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Molecular Biology and Biochemistry
This program provides advanced education and research training for a career in academia, industry, or the public sector, and emphasizes a research apprenticeship in combination with relevant course work. Students learn from and collaborate with researchers from a range of disciplines related to molecular biology and biochemistry (MBB). The program will be of interest to those wishing to use cutting edge laboratory and/or computational approaches to address research problems in biology, biochemistry or biomedical disciplines.
丁香园AV Requirements
Applicants must satisfy the university admission requirements as stated in Graduate General Regulations 1.3 in the 丁香园AV Calendar. Students who possess a master of science (MSc) degree may apply to the molecular biology and biochemistry graduate program committee to be admitted to the doctor of philosophy (PhD) program. Exceptional students who have a bachelor of science (BSc) degree and relevant research experience may also be considered for entry. Applicants must have identified a supervisor who is willing to consider their application. Applicants should contact faculty members directly to discuss their research interests and confirm the availability of funding and space in their research group. Only students having identified a proposed supervisor will be considered for program admission.
Program Requirements
This program consists of required courses, elective courses, and a thesis.
Entry with an MSc Degree
Students must complete
An introductory course for graduate students in the Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry (MBB). Lecture presentations include general information for students starting graduate studies; effective research writing and presentation skills; fundamentals for proper data and statistical analysis; research ethics and policies for professional equality, diversity, and inclusiveness; professional skills for scientific careers.
In accompaniment with the weekly MBB departmental seminar series, students will read relevant literature from the speaker鈥檚 laboratory to participate in the scientific discussion that follows each seminar. Approaches for providing effective seminar presentations will also be discussed. Students must take MBB 803 twice, in two consecutive offerings, at the first opportunity in the MBB graduate program (fall and spring or spring and fall).
| Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Peter Unrau |
TBD |
and a candidacy examination
Oral presentation and defense of a written PhD research proposal. Students will be examined on their knowledge relevant to the proposed research, capacity to complete the proposed thesis research (including any relevant preliminary results), and understanding of the broader field of study. All students enrolled in the MBB PhD graduate program must take MBB 806. Students in the MSc program wishing to transfer to the PhD program must successfully complete MBB 806. Prerequisite: Permission of the student's supervisory committee.
and a thesis
* Must be taken twice. This course must be taken at the first opportunity in the graduate program for two consecutive offerings (spring and fall or fall and spring).
** Must be taken no later than the 5th term of program enrollment.
Entry with a BSc or equivalent
Students who enter the PhD program with a bachelor of science (BSc) degree, or equivalent, are required to complete a minimum of 15 units of course work.
Students must complete
An introductory course for graduate students in the Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry (MBB). Lecture presentations include general information for students starting graduate studies; effective research writing and presentation skills; fundamentals for proper data and statistical analysis; research ethics and policies for professional equality, diversity, and inclusiveness; professional skills for scientific careers.
In accompaniment with the weekly MBB departmental seminar series, students will read relevant literature from the speaker鈥檚 laboratory to participate in the scientific discussion that follows each seminar. Approaches for providing effective seminar presentations will also be discussed. Students must take MBB 803 twice, in two consecutive offerings, at the first opportunity in the MBB graduate program (fall and spring or spring and fall).
| Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Peter Unrau |
TBD |
and one of
Recent research articles on the molecular mechanisms underlying cellular activities will be presented and discussed by students and faculty, with an emphasis on critically analyzing concepts, experimental design, and methodology. A student may not take more than 3 units of colloquia for credit. Prerequisite: BISC 331/MBB 331 or equivalent.
