods of protein purification and analysis. Prerequisite: or Corequisite CHEM 281.

MBB 231 - Cellular Biology and Biochemistry (3)

Prerequisite: MBB 222, BISC 101, CHEM 281 with grades of C- or better. Corequisite: Chem 282 or Chem 283. Students who have taken MBB 221 and MBB 231 may not repeat this course for further credit.

and one of

CHEM 282 - Organic Chemistry II (2)

Polyfunctional organic compounds and complex organic reactions. Introduction to natural products. Students with credit for CHEM 283 may not complete this course for further credit. Prerequisite: CHEM 281. Quantitative.

CHEM 283 - Organic Chemistry IIb (3)

An advanced treatment of Organic Chemistry II. Topics include dienes and their reactivity, conjugation and aromaticity, aromatic substitution reactions, carboxylic acids and their derivatives, ketones and aldehydes, biological molecules, radical reactions, organometallic reagents, pericyclic reactions and planning multi-step synthesis. Prerequisite: CHEM 281. Students should not receive credit for both CHEM 282 and 283. Students should not receive credit for both CHEM 282 and 283. Quantitative.

and one of

CMPT 102 - Introduction to Scientific Computer Programming (3)

A programming course which will provide the science student with a working knowledge of a scientific programming language and an introduction to computing concepts, structured programming, and modular design. The student will also gain knowledge in the use of programming environments including the use of numerical algorithm packages. Corequisite: MATH 152 or 155 (or 158). Students with credit for CMPT 120, 125, 126, 130, 135, or 128 may not take CMPT 102 for further credit. Quantitative.

CMPT 110 - Programming in Visual Basic (3)

Topics will include user interfaces, objects, event-driven programming, program design, and file and data management. Prerequisite: BC mathematics 12 (or equivalent) or any 100 level MATH course. Students with credit for, or are currently enrolled in a computing science course at the 200 level or higher, or ITEC 240, 241 or 242, or CMPT 218 may not take this course for further credit. Quantitative.

CMPT 120 - Introduction to Computing Science and Programming I (3)

An elementary introduction to computing science and computer programming, suitable for students with little or no programming background. Students will learn fundamental concepts and terminology of computing science, acquire elementary skills for programming in a high-level language and be exposed to diverse fields within, and applications of computing science. Topics will include: pseudocode, data types and control structures, fundamental algorithms, computability and complexity, computer architecture, and history of computing science. Treatment is informal and programming is presented as a problem-solving tool. Students should consult with the self-evaluation on the School of Computing Science website to decide whether they should follow the CMPT 120/125 course sequence or enrol in CMPT 126. Prerequisite: BC Math 12 or equivalent is recommended. Students with credit for CMPT 102, 125, 126, 128 or CMPT 200 or higher may not take this course for further credit. Quantitative/Breadth-Science.

and one of

MATH 150 - Calculus I with Review (4)

Designed for students specializing in mathematics, physics, chemistry, computing science and engineering. Topics as for Math 151 with a more extensive review of functions, their properties and their graphs. Recommended for students with no previous knowledge of Calculus. In addition to regularly scheduled lectures, students enrolled in this course are encouraged to come for assistance to the Calculus Workshop (Burnaby), or Math Open Lab (Surrey). Prerequisite: Pre-Calculus 12 (or equivalent) with a grade of at least B+, or MATH 100 with a grade of at least B-, or achieving a satisfactory grade on the 間眅埶AV Calculus Readiness Test. Students with credit for either MATH 151, 154 or 157 may not take MATH 150 for further credit. Quantitative.

MATH 151 - Calculus I (3)

Designed for students specializing in mathematics, physics, chemistry, computing science and engineering. Logarithmic and exponential functions, trigonometric functions, inverse functions. Limits, continuity, and derivatives. Techniques of differentiation, including logarithmic and implicit differentiation. The Mean Value Theorem. Applications of Differentiation including extrema, curve sketching, related rates, Newton's method. Antiderivatives and applications. Conic sections, polar coordinates, parametric curves. Prerequisite: Pre-Calculus 12 (or equivalent) with a grade of at least A, or MATH 100 with a grade of at least B, or achieving a satisfactory grade on the 間眅埶AV Calculus Readiness Test. Students with credit for either MATH 150, 154 or 157 may not take MATH 151 for further credit. Quantitative.

