Biochemistry
Program Overview
Biochemistry is the study of the molecular events underlying biological processes. Consequently, it makes fundamental contributions to all disciplines concerned with living systems. The graduate program in Biochemistry enables students to conduct research in modern facilities, leading to the Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degrees in a wide variety of areas including the relationship between structure and biological function in proteins, nucleic acids, and lipids as well as complex multi-component systems such as membranes and sub-cellular organelles.
Students may also be interested in the combined degree program in Medicine, Doctor of / Doctor of Philosophy (MD/PhD).
See video: Explore Graduate Programs at the Faculty of Medicine.
Quick Facts
| Domestic | International | |
|---|---|---|
| Application deadline | MSc, PhD: Fall 2025 entry Fall Session (September start) early deadline: 15-Jan-2025 Fall Session (September start) regular deadline: 31-Mar-2025 Winter 2025 entry Winter Session (January start) deadline: 1-Oct-2025
| MSc, PhD: Fall 2025 entry Fall Session (September start) early deadline: 15-Jan-2025 Fall Session (September start) regular deadline: 31-Mar-2025 Winter 2025 entry Winter Session (January start) deadline: 1-Oct-2025
|
| Minimum admission average | MSc: B+ average in the final two years of bachelor’s PhD:B+ average in Master’s A- average in the final two years of study (for direct entry PhD) | PhD: B+ average in Master’s A- average in the final two years of study (for direct entry PhD) |
| Direct entry option from bachelor's to PhD? | PhD: Yes. Applicants must have an A-minus average in the final two years of study. | PhD: Yes. Applicants must have an A-minus average in the final two years of study. |
| Is a supervisor identified before or after admission? | MSc, PhD: After | PhD: Before. Applicants need to secure a faculty sponsor BEFORE submitting an application. Exception for Students who received their BSc degree from U of T.
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| If a supervisor is identified after admission (as per question above), is admission conditional upon securing a supervisor? | MSc, PhD: Yes – after rotation period | PhD: In the event that the student is unable to secure a placement in a different lab after the rotation process, they will join the lab of their faculty sponsor. |
| Is a supervisor assigned by the graduate unit or secured by the applicant? | MSc, PhD: Applicant | PhD: Applicant |
| Are any standardized tests required/recommended? | MSc, PhD: N/A | MSc, PhD: N/A |
“Graduate school will shape your career for the rest of your life. ”
- Trevor Stirling
- PhD Candidate, Electrical & Computer Engineering