Academic Staff
Program Information
The Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics is the result of a merger in June 1999 of the Department of Human Genetics and the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.
Fields of Research
Faculty members are involved in a wide range of research projects in biochemistry and genetics. Supervised research is available in the following areas: apoptosis; lipoproteins and lipidoses; chromatin structure and function; membranes; clinical genetics; metabolic disease; dysmorphology; molecular cytogenetics; functional genomics; molecular basis of cancer and genetic diseases; gene expression; molecular genetics; gene mapping and recombinant DNA; phospholipid metabolism; genetic and molecular epidemiology; protein structure, function, and targeting; genetics of special populations; signal transduction; hormone and growth factor action / receptors; and spectroscopy in biodiagnostics.
These areas of study are related specifically to certain diseases including atherosclerosis, androgen resistance syndrome, heart failure, cancer, muscular dystrophy, inborn errors of metabolism, diabetes, hypertension, Alzheimer's disease, cystic fibrosis and congenital malformations.
Research Facilities
Faculty members of the department are housed in several locations on the Bannatyne and Fort Garry campuses, and in affiliated research institutes. The department is well-equipped for studies in both biochemistry and genetics. State of the art computer, transgenic, imaging, and cytogenetic analysis facilities are available in the department or its affiliated centres.
M.Sc. in Biochemistry and Medical Genetics
Admission
Admission requirements are those of the Faculty of Graduate Studies found in the Graduate Studies Regulations Section of this Calendar.
Entrance Requirements
The applicant must have an Honours B.Sc. or equivalent with appropriate background, a GPA of 3.0 or better, (or equivalent) in the last two years of full time university study (60 credit hours) and no grade less than C+ in any course taken during these final two years of study. Any deficiency may be corrected by retaking a course or fulfilling the necessary requirements in a pre-Master's Program. Admission will also depend upon the availability of a Faculty Member to supervise the student and resources to support the student's research.
Extensive undergraduate preparation in biochemistry and/or genetics is desired, but students from other disciplines will be considered. An introductory course in biochemistry or genetics and consent of the course director are prerequisites for the courses listed below unless otherwise indicated.
Program Requirements
Program Requirements are those of the Faculty of Graduate Studies found in the Graduate Studies Regulations Section of this Calendar.
Second language reading requirement: none
Expected time to graduate: 2 – 3 years
Ph.D. in Biochemistry and Medical Genetics
Admission
Admission requirements are those of the Faculty of Graduate Studies found in the Graduate Studies Regulations Section of this Calendar.
Program Requirements
Program requirements are those of the Faculty of Graduate Studies found in the Graduate Studies Regulations Section of this Calendar.
Second language requirement: none
Expected time to graduation: 4 – 5 years
