Biochemistry, Bachelor of Science

Program Information
Credential: 
Bachelor's Degree
Duration: 

1 year at RDC - 3 years at U of A or U of L

Delivery: 
Main Campus
Program Cost Estimates: 

Contact Information

Contact Name: 
Dr. Tim Heath
Contact Title: 
Associate Dean
Contact Phone: 
403.342.3400 OR 1.888.732.4630
Contact Email: 
inquire@rdc.ab.ca
University Transfer Program

One Year University Transfer Program:

For the most current university program and transfer information, see the Planning Guides in Academic Advising.

The Program

RDC offers one year of studies toward BSc Biochemistry.

There is a broad range of science courses in the program, allowing for easy transfer to other programs. These include Chemistry, various Biology programs, and some pre-professional programs.

Transfer Features

The courses offered in this program can be transferred to most universities. The courses you select must meet the program requirements of the university chosen.

Requirements
Admission Requirements: 

Related Link: Admission requirements for specific programs will often refer to Alberta Grade 12 course groups. Visit the Admissions page for detailed group descriptions.

Minimum average of 60% with no mark below 50% in:

  1. Biology 30
  2. Chemistry 30
  3. ELA 30-1
  4. Mathematics 30-1
  5. Physics 30

Note: In addition to the program admission requirements applicants, whose first language is not English, must demonstrate English language proficiency.

Program Content
University of Alberta

(Please note these credits are U of A credits.)

Suggested Pattern Year 1

  • BIOL 217 (3 credits)
  • CHEM 211/CHEM 212/CHEM 351 (9 credits)
  • PHYS 205/PHYS 226 (6 credits)
  • ENGL 219/ENGL 220 (6 credits)
  • MATH 202 (or MATH 203)/MATH 204, MATH 221 or STAT 251 (6 credits)
Year 1 Course Descriptions

BIOL 217

An introduction to cellular and molecular biology. Topics include: biological macromolecules; membrane stucture and function; cellular structure; bioenergetics and energy flow; respiration and photosynthesis; cell division and the cell cycle; DNA structure and replication; transcription and translation; recombinant DNA and genetic regulation. Prerequisite: Biology 30 and Chemistry 30 Note: BIOL 217 and 218 can be taken in either order.

CHEM 211

Stoichiometry; ideal gases; atomic structure and bonding; thermochemistry; chemical equilibrium; acids and bases; buffers; titrations. Prerequisite: Chem 30 and Math 30

CHEM 212

Titration curves; solubility and complex ion equilibria; entropy and Gibbs energy; chemical kinetics; electrochemistry; bonding and structure. Prerequisite: CHEM 211

CHEM 251

An introduction ot the chemistry of carbon compounds. Nomenclature; physical properties; sterochemistry; and reactions of hydro carbons; alcohols; thiols; alkyl halides; ethers and epoxides. Use of organic molecules in industry and biology. Prerequisite: CHEM 30 This course is restricted to pre-pharmacy students or department approval. You will only receive credit for one of Chem 241; Chem 251 and Chem 351

ENGL 219

The focus is on formal preparation for university level essay writing and the skills related to critical reading; interpretation; and argument. Prerequisite: ELA 30-1 or English 095 NOTE: Credit will not be granted for both ENGL 219 and ENGL 210.

ENGL 220

The course explores a range of literary genres while continuing to focus on deepening the required structural and critical skills related to thinking and writing about literature. Pre-requisite: Engl 219 NOTE: Credit will not be granted for both ENGL 220 and 210.

MATH 202

Review of analytical geometry; differentiation and integration of simple functions; and applications. Prerequisite: Math 30-1 Note: You should take MATH 203 if you have at least 70% in Math 31.

MATH 203

Review of analytical geometry; differentiation and intergration of simple functions; and applications. Prerequisite: Math 30 and 31 or the equivalent. Note: Not recommended if you have less than 70% in Math 31.

MATH 204

Differentiation and integration of trigonometric; exponential; and logarithmic functions. Indeterminate forms and improper integrals. Techniques of integration. Applications. Prerequisite: MATH 202 or 203 or equivalent. Note: You cannot have credit in both MATH 204 and MATH 213.

MATH 221

Solving linear systems of equations. Matrix algebra. Determinants; vectors; lines and planes; vector spaces; and applications. Prerequisite: Math 30 or equivalent.

PHYS 205

A non-calculus course in physics. Kinematics; vectors; and forces in equilibrium. Linear and rotational motion. Dynamics of particles (oscillations). Prerequisite: Physics 30 or equivalent. Math 30 Pure.

PHYS 226

Fluid statics and dynamics; gases; kinetic interpretation; electrostatics; currents and circuits; magnetic fields; electromagnetic induction; nuclear radiation; its interaction with matter and applications. Prerequisite: PHYS 205 Note: Credit may only be obtained for one of the following: PHYS 226; 246; 247 or 269

STAT 251

Data collection and presentation; descriptive statistics. Probability distributions; sampling distributions and the central limit theorem. Point estimation and hypothesis testing. Correlation and regression analysis. Goodness-of- fit and contingency table. Prerequisite: Math 30-1 or Math 30-2 Note: This course may not be taken for credit if credit has already been obtained in any of STAT 241; PSYC 309; SOCI 311; or BUS 306.