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Note: This is the 2022–2023 eCalendar. Update the year in your browser's URL bar for the most recent version of this page, or jump to the newest eCalendar.

Master of Science (M.Sc.) Biology (Thesis) (45 credits)

Offered by: Biology     Degree: Master of Science

Program Requirements

The Master of Science in Biology is a research-focused program that encompasses a diverse range of topics in biology, from molecules and cells to organisms and ecosystems, including development, behaviour and evolution. Research themes include: (1) molecular, cellular and developmental biology, (2) conservation, ecology and evolution, and (3) neurobiology and behaviour. This program allows students considerable flexibility in their choice of research and coursework and encourages cross-disciplinary thinking.

Required Courses (39 credits)

  • BIOL 697 Master's Thesis Research 1 (13 credits)

    Offered by: Biology (Faculty of Science)

    Administered by: Graduate Studies

    Overview

    Biology (Sci) : Independent research work under the direction of the Thesis Supervisor and the Supervisory Committee.

    Terms: Fall 2022, Winter 2023

    Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2022-2023 academic year.

  • BIOL 698 Master's Thesis Research 2 (13 credits)

    Offered by: Biology (Faculty of Science)

    Administered by: Graduate Studies

    Overview

    Biology (Sci) : Independent research work under the direction of the Thesis Supervisor and the Supervisory Committee.

    Terms: Fall 2022, Winter 2023

    Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2022-2023 academic year.

  • BIOL 699 Master's Thesis Research 3 (13 credits)

    Offered by: Biology (Faculty of Science)

    Administered by: Graduate Studies

    Overview

    Biology (Sci) : Independent research work under the direction of the Thesis Supervisor and the Supervisory Committee.

    Terms: Fall 2022, Winter 2023, Summer 2023

    Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2022-2023 academic year.

Complementary Courses (6 credits)

3 credits from the following [choose BIOL 601 and either BIOL 602 or BIOL 603]:

  • BIOL 601 Introduction to Graduate Studies in Biology (1.5 credits)

    Offered by: Biology (Faculty of Science)

    Administered by: Graduate Studies

    Overview

    Biology (Sci) : Foundational, cross-disciplinary skills in research and communication, including graduate student orientation, research integrity and ethics, equity, diversity and inclusion, science communication for a general audience, seminar critiques, elevator pitches, science writing for a general audience, finding/reading the literature, and peer review.

    Terms: Fall 2022

    Instructors: Gerhold, Abigail (Fall)

    • Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor

  • BIOL 602 Molecular Biology Research and Professional Skills (1.5 credits)

    Offered by: Biology (Faculty of Science)

    Administered by: Graduate Studies

    Overview

    Biology (Sci) : Core skills in reading, writing, critical thinking and experimental design/interpretation and career opportunities, pertaining to the Molecular Biology research stream. Preparation for the first supervisory committee meeting, including paper/pre-print reviews, research presentations, and research proposals, related to students’ thesis research projects.

    Terms: Winter 2023

    Instructors: Gerhold, Abigail (Winter)

    • Prerequisite: Permission of instructor

    • Restriction: Not open to students who have taken or are taking BIOL 603.

  • BIOL 603 Organismal Biology Research and Professional Skills (1.5 credits)

    Offered by: Biology (Faculty of Science)

    Administered by: Graduate Studies

    Overview

    Biology (Sci) : Core skills in proposal writing, peer review, oral presentation, and practical workflows for reproducibility in science, pertaining to the Organismal Biology research stream, and including stream-specific topics such as field safety and career options. Topics include: paper/pre-print discussion and written review, research presentations,research proposals, rubric-guided peer review, and experimental design in field research disciplines.

    Terms: Winter 2023

    Instructors: Pollock, Laura; Iversen, Lars Lonsmann (Winter)

    • Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.

    • Restriction: Not open to students who have taken or are taking BIOL 602.

*Or 3 credits at the 500 level or higher with the approval of the Graduate Program Director.

3 credits at the 500, 600, or 700 level in Biology or other departments, and approved by the Supervisory Committee.

Faculty of Science—2022-2023 (last updated Aug. 24, 2022) (disclaimer)