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Welcome ............................................................................................................................................................. 4
The Department of Biochemistry .......................................................................................................................... 4
Administration and Faculty – Related to Graduate Programs................................................................................. 5
Professors............................................................................................................................................................ 5
Departmental Laboratory Facilities ..................................................................................................................... 10
Graduate Degree Programs ................................................................................................................................ 10
The Master’s Degree ................................................................................................................................................... 10
The Doctoral Degree ................................................................................................................................................... 11
Rotations .................................................................................................................................................................... 11
Completion and Time Limits ....................................................................................................................................... 11
Course Requirements ......................................................................................................................................... 12
Seminars and Journal Clubs ........................................................................................................................................ 12
Lectures in Biochemistry ............................................................................................................................................. 13
Applying for Graduate Admission ....................................................................................................................... 13
Entrance Requirements .............................................................................................................................................. 13
English Language Requirements ................................................................................................................................. 14
Application Materials .................................................................................................................................................. 14
Evaluation of Applicants ............................................................................................................................................. 15
Deadlines........................................................................................................................................................... 15
Canadian Applicants ................................................................................................................................................... 15
International Applicants ............................................................................................................................................. 15
International Applicants from China and Nigeria ....................................................................................................... 15
Funding ............................................................................................................................................................. 15
Tuition ............................................................................................................................................................... 16
University of Alberta Administered Graduate Awards ......................................................................................... 16
The General Award Competition ................................................................................................................................ 16
Walter H Johns Graduate Fellowship.......................................................................................................................... 16
President’s Doctoral Prize of Distinction .................................................................................................................... 16
Killam Trusts................................................................................................................................................................ 17
The Recruitment Scholarship Competition................................................................................................................. 17
Research Travel Grants ............................................................................................................................................... 17
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Research Abroad Grants ............................................................................................................................................. 17
Alberta Ingenuity Nanotechnology & iCORE ICT Recruitment Scholarships........................................................... 18
Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry (FoMD) Funding Opportunities ....................................................................... 18
External Funding Agencies.................................................................................................................................. 19
NSERC, SSHRC and CIHR.............................................................................................................................................. 19
Alberta Innovates Health Solutions (AIHS) ................................................................................................................. 19
External Agency Awards ............................................................................................................................................. 19
Answers to Common Questions.......................................................................................................................... 20
Graduate Courses in Biochemistry ...................................................................................................................... 21
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Welcome
Thank you for your interest in the graduate degree programs offered by the Department of Biochemistry at the
University of Alberta.
We hope this brochure and the information provided on our website will help you make an informed decision about
submitting an application to our department. We invite you to join us!
For inquiries and further information, please contact:
Kimberly Arndt
Graduate Program Advisor
Department of Biochemistry
4-25F Medical Sciences Building
University of Alberta
Edmonton, Alberta
T6G 2H7 Canada
Telephone: (780) 492-7834
Fax: (780) 492-0095
Email: biochem_inquiries@ualberta.ca
Web: http://www.biochem.ualberta.ca/home.php
David T Stuart, PhD
Graduate Coordinator
Department of Biochemistry
561 Medical Sciences Building
University of Alberta
Edmonton, Alberta
T6G 2H7 Canada
Telephone: (780) 492-7737
The Department of Biochemistry
The Department of Biochemistry officially became a department in 1920, but its real origin begins with the arrival of
James B Collip in Edmonton in 1915. Collip, having earned a PhD in Biochemistry from the University of Toronto was
hired to teach biochemistry and physiology at the University of Alberta. By 1921, he was head of the new
Department of Biochemistry. Collip was involved in the discovery of insulin while on a one-year sabbatical at the
University of Toronto in 1921. He returned to Edmonton the following year and remained here until 1928. The
Department first offered a PhD program in 1953.
The Department of Biochemistry is internationally recognized for its successes, including pioneering work on
parathyroid hormone in 1925, the first protein structure determination in Canada in 1974, the identification of a
death receptor in apoptotic cell death in 2000 and the analysis of breast cancer protein BRCA1 function in 2004. The
Department of Biochemistry at the University of Alberta has established a tradition of research excellence.
We are a department of 26 principal investigators, all of whom hold competitive national and international funding.
Total research funding for the Department, including salaries, equipment, and operating funds exceeded $19 million
in 2008-09.
The Department of Biochemistry has the largest graduate program in the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry with 77
current graduate students. Our students are offered a highly competitive stipend with full tuition coverage.
Graduate students publish their original research in elite journals and often travel internationally to present their
findings.
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The Department of Biochemistry is the primary home of the following research groups:
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Protein Structure and Function
Molecular Biology of Membrane Proteins
Molecular and Cell Biology of Lipids
Cardiovascular Disease Training Program
Molecular Mechanisms of Growth Control
National High Field Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Centre (NANUC)
Administration and Faculty - Related to Graduate Programs
Chair
Associate Chair (Graduate Studies)
Assistant Chair (Administration)
Graduate Program Advisor
Charles FB Holmes
David T Stuart
Colleen Iwanicka
Kimberly Arndt
The research interests of faculty members cover a broad spectrum of molecular, cellular and organismal
biochemistry and biophysics.
A number of faculty members are active in the University of Alberta Institute for Biomolecular Design and the
Stroke, Cardiovascular, Obesity, Lipids and Atherosclerosis Research (SCOLAR) Training Program. Details of some of
the research happening in the Department can be obtained from our website. Although it is not necessary to arrive
with a supervisor, students are welcome to initiate contact with any of our faculty. This will be useful in choosing
your laboratory rotations.
