Note: This is the 2018鈥�2019 eCalendar. Update the year in your browser's URL bar for the most recent version of this page, or .
Program Requirements
This program trains students in the fundamentals of chemistry and develops the physical science, computational, and mathematical skills needed for advanced biophysical chemistry research in the biomedical and biotechnology industries. The program features integrative, interdisciplinary courses in bio-physical sciences.
Program Prerequisites
Note: Attainment of the Honours degree requires a CGPA of at least 3.00.
Pre-Program Requirements: Students entering from the Freshman program must have included CHEM 110 and CHEM 120 or CHEM 115, BIOL 111 or BIOL 112, MATH 133, MATH 140/MATH 141 or MATH 150/MATH 151, PHYS 131/PHYS 142, or their equivalents in their Freshman year. Quebec students must have completed the DEC with appropriate science and mathematics courses. Note that students who have successfully completed MATH 150 and MATH 151 do not have to take MATH 222.
Required Courses (65 credits)
The courses marked with an asterisk (*) are omitted from the program of students who have successfully completed them at the CEGEP level. Students completing the program will not be eligible for admission to the Ordre des chimistes du Qu茅bec without additional chemistry electives. This program is not currently accredited by the Canadian Society for Chemistry.
Completion of Mathematics MATH 222 and MATH 315 during U1 is strongly recommended.
* Denotes courses with CEGEP equivalents.
** Students who have successfully completed MATH 150 and MATH 151 are not required to take MATH 222.
Bio-Physical Sciences Core
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BIOL 219 Introduction to Physical Biology of the Cell (4 credits)
Overview
Biology (Sci) : This course is an introduction to molecular and cell biology, using a physical biology perspective. New technologies and methodologies, both experimental and computational, are embedded in the presentation of each topic.
Terms: Fall 2018
Instructors: Weber, Stephanie; Bub, Gil; Vogel, Jacalyn; Hendricks, Adam (Fall)
Prerequisite(s): 1 year of college calculus, chemistry, and physics or equivalents, BIOL 112 or equivalent
Restriction(s): Not open to students who have taken or are taking ANAT 212, BIOC 212, BIOL 200, and BIOL 201.
Restricted to students in Computer Science-Biology, Biology-Mathematics, Physiology-Physics, Physiology-Mathematics, Biology-Quantitative Biology, Chemistry-Biophysical Chemistry, and Physics-Biological Physics options.
This course is meant to prepare students for related 300-level courses in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, etc.
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BIOL 319 Introduction to Biophysics (3 credits)
Overview
Biology (Sci) : Emerging physical approaches and quantitative measurement techniques are providing new insights into longstanding biological questions. This course will present underlying physical theory, quantitative measurement techniques, and significant findings in molecular and cellular biophysics. Principles covered include Brownian motion, low Reynolds-number environments, forces relevant to cells and molecules, chemical potentials, and free energies. These principles are applied to enzymes as molecular machines, membranes, DNA, and RNA.
Terms: Winter 2019
Instructors: Wiseman, Paul (Winter)
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BIOL 395 Quantitative Biology Seminar 1 (1 credit)
Overview
Biology (Sci) : Overview of concepts and current research in quantitative biology; theoretical ecology and evolution, computational biology, and physical biology.
Terms: Fall 2018
Instructors: Hayer, Arnold; Gehring, Kalle Burgess; Guichard, Frederic; Western, Tamara; Brouhard, Gary; Kleinman, Claudia; Oeffinger, Marlene; Reyes Lamothe, Rodrigo; Weber, Stephanie (Fall)
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CHEM 212 Introductory Organic Chemistry 1 (4 credits) *
Overview
Chemistry : A survey of reactions of aliphatic and aromatic compounds including modern concepts of bonding, mechanisms, conformational analysis, and stereochemistry.
Terms: Fall 2018, Winter 2019, Summer 2019
Instructors: Pavelka, Laura; Vlaho, Danielle; Daoust, Michel; Gauthier, Jean-Marc (Fall) Lumb, Jean-Philip; Vlaho, Danielle; Daoust, Michel; Gauthier, Jean-Marc; Huot, Mitchell (Winter) Sirjoosingh, Pallavi; Vlaho, Danielle; Daoust, Michel; Gauthier, Jean-Marc (Summer)
Fall, Winter, Summer
Prerequisite: CHEM 110 or equivalent.
