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.
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: Fall 2025 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: Winter 2026 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: Winter 2026 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.