Professors
Note:
Please be aware the interests of our faculty cover a broad spectrum and not all areas of research in the
department are listed. For more detailed information, please contact the Graduate Program Advisor,
Graduate Coordinator or individual faculty members.
R. Chris Bleackley Phone: 780-492-3968
Email: chris.bleackley@ualberta.ca
Specializations: cytotoxic lymphocytes, T-cells, transplant rejection, gene regulation, recombinant DNA, genetic
engineering
Web: http://www.biochem.ualberta.ca/faculty_detail.php?id=2
David N. Brindley
Phone: 780-492-2078
Email: david.brindley@ualberta.ca
Specializations: role of lipid second messengers in signal transduction
Web: http://www.biochem.ualberta.ca/faculty_detail.php?id=3
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Joe Casey
Phone: 780-492-7203
Email: joe.casey@ualberta.ca
Specializations: membrane proteins, membrane transport processes
Web: http://www.physiology.ualberta.ca/Home/People/Academic/casey.cfm
Carol E. Cass
Adjunct Professor
Primary Appointment with the Department of Oncology
Phone: 780-492-2139
Email: carol.cass@ualberta.ca
Specializations: membrane proteins, drug resistance, cancer pharmacology, virology, drug transport
Web: http://www.oncology.med.ualberta.ca/Pages/default.aspx
Michael J. Ellison
Phone: 780-492-6352
Email: mike.ellison@ualberta.ca
Specializations: mechanisms of cellular regulation
Web: http://www.biochem.ualberta.ca/faculty_detail.php?id=4
Larry Fliegel
Phone: 780-492-1848
Email: lfliegel@gpu.srv.ualberta.ca
Specializations: membrane proteins, intracellular pH regulation, cardiac myocytes
Web: http://www.biochem.ualberta.ca/faculty_detail.php?id=6
J.N. Mark Glover
Phone: 780-492-2136
Email: mark.glover@ualberta.ca
Specializations: mechanisms of regulation of gene expression
Web: http://gloverlab.biochem.ualberta.ca/
Charles F.B. Holmes
Professor and Chair
Phone: 780-492-8159
Email: Charles.holmes@ualberta.ca
Specializations: regulation of protein phosphatases and phosphorylation
Web: http://www.biochem.ualberta.ca/faculty_detail.php?id=8
Michael N.G. James
Phone: 780-492-4550
Email: Michael.james@ualberta.ca
Specializations: three-dimensional structures of macromolecules; structural genomics of Mycobacterium
tuberculosis; viral proteins and their roles in infection; knowledge-based drug design; prion proteins and
recombinant antibodies.
Web: http://xray.biochem.ualberta.ca/
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Bernard D. Lemire
Phone: 780-492-4853
Email: Bernard.lemire@ualberta.ca
Specializations: structure and function of the mitochondrial respiratory chain, bioenergetics, aging, Caenorhabditis
elegans, yeast
Web: http://www.biochem.ualberta.ca/faculty_detail.php?id=10
Andrew MacMillan
Phone: 780-492-3813
Email: Andrew.macmillan@ualberta.ca
Specializations: chemical and biochemical mechanisms of RNA processing
Web: http://www2.biochem.ualberta.ca/labs/macmillan/
Marek Michalak
Phone: 780-492-2256
Email: marek.michalak@ualberta.ca
Specializations: recombinant DNA, genetic engineering, molecular biology, protein structure
Web: http://www.michalaklab.com/
Michael C. Schultz
Phone: 780-492-9144
Email: mike.schultz@ualberta.ca
Specializations: gene regulation, replication, chromatin, yeast, biochemistry, molecular biology
Web: http://www2.biochem.ualberta.ca/labs/schultz/
James C. Stone
Phone: 780-492-7976
Email: jim.stone@ualberta.ca
Specializations: “Signaling in normal and cancer cells”
Web: http://www.biochem.ualberta.ca/faculty_detail.php?id=17
Brian D. Sykes
Phone: 780-492-5460
Email: brian.sykes@ualberta.ca
Specializations: structure, function and dynamics of muscle, prion, membrane, and antifreeze proteins.
Web: http://www.bionmr.ualberta.ca/wiki/index.php/Main_Page
D. Lorne J. Tyrrell
Adjunct Professor with the Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology
Phone: 780-492-8415
Email: lorne.tyrrell@ualberta.ca
Specializations: hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV)
Web: http://www.mmi.med.ualberta.ca/staff_students/lorne_tyrrell.php
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Dennis E. Vance
Phone: 780-492-8286
Email: dennis.vance@ualberta.ca
Specializations: phospholipids, metabolism, lipoprotein secretion
Web: http://www.biochem.ualberta.ca/faculty_detail.php?id=21
Joel H. Weiner
Phone: 780-492-2761
Email: joel.weiner@ualberta.ca
Specializations: membrane protein structure and function, bacterial cell membranes, bioenergetics, bacterial
proteomics Web: http://www2.biochem.ualberta.ca/labs/weiner/
Associate Professors
Carlos Fernandez-Patron
Phone: 780-492-9540
Email: cf2@ualberta.ca
Specializations: (1) Metalloproteinases in cardiovascular biology and disease (2) Cardiovascular functional
proteomics.
