Biological Sciences

Master of Science (MSc)

Thesis-based program

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Find new ways to pursue your passion for life in the University of Calgary's Biological Sciences department. Master's students have the opportunity to broaden their understanding of the discipline, while following their own curiosity to define and investigate a specific research focus for their thesis work. Guidance is provided by faculty members pursuing a wildly diverse range of research in contemporary issues in botany, zoology, ecology and more. Students will be exposed to foundational theory and cutting-edge methods as they explore a broad range of concepts and issues ranging from the molecular level to the biosphere.

Completing this program

Research Seminar: Related to supervisor interest, and may include biochemistry, cell biology, ecology and evolutionary biology or microbiology.
Research Proposal: Students present a written research proposal within six months of initial registration in the program.
Thesis: Students will be required to submit and defend an original research thesis.
Additional Courses: Topics may cover biology of laboratory animals, theory and lab methods, statistical methods, recent advances and Darwin.
Other Disciplines: Depending on research interests, some students may take graduate courses offered by other departments.

Specializations

Biochemistry
Biophysical Chemistry
Cell Biology
Developmental Biology
Ecology
Environmental Biology
Evolutionary Biology
Molecular Microbiology
Physiology
Structural Biology
Host-Pathogen Interactions
Energy and Environmental Systems

Outcomes

Lab technician, biologist, teacher, scientist (agricultural/forestry breeding, process development, environmental) biotechnologist, manager (lab, project, clinic, territory, resource), technical writer, instructor, bioscience/biotech business, writer, lab quality control (government/industrial).

A master’s degree in biological sciences will give you the pre-requisite for a PhD.

Thesis-based program

Students are required to prepare a thesis and successfully defend in an open oral defense.

Courses

Two courses along with seminar courses

Learn more about program requirements in the Academic Calendar

Classroom delivery

Time 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

See the Graduate Calendar for information on fees and fee regulations, and for information on awards and financial assistance.

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GPA

A minimum of 3.2 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

None

Documents

A concise statement outlining the applicant's research interests and reasons for wishing to attend the University of Calgary

Reference letters

Three academic reference letters along with the required reference form.

Test scores

None

English language proficiency

An applicant whose primary language is not English may fulfill the English language proficiency requirement in one of the following ways:

Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL ibt) score of 105.
International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score of 7.5 (minimum of 7.0 in each section)
Pearson Test of English (PTE) score of 75, or higher (Academic version).
Canadian Academic English Language test (CAEL) score of 70 (minimum 70 in each section)
Academic Communication Certificate (ACC) score of A- in each course.
Cambridge C1 Advanced or Cambridge C2 Proficiency minimum score of 200.
Duolingo English Test and obtaining a minimum score of 145* (with no sub-score below 125*). (temporary until Fall 2024 intake)

Deadlines

For admission on September 1

Canadian and permanent resident (students with Canadian or U.S. transcripts)- apply by June 1
International (students with international transcripts)- apply by May 1

For admission on January 1

Canadian and permanent resident (students with Canadian or U.S. transcripts)- apply by Oct. 1
International (students with international transcripts)- apply by Sept. 1

For admission on May 1

Canadian and permanent resident (students with Canadian or U.S. transcripts)- apply by March 1
International (students with international transcripts)- apply by Jan. 1

If you're not a Canadian or permanent resident, or if you have international credentials, make sure to learn about international requirements