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)
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BIOL 697 Master's Thesis Research 1 (13 credits)
Overview
Biology (Sci) : Independent research work under the direction of the Thesis Supervisor and the Supervisory Committee.
Terms: Fall 2024, Winter 2025
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.
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BIOL 698 Master's Thesis Research 2 (13 credits)
Overview
Biology (Sci) : Independent research work under the direction of the Thesis Supervisor and the Supervisory Committee.
Terms: Fall 2024, Winter 2025
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.
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BIOL 699 Master's Thesis Research 3 (13 credits)
Overview
Biology (Sci) : Independent research work under the direction of the Thesis Supervisor and the Supervisory Committee.
Terms: Fall 2024, Winter 2025
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Complementary Courses (6 credits)
3 credits from the following [choose BIOL 601 and either BIOL 602 or BIOL 603]:
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BIOL 601 Introduction to Graduate Studies in Biology (1.5 credits)
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 2024
Instructors: Gerhold, Abigail; Soper, Fiona (Fall)
Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor
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BIOL 602 Molecular Biology Research and Professional Skills (1.5 credits)
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 2025
Instructors: Gerhold, Abigail (Winter)
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor
Restriction: Not open to students who have taken or are taking BIOL 603.
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BIOL 603 Organismal Biology Research and Professional Skills (1.5 credits)
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 2025
Instructors: 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.