MATH 154 - Calculus I for the Biological Sciences (3)

Designed for students specializing in the biological and medical sciences. Topics include: limits, growth rate and the derivative; elementary functions, optimization and approximation methods, and their applications; mathematical models of biological processes. Prerequisite: Pre-Calculus 12 (or equivalent) with a grade of at least B, or MATH 100 with a grade of at least C, or achieving a satisfactory grade on the 間眅埶AV Calculus Readiness Test. Students with credit for either MATH 150, 151 or 157 may not take MATH 154 for further credit. Quantitative.

and one of

MATH 152 - Calculus II (3)

Riemann sum, Fundamental Theorem of Calculus, definite, indefinite and improper integrals, approximate integration, integration techniques, applications of integration. First-order separable differential equations. Sequences and series, series tests, power series, convergence and applications of power series. Prerequisite: MATH 150 or 151; or MATH 154 or 157 with a grade of at least B. Students with credit for MATH 155 or 158 may not take this course for further credit. Quantitative.

MATH 155 - Calculus II for the Biological Sciences (3)

Designed for students specializing in the biological and medical sciences. Topics include: the integral, partial derivatives, differential equations, linear systems, and their applications; mathematical models of biological processes. Prerequisite: MATH 150, 151 or 154; or MATH 157 with a grade of at least B. Students with credit for MATH 152 or 158 may not take this course for further credit. Quantitative.

and one of

PHYS 101 - Physics for the Life Sciences I (3)

Force and motion, conservation of energy and momentum, fluids, properties of soft matter and thermal physics with applications taken from the life sciences. Prerequisite: BC Principles of Physics 12 or PHYS 100 or equivalent. This prerequisite may be waived, at the discretion of the department, as determined by the student's performance on a regularly scheduled PHYS 100 final exam. Please consult the physics advisor for further details. Corequisite: MATH 150 or 151 or 154 or 157; BISC 100 or 101 or 102. Students with credit for PHYS 120, 125 or 140 may not take this course for further credit. Quantitative/Breadth-Science.

PHYS 120 - Mechanics and Modern Physics (3)

A general calculus-based introduction to mechanics. Topics include translational and rotational motion, momentum, energy, gravitation, and selected topics in modern physics. Prerequisite: BC Principles of Physics 12 or PHYS 100 or equivalent. This prerequisite may be waived, at the discretion of the department, as determined by the student's performance on a regularly scheduled PHYS 100 final exam. Please consult the physics advisor for further details. Corequisite: MATH 150 or 151 or 154 must precede or be taken concurrently. Students with credit for PHYS 101, 125 or 140 may not take this course for further credit. Quantitative/Breadth-Science.

PHYS 125 - Mechanics and Special Relativity (3)

Newtonian mechanics and special relativity for students with good preparation in physics and mathematics. Topics include Newtonian particle mechanics, angular momentum, torque, conservation laws, gravitation, and special relativity. Prerequisite: Greater than 85% in both BC Pre-Calculus 12 & BC Physics 12, or a grade of A in PHYS 100, or equivalent. Co-requisite: MATH 150 or 151 or 154 must precede or be taken concurrently. Students with credit for PHYS 101, 120 or PHYS 140 may not take PHYS 125 for further credit. Quantitative.

PHYS 140 - Studio Physics - Mechanics and Modern Physics (4)

A general calculus-based introduction to mechanics taught in an integrated lecture-laboratory environment. Topics include translational and rotational motion, momentum, energy, gravitation, and selected topics in modern physics. Prerequisite: BC Principles of Physics 12, or equivalent. Corequisite: MATH 150 or 151 or 154 must precede or be taken concurrently. Students with credit for PHYS 125 or 120 or 101 may not take this course for further credit. Quantitative/Breadth-Science.

and one of

PHYS 102 - Physics for the Life Sciences II (3)

Waves and optics; electricity and magnetism; modern physics emphasizing radioactivity, with applications taken from the life sciences. Prerequisite: PHYS 101 or 120 or 125 or 140. Recommended corequisite: MATH 152 or 155 or 158. Students are encouraged to take PHYS 130 at the same time as PHYS 102. Students with credit for PHYS 121, 126, or 141 may not take this course for further credit. Quantitative/Breadth-Science.

PHYS 121 - Optics, Electricity and Magnetism (3)

A general calculus-based introduction to electricity, magnetism and optics. Topics include electricity, magnetism, simple circuits, optics and topics from applied physics. Prerequisite: PHYS 120 or 125 or 140 (or PHYS 101 with a grade of A or B). Corequisite: MATH 152 or 155 must precede or be taken concurrently. Students with credit for PHYS 102, 126 or 141 may not take this course for further credit. Quantitative/Breadth-Science.

