Master of Science in Biological Sciences

The Master of Science program (Biological Sciences major) offers students the opportunity to receive focused, advanced training in a wide range of biology disciplines. This is a research-oriented program that culminates in students earning their master’s degree by completing a minimum of two courses and writing a thesis.

One of the courses is the Graduate Seminar Series, which focuses on recent developments in the biology literature, as well as on building professional skills related to the practice and communication of modern biological sciences. The precise number and details of the other courses are determined within the first semester of the student's program.

The thesis forms the central requirement of the program and calls for dedicated training leading to the development of a range of skills that are central to the liberal education tradition, including examination and synthesis of ideas, empirical investigations and data analysis, the construction and articulation of arguments, and writing skills. This process involves close collaboration between supervisor and student; consequently, it is necessary for a candidate to establish contact with potential supervisors prior to application for admission.

Applicants must hold a baccalaureate degree (i.e. an undergraduate degree) in a related discipline from a recognized degree-granting institution; Have a minimum grade point average of 3.00 (based on 4.00 scale) on the last 20 graded university-level term courses OR calculated on the most recently completed master’s degree if the applicant is applying for another master’s degree.

English Language Requirements:

Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) taken within the last two years, with a minimum overall score of 86.

Academic International English Language Testing System (IELTS) test, taken within the last two years, with a minimum overall score of 6.5, and a minimum score of 6.0 in each band.

Academic Pearson Test of English (PTE), taken within the last two years, with a minimum overall score of 63.

Canadian Academic English Language (CAEL) Assessment, taken within the last two years, with a minimum overall score of 70.