Master of Science (MSc) in Biology

The program information below was valid for the fall 2020 term (September 1, 2020 - December 31, 2020). This is the archived version; the most up-to-date program information is available through the current Graduate Studies Academic Calendar.

The Graduate Studies Academic Calendar is updated 3 times per year, at the start of each academic term (January 1, May 1, September 1). Graduate Studies Academic Calendars from previous terms can be found in the archives.

Students are responsible for reviewing the general information and regulations section of the Graduate Studies Academic Calendar.

Graduate research fields

  • Bioinformatics, Systematics and Evolution
  • Ecology and Environmental Biology
  • Microbiology
  • Molecular Genetics
  • Physiology, Cell and Developmental Biology

Program information

  • Admit term(s) 
    • Fall
    • Winter
    • Spring
  • Delivery mode 
    • On-campus
  • Program type 
    • Master's
    • Research
  • Registration option(s) 
    • Full-time
    • Part-time
  • Study option(s) 

Admission requirements

  • Minimum requirements 
    • A 75% overall standing in the last two years, or equivalent, in an Honours Bachelor of Science degree or equivalent.
    • Students holding degrees from institutions outside Canada may be required to submit Graduate Record Examination scores (GRE, Analytical and Quantitative) with their application.
    • Before applying to the program, students are strongly advised to establish contact with potential supervisors. It is a good strategy to identify whether the potential supervisors that students would like to undertake research with have available positions and funding.
  • Application materials 
    • Résumé
    • Supplementary information form
    • Transcript(s)
  • References 
    • Number of references:  3
    • Type of references: 

      at least 2 academic
  • English language proficiency (ELP) (if applicable)

Degree requirements

    Thesis option:

  • Graduate Academic Integrity Module (Graduate AIM)
  • Courses 
    • Students must complete a minimum of 3 one-term graduate courses (0.50 credit unit weight) accepted for graduate credit by the Department of Biology. A minimum of 2 courses should be from the Biology course offerings.
  • Link(s) to courses
  • Academic Integrity Workshop
  • Master's Seminar
    • Students will make a formal presentation on their research at an annual symposium or other designated event.
  • Master’s Thesis Proposal
  • Master’s Thesis
    • Students must submit and defend a thesis.
Department of Biology website
Master of Science (MSc) in Biology future students program page