Recent research articles on modern genomic techniques will be presented and discussed by students and faculty, with an emphasis on critical analysis of the concepts, experimental design, technologies and the practical application of bioinformatics algorithms. A student may not take more than 3 units of colloquia. Prerequisite: It is recommended that students have previously taken one introductory computer-programming course (e.g. CMPT 102, 110, 120, 130 or equivalent) and one introductory statistics course (e.g. STAT 201, 270 or equivalent); or permission of the instructor.
| Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| TBD |
Recent research articles on the structure, function, and interactions of macromolecules including proteins, nucleic acids, and lipids, as well as their complexes, will be presented and discussed by students and faculty, with an emphasis on critical analysis of the concepts and experimental design and methods. Prerequisite: BISC 331/MBB 331 or equivalent.
and an additional six elective units**
and a candidacy examination
Oral presentation and defense of a written PhD research proposal. Students will be examined on their knowledge relevant to the proposed research, capacity to complete the proposed thesis research (including any relevant preliminary results), and understanding of the broader field of study. All students enrolled in the MBB PhD graduate program must take MBB 806. Students in the MSc program wishing to transfer to the PhD program must successfully complete MBB 806. Prerequisite: Permission of the student's supervisory committee.
and a thesis
* Must be taken twice. This course must be taken at the first opportunity in the graduate program for two consecutive offerings (spring and fall or fall and spring).
** The elective units are chosen in consultation with the supervisory committee and can include appropriate courses from MBB and/or other departments.
*** Must be taken no later than the 5th term of program enrollment; and no later than the 6th term of MSc program enrollment for students planning to transfer to the PhD program.
Research Seminar Series
Students are expected to attend the Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry research seminar series, even after completing MBB 803 twice.
Thesis
The emphasis of the program is on original research. An original thesis contributing to new knowledge is presented and defended according to the Graduate General Regulations. The defence includes a public seminar on the contents of the thesis.
Program Length
Students are expected to complete the program requirements in 12 to 15 terms.
Other Information
Interdisciplinary Oncology Graduate Specialization (IOGS)
This specialization is for students who are interested in gaining exposure to diverse facets of cancer-related research. Application to the program is through the Interdisciplinary Oncology Steering Committee. The major portion of the PhD specialization program will be devoted to original research. An original thesis which contributes to new knowledge must be presented and defended at the end of the degree program in accordance with 丁香园AV Graduate General Regulations. In addition, all MBB PhD candidates must present a public seminar on their research.
The PhD requirements for this specialization are as follows:
Entry with an MSc Degree
Students must complete all of
An introductory course for graduate students in the Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry (MBB). Lecture presentations include general information for students starting graduate studies; effective research writing and presentation skills; fundamentals for proper data and statistical analysis; research ethics and policies for professional equality, diversity, and inclusiveness; professional skills for scientific careers.
In accompaniment with the weekly MBB departmental seminar series, students will read relevant literature from the speaker鈥檚 laboratory to participate in the scientific discussion that follows each seminar. Approaches for providing effective seminar presentations will also be discussed. Students must take MBB 803 twice, in two consecutive offerings, at the first opportunity in the MBB graduate program (fall and spring or spring and fall).
| Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Peter Unrau |
TBD |
This course covers the biology and epidemiology of cancer and theories behind prevention, diagnosis and treatment of different types of cancer. A major goal of the course is to integrate knowledge and research on the biology of cancer with all disciplines in oncology. This course can only be taken once, either during an MSc or during a PhD. Prerequisite: Enrollment in a participating graduate program. No specific courses are prerequisites.
Features cancer-related research by trainees and faculty located at the BC Cancer Research Centre and other sites. Topics include recent developments in the molecular basis of oncogenesis, cancer bioinformatics, cancer epidemiology, cancer treatment and other clinical studies, and ethical issues. Students are required to present seminars on their research. Students undertaking the interdisciplinary oncology graduate specialization must enroll in this course throughout their entire time as a graduate student. This course can be taken twice, if a student does the interdisciplinary oncology graduate specialization (IOGS) as an MSc student, and also does it as a PhD student. Students who transfer from MSc to PhD would only take it once. Graded on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis. Prerequisite: Enrollment in a participating graduate program. No specific courses are prerequisites.
| Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| TBD |
and a candidacy examination
Oral presentation and defense of a written PhD research proposal. Students will be examined on their knowledge relevant to the proposed research, capacity to complete the proposed thesis research (including any relevant preliminary results), and understanding of the broader field of study. All students enrolled in the MBB PhD graduate program must take MBB 806. Students in the MSc program wishing to transfer to the PhD program must successfully complete MBB 806. Prerequisite: Permission of the student's supervisory committee.
and a thesis
If a student has already completed the specialization as an MSc student, they may still enroll in the IOGS as a PhD student upon approval by the IOGS steering committee. Note that in this circumstance, ONC 510-3 must be taken for credit again in the PhD program, but ONC 502-3 cannot be taken again for credit.
