Masters in Biology & Science in Canada

The MSc program is a full-time, research-intensive program. You’ll complete coursework and work on a research thesis of your design. This will be original, innovative research that will evolve our understanding of biology. You’ll defend your thesis in an oral examination.

If you’re in the MSc program, you may be able to transfer into the PhD program with supervisory approval.

Entomology is the study of basic and applied science related to insects and their allies. Our department works to advance the understanding of these incredibly diverse and abundant organisms, with an emphasis on crop protection entomology, ecosystem health, parasite and disease management, insect biodiversity and systematics, and insect behaviour and physiology.

The Microbiology and Immunology programme involves immune cells, bacteria, fungi, viruses and parasites. Students can investigate the ecology, evolution and environments of micro-organisms, the diseases they cause, the microbiome and its influence on the immune system and our health, immunity and disease. We are seeking solutions to the problem of antibiotic resistance; designing new, combination drug therapies; using microbial engineering in industrial processing and environmental remediation; determining how our immune system can best protect us against infection and cancer; using this information to design new immunotherapies and treatments for inflammation and auto-immune diseases. Our projects span population and systems biology and ecology, organism behavior and function, cell interactions and molecular mechanisms, and our students graduate with extensive training in analytical thinking, creative innovation and effective communication. Degrees in our programme accelerate students in a great variety of careers in industry, academia, non-for-profit organisations and the business world.

The Department of Biological Sciences offers programs leading to the degrees of Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy. It strives to develop scholars familiar with literature in their field, capable of identifying new problems and new directions of endeavour in their field, and competent with the methods of data collection and analysis essential to do research. Students will fulfil these objectives through several forums: a supervised research program, coursework, participation in seminar programs, and defending their dissertation.

The Department has research laboratories and instructional facilities for 250-300 graduate students. There are facilities for digital image processing, electron and confocal microscopy, analytical chemistry, molecular biology, fermentation, biotechnology, DNA synthesis and sequencing, cultivation of microbial cells and cells of yeasts, plants, insects and mammals. Facilities include large holding tanks for aquatic animals, and controlled environment rooms including an extensive greenhouse complex. Off-campus facilities include the Devonian Botanic Garden and mycology herbarium, several field stations including the Meanook Biological Research Station and Ellerslie Plant Genetics Station, all near Edmonton, and the Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre on Vancouver Island. Extensive reference collections are available for research with microfungi, vascular and cryptogamic plants as well as vertebrates and invertebrates, including major collections of fishes, fossil plants and vertebrates, insects and parasites.

There are six areas of specialization within the Department: Ecology; Microbiology and Biotechnology; Molecular Biology and Genetics; Plant Biology; Physiology, Development and Cell Biology; and Systematics and Evolution. Students either register in one of these areas of specialization for their program or, with permission of the supervisor and approval of the Associate Chair (Graduate Studies), register toward a degree of MSc or PhD with specialization in Biological Sciences. Declared specialization in one of the six research interest areas can be indicated on a student's thesis title page, degree diploma, and transcript.

The MSc in Biology is a research-intensive science program with a strong emphasis on innovative thinking. We look at a wide variety of biological sciences, including (1) cell/molecular biology, genomic and synthetic biology; as well as (2) ecology, evolution and conservation. Working closely with a faculty mentor, you will expand your knowledge of modern research methodologies while developing your disciplinary knowledge and analytical skills. You will gain an in-depth understanding of current scientific literature and the training, knowledge and techniques needed to become an effective and engaged scientist. Montreal's status as a major centre for applied research means you'll benefit from an academic ecosystem that includes four major universities and their research centres, federal and provincial agencies and a thriving private sector that frequently seeks partnerships with academic researchers.

The Master of Science program (Biological Sciences major) offers students the opportunity to receive focused, advanced training in a wide range of biology disciplines.