Web: http://www2.biochem.ualberta.ca/labs/cfp/gallery.htm
Roseline Godbout
Adjunct Professor with the Department of Oncology
Phone: 780-432-8901
Email: rgodbout@ualberta.ca
Specializations: regulation of gene expression in the developing retina and in retinoblastoma, and characterization
of glial differentiation genes in brain tumours
Oncology Website: http://www.oncology.med.ualberta.ca/Pages/default.aspx
Bart Hazes
Adjunct Professor with the Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology
Phone: 780-492-0042
Email: bart.hazes@ualberta.ca
Specializations: the function of disease-associated proteins at a structural level.
Web: http://www.mmi.med.ualberta.ca/staff_students/bart_hazes.php
Luis Schang
Phone: 780-492-6265
Email: luis.schang@ualberta.ca
Specializations: protein kinases and other cellular factors in the replication and pathogenesis of viruses and prions
Web: http://www.biochem.ualberta.ca/faculty_detail.php?id=14
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Leo Spyracopoulos
Phone: 780-492-2417
Email: leo.spyracopoulos@ualberta.ca
Specializations: structure and function of proteins involved in the protein ubiquitination pathway
Web: http://www.bionmr.ualberta.ca/~lspy/index.html
David Stuart
Professor and Associate Chair (Graduate Studies)
Phone: 780-492-7737
Email: dtstuart@gpu.srv.ualberta.ca
Specializations: "Control of the cell cycle and cellular differentiation. Epigenetic regulation of gene expression"
Web: http://www.biochem.ualberta.ca/faculty_detail.php?id=19
Howard Young
Phone: 780-492-3931
Email: hyoung@ualberta.ca
Specializations: regulation of calcium transport in heart disease
Web: http://www2.biochem.ualberta.ca/labs/hyoung/
Assistant Professors
Shairaz Baksh
Adjunct Professor in the Department of Pediatrics
Phone: 780-407-2753
Email: shairaz.baksh@ualberta.ca
Specializations: molecular mechanisms of growth control in tumors, tumor necrosis factor, inflammation, Crohn’s
disease
Web: http://wchri.srv.ualberta.ca/
Richard Fahlman
Phone: 780-492-9566
Email: rfahlman@ualberta.ca
Specializations: RNA biology and proteomics.
Web: http://www2.biochem.ualberta.ca/labs/fahlman/
Ing Swie Goping
Phone: 780-492-6130
Email: igoping@ualberta.ca
Specializations: programmed cell death in cancer progression and therapeutics
Web: http://www.biochem.ualberta.ca/faculty_detail.php?id=34
Joanne Lemieux
Phone: 780-492-3586
Email: joanne.lemieux@ualberta.ca
Specializations: structural biology of disease related membrane proteins
Web: http://www2.biochem.ualberta.ca/LemieuxLab/
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Nicolas Touret
Phone: 780-492-3515
Email: touret@ualberta.ca
Specializations: molecular cell biology of Innate immune receptors
Web: http://www2.biochem.ualberta.ca/labs/touret/TouretLab/Home.html
Departmental Laboratory Facilities
The Department of Biochemistry is extremely well-endowed with state-of-the-art equipment and support facilities.
Access to virtually any major technique utilized in modern biochemical, biophysical and molecular biological
research is available to graduate students. The Department is also home of the National High Field Nuclear Magnetic
Resonance Centre (NANUC).
Graduate Degree Programs
The Department offers programs leading to the degrees of Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy. Both
require the completion of a research program and the preparation of a thesis. Students graduating with either
degree should have a broad background in biochemistry, as well as a detailed knowledge of one or more areas of
specialization within the field.
We aim to develop critical and creative scholars who can effectively communicate with their scientific peers and
with the broader community, and who can teach effectively at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. The
Department seeks to develop scientists with a sound ethical sense who are willing to serve the wider scientific
community. Students develop these qualities and attitudes through their formal course work, through participation
in both general and specialized seminar courses, through instructional responsibilities in the undergraduate student
laboratory, through participation in scientific integrity and teaching workshops, and especially through completion
of an independent research program and the production and defense of a thesis of highest quality.
The Master’s Degree
MSc students are required to have a cumulative GPA of not less than 3.0 in non-seminar courses taken during the
graduate program. Failure (a grade of C or lower) in two one-term courses or in a single two-term course will
normally result in an automatic recommendation to terminate a student’s program unless the student’s cumulative
GPA at that time is 3.0 or higher.
All candidates for the MSc degree must prepare an acceptable thesis describing the results of their research
activities, and be examined orally on the thesis by a committee formed according to the Faculty of Graduate Studies
and Research (FGSR) regulations.
Students who are initially MSc candidates can have their status changed to the PhD stream on the recommendation
of their supervisory committee and approval of the Graduate Coordinating Committee (GCC) following one or two
years of satisfactory performance in course work and research.
The Department of Biochemistry does not require knowledge of any language other than English for the MSc
degree.
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The Doctoral Degree
To be eligible for a PhD degree, students are required to have a cumulative GPA of not less than 3.3 in non-seminar
courses taken during the graduate program. Failure (a grade of C or lower) in two one-term courses or in a single
two-term course will normally result in an automatic recommendation to terminate a student’s program unless the
student’s cumulative GPA at that time is 3.0 or higher.
Each PhD graduate must have given at least three presentations to a journal club, of which at least two must be
given before the student may take the candidacy examination.
