Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Master of Science (MSc)
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Program overview
Students with a bachelor’s degree who are looking enjoy a wide variety of research that is at the forefront of many fields should consider getting a Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (MSc Thesis) degree. Research can include everything from biochemistry to molecular research, as well as cellular and developmental biology. It also ranges from genetics and immunology to bioinformatics, with applications to cancer and clinical research. As they deepen their skills, students will get to enjoy the amenities of a large city near the outdoor leisure activities of the Rocky Mountains. Completion of the program usually takes two years of full-time study.
Specializations
Outcomes and next steps
Academic research; post-secondary and secondary teaching; industry research and consulting; business consulting, analytics, management, sales, research and marketing; scientific writing; IP and patent law; medicine (lab tech; physician; clinical scientist); veterinary medicine.
A master’s degree in biochemistry and molecular biology will give you the pre-requisite for a PhD.
Degree at a glance
Completion requirements
Thesis-based
Courses
Two courses
Program requirements
Class delivery
Classroom
Commitment
Two years full-time; four years maximum
Supervisor
A supervisor is required, and must agree to oversee the student's research before admission will be granted
Fees and funding
Flat annual fee; guaranteed funding
Related programs
If you're interested in this program, you might want to explore other UCalgary programs.

Supervisors
A supervisor is required for this program. The supervisor must agree to oversee the student's research prior to admission.
Showing 6 of 34
Karl Riabowol
- Cellular and biological aging, oncology
accepting inquires
Maja Tarailo-Graovac
- Genomics of Rare Genetic Disease, Medical Genomics, Genetic Modifiers, Model Organisms, Whole Genome Sequencing/Bioinformatics
- Diagnostic potential of HTPS
- Phenotypic variability in rare diseases
- Genetic Modifiers
accepting inquires
Paul Mains
- Developmental genetics, Molecular and Medical Genetics, Embryology, C. elegans, Molecular Biology, Cytoskeleton
unavailable
Peng Huang
- Pattern formation in spinal cord development
- Regulation of tissue maintenance
- Zebrafish model of development and diseases
seeking students
Quan Long
- Bioinformatics
- Statistical Genetics
- Data mining
- Multi-scale -omics integration
seeking students
Randal Johnston
- Molecular Biology of Cancer and Genomics
accepting inquires
Additional supervisors may be available. Contact the Faculty of Graduate Studies for more information.

Completion requirements
Courses
Courses may include Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Bioinformatic Resources for the Biologist.
Research Ethics
Students are required to attend Research Integrity Day sessions in the first year of their program.
Seminars
Students participate in a journal club and work-in-progress seminars for their research group, and will present one seminar per year.
Thesis
Students will be required to submit and defend an original research thesis.

Admission requirements and information
Requirements for the Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Program
GPA
A minimum of 3.3 GPA on a 4.0 point system, over the past two years of full-time study (a minimum of 10 full-course equivalents or 60 units) of the undergraduate degree.Minimum education
A four year baccalaureate degree, or equivalent from a recognized institution.Work samples
<p>None</p>Documents
- A current C.V.
Reference letter
TwoTest scores
NoneEnglish language proficiency
An applicant whose primary language is not English may fulfill the English language proficiency requirement in one of the following ways:
- TOEFL score of 105 (Internet-based) or 600 (paper-based). Our institution code is 0813
- IELTS score of 7.5 (Academic version)
- MELAB score of 86, or higher
- PTE score of 75, or higher (Academic version)
- Tier 3 of the International Foundations Program with minimum grades of A,A,A (Writing & Grammar, Reading Comprehension, Listening Comprehension & Oral Fluency)
Deadlines
For admission on September 1
Canadian and permanent residentJune 1 Application deadline
InternationalApril 1 Application deadline
For admission on January 1
Canadian and permanent residentOct. 1 Application deadline
InternationalAug. 1 Application deadline
For admission on May 1
Canadian and permanent residentMarch 1 Application deadline
InternationalDec. 1 Application deadline
For admission on July 1
Canadian and permanent residentMay 1 Application deadline
InternationalFeb. 1 Application deadline
If you’re not a Canadian or permanent resident make sure to read and learn about international specific requirements

Tuition fees and funding
All graduate students must pay general fees each year, as well as program fees.
Fees
Estimate for full-time students
Canadian and
permanent resident
International
student
General fees
12 months of study
$1,830 CAD
$1,830 CAD
Program fees
First 12 months of study
$5,593 CAD
$12,695 CAD
Total fees
For first year of studies
$7,423 CAD
$14,525 CAD
What are annual continuing fees?
Domestic Continuing Fees: $1,627 CAD
International Continuing Fees: $3,693 CAD
Continuing fees apply after the first full year of studies.
Funding availability
All students who are accepted into the Biochemistry and Molecular Biology MSc Thesis Program will receive a minimum stipend of $21,000.
Fees listed here are estimates only, and have been rounded to the nearest dollar. These amounts should not be considered accurate. All amounts are in Canadian Dollars.
Fees are subject to change.
For more details and the most accurate information go to the Academic Calendar
For more general information, see our Fees and Funding Guide
Highlights of the Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Program

Carla Davidson, Owner - Endeavour Scientific Management and Consulting
"I learned a combination of critical thinking, clear communication and broad experience. My graduate degree gave me the willingness to start my own business."

Kevin Thorneloe, Director - Biopharm Translational Medicine
"The critical thinking skills I acquired during my PhD has been the foundation of my career in the pharmaceutical industry."

Nima Najand, Technology Analyst - Innovate Calgary
"UCalgary has been instrumental in providing me with skills to succeed in careers outside academia."
Learn more about this program
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology - Graduate Studies
Health Sciences Centre
HSC G345B, 3330 Hospital Drive NW
Calgary, ABT2N 1N4
403.220.8306
Go to our contact page and connect with the right person to answer any questions you might have