Graduate Studies in Biochemistry
Graduate Endowment Fund
Further advances in health care will require the training of tomorrow’s outstanding scientists. The Department of Biochemistry at the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry at The University of Western Ontario has created an Endowment Fund to ensure that this training will continue to occur and to maintain Canada’s prestigious position at the forefront of medical research.
The objectives of this Endowment Fund are to:
- Enhance recruitment of talented young researchers into graduate programs.
- Provide training opportunities in Biochemistry & Molecular Biology by directing research funds into graduate programs.
- Promote the establishment of new research initiatives with seed-funds for graduate student training.
- Promote communication of research findings by supporting participation at international conferences.
The Future of Medical Research
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology are Central Disciplines in Diverse Areas of Modern Medicine
Biochemical research has prominently led the way to uncovering the molecular basis of disease and continues to provide the foremost avenue for diagnosis and treatment. Rational approaches to drug design, molecular diagnosis of disease, and the potential for gene therapy rely almost exclusively on biochemical and molecular research. Biochemical and molecular approaches led to the delineation of the human genome, which in turn has opened up many new opportunities and approaches to improve our understanding and treatment of human disease. In the post-genome era, we will witness global systems-based approaches to analyze the complex molecular inter-relationships that determine human health.
Research Activities
Faculty in the Department of Biochemistry comprise a vibrant research community engaged in outstanding research in both independent and collaborative programs. Research programs are categorized into six major areas:
Genome Dynamics, Epigenetics, and Gene Expression
DNA Replication and Repair; Transcription; Mobile DNA
Human Genetics and Clinical Biochemistry
Disease-based Research; Clinical Studies
Signal Transduction and Intracellular Communication
Signalling Pathways
Macromolecular Structure and Dynamics
Protein Biochemistry; Structural Biology
Proteomics
Biomolecular Characterization; Disease-Based Research
Bioinformatics
Disease Prediction; Protein Coevolution; Biocomputing
State-of-the-art facilities are available in the areas of protein structure, protein function, and proteomics.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate
The Department offers Undergraduate Programs with significant research scope. Many of our students continue to research careers in government, academia, and industry. Honors Degrees in the following fields are available:
- Biochemistry
- Biochemistry and Chemistry
- Biochemistry and Cell Biology
- Genetics and Biochemistry
- Clinical Biochemistry
- Bioinformatics
- Biochemistry of Infection and Immunity
Graduate
The Department offers cutting-edge training in a wide range of research topics that lead to MSc and PhD degrees. These Graduate Programs have attracted excellent students who continue to excel at the graduate level and in their subsequent research careers.
Download a Graduate Endowment Fund Pledge Form
For more information or to learn how to contribute, please contact:
Dr. Chris Brandl
Medical Sciences Building, M342
Phone: 519-661-3074
Fax: 519-661-3175
Last updated by L. Weir, July 2011.