PhD candidates are required to pass an oral candidacy examination. The examination is based on a research
proposal written by the student and evaluated by the candidacy examination committee. This examination will be
held in conjunction with BIOCH 671, a seminar course in which the student will present his/her thesis work. This is
normally completed within the first three years of the program. The exam is conducted by a committee comprising
the student’s supervisory committee and at least two additional members of the academic staff who have not been
involved in the student’s research project. One member must be from a department other than Biochemistry. A
student who fails the examination will normally be required to withdraw from the program.
All candidates for the PhD degree must prepare an acceptable thesis describing the results of their research
activities, and be examined orally on the thesis by a committee formed according to the Faculty of Graduate Studies
and Research (FGSR) regulations.
The Department of Biochemistry does not require knowledge of any language other than English for the PhD degree.
Rotations
It is not necessary to have identified a supervisor before submitting an application to our graduate programs; the
department rotation system will facilitate the identification of a supervisor and/or laboratory.
The department encourages new graduate students to undertake 3 laboratory rotations. The purpose is to acquaint
the student with areas of research interest and techniques available in the department. After the rotations, the
student should choose a supervisor, who must also be prepared to supervise. During each rotation, the student is
expected familiarize himself/herself with the lab’s research projects and the techniques being used. Students may
elect to do fewer than 3 rotations.
Completion and Time Limits
A maximum of 4 or 6 years between entering the graduate program and completing all requirements for the MSc or
PhD is permitted, respectively.
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Course Requirements
All candidates for the MSc or PhD degrees must include some course work in their program, normally equivalent to
at least two and one-half full-year (or five single-term) courses (16 course weights).
Students entering their graduate programs without the appropriate advanced level undergraduate courses in the
major areas of biochemistry will be required to take additional course work. In particular, students who have not
taken any advanced biochemistry courses will be required to enroll in at least two 500-level courses in addition to
the minimum course requirement.
All graduate students are required to take at least 2 additional courses. One of these must be a 600-level
Biochemistry course. The current list of courses that satisfy this requirement included BIOCH 620, 630, 641, and
655. These courses are directed reading courses in which graduate students are challenged to analyze and critique
current research papers on selected topics.
The other required course is a graduate level course in Biochemistry (500 or 600 level) or an approved graduate
course in another department. These requirements are the minimum and students who wish to take additional
courses to enhance their background to or development expertise in additional research areas are encouraged to do
so.
Seminar Courses and Journal Clubs
All graduate students are required to enroll in the seminar courses BIOCH 670 and BIOCH 671.
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BIOCH 670 will be taken for credit in the first year of the program. Students will present one literature-based
seminar on 1-2 peer reviewed scientific publications, usually in Winter Term for new students starting in Fall
Term.
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Third year graduate students will register in BIOCH 671. Students will present a seminar on their research in the
fall term of their third year. The BIOCH 671 seminar will normally be combined with the candidacy examination.
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The decision to transfer from an M.Sc. program to the Ph.D program or to remain in the M.Sc.
program should normally occur before the end of the second year, prior to September 1 st of the
third year. When a transfer to the Ph.D. program is recommended, BIOCH 671 will be linked to the
candidacy examination for all Ph.D. students.
Transfer from the M.Sc. to the Ph.D. program after September 1st of the third year will only be
considered if significant changes in the student’s research have occurred after this time.
For a PhD student, the BIOCH 671 presentation will normally be followed by a candidacy
examination the next day.
Students are graded independently for BIOCH 670 and 671 and are required to attend these seminar series regularly
during all years of their program.
All graduate students must enroll once for credit in a relevant specialized journal club course, such as BIOCH 623,
626, 640 or 650. The BIOCH 670, BIOCH 671 and journal club courses fulfill 10 course weights of the minimum
course requirements.
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Lectures in Biochemistry
Each year the department hosts a “Lectures in Biochemistry” seminar series in which invited scientists give research
seminars on a broad range of subjects. Graduate students are required to attend these seminars, as they are an
important part of a graduate student’s education.
Applying for Graduate Admission
Application Fee
A non-refundable application fee of $100 (Canadian Funds) is required to apply.
On-Line Application Form
Students must complete the on-line Application for Graduate Admission form. This form is for both Canadian and
International applicants. The process will prompt you for payment. Only major credit cards (Visa or MasterCard) are
accepted.
Entrance Requirements
 A four-year baccalaureate degree or its equivalent from an academic institution recognized by the University of
Alberta.
A B.Sc degree in Biochemistry or a closely related discipline is normally required for admission, but
outstanding applicants from more distantly related disciplines are encouraged to apply.
 A Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.3 on a 4.0 scale. The GPA calculation will be determined from the most recent
2 years (or 60 credits) of course work.
Each applicant is assessed on a case-by-case basis and occasionally exceptions can be made. Exceptions are to be
determined by the Graduate Coordinator.
For Example: A student whose academic record is either difficult to assess or below the normal standard for entry
to the department (a GPA of 3.3 or equivalent) but whose academic background is appropriate (BSc in
Biochemistry) may be admitted directly to the degree program, provided their GPA meets the
minimum FGSR requirement (GPA of 3.0 or equivalent). The student would then receive clearly stated
conditions that must be met to maintain their status as a degree student.
Please ensure you meet the minimum requirements from other countries as set by the Faculty of Graduate Studies
and Research (FGSR) before applying - http://www.gradstudies.ualberta.ca/applyadmission/reqintlcountries.htm
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If an applicant is from an institution which is not well known, a Graduate Record Exam (GRE) may be
required. A good performance is generally considered to be a score of 2000 or higher on the General
Examination and 80% or higher on the Subject Area Examination. If necessary, these requirements will be
requested by the Graduate Coordinator.