PHYS 126 - Electricity, Magnetism and Light (3)

Electricity, magnetism, and the electromagnetic character of light for students with good preparation in physics and mathematics. Topics include waves, simple electrical circuits, electricity, magnetism, the unifications of electromagnetism in relativity, light as an electromagnetic wave, and photons. Prerequisite: PHYS 125 or a grade of A or better in PHYS 120 or 140. Corequisite: MATH 152 or 155 must precede or be taken concurrently. Students with credit in PHYS 102, 121 or 141 may not take this course for further credit. Quantitative.

PHYS 141 - Studio Physics - Optics, Electricity and Magnetism (4)

A general calculus-based introduction to electricity, magnetism and optics taught in an integrated lecture-laboratory environment. Topics include electricity, magnetism, simple circuits, optics and topics from applied physics. Prerequisite: PHYS 140. Corequisite: MATH 152 or 155 must precede or be taken concurrently. Students with credit for PHYS 126 or 121 or 102 may not take this course for further credit. Quantitative/Breadth-Science.

and one of

STAT 201 - Statistics for the Life Sciences (3)

Research methodology and associated statistical analysis techniques for students with training in the life sciences. Intended to be particularly accessible to students who are not specializing in Statistics. Prerequisite: 30 units. Students with credit for STAT 101, 102, 203 (formerly 103), 270 (formerly MATH 272) or 301 may not take STAT 201 for further credit. Quantitative.

STAT 270 - Introduction to Probability and Statistics (3)

Basic laws of probability, sample distributions. Introduction to statistical inference and applications. Corequisite: MATH 152 or 155 or 158. Students wishing an intuitive appreciation of a broad range of statistical strategies may wish to take STAT 100 first. Quantitative. Prerequisite: COREQ-MATH 152 or 155 or 158. Students wishing an intuitive appreciation of a broad range of statistical strategies may wish to take STAT 100 first. Equivalent Courses: STAT102 STAT103 STAT201 STAT203 STAT301. Quantitative.

Upper Division Requirements

Students complete a total of 46-47 units, including all of

MBB 308 - Molecular Biology Laboratory (3)

Modern molecular biological and recombinant DNA methods such as DNA isolation, plasmid preparation, restriction enzyme digestion, Southern blots, cloning and polymerase chain reaction. Prerequisite: MBB 222, and MBB 221 or MBB 231, and MBB 331 as a co- or pre-requisite (the latter is recommended). Students with credit for BISC 357 may not take this course for further credit.

MBB 309W - Biochemistry Laboratory (4)

Contemporary techniques in biochemistry including protein purification, immunochemical methods, and lipid characterization. Prerequisite: MBB 222 and MBB 221 or MBB 231. Recommended: CHEM 215 and CHEM 286 precede MBB 309W. Writing.

MBB 321 - Intermediary Metabolism (3)

The enzymes and intermediates of major catabolic and anabolic pathways. Their regulation and integration in health and disease states. Prerequisite: MBB 222, and MBB 221 or MBB 231.

MBB 322 - Molecular Physiology (3)

Biochemical and molecular aspects of cellular function, interactions and communication including cell cycle, apoptosis, cancer, immune system, neuronal transmission and the signal transduction pathways that integrate them. Prerequisite: MBB 222, and MBB 221 or MBB 231.

MBB 331 - Molecular Biology (3)

The study of DNA and RNA in relation to gene structure and expression: DNA replication and the regulation of gene expression in bacteria and higher organisms. Introduction to recombinant DNA and cloning theory; natural vector structures and recombinant vector construction. Prerequisite: MBB 222 and MBB 221 or MBB 231, BISC 202.

and a minimum of five courses chosen from the following list. There is no upper limit on the quantity in this list that can completed.

MBB 323 - Introduction to Physical Biochemistry (3)

Introduction to physical biochemistry including rigorous treatment of thermodynamics and molecular transport and interactions with specific emphasis on biochemical and molecular biological processes. CHEM 360 may be substituted as an alternative to this requirement for MBB majors. Prerequisite: MATH 152 (or 155), PHYS 121 (or 102, or 126, or 141), CHEM 122 (or 102), MBB 222.

