Graduate Program
The University of Toronto occupies the 3rd position on the 2024 Annual Tables for Health Sciences (Nature). With our focus on innovative research in 10 Research Areas, the Department of Biochemistry is an important part of this collective success story. We are home to over 65 faculty members who collaborate on campus, across affiliated Toronto hospitals and Research Institutes, and with researchers around the globe. Working together, we aim to improve health through scientific discovery and education. Our graduate program allows MSc and PhD candidates to pursue cutting edge problems of molecular and cell biology, proteomics and bioinformatics, immunology, protein folding and structure-function relationships, gene expression and development, membranology, drug discovery, and the molecular basis of disease. With over 100 students working towards MSc and PhD degrees, our program provides a wonderfully collegial atmosphere and fosters many opportunities for collaborative research.
Program Highlights
Research Foci
Our graduate program allows MSc and PhD candidates to pursue cutting edge problems under 10 major research foci and many subspecialties. Explore our Research Areas and associated Lab Groups!
Technology
Our laboratory facilities are world class and are continually updated to include state-of-the-art instrumentation and computation facilities. Read more under the Research Tab!
Meet our Faculty
We are home to over 65 faculty members. Explore our Directory and Research Groups to discover their research programs.
The Department of Biochemistry enjoys connection with over 10 different research locations and affiliated institutions. This geographic network allows for rich interactions between research groups across departments and facilities and enriches opportunities for collaboration and accessing extra-departmental technology and expertise. Explore our locations and affiliated institutions here.
Student Life
Graduate Students belong to a vibrant and active Biochemistry Graduate Student Union (BGSU) who provide essential input into policy decisions and are the heart of the Department’s social activities. Students also enjoy the benefits of our Student Peer Communications, Mentorship, WIDE, and Transcripts Blog teams.
What are our Alumni Up to?
Our graduates have an excellent track record of employment within academic, governmental, and industrial settings. Find alumni stories here. We also offer an internationally-recognized Graduate Professional Development program.
Getting Started with Our Program
Most of our students enter our program at the MSc level. During their second year, they decide if they wish to complete an MSc Thesis, or Transfer into to the PhD program. We also accept a number of PhD students who have already obtained an MSc or directly from a BSc program if they have outstanding records.
Learn more about our pathways!
We also participate in collaborative specializations in Biomedical Engineering, Developmental Biology, Genome Biology and Bioinformatics, and Neuroscience and support a combined MD/PhD program.
Interested? Contact Carrie Harber for more details.
Our Rotation System allows students to gain cross-lab experience before choosing their research lab.
Program Requirements
In addition to rotations and their individual research project, students learn through our departmental seminar series, coursework, and professional development opportunities. Check out the program requirements for our MSc and PhD programs here.