Master of Science

photo of Adam Rabalski (PhD graduate from Biochemistry)

button that links to Western application system for graduate studies

 

 

Program Information

Duration

  • Six terms (2 years)
    -With advisory committee approval, students have the option to complete the Transfer Exam prior to completion of a 5th term in order to transfer into the PhD program.

  • Six terms (2 years) - accelerated MSc*
    *If you're an undergraduate student who's completed the 4483E project, and the 4999E, you'll have an extra 0.5 credit available to be applied to graduate course requirements. Your research experience can also be used to contribute to your MSc thesis.

Degree Requirements

  • Thesis: A research thesis, which in the opinion of the Advisory Committee, would form a paper acceptable to a refereed journal. The thesis must also be successfully defended in an oral examination.

  • Coursework: must complete a total of 0.75 credits. Courses should normally be from the 9000 level. (If student is transferring into the PhD program, they may include any courses taken while in the MSc).

  • Graduate Seminar Participation: Mandatory attendance at weekly departmental seminars. Year 1 students will present a research poster at the annual Harold Stewart Research Showcase in January. Year 2 students will present a formal seminar talk at a weekly seminar.

Admission Requirements

  • BSc in biochemistry, biology, genetics, chemistry, cell biology, microbiology, physiology, or closely related disciplines.

  • Minimum 78% GPA in undergraduate degree.

  • English Language Proficiency (if your first language is not English).

  • Secure the support of a thesis supervisor: Applications will first be reviewed for academic eligibility. An eligible applicant will not be admitted into the program unless a supervisor agrees to accept them. An applicant is not required to have a supervisor to apply, but it is encouraged. It is the applicant’s responsibility to contact faculty members whose research areas are of interest to them with a copy of your transcript and CV.

Funding

  • Annual base stipend (domestic): minimum $20,960, up to $27,360.
  • Annual base stipend (international): minimum $33,784.19
  • Internal and external scholarships
  • Teaching assistantships (not guaranteed funding for MSc students)

Accelerated Masters of Science

The Accelerated MSc makes use of the research experience and results obtained in the Advanced Research Project to facilitate early registration in the MSc program and an anticipated early completion of the MSc. Degree and admission requirements remain the same.