MBB 402 - Molecular and Developmental Genetics (3)

Selected aspects of developmental biology with an emphasis on genetic and molecular analyses in model systems such as Drosophilia, C. elegans and mice. The focus will be on signal transduction pathways and their regulation of developmental processes. Prerequisite: BISC 333 and MBB 331.

MBB 420 - Selected Topics in Contemporary Biochemistry (3)

The topics in this course will vary from term to term, depending on faculty availability and student interest. Prerequisite: Will be announced before the start of the term and will depend upon the nature of the topic offered.

MBB 421 - Nucleic Acids (3)

Recent literature is examined for insights into the structure and properties of DNA and RNA, drawing on a variety of biochemical, chemical and molecular biological perspectives. Prerequisite: MBB 331 with a grade of C or better.

MBB 422 - Biomembranes (3)

A review of recent research on the structure, dynamics, function and biosynthesis of membranes, membrane lipids and proteins. Prerequisite: MBB 322.

MBB 423 - Protein Structure and Function (3)

Recent research in transition state theory; specificity in enzyme catalyzed reactions, the use of recombinant DNA techniques to describe and modify enzyme catalysis, the function of enzymes in organic solvents, and the development of new catalytic activities through monoclonal antibody techniques. Prerequisite: two of MBB 321, 322, 323, 331.

MBB 424 - Membrane Transport Mechanisms (3)

Structure and function of molecules that mediate transport across membranes including channels, carriers, and pumps. Primary literature from the fields of biochemistry and physiology will be explored through lectures and independent study. Prerequisite: MBB 321, 322 and either MBB 323 or CHEM 360. Students who have taken MBB 420 under the same topic may not take this course for further credit.

MBB 426 - Immune System I: Basis of Innate and Adaptive Immunity (4)

The basic organization of the immune system, including structure, function and genetics of antibodies, T-cell receptors, innate immune receptors, and the complement system. Innate, antibody and cellular immune responses and their control, and development of the cells involved in these responses. Prerequisite: MBB 331. Students who have taken HSCI 325 or HSCI 425 cannot take MBB 426 for further credit.

MBB 427 - Immune System II: Immune Responses in Health and Disease (3)

The immunologic response to bacterial, viral and parasitic infections, immunological diseases, such as autoimmune diseases, immunodeficiency, hypersensitivity reactions (including asthma and allergy) and transplantation-rejection reactions. Immunotherapeutics and vaccine development. Prerequisite: MBB 426 or HSCI 426. Students with credit for HSCI 427 may not repeat this course for further credit.

MBB 428 - Molecular Mechanisms of Microbial Pathogenesis (3)

The molecular strategies that bacterial, viral and fungal pathogens use to colonize the human body and cause disease will be studied. Using specific organisms as illustrations, emphasis will be placed on the structural biology of molecular systems such as acquisition and use of virulence factors, adhesion to and invasion of host cells, secretion of toxins and immune escape. Prions, zoonoses and emerging diseases will be included. Prerequisite: MBB 322. Students who have taken MBB 420 under the same title cannot take this course for further credit.

MBB 430 - Mechanisms of Secretory Transport (3)

Analysis of mechanisms of protein, lipid, and nucleic acid delivery and transport within cells; processes of protein targeting, exocytosis, and endocytosis; molecular mechanisms of vesicle transport and membrane fusion; role in signal transduction and disease. Prerequisite: MBB 322 and MBB 331.

MBB 431 - Cells and Disease (3)

The cellular basis of selected chronic diseases such as cancer and polycystic kidney disease will be explored in-depth. Through the use of lectures and group discussions and an emphasis on the primary literature, the focus will be on recent developments in the study of these diseases. Prerequisite: MBB 322 and 331. Students who have taken MBB 440 under the same title cannot take this course for further credit.

MBB 432 - Advanced Molecular Biology Techniques (3)

Laboratory with accompanying lectures designed to give practical experience in advanced contemporary molecular biology techniques. Lab exercises will include site-directed mutagenesis, preparation and characterization of GST-fusion proteins, construction of transgenes and their expression in transgenic organisms, and use of the yeast two-hybrid assay to study protein-protein interactions. Prerequisite: MBB 308 and 331, or permission of instructor.

MBB 435 - Genome Biology (3)

The analysis of entire genomes of organisms has only been possible since 1995. This new area of study will be examined in detail with emphasis on current research. Prerequisite: MBB 331.