Corequisite: CHEM 120 or equivalent.
Restriction: Not open to students who are taking or have taken CHEM 211 or equivalent
Each lab section is limited enrolment
Note: Some CEGEP programs provide equivalency for this course. For more information, please see the Department of Chemistry's Web page ().
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MATH 222 Calculus 3 (3 credits) **
Overview
Mathematics & Statistics (Sci) : Taylor series, Taylor's theorem in one and several variables. Review of vector geometry. Partial differentiation, directional derivative. Extreme of functions of 2 or 3 variables. Parametric curves and arc length. Polar and spherical coordinates. Multiple integrals.
Terms: Fall 2018, Winter 2019, Summer 2019
Instructors: Macdonald, Jeremy; Faifman, Dmitry (Fall) Sektnan, Lars (Winter) Pequignot, Yann Batiste (Summer)
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MATH 223 Linear Algebra (3 credits)
Overview
Mathematics & Statistics (Sci) : Review of matrix algebra, determinants and systems of linear equations. Vector spaces, linear operators and their matrix representations, orthogonality. Eigenvalues and eigenvectors, diagonalization of Hermitian matrices. Applications.
Terms: Fall 2018, Winter 2019
Instructors: Kelome, Djivede (Fall) Macdonald, Jeremy (Winter)
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MATH 315 Ordinary Differential Equations (3 credits)
Overview
Mathematics & Statistics (Sci) : First order ordinary differential equations including elementary numerical methods. Linear differential equations. Laplace transforms. Series solutions.
Terms: Fall 2018, Winter 2019, Summer 2019
Instructors: Nave, Jean-Christophe (Fall) Humphries, Antony Raymond (Winter) Roth, Charles (Summer)
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MATH 323 Probability (3 credits)
Overview
Mathematics & Statistics (Sci) : Sample space, events, conditional probability, independence of events, Bayes' Theorem. Basic combinatorial probability, random variables, discrete and continuous univariate and multivariate distributions. Independence of random variables. Inequalities, weak law of large numbers, central limit theorem.
Terms: Fall 2018, Winter 2019, Summer 2019
Instructors: Stephens, David (Fall) Wolfson, David B (Winter) Kelome, Djivede (Summer)
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PHYS 329 Statistical Physics with Biophysical Applications (3 credits)
Overview
Physics : This interdisciplinary course introduces Statistical Physics illustrated with modern biophysical applications. Principles covered include partition functions, Boltzmann distribution, bosons, fermions, Bose Einstein condensates, Ferni gases, chemical potential, thermodynamical forces, biochemical kinetics, and an introduction to noise and phase transitions in biology.
Terms: Winter 2019
Instructors: Leslie, Sabrina (Winter)
Chemistry
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CHEM 213 Introductory Physical Chemistry 1: Thermodynamics (3 credits)
Overview
Chemistry : Thermodynamics. Topics include gas laws, kinetic theory of collisions, heat capacity, enthalpy, thermochemistry, bond energies, the entropy and free energy functions, absolute entropies, Maxwell relations and chemical and thermodynamic equilibrium states, phase rule and phase diagrams, ideal solutions, colligative properties, solubility, electrochemistry, Debye-H眉ckel Theory.
Terms: Fall 2018
Instructors: Blum, Amy (Fall)
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CHEM 222 Introductory Organic Chemistry 2 (4 credits) *
Overview
Chemistry : Modern spectroscopic techniques for structure determination. The chemistry of alcohols, ethers, carbonyl compounds, and amines, with special attention to mechanistic aspects. Special topics.
