# Biochemistry & Molecular Biology (MDBC)
**Source**: https://cumming.ucalgary.ca/gse/current-students/current-student-program-overview/biochemistry-and-molecular-biology-program
**Parent**: https://cumming.ucalgary.ca/gse
The MDBC program has exciting and leading edge research in a number of different areas: molecular, cellular and developmental biology, biochemistry, genetics, bioinformatics and cancer research.
[Future Students](https://grad.ucalgary.ca/future-students/explore-programs)
[How to Apply](https://grad.ucalgary.ca/future-students/how-applyhttps://grad.ucalgary.ca/future-students/how-apply)
## MDBC Program Information
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#### PhD Program Details
Please see the Academic Calendar for information on program and course requirements.
[MDBC PhD Program Details](https://calendar.ucalgary.ca/programs/MDBCPHD)
#### MSc Program Details
Please see the Academic Calendar for information on program and course requirements.
[MDBC MSc Program Details](https://calendar.ucalgary.ca/programs/MDBCMSCT)
#### Program Milestones & Forms
Please see the Program Milestones page for requiredmilestones forms in your program
[Program Milestones and Forms](https://cumming.ucalgary.ca/gse/current-students/milestones-requirements/program-requirements-milestones)
#### Course Registration Information
Please see the GSE Courses page for information on how to register in courses. The MDGE courses require additional paperwork in order to enroll.
[GSE Courses](https://cumming.ucalgary.ca/gse/current-students/courses)
## MDBC Extramural Course Policy
When relevant to a student’s thesis or dissertation research, and in consultation with their supervisory committee, early stage MDBC students may elect to apply to practical training workshops, summer school programs, or extramural courses at institutions such as Cold Spring Harbor Laboratories, the Wellcome Sanger Institute, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, European Bioinformatics Institute, European Molecular Biology Organization, Human Proteome Organization, Canadian Bioinformatics Workshops, or to those offered by institutions or organizations with a similar international profile. While MDBC does not have funds to subsidize enrolment in such courses, students are encouraged to discuss options and funding with their supervisors. On a case by case basis, the program will adjudicate requests for waiving 1 unit of course requirements towards a degree upon the successful completion of such a course. Usually only one waiver per degree program will be considered. In order to receive a waiver, program approval must be obtained prior to course attendance. Requests for consideration can be submitted to the program office ([**bmbgrad@ucalgary.ca**](mailto:bmbgrad@ucalgary.ca)) along with information demonstrating the relevance of the course to the student’s research, support of the supervisory committee in enrolment, and supporting information on the significance and reputation of the course.
### Bioinformatics Specialization
The optional Bioinformatics specialization of the MDBC graduate program provides training in this rapidly evolving field through thesis-based research and interdisciplinary classroom training.
[Bioinformatics Specialization Page](https://cumming.ucalgary.ca/gse/about/programs/biochemistry-and-molecular-biology/bioinformatics-specialization)
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## MDBC Awards - Application Forms
### Research Excellence Award
This prize has been created to encourage MDBC graduate students to publish high quality research early in program (by 24 months) and thereby enhance competitive ranking with external scholarship sourcess. Please see form for eligibility criteria. Prize value is $2000.
[Research Excellence Award](https://cumming.ucalgary.ca/sites/default/files/teams/13/MDBC%20Excellence%20in%20Research%20Achievement%20Award%20Application%20Form_May_2024.doc)
### First Author Award
This prize has been created in recognition of research achievements made by MDBC graduate students. Prize value is $1000. Please see form for eligibility criteria.
[First Author Award](https://cumming.ucalgary.ca/sites/default/files/teams/13/MDBC%20Publication%20Prize%20Application%20Form_Nov24.doc)
### Travel Award
The MDBC graduate program can offer an award of $500 if a student will be presenting at a conference (poster or talk). Limit 1 per MSc program, 2 per PhD program.
[MDBC Travel Award Application](https://cumming.ucalgary.ca/sites/default/files/teams/13/MDBC%20Travel%20Award%20Application%20Form%20Updated%202025-26.docx)
## MDBC Awards - Program Nominated
### Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Graduate Scholarship
This scholarship supports students who demonstrate outstanding research and community citizenship. Please apply to the Graduate Award Competition each year to be considered.
[Award Information](https://iac01.ucalgary.ca/FGSA/Public/SpecificAward.aspx?AwardID=5543)
### Carol Braat Memorial Award
Award of a $200.00 award to a meritorious MSc or PhD student in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology as a tribute to Carol Braat, a former student in the BMB MSc program. To be selected by the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
[BMB Dept Award Page](https://cumming.ucalgary.ca/departments/bmb/graduate-studies/awards-scholarships-and-training-programs)
### Gordon H. Dixon Award
A $500.00 award to a meritorious doctoral student in the Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology as a tribute to Dr. Dixon's outstanding contributions to scholarship and education. To be selected by the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
[BMB Dept Award Page](https://cumming.ucalgary.ca/departments/bmb/graduate-studies/awards-scholarships-and-training-programs)
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**Katie Douglas**\
Graduate Program Administrator\
[bmbgrad@ucalgary.ca](mailto:bmbgrad@ucalgary.ca)\
\
**Drs. Jason de Koning & Timothy Shutt**\
Graduate Program Co-Directors
**BMB Departmental Graduate Association (BMB DGA)**\
Contact [bmbgrad@ucalgary.ca](mailto:bmbgrad@ucalgary.ca) for details
Questions? Please contact the MDBC Graduate Program Administrator:
[bmbgrad@ucalgary.ca](mailto:bmbgrad@ucalgary.ca)