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The minimum scores for international applicants are 500 (verbal reasoning), 650 (quantitative reasoning),
4.5 (analytical writing
English Language Requirements
Applicants with degrees and qualifications in a language other than English may need to demonstrate English
Language Proficiency through the following means:
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Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
Minimum score of 600 (paper-based), 250 (computer-based), or 100 (internet-based)
For information on test writing locations, refer to the TOEFL website: http://www.ets.org/toefl/
Note: TOEFL scores are valid for two years from the date of writing.
When completing the English examination requirement, please arrange for your results to be sent directly to the
Department of Biochemistry.
Some applicants with qualifications from certain countries and international universities are exempt from the
English language requirements.
See our exemptions list: http://www.gradstudies.ualberta.ca/applyadmission/elp.htm
Application Materials
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Application Form
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Curriculum Vitae
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Statement of Interest
One to two pages summarizing your background in Biochemistry, an explanation of why you wish to pursue
graduate studies, and your future career goals.
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Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions (both in English and the language of origin; if
applicable).
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Official degree certificates from all post-secondary institutions (both in English and the language of origin; if
applicable).
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Three letters of reference. These letters should be preferably from a professor, teacher, or employer. The
letter submitted must be an original, on letterhead and signed by the referee. All letters must arrive in
sealed envelopes. You may collect all envelopes and submit them with your application materials, or the
referee may send their letter directly to the department. Alternatively, referees are also welcome to
complete the Letter to Support Graduate Admission provided with your application.
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Evaluation of Applicants
Applicants are evaluated by the department’s Graduate Coordinating Committee (GCC) for admission and funding.
Several considerations guide the evaluation:
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Academic merit
Ability of potential supervisor to fund the project; and
Availability of space in a particular research lab
Deadlines
Canadian Applicants
Applications for graduate admission from Canadian applicants can be accepted at any time.
International Applicants
Students applying from outside Canada are advised to allow ample time for a student visa from Canada Immigration.
International students who have been accepted for admission are advised to contact the nearest Canadian
Consulate as soon as possible.
 The deadline for a September admission is July 1.
 The deadline for a January admission is November 1.
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Detailed information for international students is available from the University of Alberta International Centre
http://www.uofaweb.ualberta.ca/uai/
International Applicants from China and Nigeria
Applicants from China or Nigeria typically need additional time to obtain a student visa. We advise these applicants
to meet the following deadlines to ensure starting their program on time.
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The deadline for a September admission is May 1.
The deadline for a January admission is September 1.
Funding
As of April 1, 2011, the Department of Biochemistry offers a minimum stipend of $25,000/annum. Differential fees
for international students will be paid by the Department. New students will be paid from the department
operating account until such time a supervisor is identified. At that time, the stipend will be paid from a trust
account held by the supervisor.
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Tuition
Graduate students are responsible for the payment of their own tuition. International students are assessed at a
100% student differential fee. Sample breakdowns and assessments are available at
http://www.gradstudies.ualberta.ca/regfees/fees/calculate.htm
Please Note: Students should also budget approximately $1,000 for thesis preparation costs.
University of Alberta Administered Graduate Awards
The University of Alberta administers more than 2,300 scholarships worth over $21 million. The Faculty of Graduate
Studies and Research scholarship programs include:
The General Awards Competition
http://www.gradstudies.ualberta.ca/awardsfunding/scholarships/general/index.htm
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Andrew Stewart Memorial Graduate Prize
Dissertation Fellowship (PhD)
Izaak Walton Killam Memorial Scholarship (PhD)
Queen Elizabeth II Graduate Scholarship (Doctoral)
Queen Elizabeth II Graduate Scholarship (Masters)
Walter H. Johns Graduate Fellowship
http://www.gradstudies.ualberta.ca/awardsfunding/scholarships/walterhjohns/index.htm
Walter H. Johns Graduate Fellowships are awarded to students registered full-time in a graduate degree program
who are receiving an eligible scholarship at the Master’s level with a value less than $30,000 from NSERC, SSHRC or
CIHR.
Students receiving NSERC, SSHRC, or CIHR awards valued at $30,000 or more may apply for an Honorary Walter H.
Johns Graduate Fellowship. Honorary Fellowships have no monetary value but appear on the official University of
Alberta transcript.
President’s Doctoral Prize of Distinction
http://www.gradstudies.ualberta.ca/awardsfunding/scholarships/presidentsprize/index.htm
The President’s Doctoral Prize of Distinction is awarded to students registered full-time in a doctoral degree program
who have won an eligible major doctoral-level scholarship.
The Present’s Doctoral Prize of Distinction is valued at $10,000 (Year 1) and 18 units of fee index plus noninstructional fees in subsequent years that the major doctoral award is held.
Students will receive the full value of the President’s Doctoral Prize of Distinction if they hold an eligible doctoral
award for both the Fall and Winter terms (September to April). Students will receive one-half of the prize value if
they hold an eligible doctoral award for only one four-month term (Fall term or Winter term) of an academic year.
