Why Biochemistry?

 

 nanotube
From bug hair to nanotechnology. About this picture: The hair-like structures on the surface of bacterial cells are formed by several thousand molecules of the protein pilin assembled into filament bundles. The image at left is a cross-sectional view along the bundle axis showing the assembly of five pilin molecules held by hydrophobic interactions between the helical segments. The image at right is the analogous assembly after York biochemists clipped a good portion of the helical segment, revealing a void in what is now a protein-based nanotube, for application in nanotechnology. (Work by Professor Audette's group).

Specialized Honours BSc Program in Biochemistry

Why Biochemistry?

These are exciting times for Biochemistry! Now, over 70 years after the Watson and Crick elucidation of the double helical structure of DNA, and the completion of the sequencing of the human and other genomes, biochemistry is on the brink of another burst forward. Much has been learned about the proteins that are coded for in the genetic material but much remains to be learned about the proteome – all the proteins that catalyze and control the exquisite details of cellular metabolism, in many different types of cells in various states of development and well-being.

The progress in the next 70 years may rival that of the past and you might be interested in participating! If so, we invite you to study Biochemistry at York. The program is demanding but rewarding!

Download a free, informative brochure (0.1 Mb).

Download the Biochemistry Handbook
Why at York?
  • York has dedicated and experienced faculty members whose personal interests are in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.
  • Students at York enjoy small classes, engaging and approachable teachers, useful tutorials, relevant laboratory experience, modern equipment, capable support staff and a friendly atmosphere.
  • The program provides excellent training and breadth.
  • The learning atmosphere will be excellent, with plenty of opportunity to interact with our faculty, culminating with a research project course in the graduating year in which students gain valuable experience in the laboratory of a faculty member of their choice, working on an exciting research project.
  • York students are successful. They show a high graduation rate and get meaningful and well paid jobs in research, in industry and in teaching. Others go on to pursue graduate studies, here and at other prestigious universities in Canada and abroad. Many enter professional schools in medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, law and business.