MBB 436 - Gene Expression (3)

Lectures and student presentations will cover the wide range of ways in which organisms (primarily eukaryotes) regulate gene expression along the pathway from DNA to protein. Prerequisite: MBB 331.

MBB 437 - Signal Transduction (3)

An investigation of how biochemistry, cell biology and genetics is used to study the diverse mechanisms used in cell signaling along with an exploration of how the various approaches to studying signal transduction complement each other. Prerequisite: MBB 321, 322, and MBB 331.

MBB 438 - Human Molecular Genetics (3)

Recent advances in human molecular genetics including genome analysis, gene therapy, genetic testing, and studies of genetic disorders. Prerequisite: MBB 331.

MBB 440 - Selected Topics in Contemporary Molecular Biology (3)

The topics in this course will vary from term to term, depending on faculty availability and student interest. Prerequisite: will depend upon the nature of the topic offered.

MBB 441 - Bioinformatics (3)

Lectures and hands-on instruction at the computer in the use of, and theory behind, bioinformatic software and algorithms for the analysis of macromolecular data. Prerequisite: MBB 331 and an introductory computer science course (e.g. CMPT 110 or 120), or equivalent.

MBB 442 - Proteomics (3)

Proteomics concerns the analysis of the entire complement of proteins expressed by an organism. This course will consider protein sequence alignment, sequence database scanning, classification of protein structures, prediction of protein structure and function, and evolution of protein function. Prerequisite: MBB 321 and MBB 322; one introductory computer course (e.g. CMPT 110 or 120), or equivalent.

MBB 443 - Protein Biogenesis and Degradation (3)

A consideration of protein biogenesis (folding, assembly, and targeting to cellular compartments), modification, and degradation, and their roles in protein and cellular function. Prerequisite: MBB 321 and MBB 322.

MBB 444 - Developmental Neurobiology (3)

Examination of recent literature on neuronal growth cones and axonal guidance. Cell cultural, biochemical, and molecular genetic approaches will be emphasized in assessing guidance cues. Prerequisite: MBB 331.

MBB 446 - Cell Death and Cell Survival (3)

An examination of various types of cell death and cell survival mechanisms and their relationship to disease with a focus on cancer and therapeutic strategies. Prerequisite: MBB 322 and 331, or permission of the instructor. Students who took MBB 440 with the same title may not take MBB 446 for credit.

MBB 461 - Comparative Genomics (3)

Examination of the fundamentals of comparative genomics, identification and activity of functional elements in genomes, inter- and intra-species comparisons, relationship of genomic to phenotypic variation, and personalized genomics are among the topics to be explored. Comparison of genome data has impacts on medicine and many other fields of the life sciences. Prerequisite: MBB 331. Students who have completed MBB 440 Comparative Genomics may not complete this course for further credit.

MBB 462 - Human Genomics (3)

The organization of the human genome and the role of genomic variation in health and disease. Genomics and personalized medicine; intellectual property and privacy issues. Prerequisite: MBB 331 or permission of the instructor. Students with credit for MBB 440 with this same course title may not complete this course for further credit.

PHYS 433 - Biological Physics Laboratory (3)

Experiments in biological and soft condensed matter physics including investigation of Brownian motion, molecular order and biophysical forces using techniques such as optical trapping, NMR, spectroscopy and x-ray diffraction. Attention will also be given to more general skills, including experimental design, operating and troubleshooting experimental equipment, data analysis, and the presentation of experimental results. Prerequisite: PHYS 231 or MBB 309; PHYS 344W or PHYS 347 or MBB 323 or CHEM 360, or permission of the department. Quantitative.

and either all of (option A)

MBB 481 - Individual Study Semester - Research Design (5)

Part 1 of 3-part honors degree program, the individual study semester (ISS). The ISS provides students with the opportunity to carry out full time laboratory research in molecular biology and biochemistry. The grade for MBB 481 encompasses the research design aspect of the ISS, consisting of a written proposal and final report. Prerequisite: Enrolment in the MBB or Biological Physics Honors Program, a minimum 3.0 CGPA and 3.0 UDGPA and permission of the MBB department. Corequisite: MBB 482 and MBB 483. Students may not receive credit for both MBB 481 and MBB 493.