* Must be taken twice. This course must be taken at the first opportunity in the graduate program for two consecutive offerings (spring and fall or fall and spring).
** Must be taken no later than the 5th term of program enrollment.
Entry with a BSc or equivalent
Students must complete all of
An introductory course for graduate students in the Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry (MBB). Lecture presentations include general information for students starting graduate studies; effective research writing and presentation skills; fundamentals for proper data and statistical analysis; research ethics and policies for professional equality, diversity, and inclusiveness; professional skills for scientific careers.
In accompaniment with the weekly MBB departmental seminar series, students will read relevant literature from the speaker鈥檚 laboratory to participate in the scientific discussion that follows each seminar. Approaches for providing effective seminar presentations will also be discussed. Students must take MBB 803 twice, in two consecutive offerings, at the first opportunity in the MBB graduate program (fall and spring or spring and fall).
| Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Peter Unrau |
TBD |
This course covers the biology and epidemiology of cancer and theories behind prevention, diagnosis and treatment of different types of cancer. A major goal of the course is to integrate knowledge and research on the biology of cancer with all disciplines in oncology. This course can only be taken once, either during an MSc or during a PhD. Prerequisite: Enrollment in a participating graduate program. No specific courses are prerequisites.
Features cancer-related research by trainees and faculty located at the BC Cancer Research Centre and other sites. Topics include recent developments in the molecular basis of oncogenesis, cancer bioinformatics, cancer epidemiology, cancer treatment and other clinical studies, and ethical issues. Students are required to present seminars on their research. Students undertaking the interdisciplinary oncology graduate specialization must enroll in this course throughout their entire time as a graduate student. This course can be taken twice, if a student does the interdisciplinary oncology graduate specialization (IOGS) as an MSc student, and also does it as a PhD student. Students who transfer from MSc to PhD would only take it once. Graded on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis. Prerequisite: Enrollment in a participating graduate program. No specific courses are prerequisites.
| Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| TBD |
and one of
Recent research articles on the molecular mechanisms underlying cellular activities will be presented and discussed by students and faculty, with an emphasis on critically analyzing concepts, experimental design, and methodology. A student may not take more than 3 units of colloquia for credit. Prerequisite: BISC 331/MBB 331 or equivalent.
Recent research articles on modern genomic techniques will be presented and discussed by students and faculty, with an emphasis on critical analysis of the concepts, experimental design, technologies and the practical application of bioinformatics algorithms. A student may not take more than 3 units of colloquia. Prerequisite: It is recommended that students have previously taken one introductory computer-programming course (e.g. CMPT 102, 110, 120, 130 or equivalent) and one introductory statistics course (e.g. STAT 201, 270 or equivalent); or permission of the instructor.
| Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| TBD |
Recent research articles on the structure, function, and interactions of macromolecules including proteins, nucleic acids, and lipids, as well as their complexes, will be presented and discussed by students and faculty, with an emphasis on critical analysis of the concepts and experimental design and methods. Prerequisite: BISC 331/MBB 331 or equivalent.
and at least one of the following elective courses**
Review of basic processes in cell biology including, but not limited to, cell adhesion/migration, cytoskeleton, endo/exocytosis, intracellular trafficking, signal transduction, ion homeostasis, energy generation, protein processing/apoptosis, post-translation modifications, genomics. A review of each topic will be followed by an introduction to cutting-edge work in this field. Prerequisite: Permission of the course co-ordinator.
