Molecular Basis of Biology

The courses that make up this learning track focus on the fundamental processes of life and human disease at the molecular and cellular level. Courses contributing to this learning track include chemistry and biochemistry courses that will introduce you to the structure and function of the molecules of life. These will be followed by upper year courses designed to study emerging fields such as genomics and proteomics that deal with large-scale molecular and cellular data.

This track requires students to take a total of 7 courses.

Coordinator: Dr. Robert Campbell & Dr. Laura van Staalduinen

Courses

In addition to the following core BHSc courses:

PHGY 170
BCHM 270
BCHM 370

Students must take four (4) (at least one must be a 400-level course) of:

BCHM 218 Molecular Biology

BCHM 218, Molecular Biology is a foundational course to the study of molecular biology, focusing on the structural and functional properties and relationships of DNA, RNA and proteins, particularly the processes required to reliably pass genetic information from DNA to RNA to protein, and from one generation to the next.

BCHM 482 Proteomics and Metabolomics

BCHM 482, Proteomics and Metabolomics covers the basic principles of proteomics and metabolomics and their application in the new systems biology ‘omics’ approach to scientific discovery. This course will emphasize both the methodologies used in proteomics and metabolomics, as well as their applications in both research and medical diagnostic settings.

CHEM 281 General Organic Chemistry I

This course can be taken as an option course towards your Bachelor of Health Sciences degree, however is offered by the Faculty of Arts and Science.

CHEM 282 or CHEM 285 General Organic Chemistry II

These courses can be taken as an option course towards your Bachelor of Health Sciences degree, however they are offered by the Faculty of Arts and Science.

PATH 381 Clinical Biochemistry

PATH 381 Clinical Biochemistry covers advanced topics of biochemistry and analytical chemistry in relation to the practice of clinical biochemistry in healthcare.

LISC 390 Integrative Laboratory Studies

LISC 390, Integrative Laboratory Studies is a two-week intensive multidisciplinary laboratory course conducted in-person on the Queen’s University campus in Kingston, Ontario. Students will learn a number of different laboratory techniques, developing skills in scientific methodology, data acquisition, and interpretation.

MICR 290 Antibiotic Resistance Lab

MICR 290, Antibiotic Resistance Lab : This immersive laboratory course is designed to give students the opportunity to develop basic research skills, learning about important microbiological and biochemical research techniques and applying them to the study of antibiotic resistance.

BCHM 320 Applications of Synthetic Biology

BCHM 320 Applications of Synthetic Biology provides students with a comprehensive overview of designing and developing biological ‘parts’ (genes) to use for applications including but not limited to medical, artistry, and agricultural – with special emphasis regarding ethical use.

CANC 440 Cancer Biology and Therapeutics

CANC 440 Cancer Biology and Therapeutics provides a consideration of current knowledge and theories about the biology and treatment of cancer.

CRSS 456 Molecular and Cellular Basis of Cardiovascular Disease

CRSS 456 Molecular and Cellular Basis of Cardiovascular Disease is an advanced course that aims to survey the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying the pathophysiology of major cardiovascular diseases, and the current and emerging tools used in their diagnosis and treatment.

DDHT 459 Principles of Drug Discovery

DDHT 459 Principles of Drug Discovery provides an advanced study of the early stage components involved in the complex process of drug development including target identification, design and synthesis, structure activity relationships, in vitro and in vivo efficacy determination, biochemical and biological optimization.

DDHT 460 Principles of Drug Development

DDHT 460 Principles of Drug Development is an advanced study of the component parts of the complex process of drug discovery and development and the assessment of human toxicology including drug delivery and formulation, directed toxicology studies, drug disposition, clinical trials, legal issues and regulatory approval.

NSCI 424 Neurodegeneration & Brain Health

NSCI 424 Neurodegeneration & Brain Health focuses on the molecular basis of neurodegeneration in Alzheimer’s disease and related neurodegenerative diseases.

PHAR 480 Drug Discovery and Development

PHAR 480 Drug Discovery and Development covers the life-cycle of a pharmaceutical product including, drug discovery, development, and its transition to a generic or over-the-counter medication.

Students who began their studies in the BHSc program prior to September 2022 may choose to complete the requirements of the archived version of the Molecular Basis of Biology learning track: Archived April 2022. Students who are choosing to complete the archived version should email bhsc@queensu.ca prior to submitting their official learning track declaration.