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Eligible Doctoral Awards won in 2008 competition
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NSERC Postgraduate Scholarship (PGSD)
Alexander Graham Bell Canada Graduate Scholarship (NSERC CGSD)
SSHRC Doctoral Fellowship
Joseph-Armand Bombardier Canada Graduate Scholarship (SSHRC CGSD)
CIHR Doctoral Research Award*
Frederick Banting and Charles Best Canada Graduate Scholarship (CIHR CGSD)
Trudeau Foundation Doctoral Scholarship
CIHR Industry-Partnered, Priority Announcement and Strategic Initiative Doctoral Research Awards are not eligible
for the President’s Doctoral Prize of Distinction.
Killam Trusts
http://www.gradstudies.ualberta.ca/killam/index.htm
The University of Alberta is one of six beneficiaries of the $400 million Killam Trusts, one of Canada’s largest and
most prestigious endowments for scholarly activities. Since 1967, the Killam Bequest has provided more than $60
million to the University of Alberta.
The Recruitment Scholarship Competition
http://www.gradstudies.ualberta.ca/awardsfunding/scholarships/recruitment/index.htm
The FGSR Recruitment Scholarship Competition attracts the best and brightest students to the University of Alberta.
Students do not need to apply for Recruitment Scholarships; departments recommend and nominate eligible
students.
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FS Chia PhD Scholarship
Provost Doctoral Entrance Award
University of Alberta Master’s Scholarship
University of Alberta Doctoral Scholarship
Research Travel Grants
http://www.gradstudies.ualberta.ca/awardsfunding/scholarships/travel/index.htm
The Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research (FGSR) offer two grants to provide students with a one-time
opportunity to expose their research results and conclusions for peer review. The grant supports attendance at a
major national or international meeting where students present a paper or poster; or formally participates in a
panel. The awards are valued from $200 – $600 for Master’s students and from $200 - $800 for Doctoral Students.
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Mary Louise Imrie Graduate Student Award
J Gordon Kaplan Graduate Student Award
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Research Abroad Grants
The FGSR provides graduate students with the opportunity to enhance their program by doing research at a
university outside of Canada. It provides $2,000 for travel, and up to $2,000 per month for living expenses for up to
4 months. There are three competitions annually in February, June, and October.
Additional awards are made each year in recognition of achievement in specific research; students are nominated by
their supervisor. The Graduate Coordinator will forward the application to the appropriate committee for
evaluation.
Alberta Ingenuity Nanotechnology & iCORE ICT Recruitment Scholarships
The FGSR has been provided with a one-time allocation of funds from the Alberta Ingenuity/iCORE Graduate
Student Scholarship program to support up to 15 PhD scholarships in the areas of Nanotechnology and Information
and Communications Technology (ICT).
The FGSR will use these scholarships to attract the best and brightest PhD students (international or domestic) in the
areas of nanotechnology and information and communications technology.
Alberta Ingenuity Graduate Recruitment Scholarship in Nanotechnology
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Approximately 11 awards available
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Valued at $41,000 for four years; $36,000 from FGSR and $5,000 research allowance from the supervisor
and/or department for Years 1, 2, 3, 4
iCORE Graduate Recruitment Scholarship in ICT (Information and Communications Technology)
http://www.gradstudies.ualberta.ca/awardsfunding/scholarships/nanoICTrecruitment.htm
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Approximately 4 awards available
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Valued at $41,000 for four years; $36,000 from FGSR and $5,000 research allowance from the supervisor
and/or department for Years 1, 2, 3, 4
Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry (FoMD) Funding Opportunities
http://www.med.ualberta.ca/Home/Research/Awards/
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Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry/Capital Health Graduate Student Recruitment Studentships (GSRS)
Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry 75th Anniversary Awards
Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry/Capital Health – Med Star Awards for Graduate Students (Quarterly
Competitions)
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External Funding Agencies
Students are encouraged to seek funding from Canada's three major research grant agencies (Tri-Council).
NSERC, SSHRC and CIHR.
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National Science Engineering Research Council (NSERC)
Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC)
Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR)
Application procedures vary greatly for these award competitions. In some instances, students apply directly to the
agency; in others, the University of Alberta is assigned a quota, departments rank and recommend applications and
the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research forwards applications to the agency.
Beginning September 2008, new PhD applicants who hold a Canada Graduate Scholarship – Doctoral (CGSD), NSERC
Post-Graduate Scholarship – Doctoral (PGSD), SSHRC Doctoral Fellowships or CIHR Doctoral Research Award will
receive the President's Doctoral Prize of Distinction worth $10,000 in the first year and an amount equal to the
instructional tuition and fees in up to 3 subsequent years that an eligible award is held.
Alberta Innovates Health Solutions (AIHS)
Under the banner of Alberta Innovates, the Alberta government has created new organizations that are building on
Alberta's strengths in the health, energy and environment, technology and bio sectors.
The Alberta Heritage Foundation for Medical Research Endowment Fund, through Alberta Innovates - Health
Solutions, supports top quality, internationally competitive health research.
Alberta Innovates - Health Solutions builds on the strengths and successes of the former Alberta Heritage
Foundation for Medical Research.
External Agency Awards
Additional awards are also available but not limited to:
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Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada
Alberta Cancer Board
National Cancer Institute of Canada (NCIC)
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Answers to Common Questions
If I fulfill the minimum criteria for admission, what are my chances of entry?
Fulfilling the minimum criteria offers consideration for admission to the Program. Admission into the MSc or PhD
programs will depend on the quality of your application, on the total number of applications received and their
quality, on available funding and on the availability of supervisors.
What are the most heavily weighted factors?
