Biology (Thesis) (M.Sc.) (45 credits)
Offered by: Biology (Faculty of Science)
Degree: Master of Science
Program credit weight: 45
Program Description
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:
- molecular, cellular and developmental biology,
- conservation, ecology and evolution, and
- neurobiology and behaviour.
This program allows students considerable flexibility in their choice of research and coursework and encourages cross-disciplinary thinking.
Note: For information about Fall 2025 and Winter 2026 course offerings, please check back on May 8, 2025. Until then, the "Terms offered" field will appear blank for most courses while the class schedule is being finalized.
Required Courses (39 credits)
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| BIOL 697 | Master's Thesis Research 1. | 13 |
Master's Thesis Research 1. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Independent research work under the direction of the Thesis Supervisor and the Supervisory Committee. | ||
| BIOL 698 | Master's Thesis Research 2. | 13 |
Master's Thesis Research 2. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Independent research work under the direction of the Thesis Supervisor and the Supervisory Committee. | ||
| BIOL 699 | Master's Thesis Research 3. | 13 |
Master's Thesis Research 3. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Independent research work under the direction of the Thesis Supervisor and the Supervisory Committee. | ||
Complementary Courses (6 credits)
3 credits from the following [choose BIOL 601 Introduction to Graduate Studies in Biology. and either BIOL 602 Molecular Biology Research and Professional Skills. or BIOL 603 Organismal Biology Research and Professional Skills.]:
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| BIOL 601 | Introduction to Graduate Studies in Biology. | 1.5 |
Introduction to Graduate Studies in Biology. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. 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. | ||
| BIOL 602 | Molecular Biology Research and Professional Skills. | 1.5 |
Molecular Biology Research and Professional Skills. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Core skills in reading, writing, critical thinking and experimental design/interpretation, pertaining to the molecular biology research stream. Research presentations, research proposals, and peer review, related to thesis research projects. Career opportunities and skills relating to career development. | ||
| BIOL 603 | Organismal Biology Research and Professional Skills. | 1.5 |
Organismal Biology Research and Professional Skills. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. 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. | ||
*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.