Frequently Asked Questions:
Where is the Deparment of Biochemistry Web Site??
The Department of Biochemistry web site is at http://biochemistry.utoronto.ca.
Why study Biochemistry?
Biochemistry is important in many fields of work, including basic research, medicine, dentistry and pharmacology. A general understanding of the underlying principles involved in protein, lipids, nucleic acid and carbohydrate chemistry is required to understand how the human body works. By studying biochemistry, you gain insights into diseases and the general order of how we work.
Why study biochemistry as opposed to another field?
Biochemistry encompasses many fields of study, including molecular biology, immunology, molecular genetics, bioinformatics and cell biology. Thus as a student of the biochemistry department, you gain a rather broad range of experience in various fields, and are not limited to the more specialized areas of study.
What does the University of Toronto have to offer to me?
UofT is world renowned for the research, which occurs on campus. With world class researchers, top notch and state of the art facilities and a good mix of student life UofT is the best place in Canada to be doing research and one of the best place in the world to be studying biochemistry.
How long does it take to finish a graduate degree?
While there are no hard numbers out there, it generally take on average 2 ½ years to finish a masters and 5 ½ years to finish a Ph.D. in the biochemistry department.
Can I have a social life while doing research?
This answer really depends on the type of research you are doing and whom you are working with. Some professors expect you to be in 9-5 Monday to Friday, while others expect you to be in 10 hours a day, 7 days a week. The latter kind of supervisor would most likely infringe on your ability to socialize. However, generally speaking, most students in the department do have enough time to go out with friends, watch movies and television, and continue on their hobbies that they have had during their undergraduate careers.
Additionally, the biochemistry graduate student union (BGSU) organizes events and activities which encourages student interactions outside of the university life. We host golfing, skiing and other sporting events, movie nights, and pub nights.
What does a thesis look like?
Generally speaking a Master’s thesis and a Ph.D. thesis differ dramatically. Both are “reports” of the work you have done over your period of study. However, a Master’s thesis is generally 3 chapters long, while a Ph.D. thesis is 5 chapters. Both contain an introductory chapter and a final discussion chapter. The middle chapter in a Master’s thesis is generally some of the work that has been done over the 2 years, but not necessarily contains complete data for a publishable paper. A Ph.D. on the other hand, should contain at least 2 publishable chapters (data that has been published) and a third chapter which could be publishable or has been published.
Am I a number, like I was in undergrad, or am I an individual?
Graduate studies place a large amount of pressure on you to make yourself noticed. While the class sizes are small (generally 10-20 people) and the overall department contains only 100 students, it is still somewhat difficult to be known unless you make a conscientious effort to introduce yourself to the professors and students. Attending events does help you meet everyone involved in the department. Also, introducing yourself to the secretarial staff (who are amazing!) will help you be known as an individual and not by your student number.
|