The admissions committee considers all aspects of the application: the GPA, references, academic background, the
quality of the statement of interest, and laboratory experience. Your references support your application by
providing us with independent assessments of your academic or work experience, while your statement of interest
provides you with the opportunity to highlight your strengths.
Do the references have to be prior instructors?
No, the references may be prior or current instructors, supervisors or employers. The references should give the
admissions committee a detailed description of your personal strengths and weaknesses, research skills and
research potential, and your ability to undertake a graduate program.
Does my undergraduate degree have to be in Biochemistry?
A Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry or a closely related discipline is normally required for admission, but
outstanding applicants from more distantly related disciplines are encouraged to apply.
Do I have to submit a GRE Score?
Results of the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) General and the Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology examinations
will be required.
A good performance is generally considered to be a score of 2,000 or higher on the General Examination and 80% or
higher on the Subject Area examinations. A good performance in the GRE examinations strengthens an application
from students at Canadian universities whose formal academic performance may be marginal.
How can I determine the status of my application?
You may determine the status of your application in two ways. The first is to check your Bear Tracks account. As
each item of your application is received you will be notified. The second is to contact the Graduate Program
Advisor.
Where should I send my application materials?
Please send your application materials to the Graduate Student Advisor in the Department of Biochemistry, 4-74
Medical Sciences Building, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2H7, Canada.
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Graduate Courses in Biochemistry
BIOCH 510 Signal Transduction
*3 (fi 6) (second term, 3-0-0). Principles of the biochemistry of cell communication and signal transduction through
receptor activation, the generation of second messengers, and the control of protein modifications. The course will
emphasize the mechanisms responsible for the regulation of cell migration, division and death. Prerequisites: BIOCH
310, 320 and 330, or BIOCH 203 and 205, all with a minimum grade of B-, or consent of the Department. Offered in
alternate years. Lectures are the same as for BIOCH 410, but with additional assignments and evaluation appropriate
to graduate studies. This course may not be taken for credit if credit has already been obtained in BIOCH 410.
BIOCH 520 Protein Chemistry, Structure, and Function
*3 (fi 6) (second term, 3-0-0). Protein chemistry and purification. The intra- and intermolecular forces that
determine protein structure. Principles of protein folding and dynamics. Enzyme mechanisms and ligand binding
interactions. Prerequisites: BIOCH 320, or BIOCH 203 and 205, all with a minimum grade of B- or consent of
Department. Offered in alternate years. Lectures are the same as for BIOCH 420, but with additional assignments
and evaluation appropriate to graduate studies. This course may not be taken for credit if credit has already been
obtained in BIOCH 420.
BIOCH 530 Biochemistry of Eukaryotic Gene Expression
*3 (fi 6) (first term, 3-0-0). The organization and expression at the molecular level of information encoded in the
nucleic acids of eukaryotic cells. The focus will be on genome structure and the regulation of gene expression at the
levels of transcription, post-transcriptional processing, translation, post-translational modification and protein
sorting. Recombinant DNA technologies and genetic engineering will be discussed as methods for studying the
cellular processing of genetic information.
Prerequisites: BIOCH 320 and 330, or BIOCH 203 and 205, all with a minimum grade of B- or consent of Department.
Offered in alternate years. Lectures are the same as for BIOCH 430, but with additional assignments and evaluation
appropriate to graduate studies. This course may not be taken for credit if credit has already been obtained in
BIOCH 430.
BIOCH 541 Structure and Function of Biological Membranes
*3 (fi 6) (first term, 3-0-0). Survey of the structure and function of biological membranes. Topics include the
structure, properties and composition of biomembranes, characterization and structural principles of membrane
lipids and proteins, lateral and transverse asymmetry, dynamics, lipid-protein interactions, membrane enzymology,
permeability, and biogenesis. Prerequisites: BIOCH 320, or BIOCH 203 and 205, all with a minimum grade of B- or
consent of Department. Offered in alternate years. Lectures are the same as for BIOCH 441, but with additional
assignments and evaluation appropriate to graduate studies. This course may not be taken for credit if credit has
already been obtained in BIOCH 441.
BIOCH 550 The Molecular Biology of Mammalian Viruses
*3 (fi 6) (first term, 3-0-0). This course will focus on virus structure, replication, and interaction with host cells at the
molecular level. Lytic viruses with single- or double-stranded DNA or RNA genomes will be discussed, as will the
mechanisms of viral oncogenesis. Prerequisites: BIOCH 320 and 330, or BIOCH 203 and 205, all with a minimum
grade of B- or consent of Department. Offered in alternate years. Lectures are the same as for BIOCH 450, but with
additional assignments and evaluation appropriate to graduate studies. This course may not be taken for credit if
credit has already been obtained in BIOCH 450.
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BIOCH 555 Biochemistry of Lipids and Lipoproteins
*3 (fi 6) (second term, 3-0-0). Advanced course focusing on specific aspects of the regulation of lipid and lipoprotein
metabolism. Topics include the transcriptional and post-translational mechanisms governing the synthesis and
degradation of important enzymes, lipids, and lipid transport molecules; the role of lipid mediators in signaling
pathways and protein modification; the assembly and dynamics of lipoproteins and biological membranes; genetic
disruptions of lipid regulatory proteins such as cell surface receptors leading to human disease. Prerequisites: BIOCH
310, 320, and 330, or BIOCH 203 and 205, all with a minimum grade of B- or consent of Department. Offered in
alternate years. Lectures are the same as for BIOCH 455, but with additional assignments and evaluation appropriate
to graduate studies. This course may not be taken for credit if credit has already been obtained in BIOCH 455.
