Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology at UBC Graduate Entrance Requirements

General Requirements
Our program provides advanced education with a goal of preparing students for a career in research. We don't provide introductory training to applicants who possess a minimal background in the basic sciences. Such applicants are advised to apply for an undergraduate degree or unclassified studies. If you hold a degree in a clinical/medical field (i.e., MD, Pharmacy, Clinical Laboratory) or application-based fields (Chemical Engineering, Biotechnology) you'd generally be more successful applying to another graduate program.
We receive around fifty applications per year with ten to fifteen students finding a place in a lab. Decisions for formal acceptance are based on:
Academic achievement
Favorable letters of reference
Experience in or aptitude for research
If possible a formal interview
Availability of a research project, research space and funding
Program Specific Requirements
There are different entrance requirements for the Masters program, the PhD program with a previous masters degree and the PhD program with an previous undergraduate degree. If you have non-North American credentials you also need to meet some additional requirements.
We are under no obligation to accept any students who meet the minimum requirements. However successful applicants typically match the profiles indicated below.
The academic credentials of both Canadian and International degree holders are subject to a final evaluation by the Faculty of Graduate Studies.
Printer friendly copy of entrance requirements (PDF, 32KB)
Masters Program
You should have advanced laboratory experience in a biochemistry research environment, e.g., summer student research project, co-op work experience, a directed studies laboratory research course, or employment as a laboratory technician in a research or relevant industrial environment.
At the minimum, you should hold or be in the process of completing a science four year BSc or BScH
You should be knowledgeable in organic and physical chemistry beyond the introductory level
You should have taken an introductory Biochemistry course, an introductory Biochemistry laboratory course, and at least two advanced Biochemistry courses
Courses in genetics, physics, microbiology, or cell biology are strongly recommended
North American degree holders must have obtained an overall transcript average of B+ or a first class standing in 12 credits of combined 3rd and 4th year relevant coursework
North American degree holders must review the academic entrance requirements for students from your country at the Faculty of Graduate Studies Website
PhD Program with a Previous Master Degree
You should hold a recognized Master's degree which involves:
At least 12-15 months of full-time laboratory research
A seminar course
Graduate level courses
A written thesis
An oral presentation/examination before a research supervisory committee
Ideally, you should be a co-author on a manuscript published in an internationally recognized journal
North American degree holders must have a overall average of B+ (76% at UBC) in your master's degree program
Non-North American degree holders must review the academic entrance requirements for students from your country at the Faculty of Graduate Studies Website
PhD with a Previous Undergraduate Degree
This is also known as a direct entry PhD. In addition the usual MSc requirements, you must have:
A first class average in each semester of your undergraduate coursework
Research experience beyond the laboratory course level
Ideally you should be co-author on a manuscript published in an internationally recognized journal
Generally international degree holders are not eligible for direct PhD entry
Students with Non-North American Credentials
You should compare your academic record with the closest corresponding program at UBC to ensure your background is equivalent in terms of course content/standard, number of courses and total credit value. Please see UBC's on-line Calendar for undergraduate program descriptions. You must also review the Faculty of Graduate Study's academic requirements for students from your country.
TOEFL and GRE Requirements
The TOEFL and GRE requirements are waived for students who hold degrees from recognized Canadian institutions.
TOEFL
Applicants whose first language is not English must take the TOEFL examination. Test scores should be above 625 (paper-based) or 263 (computer-based) or 106 (internet based). TOEFL reports are valid for two years from date of test.
GRE
Applicants, including Canadian citizens, who hold degrees from international institutions must provide a GRE General or Subject (Biochemistry or Chemistry) report. Test scores should be in the upper percentile range (80-100%). Other relevant subject fields may be considered.