Terms: Fall 2018, Winter 2019, Summer 2019
Instructors: Auclair, Karine; Vlaho, Danielle; Daoust, Michel; Gauthier, Jean-Marc (Fall) Pavelka, Laura; Moitessier, Nicolas; Vlaho, Danielle; Daoust, Michel; Gauthier, Jean-Marc; Huot, Mitchell (Winter) Pavelka, Laura; Sirjoosingh, Pallavi; Vlaho, Danielle; Daoust, Michel; Gauthier, Jean-Marc (Summer)
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CHEM 267 Introductory Chemical Analysis (3 credits)
Overview
Chemistry : Qualitative and quantitative analysis. A survey of methods of analysis including theory and practice of semimicro qualitative analysis and representative gravimetric, volumetric and instrumental methods. The laboratory component includes introductory experiments in analytical chemistry emphasizing classical and instrumental methods of quantitative analysis.
Terms: Fall 2018
Instructors: Mauzeroll, Janine; Sewall, Samuel Lewis; Gauthier, Jean-Marc; Sirjoosingh, Pallavi (Fall)
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CHEM 273 Introductory Physical Chemistry 2: Kinetics and Methods (3 credits)
Overview
Chemistry : Kinetics: Transition State Theory, complex reactions, free-radical reactions, chain reactions, catalysis, reactions at surfaces, ionic effects of reactions in solution, photochemistry. Methods: physical chemistry laboratory, differential equations and linear algebra applied to physical chemistry, computation methods for data analysis and modeling
Terms: Winter 2019
Instructors: Gauthier, Jean-Marc; Sewall, Samuel Lewis; Stein, Robin Stephanie; McCalla, Eric Russell (Winter)
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CHEM 281 Inorganic Chemistry 1 (3 credits)
Overview
Chemistry : Basic concepts of electronic structure and molecular bonding will be developed and applied to the understanding of common materials. Acid-base chemistry. Survey of the chemistry of the main group elements. Introduction to coordination and organometallic chemistry.
Terms: Winter 2019
Instructors: Kakkar, Ashok K (Winter)
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CHEM 345 Introduction to Quantum Chemistry (3 credits)
Overview
Chemistry : An introduction to quantum chemistry covering the historical development, wave theory, methods of quantum mechanics, and applications of quantum chemistry.
Terms: Fall 2018
Instructors: Reven, Linda G (Fall)
- CHEM 355 Applications of Quantum Chemistry (3 credits)
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CHEM 367 Instrumental Analysis 1 (3 credits)
Overview
Chemistry : An introduction to modern instrumental analysis emphasizing chromatography, electrochemical methods and computational data analysis. Analytical methods to be examined in detail include gas-liquid and high performance liquid chromatography, LC mass spectrometry, and advanced electro-analysis techniques
Terms: Fall 2018
Instructors: Sewall, Samuel Lewis; Thibodeaux, Christopher; Gauthier, Jean-Marc (Fall)
Fall
Prerequisite(s): CHEM 267.
Each lab section is limited enrolment
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CHEM 377 Instrumental Analysis 2 (3 credits)
Overview
Chemistry : Spectroscopic methods of analysis will be studied with respect to fundamentals, operational aspects and instrument design. Topics will range from UV-visible to x-ray spectrometry. Methodologies will be evaluated with respect to their application in spectrometric systems. Laboratory automation will be studied and applied in the laboratory.
Terms: Winter 2019
Instructors: Preston, Thomas; Sirjoosingh, Pallavi; Sewall, Samuel Lewis; Gauthier, Jean-Marc (Winter)
Winter
Prerequisite: CHEM 367
Each lab section is limited enrolment
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CHEM 470 Research Project 1 (6 credits)
Overview
Chemistry : A course designed to give students research experience. The student will be assigned a project supervisor and a research project at the beginning of the session. The project will consist of a literature survey, experimental and /or theoretical work, a written research report and an oral examination.
Terms: Summer 2019, Fall 2018, Winter 2019
Instructors: Butler, Ian Sydney (Summer) Butler, Ian Sydney (Fall) Butler, Ian Sydney (Winter)
Fall, Winter
Prerequisite: registration by Departmental permission only
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CHEM 493 Advanced Physical Chemistry Laboratory (2 credits)
Overview
Chemistry : Selected experiments to illustrate physico-chemical principles more advanced than those of CHEM 283.