BIOCH 560 Physical Biochemistry
*3 (fi 6) (second term, 3-0-0). Survey of physical techniques used in the characterization and structural
determination of biological macromolecules. Topics include hydrodynamics, optical and magnetic resonance
spectroscopies, diffraction techniques such as X-ray crystallography, and small angle neutron and X-ray scattering.
Emphasis is on using techniques in evaluating structure-function relationships by a discussion of representative
macromolecular systems. Prerequisites: BIOCH 320, or BIOCH 203 and 205, all with a minimum grade of B- or
consent of Department. Prerequisites or co-requisites: CHEM 371 and 373, or consent of Department. Offered in
alternate years. Lectures are the same as for BIOCH 460, but with additional assignments and evaluation appropriate
to graduate studies. This course may not be taken for credit if credit has already been obtained in BIOCH 460.
BIOCH 609 Macromolecular Structure Analysis
*3 (fi 6) (second term, 3-0-0). Principles of X-ray crystallography as applied to the study of protein and nucleic acid
structure. Practical aspects of diffraction and structure solution are demonstrated by a collaborative study of a
suitable small molecule of biological interest. Designed for senior honors and graduate students. Prerequisite:
consent of Instructor. Maximum enrolment of 10 students. Offered in alternate years.
BIOCH 620 Selected Topics in Protein Structure, Function, and Regulation
*3 (fi 6) (second term, 0-3s-0). Directed reading and seminar course, based on papers taken from recent literature of
protein research. Students critically discuss the papers and give oral presentations to the class. Designed for
graduate students. Prerequisite: BIOCH 420 or equivalent, or consent of Department.
BIOCH 623 Special Topics in Research on Polynucleotides
*2 (fi 4) (two term, 0-1s-0). This course is a journal club and discussion group in which current research topics on
nucleic acids are discussed. Specific talks range from biochemistry, genetics and microbiology to nuclear biology and
clinical aspects.
BIOCH 626 Special Topics in Protein Research
*2 (fi 4) (two term, 0-1s-0). Seminar course for advanced students. Detailed consideration is given to recent
advances in research on protein structure and function and mechanism of enzyme action. Prerequisite: BIOCH 420
or consent of Department.
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BIOCH 630 Selected Topics in Modern Molecular Biology
*3 (fi 6) (second term, 0-3s-0). Directed reading and seminar course, based on papers taken from the recent
literature of molecular biology. Students critically discuss the papers and give oral presentations. Note: designed for
graduate students; offered yearly. Prerequisite: BIOCH 530 and consent of the Department.
BIOCH 640 Special Topics in Research on Biomembranes
*2 (fi 4) (two term, 0-1s-0). Seminar course for advanced students covering selected topics from the current
literature in the field of membrane structure and function. Prerequisite: BIOCH 441 or consent of Department.
BIOCH 641 Selected Topics on the Structure and Function of Biological Membranes
*3 (fi 6) (first term, 0-3s-0). Directed reading and seminar course on the structure and function of biological
membranes. Topics include membrane biogenesis, bioenergetics, transport and structural aspects of membrane
lipids and proteins. Prerequisite: BIOCH 441 or consent of the Department. Offered in alternate years.
BIOCH 650 Signal Transduction
*2 (fi 4) (two term, 0-1s-0). A journal club and discussion group addressing topics in the general area of signaling
mechanisms that control cell activation, growth, apoptosis and vesicle trafficking. Specific talks range from
biochemistry, genetics and microbiology to molecular biology and clinical aspects. Prerequisite: BIOCH 410/510 or
consent of Department.
BIOCH 651 Special Topics in Lipid and Lipoprotein Research
*2 (fi 4) (two term, 0-1s-0). Seminar for advanced students covering selected topics from the current literature in the
field of lipid and lipoprotein research. Prerequisite: BIOCH 555 or consent of Department.
BIOCH 655 Advances in Lipid and Lipoprotein Research
*3 (fi 6) (second term, 1-2s-0). Recent developments and use of the current literature are emphasized. Topics
include regulation of lipid metabolism, intracellular lipid trafficking, regulation of lipoprotein secretion, lipid transfer
among lipoproteins, reverse cholesterol transport, and atherosclerosis. Prerequisite: BIOCH 455, or 555, or consent
of Department. Offered in alternate years.
BIOCH 670 Recent Advances in Biochemistry
*4 (fi 8) (two term, 0-1s-0). A seminar course on topics of current interest in biochemistry. Students will contribute
to a presentation based on recent developments published in first rate journals. Attendance at all seminars is
expected. Note: open only to graduate students in Biochemistry.
BIOCH 671 Recent Advances in Biochemistry
*4 (fi 8) (two term, 0-1s-0). A seminar course on topics of current interest in biochemistry. Students will contribute a
presentation on their research project that includes original data. Attendance at all seminars is expected.
Prerequisite: BIOCH 670 or consent of the Department. Note: open only to graduate students in Biochemistry.
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BIOCH 675 Magnetic Resonance in Biology and Medicine II
*3 (fi 6) (second term, 3-0-0). Designed for advanced honors and graduate students interested in the application of
nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy to biological systems. Topics include quantum mechanical basis of NMR,
multinuclear multidimensional NMR experiments, NMR relaxation theory, new NMR applications. Prerequisite:
consent of Instructor. Offered in alternate years
Revised: October 27, 2011
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