Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
The Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at Dalhousie University offers the only undergraduate and graduate Biochemistry and Molecular Biology degree programs in the Maritime provinces. Complete your undergraduate degree as a major, or consider completing an honours or co-op degree and/or earning one or more certificates if certain courses are taken as part of the program.
Your Major Map: Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
The Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Major Map highlights academic and co-curricular opportunities and provides an overview of how students can customize their degree. Students are encouraged to connect with advising supports at Dalhousie and use the Academic Calendar and Timetable to create their course plan.
Where your degree can take you
A BSc degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology provides great preparation for a variety of careers. The skills and knowledge acquired through this program can be applied, but are not limited to career paths in:
Medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, government, industrial laboratories, forensic science, brewing and food processing, biotechnology, clinical diagnostic medicine, and education, among many more.
Core competencies gained
Discipline-level skills:
- A background in basic sciences and various applications in mathematics, statistics, physics, chemistry, and biology
- An understanding of the biological function of large molecules such as proteins and DNA
- Knowledge of the chemistry of living organisms, the changes that occur in living cells on a molecular basis, and how these cause diseases and interact in humans, animals, and plants
- An understanding of cells and chemical processes that is fundamental to advances in human health, disease treatment, and food science, among many more
Transferable skills:
- Academic writing and presentation skills
- Critical thinking, synthesis, and analytical skills
- Communication skills
- Numeracy skills
- Time/project management
- Leadership and teamwork
- Basic statistical analyses
- Research skills
- Laboratory techniques
Possible careers and employment
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Alumni can be employed within a variety of industries and have multiple career path options. These are influenced by the student's elective courses, experiential learning choices, and certificates. Some of the options below will typically require additional or graduate-level training*, while some can be pursued following the completion of baccalaureate program only.
- Biochemist*
- Biotechnologist*
- Bioinformatics specialist
- Biological researcher*
- Clinical diagnostician*
- Clinical lab technician
- Drug designer*
- Food technologist
- Forensic scientist*
- Geneticist*
- Genetics counselor*
- Parasitologist*
- Pathologist*
- Public health microbiologist*
- Laboratory technician
- Molecular scientist*
- Research assistant
- Scientific journalist
- Technical analyst
- Teacher/professor*
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