Born from biology and chemistry, biochemistry is concerned with the chemical substances present in living organisms and with their biological functions. Biochemists contribute to the study of biochemical mechanisms as well as to drug research while developing therapeutic principles and preventive health approaches, including in the areas of obesity, cancer and diabetes. It is also working on nanomaterials, solving problems of environmental contamination, neuro-degenerative diseases, HIV-AIDS and genetic through the adaptation of plants to the stress of their environment.
The new program will be set up in September 2017. It is distinguished by:
- A program of 30 courses (90 credits) incorporating contemporary scientific advances
- A general training program opening multiple doors for the job market or graduate studies
- Elective courses on current issues in biochemistry
- Accessibility to the Ordre des Chimistes du Québec (OCQ)
- A team of dynamic and available teachers
- Small classes, both for theoretical and laboratory courses
- State-of-the-art equipments in teaching laboratories
- A practical training of around 550 hours in laboratory, in addition to the training course or mandatory research project
- Laboratories on a full day as well as in the work place
- Periods of exercises with monitoring in selected courses
- Flexibility in the pathway (full-time, part-time, entry into the fall, entry into winter)
- The possibility of doing a second professional immersion (internship or research project) credited
- The opportunity to follow an "Honor" path in preparation for higher studies
This program provides general and solid training to allow graduates to practice chemistry in the spheres of activity targeted by the needs of the labor market and also to pursue higher education. The program focuses on four strong and current disciplinary fields, namely: instrumental quantitative analysis, synthesis, environmental analysis, and materials and energy. Its aim is to transmit, in an applied context, the theoretical and practical foundations of the key areas of contemporary chemistry. The student will be able to integrate basic knowledge during his / her curriculum and develop his or her analytical, organizational and communication skills through problem-solving and the realization of projects of increasing complexity. In fact, once the basic knowledge has been established, the training is organized in the form of realization of projects related to the main sectors of activity of chemistry, namely: organic synthesis, materials and analysis related to the environment or biomolecules. This program puts an important emphasis on practical training in laboratory with a minimum of 620 hours of practical work, including an internship in an university or research workplace. These activities promote knowledge integration, autonomy and critical thinking. The program also insists on the rigor of the scientific approach and the ethical and professional responsibilities of the chemist. A "Honor" profile is offered to students who, in their third year, want to start a transition to graduate studies in chemistry.
The only French-language training program in Quebec specifically focused on natural sciences applied to the environment, the baccalaureate touch on contemporary challenges related to environmental issues with an interdisciplinary perspective. The practice-based training allows students to understand the mechanisms leading to ecosystem degradation, to propose solutions to reduce current impacts, and to prevent the development of future problems.
Graduates of this bachelor's degree will be able to pursue their studies at the master's level or gain direct access to the labor market. Employment prospects in Quebec and Canada are excellent in this area, with environmental specialists being sought by expert and consulting firms, municipalities, federal and provincial departments or companies natural resources.
Chemistry contributes to the advancement of scientific challenges, particularly in the field of green energies and nanomaterials. Based on both theoretical and practical training, the Certificate in Chemical Analysis highlights air and water analysis, contaminant studies and robotics.