External Transfers | Office of the Associate Dean | Life Sciences & Biochemistry

Full-Time Upper Year Admission

The Biochemistry program at Queen's is accepting transfer students for the 2023-2024 academic year.

Why transfer to Biochemistry at Queen's?

Biochemistry is the branch of science that explores the structures and chemical processes of molecules in living organisms that interact to form cells, tissues and whole organisms. The Biochemistry program at Queen’s provides students with in-depth training in a wide range of important topics that are related to these processes, including the mechanisms of cancer progression, cellular communication, and the molecular and chemical basis of infection, inheritance and disease. The program also offers opportunities for students to explore rapidly expanding fields in molecular genetics, metabolism of biomolecules, bioengineering and regenerative medicine through hands-on training with professors in research labs.

How do I get into this undergraduate program?

Minimum GPA of 2.9 on a 4.3 scale.

Transferable Biology (6 units) and Chemistry (6 units)

Minimum of 27 units taken in 1st year

Math (optional, though 1 course of 6 units must be taken to satisfy degree requirements)

Further information on how to apply is available at:

https://www.queensu.ca/artsci/think-and-apply/transfer

What will this program offer me?

In the upper years of the biochemistry program students receive in-depth exposure to all areas of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, including extensive hands-on laboratory experiences. The Biochemistry program has enough flexibility for students to take elective courses offered in other programs within the Faculty of Arts and Science, including the Life Sciences program, for which they are eligible.

What degree plans are offered for Biochemistry?

The flagship program is the Biochemistry Specialization Plan (BSCH-P-BSH), which is recommended for students who wish to gain in-depth training in modern experimental Biochemistry and Biochemical processes involved in human health and disease. This program culminates in an intensive fourth-year thesis research project. It equips students with a solid foundation for entry into a variety of science-based graduate programs. Students may access this Plan at the start of their fourth year, on securing a research project

The Biochemistry Major Plan (BSCH-M-BSH) is designed for those students who want comprehensive training in Biochemistry but may wish to pursue interests outside of experimental Biochemistry. This option provides flexibility for students to take a minor in another subject. To accommodate these interests there are opportunities for more elective credits in the final year of the program. Typically, students interested in pursuing alternate plans than graduate studies in experimental Biochemistry should enroll in this Plan

Who teaches in the Biochemistry program?

The majority of the faculty who teach in the biochemistry program are drawn from the Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, with contributions from faculty in the Departments of Biology and Chemistry. Most of teaching faculty hold competitive research grants from national and provincial agencies.

How will a Queen’s degree in Biochemistry advance my career plans for professional / graduate school?

A degree in Biochemistry will offer you tremendous opportunities for entry in professional schools (such as Medicine, Dentistry, Genetics, Nutrition and Dietetics, etc) and for advancement into graduate studies both in Canada and abroad. What extracurricular activities are available? Biochemistry students have an active, elected student council that organize sports, social and academic related activities for their students, including an annual banquet, BBQ’s, book and clothing sales.