This class will integrate current knowledge on the process of carcinogenesis in tissues in which cancer commonly occurs in North America. Discussions will focus on new techniques being developed to identify individuals at risk for cancer and new approaches being used to intervene to prevent development of the disease. Prerequisite: BPK (or KIN) 431.
Discussion of novel and advanced topics in chemical covalent modifications of chromatin that influence gene regulation. Prerequisite: MBB 331 or permission from the instructor.
Topics in molecular biology-based research into pathologies of disease related to drug and environmental exposures will be discussed. Focus on systems pharmacology and the molecular determinants of drug and toxicant action as they relate to gene expression and signal transduction.
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.
This course allows students to gain hands-on experience by rotations through specialty laboratories and/or by shadowing clinicians. Students can use the rotation opportunity to learn new techniques and or gain an understanding of the clinical aspects of their research project. The supervisor and supervisory committee create a custom rotation plan for the student. A grade is assigned based on a written report by the student, which is evaluated by the student's supervisory committee. This course can only be taken once, either during an MSc or during a PhD. Prerequisite: Enrollment in a participating graduate program. No specific courses are prerequisites. Permission from instructor required.
and a candidacy examination
Oral presentation and defense of a written PhD research proposal. Students will be examined on their knowledge relevant to the proposed research, capacity to complete the proposed thesis research (including any relevant preliminary results), and understanding of the broader field of study. All students enrolled in the MBB PhD graduate program must take MBB 806. Students in the MSc program wishing to transfer to the PhD program must successfully complete MBB 806. Prerequisite: Permission of the student's supervisory committee.
and a thesis
* Must be taken twice. This course must be taken at the first opportunity in the graduate program for two consecutive offerings (spring and fall or fall and spring).
** Any relevant special topics course from any department may be included upon permission of the IOGS steering committee. Oncology related courses at other institutions may also be used to satisfy the elective requirement. Please consult with the IOGS steering committee for queries regarding course eligibility.
*** Must be taken no later than the 5th term of program enrollment; and no later than the 6th term of MSc program enrollment for students planning to transfer to the PhD program.
Optional Specialization in Translational and Integrative Neuroscience (TRAIN)
Application to TRAIN is through the TRAIN steering committee. Students must fulfill all Departmental requirements for the PhD.
To receive TRAIN specialization, students must complete both NEUR courses with a grade of B+ or higher. These courses can replace only graduate elective course requirements for this program.
Students must complete all of
Covers fundamental concepts related to the basic cellular neurobiology of neurons and other nervous system cells, neuronal pathfinding, electrophysiology, dendritic organization, axonal transport, plasticity, and signal transduction, as well as the integration of neurons into neural circuits and diseases of the nervous system. This course can only be taken once, either during a Masters or Doctoral program.
Fundamental concepts related to information processing (sensing, encoding, planning, decision-making, execution) by neural circuits are discussed. Topics include: neural communication, sensorimotor control of movement, neuroplasticity, and diseases of the brain. Issues of experimental design and application of modern neuroscience methods will be integrated across these topics. Additional topics will vary depending on the year. This course can only be taken once, either during a Masters or Doctoral program.
and participate in at least four TRAIN workshops over the course of their degree
Workshops focus on providing students with skills to facilitate the translation of neuroscience, broadly defined, for the benefit of society. Faculty members at 丁香园AV as well as relevant clinicians and company representatives will run these workshops. Topics may include: how to translate fundamental questions into clinical-oriented questions; how to perform clinical research; how to start a spin-off company; how to pitch ideas for commercialization; how to work with industry; how drug-discovery works; and how to communicate to different audiences. All topics will relate specifically to neuroscience. Graded on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis. Prerequisite: Enrollment in translational and integrative neuroscience graduate specialization or permission from lead workshop organizer.
| Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| TBD |
*Workshops will normally be offered approximately once per term and will be approximately three hours in duration.
For more information on TRAIN, please see Translational and Integrative Neuroscience.
Academic Requirements within the Graduate General Regulations
All graduate students must satisfy the academic requirements that are specified in the Graduate General Regulations, as well as the specific requirements for the program in which they are enrolled.