Master of Science Mathematics and Statistics Specialization in Biostatistics at University of Ottawa

In your first year, you will focus on understanding of the fundamental biological processes that occur in cells, including DNA and protein synthesis, as well as the metabolic reactions that sustain cells and organisms. In subsequent years you will develop a greater understanding of how molecular processes are exquisitely controlled to ensure that the right process occurs in the right location – and at the right time. This control is essential to the correct functioning of cells, and the body as a whole, and errors can lead to disastrous consequences. One example of this is in cancer formation, where genetic mutations lead to loss of control of proteins that govern when cells replicate. You will learn how our knowledge of these molecular processes is leading to breakthroughs in disease treatment, through targeting and inactivating key molecules in the defective pathways.

Moreover, much of our understanding of molecules, their interactions with each other, and effective therapeutic drug design, now comes from studying molecular structures at the atomic level. Opportunities to learn how we use and generate molecular structures are embedded throughout the course and this is the focus of a third year module, which benefits from the expert knowledge of academic staff associated with the Leicester Institute of Structural and Chemical Biology.

On this course you will develop a range of skills that are valued by employers, including practical, analytical and problem-solving skills, as well as gaining experience in handling complex information. You will also develop transferable skills in time-management, meeting deadlines, giving oral presentations and working in teams to achieve a goal. By studying biochemistry alongside options in other biological sciences specialisms, you will be able to apply your knowledge across the boundaries of traditional disciplines and become a valuable and powerful asset in scientific environments and in many other walks of life.

The first three years of this course are identical to the Biological Sciences (Biochemistry) BSc, including the option to spend a Year in Industry or a Year Abroad between Years 2 and 3. Your fourth year then lets you focus on refining your research and lab skills - while also putting into practice your employability skills - by conducting a research project in one of six specialist areas.

In your first year, you will focus on understanding of the fundamental biological processes that occur in cells, including DNA and protein synthesis, as well as the metabolic reactions that sustain cells and organisms. In subsequent years you will develop a greater understanding of how molecular processes are exquisitely controlled to ensure that the right process occurs in the right location – and at the right time. This control is essential to the correct functioning of cells, and the body as a whole, and errors can lead to disastrous consequences. One example of this is in cancer formation, where genetic mutations lead to loss of control of proteins that govern when cells replicate. You will learn how our knowledge of these molecular processes is leading to breakthroughs in disease treatment, through targeting and inactivating key molecules in the defective pathways.

Moreover, much of our understanding of molecules, their interactions with each other, and effective therapeutic drug design, now comes from studying molecular structures at the atomic level. Opportunities to learn how we use and generate molecular structures are embedded throughout the course and this is the focus of a third year module, which benefits from the expert knowledge of academic staff associated with the Leicester Institute of Structural and Chemical Biology.

On this course you will develop a range of skills that are valued by employers, including practical, analytical and problem-solving skills, as well as gaining experience in handling complex information. You will also develop transferable skills in time-management, meeting deadlines, giving oral presentations and working in teams to achieve a goal. By studying biochemistry alongside options in other biological sciences specialisms, you will be able to apply your knowledge across the boundaries of traditional disciplines and become a valuable and powerful asset in scientific environments and in many other walks of life.

The first three years of this course are identical to the Biological Sciences (Biochemistry) BSc, including the option to spend a Year in Industry or a Year Abroad between Years 2 and 3. Your fourth year then lets you focus on refining your research and lab skills - while also putting into practice your employability skills - by conducting a research project in one of six specialist areas.

Genetics covers many aspects of society including human health, forensic science, food production, environmental quality, species conservation, ethics and law. On this course you will learn how genetic engineering, molecular and developmental genetics, human genetics and evolutionary genetics all contribute to a greater understanding of the discipline. You will gain a balanced understanding of modern genetics focusing on the organisation, inheritance, expression and evolution of genes in organisms ranging from bacteria to Homo sapiens.

You will work alongside leading geneticists who are investigating some of the most important questions in genetic research in order to gain insight into the mechanisms of life and evolution. Geneticists study these processes in all types of organisms and discover how errors in them can cause disease, and they help discover how genes work across the biological sciences. You will also gain a broad understanding of fundamental biological processes, while developing analytical skills and gaining experience in handling complex information. By studying genetics alongside options in other biological sciences, you will be able to apply your knowledge across the boundaries of traditional disciplines and gain a valuable and powerful asset in scientific environments and in many other walks of life.

The first three years of this course are identical to the Biological Sciences (Genetics) BSc, including the option to spend a Year in Industry or a Year Abroad between Years 2 and 3. Your fourth year then lets you focus on refining your research and lab skills - while also putting into practice your employability skills - by conducting a research project in one of six specialist areas.

The analytical and critical skills you acquire by studying an MBiolSci in Biological Sciences are particularly valued by PhD supervisors, researchers and employers in non-scientific fields.