Terms: Fall 2018, Winter 2019
Instructors: Sewall, Samuel Lewis; Gauthier, Jean-Marc; Stein, Robin Stephanie (Fall) Sewall, Samuel Lewis; Gauthier, Jean-Marc; Stein, Robin Stephanie (Winter)
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PHYS 242 Electricity and Magnetism (2 credits)
Overview
Physics : Properties of electromagnetic fields, dipole and quadropole fields and their interactions, chemical binding of molecules, electromagnetic properties of materials, Maxwell's equations and properties of electromagnetic waves, propagation of waves in media.
Terms: Fall 2018
Instructors: Chiang, Hsin Cynthia (Fall)
Fall
2 hours lectures
Prerequisites: CEGEP Physics, MATH 222
Complementary Courses
(9-10 credits)
3 credits of:
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CHEM 302 Introductory Organic Chemistry 3 (3 credits)
Overview
Chemistry : Topics covered may include the following: Aromatic compounds, heterocyclic chemistry, sulfur and phosphorus chemistry, organosulfur and organophosphorus compounds, and biomolecules such as lipids, carbohydrates, amino acids, polypeptides, DNA and RNA.
Terms: Fall 2018
Instructors: Damha, Masad J; Gleason, James L (Fall)
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CHEM 381 Inorganic Chemistry 2 (3 credits)
Overview
Chemistry : Introduction to transition metal chemistry, coordination numbers and geometry, and nomenclature will be followed by a discussion of crystal field theory and its applications to problems in spectroscopy, magnetochemistry, thermodynamics and kinetics. Several aspects related to applications of organometallic compounds in catalysis and bioinorganic systems will be discussed.
Terms: Fall 2018
Instructors: Bohle, David (Fall)
Fall
Prerequisite: CHEM 281.
Restriction: For Honours and Major Chemistry students
6-7 credits of:
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BIOL 300 Molecular Biology of the Gene (3 credits)
Overview
Biology (Sci) : A survey of current knowledge and approaches in the area of regulation of gene expression, post-transcriptional control of gene expression, and signal transduction.
Terms: Fall 2018
Instructors: Sch枚ck, Frieder; Moon, Nam Sung (Fall)
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BIOL 301 Cell and Molecular Laboratory (4 credits)
Overview
Biology (Sci) : An introduction to laboratory techniques with a focus on methods used to investigate fundamental questions in modern cell and molecular biology. Techniques including gene cloning, DNA and protein isolation and manipulation are covered, along with functional analysis of genes and proteins, basic bioinformatics, and computer-based experimental design and data analysis.
Terms: Fall 2018, Winter 2019
Instructors: Zheng, Huanquan; Harrison, Paul; Reyes Lamothe, Rodrigo (Fall) Zheng, Huanquan; Harrison, Paul; Reyes Lamothe, Rodrigo (Winter)
Fall or Winter
1 hour lecture and one 6-hour laboratory
Prerequisites: PHYS 102 or PHYS 142, BIOL 200, BIOL 201 or ANAT/BIOC 212, and BIOL 202. BIOL 206 recommended.
Restrictions: Not open to students who have taken or are taking BIOC 300. Requires departmental approval.
For approval email anne-marie.sdicu [at] mcgill.ca. Specify your ID number as well as the term and two lab day preferences.
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BIOL 316 Biomembranes and Organelles (3 credits)
Overview
Biology (Sci) : The course focuses on biomembranes and subcellular organelles and their implications for disease. The topics include: protein and lipid biochemistry, membrane structure and transport; intracellular compartmentalization, protein sorting and modification, intracellular membrane trafficking; energy transfer, organization and dynamics of chloroplasts and mitochondria; extracellular matrix and cell walls.
Terms: Fall 2018
Instructors: Zheng, Huanquan; Watt, Alanna (Fall)
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BIOL 551 Principles of Cellular Control (3 credits)
Overview
Biology (Sci) : Fundamental principles of cellular control, with cell cycle control as a major theme. Biological and physical concepts are brought to bear on control in healthy cells..
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2018-2019 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2018-2019 academic year.
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CHEM 302 Introductory Organic Chemistry 3 (3 credits)
Overview
Chemistry : Topics covered may include the following: Aromatic compounds, heterocyclic chemistry, sulfur and phosphorus chemistry, organosulfur and organophosphorus compounds, and biomolecules such as lipids, carbohydrates, amino acids, polypeptides, DNA and RNA.