MBB 482 - Individual Study Semester - Research Performance (5)

Part 2 of a 3-part honors degree program, the individual study semester (ISS). The ISS provides students with the opportunity to carry out full time laboratory research in molecular biology and biochemistry. The grade for MBB 482 encompasses the research performance component of the ISS. Prerequisite: Enrolment in the MBB or Biological Physics Honors Program, a minimum 3.0 CGPA and 3.0 UDGPA and permission of the MBB department. Corequisite: MBB 481 and MBB 483. Students may not receive credit for both MBB 482 and MBB 493.

MBB 483 - Individual Study Semester - Research Reporting (5)

Part 3 of a 3-part honors degree program, the individual study semester (ISS). The ISS provides students with the opportunity to carry out full time laboratory research in molecular biology and biochemistry. The grade for MBB 483 encompasses the research reporting component of the ISS. Prerequisite: Enrolment in the MBB or Biological Physics Honors Program, a minimum 3.0 CGPA and 3.0 UDGPA and permission of the MBB department. Corequisite: MBB 481 and MBB 482. Students may not receive credit for both MBB 483 and MBB 493.

or both of (option B)

MBB 491 - Undergraduate Research (5)

Part time laboratory research in an area of molecular biology or biochemistry for preparation of a thesis in molecular biology and biochemistry. Before seeking approval for enrolment in this course, the student should already have obtained the agreement of a 間眅埶AV faculty member that he/she is willing to supervise the project, and have prepared a written proposal (of approximately 1-2 pages) stating the nature of the research project. The course will include the preparation of a written research report on the results of the project, and may also, at the discretion of the supervisor, include an oral presentation of the results. Prerequisite: MBB 222, and MBB 221 or MBB 231 and permission of the molecular biology and biochemistry department. Usually, upper level standing with at least 60 units in a molecular biology and biochemistry major, minor or honors program will be required.

MBB 492 - Individual Study Semester (Option A) (10) *

Full time laboratory research in an area of molecular biology or biochemistry for preparation of a thesis for the honors degree in molecular biology and biochemistry. This course is available to honors students who have already taken MBB 491 (or BICH 491-5), or who plan to break an individual studies project into two terms (see below). The course will include the preparation of a comprehensive written research report on the results of the project, and may also, at the discretion of the supervisor, include an oral presentation of the results. Prerequisite: Permission of the department. Students with credit for BICH 492 may not take MBB 492 for further credit.

* This may be accomplished by breaking the individual study term project into two consecutive terms.

Faculty of Science Honours Requirements

In addition to the above requirements, students must also satisfy Faculty of Science honours program requirements as follows.

  • students are required to complete additional upper division units to total a minimum of 60 upper division units (excluding EDUC 401 to 406)
  • students who were enrolled at 間眅埶AV between fall 1991 and summer 2006 are required to complete a minimum of 12 units in subjects outside the Faculty of Science (excluding EDUC 401 to 406) including six units minimum to be completed in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences

Writing, Quantitative, and Breadth Requirements

Students admitted to 間眅埶AV beginning in the fall 2006 term must meet writing, quantitative and breadth requirements as part of any degree program they may undertake. See for university-wide information.

WQB Graduation Requirements

A grade of C- or better is required to earn W, Q or B credit

Requirement

Units

Notes
W - Writing

6

Must include at least one upper division course, taken at 間眅埶AV within the student’s major subject
Q - Quantitative

6

Q courses may be lower or upper division
B - Breadth

18

Designated Breadth Must be outside the student’s major subject, and may be lower or upper division
6 units Social Sciences: B-Soc
6 units Humanities: B-Hum
6 units Sciences: B-Sci

6

Additional Breadth 6 units outside the student’s major subject (may or may not be B-designated courses, and will likely help fulfil individual degree program requirements)

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Residency Requirements and Transfer Credit

The University’s residency requirement stipulates that, in most cases, total transfer and course challenge credit may not exceed 60 units, and may not include more than 15 as upper division work.

Elective Courses

In addition to the courses listed above, students should consult an academic advisor to plan the remaining required elective courses.

An elective course is any university course outside of the student's program requirements.

Research and Directed Reading Courses

For honours degree credit, students are limited to 18 undergraduate (or graduate) research courses and/or directed reading units. These include courses such as MBB 481, 482, 483, 490, 491, 492, 871, 872, 873 and corresponding courses offered by other departments (e.g. BISC 490, 491, 492, 498, 499, 888, 889, 890).

If students complete more than 18 units of these courses, they may not apply the extra units toward the degree total (132 for honours). In addition, honours students may not complete more than 15 research and/or reading units in one term.

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