421/422 Projects | Office of the Associate Dean | Life Sciences & Biochemistry

Biochemistry students in the Major program that are interested in completing research, you may complete an Independent Project or apply for the Discovery Lab team-based research course.

SSP Project/Supervisor Selection:

To enrol in the fourth-year BCHM 421/422 Research Project, SSP students must secure a supervisor during their third year. Follow these steps:

Step 1: Explore Research Opportunities

Attend the BCHM Project Pitch Night in Early November (Date TBD) to meet potential supervisors and hear about projects.
Research faculty members independently using the DBMS faculty page
Review the BCHM Research Project List (file will be shared here in October)
You may choose a supervisor not on the list, but the project must be biochemistry related. You must email biochem@queensu.ca for approval.

Step 2: Contact Professors

After the Pitch Night, begin to reach out to professors (mid-November – early December)
Include your unofficial transcript and a brief introduction email.
Request the opportunity to meet

Step 3: Meet Supervisors

schedule meetings to discuss lab details and research topics. (early January)

Step 4: Confirm Your Supervisor

Once you’ve secured a supervisor, you or your supervisor must both email biochem@queensu.ca to confirm your placement.
Include your student ID, and be sure to cc your supervisor on the email

Step 5: GPA Confirmation and Enrollment

Once final marks have been received (early May), the Biochemistry Program Office will ensure that students meet the requirements to be registered in BCHM 421 and BCHM 422.
Students with a confirmed supervisor and approved GPA will be enrolled in BCHM 421 and BCHM 422
Students who do not meet the minimum a cumulative GPA of 2.9 requirement in BCHM 313/3.0, BCHM 315/3.0, BCHM 316/3.0, BCHM 318/3.0, BCHM 319/3.0, BCHM 218/3.0, will not be able to complete a project, and will be switched to the BCHM major plan.