Master of Science in Biology
The Master of Science in Biology is a research thesis-based program designed for graduates of four-year B.Sc. programs.
The program learning outcomes broadly encompass developing critical thinking, analytical, and communication skill sets while expanding and advancing knowledge in the field of biological sciences. The proposed program has a special focus on effective science communication, which addresses the growing need for scientists that are capable of translating what is often technical work, to the general population. Students will develop the required expertise to effectively communicate scientific research to a variety of academic and non-academic audiences.
Students will complete: 1) two courses (6 credits), including a required course in Science Communication and an elective course; and 2) an independent research thesis including a general literature review, at least one publishable manuscript and a general discussion. Students will be guided in course selection and research development by a supervisor and a thesis committee of at least three members.
Prospective students are advised that offers of admission to a new program may be made only after the university’s own quality assurance processes have been completed and the Ontario Universities Council on Quality Assurance has approved the program.
What You Can Expect
Hands-on learning, a close-knit campus community, and caring faculty.
Admission Requirements
The admission requirements for the proposed degree will be a four-year Honours Bachelor of Science degree in any field of the Life Sciences from an approved accredited university, with at least a 75% (B+) average in the last two years of study (confirmed by official transcripts) and three letters of recommendation from faculty familiar with the work of the applicant. Candidates holding an undergraduate degree in a science other than the life sciences, who have some biology background, either academic or professional, may be admitted. They are requested to either prove that they have taken at least four equivalent courses (two of which are at the third-year or fourth-year level) or they may be required to complete make-up courses at the undergraduate level, as recommended by the School of Graduate Studies, to enhance their background after the admission. Before applying, students should also contact a prospective research supervisor to discuss mutual interest in research and potential projects.
| English Language Requirements (for International Students) |
|---|
| IELTS Academic: 6.5 overall, no band lower than 6.5 (reading, writing, listening and speaking) |
| TOEFL (IBT): 93 overall, CBT: 230 overall |
| Cambridge Assessment Test (CAE): 176 |
| Canadian Academic English Language (CAEL): 60 |
| Pearson Test of English (PTE): 63 |
| Four [4] or more years of full-time studies in an approved postsecondary school (outside Canada). The first degree must have been completed in English from a recognized institution where English was the primary language of instruction. |
| Four [4] or more years of full-time studies in a recognized postsecondary institution in Canada. |
| Duolingo English Test (DET): 110, no band lower than 100 |
How to Apply
Documents necessary for application:
- Official transcript for a four-year Honours Bachelor of Science degree in any field of the Life Sciences from an approved accredited university
- Candidates holding an undergraduate degree in a science other than the life sciences, who have some biology background, either academic or professional, may be admitted. They are requested to either prove that they have taken at least four equivalent courses (two of which are at the third-year or fourth-year level) or they may be required to complete make-up courses at the undergraduate level, as recommended by the School of Graduate Studies, to enhance their background after the admission.
- Proof of English Language test scores for international students.
- Three letters of recommendation from faculty familiar with your work as a student, sent directly to the Office of Registrar ([email protected]; documents should be addressed to the attention of the Graduate Admissions and Support Specialist)
- A short summary (maximum 500 words) of research interests that may take the form of either a specific project discussed with the potential research supervisor or a more broad general statement of research interests. The summary should indicate the preferred research supervisor and whether the person was contacted to express interest in working with them.
- Application deadline for September 2023 start and to be considered for teaching assistantships and scholarships is June 2, 2023. Applications will be accepted after this date, but may not be considered for teaching assistantships or scholarships.
- All materials, including the research interests summary, and letters of recommendation from independent sources need to be received by the above deadline.
- The link to the direct application can be found here.
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