Terms: Fall 2018
Instructors: Damha, Masad J; Gleason, James L (Fall)
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CHEM 381 Inorganic Chemistry 2 (3 credits)
Overview
Chemistry : Introduction to transition metal chemistry, coordination numbers and geometry, and nomenclature will be followed by a discussion of crystal field theory and its applications to problems in spectroscopy, magnetochemistry, thermodynamics and kinetics. Several aspects related to applications of organometallic compounds in catalysis and bioinorganic systems will be discussed.
Terms: Fall 2018
Instructors: Bohle, David (Fall)
Fall
Prerequisite: CHEM 281.
Restriction: For Honours and Major Chemistry students
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CHEM 502 Advanced Bio-Organic Chemistry (3 credits)
Overview
Chemistry : This course will cover biologically relevant molecules, particularly nucleic acids, proteins, and their building blocks. In each case, synthesis and biological functions will be discussed. The topics include synthesis of oligonucleotides and peptides; chemistry of phosphates; enzyme structure and function; coenzymes, and enzyme catalysis; polyketides; antiviral and anticancer agents.
Terms: Winter 2019
Instructors: Wahba, Alexander; Thibodeaux, Christopher (Winter)
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CHEM 514 Biophysical Chemistry (3 credits)
Overview
Chemistry : Physical chemistry concepts needed to understand the function of biological systems at the molecular level, including the structure, stability, transport, and interactions of biological macromolecules.
Terms: Winter 2019
Instructors: Wiseman, Paul (Winter)
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CHEM 520 Methods in Chemical Biology (3 credits)
Overview
Chemistry : An overview of advanced techniques at the leading edge of Chemical Biology, including some or all of: biological imaging, kinetics of enzyme inhibition, combinatorial synthesis, atomic force microscopy of biological molecules, self assembling biomimetic structures, oligonucleotide therapeutics, biomolecular X-ray crystallography, computational methods, and nuclear magnetic resonance applied to protein interactions.
Terms: Fall 2018
Instructors: Moitessier, Nicolas; Bohle, David; Thibodeaux, Christopher; Harrington, Matthew; McKeague, Maureen (Fall)
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CHEM 555 NMR Spectroscopy (3 credits)
Overview
Chemistry : NMR Spectroscopy explained in terms of quantum mechanics. Topics include multidimensional spectra, molecular dynamics, biomolecular NMR, the density matrix, and the product operator formalism.
Terms: Fall 2018
Instructors: Mittermaier, Anthony (Fall)
Winter
Prerequisite: CHEM 355 or equivalent
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CHEM 575 Chemical Kinetics (3 credits)
Overview
Chemistry : Kinetic laws, measurement of reaction rates, transition state and collision theory, experimental techniques in reaction kinetics, reaction mechanisms, RRKM theory, Marcus theory of electron transfer, photochemistry and catalysis. Recent developments and their application to chemical and biological problems. Elementary reactions in gas, solution and solid phases and on surfaces.
Terms: Winter 2019
Instructors: Cosa, Gonzalo (Winter)
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COMP 208 Computers in Engineering (3 credits)
Overview
Computer Science (Sci) : Introduction to computer systems. Concepts and structures for high level programming. Elements of structured programming using FORTRAN 90 and C. Numerical algorithms such as root finding, numerical integration and differential equations. Non-numerical algorithms for sorting and searching.
Terms: Fall 2018, Winter 2019
Instructors: Friedman, Nathan (Fall) Friedman, Nathan; Vybihal, Joseph P (Winter)
3 hours
Prerequisite: differential and integral calculus.
Corequisite: linear algebra: determinants, vectors, matrix operations.
Restrictions: COMP 202 and COMP 208 cannot both be taken for credit. COMP 202 is intended as a general introductory course, while COMP 208 is intended for students interested in scientific computations. Credits for either of these courses will not count towards the 60-credit Major in Computer Science. COMP 208 cannot be taken for credit with or after COMP 250.
Faculty of Science—2018-2019 (last updated Aug. 22, 2018) (disclaimer)
