Applicants to the M.Sc. program must hold a B.Sc. degree or its equivalent.
International applicants should verify International credentials and grade equivalencies.
The residence requirement for the M.Sc. degree is 3 terms of full-time study. This is the minimum duration required to complete the M.Sc. degree. The expected duration for completing the M.Sc. degree is 2 years. In some cases, 3 years may be required; students are however cautioned to avoid research projects that cannot be completed in 2 years.
M.Sc. Thesis
A thesis demonstrating independent and original research in a specialized field, written in accordance with McGill's Policies on Research Ethics and Intellectual Property, is the major requirement for the M.Sc. degree. Our Thesis Guidelines contain the resources relevant to the preparation and submission of a thesis.
Course Work
The following Thesis Courses are required for all M.Sc. students:
Additional Required and/or Complementary courses to be taken will depend on the specific program of study.
- Courses to be taken must be at the 500 level or above.
- Course selections must be approved by the Thesis Supervisor.
- Courses may be selected from the Biology Department, other departments or other universities in Quebec (taken through CREPUQ).
- Students must attain a passing grade of 65% in all required courses. Requests to take supplemental exams should be directed to the Graduate Training Committee.
- Students may take additional courses not required for their degree (e.g. writing, language and teaching courses), as long as a minimum average of 65% is maintained.
Seminars & Presentations
Candidates to the M.Sc. program are expected to participate regularly in at least one of the department's weekly seminar series. A list of these is available on the Seminars & Events page.
In addition, M.Sc. candidates are required to present a 30 minute seminar on their research annually at an established university seminar series or in a similar public forum.
Option Program Requirements
BIOL 697 must be taken in the first term, followed by BIOL 698 in the second term and BIOL 699 in the third term.
In addition 6 credits of complementary courses at the 500 level or above are to be selected by the student and approved by the Supervisory Committee.
The Environment option considers how various dimensions (scientific, social, legal, ethical, etc.) interact to define environment and sustainability issues. Students learn to explain and defend their research and thinking in a broader context and understand how knowledge is transferred into action with regard to the environment and sustainability.
BIOL 697 must be taken in the first term, followed by BIOL 698 in the second term and BIOL 699 in the third term.
ENVR 610, ENVR 650, ENVR 651 and ENVR 652 are to be taken to fulfill the 6 credits of required courses.
In addition, 3 credits of complementary courses in Environment at the 500 level or above are to be taken by the student, as recommended by the Supervisory Committee and approved by the Environment Option Committee.
The Neotropical Environment Option is aimed at students who wish to focus their graduate research on environmental issues relevant to the Neotropics and Latin American countries. NEO favors interdisciplinary approaches to research and learning through the participation of researchers from McGill and from STRI. Students will complete their research in Latin America and NEO's core and complementary courses will be taught in Panama.
BIOL 697 must be taken in the first term, followed by BIOL 698 in the second term and BIOL 699 in the third term.
BIOL 640 and ENVR 610 are to be taken to fulfill the 6 credits of required courses.
In addition, 3 credits of elective courses at the 500 level or above are to be selected by the student, as recommended by the Supervisory Committee and approved by the Neotropical Environment Option Director.