Established in 1907–1908, the Department of Biochemistry at the University of Toronto has played a defining role in shaping biomedical science for more than a century. With a rich legacy of innovation and discovery, we continue to lead in research and education across the molecular life sciences. More than 100 Years Making Scientific History
Now part of the Temerty Faculty of Medicine, the department brings together a diverse and growing faculty engaged in a wide range of research—from signal transduction, membrane biology, and molecular medicine to gene regulation, genome stability, and biomolecular structure. Our work spans foundational areas like molecular and cell biology as well as emerging fields such as computational biology, bioinformatics, and science pedagogy.
Biochemistry is central to understanding life at the molecular level, and our department is dedicated to pushing the boundaries of knowledge while preparing the next generation of scientists, educators, and innovators.
Our research spans a broad spectrum of biochemistry—from the molecular structure of proteins and cellular signaling to genome integrity, microbiology, and computational biology—advancing discovery and innovation across the life sciences.
Our undergraduate programs combine molecular-level biochemistry training with research experience, labs, and faculty mentorship—preparing students to think critically and contribute meaningfully to science.
MSc and PhD students pursue advanced research across 10 areas of biochemistry—from protein structure and gene expression to drug discovery—within a collaborative, research-intensive environment spanning campus and hospital-based institutes.
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What is Biochemistry?
Biochemistry is the study of the chemistry of living organisms. Biochemists seek a molecular explanation of life by attempting to understand its underlying principles. Biochemistry is concerned with the relevance of a molecule to an organism and the correlations between its structure and its function. Modern biochemistry grew out of the application of chemical techniques to biological problems and is the foundation of biological science and medicine. In many ways it combines biology and chemistry but the subject now covers such a broad range of activity that it is difficult to draw a neat border around biochemistry.
Some of the most exciting areas of current biochemistry research include:
- structural biology
- enzyme mechanisms
- signal transduction and regulation
- biotechnology
- molecular cell biology
- gene expression and development
- metabolic diseases
- proteomics and bioinformatics
- molecular evolution
- protein folding
- membranes and transport
The Department of Biochemistry at the University of Toronto recognizes equity, diversity and inclusion as core values that promote excellence in all that we do. Increasingly, our faculty, staff, and student populations reflect the rich diversity of Toronto and Canada. We encourage all applications to our programs as we value diverse thought, backgrounds, and perspectives.
The department supports and values a healthy, professional work and learning environment where all are treated fairly and with respect, and recognizes the importance of personal wellness and work-life integration in achieving the full potential of all members of our community. We prioritize the importance of academic freedom and the ability of our faculty and students to engage with complex and controversial issues, as described in the University of Toronto’s Statement on Freedom of Speech.