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.
< 30 CREDIT HOURS/FIRST YEAR
- Complete required introductory courses in Biology: BIOL 1010/1011 and in other subjects. See the first-year course planner worksheet for more information
- At the end of your first year, you can declare your major and register for second-year courses
30-60 CREDIT HOURS/SECOND YEAR
- You will start taking more core courses* in BIOC, BIOL & CHEM gaining knowledge and lab experience: BIOC 2300, BIOC 2610, BIOL 2020, BIOL 2030, CHEM 2401, CHEM 2402, CHEM 2201
- Consider combining your degree with another subject with a double major, minor, or certificate
60-90 CREDIT HOURS/THIRD YEAR+
- Take 3 core BIOC courses*: BIOC 3300, BIOC 3400, and BIOC 3700. Make sure you're on track with course requirements using DARS
- Looking for a hands-on learning experience? The department offers an experiential learning course
- Apply for an honours degree ahead of your fourth year if you are considering graduate studies
90-120 CREDIT HOURS/FINAL YEAR
- In your final year, you should be taking 5 BIOC* courses
- Complete any remaining requirements for a certificate, or minor, and check your degree audit to ensure you are on track to graduate
- Apply to graduate by Dec 1 for spring convocation and July 2 for fall convocation
*Note that not all courses are offered each semester or year and that course requirements may vary according to your degree type (major, double major, minor, honours). Be sure to keep track of these by consulting the academic calendar.
*After declaring your major, we strongly encourage you to connect with program advisors for course planning and any other questions related to your program.
< 30 CREDIT HOURS/FIRST YEAR
- Build connections by enrolling in a first-year interest group (FIGS) like Health and Science, Neuroscience and the Brain, and Indigenous Ways of Knowing
- Sign up to be mentored by an upper-year student
30-60 CREDIT HOURS/SECOND YEAR
- Explore the myCareer portal to browse through work and volunteer opportunities on and off campus
- Combine academic study and paid career-related work experience by enrolling in co-op
60-90 CREDIT HOURS/THIRD YEAR+
- There are 70 Faculty-coordinated summer research awards available each year that you can apply for on a competitive basis
- Other opportunities include science communication internships, science innovation and entrepreneurship through SURGE, and student society leadership roles
90-120 CREDIT HOURS/FINAL YEAR
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< 30 CREDIT HOURS/FIRST YEAR
- Attend the Dal Science Welcome Party
- Attend the Faculty of Science Program Fair for help planning your next steps
- Consider joining DBSS – Dalhousie Biochemistry Student Society! Meet other like-minded students and participate in fun events
30-60 CREDIT HOURS/SECOND YEAR
- Reach out to the Department's many world-class researchers and faculty to join a research lab as a volunteer or apply for a summer research award
60-90 CREDIT HOURS/THIRD YEAR+
- Consider running for a position with the Dal Science Society's Executive or with your student society
90-120 CREDIT HOURS/FINAL YEAR
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< 30 CREDIT HOURS/FIRST YEAR
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30-60 CREDIT HOURS/SECOND YEAR
- Explore career paths and industries that spark your interest by attending an alumni panel discussion
60-90 CREDIT HOURS/THIRD YEAR+
- See which scholarships and prizes might be available to you through the department, on a competitive basis
90-120 CREDIT HOURS/FINAL YEAR
- Time to celebrate your achievements and graduate!
- Connect with the Bissett Student Success Success Centre career supports to get prepared for interviews, and more as your prepare to head out on the job hunt or to apply for graduate school
For any questions about your major, enrolling in a minor or certificate, summer research, or honours, speak with a program advisor!
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*
