biology

Biological Sciences

Master of Science (MSc)

Thesis-based program

Program overview

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.

Virtual Tour

Explore the University of Calgary (UCalgary) from anywhere. Experience all that UCalgary has to offer for your graduate student journey without physically being on campus. Discover the buildings, student services and available programs all from your preferred device.


Supervisors

Learn about faculty available to supervise this degree.
Please note: additional supervisors may be available. Contact the program for more information.


  1. Marie Elizabeth Fraser

    Marie Elizabeth Fraser

    Accepting Inquiries
    Structural Biology
  2. Lisa Gieg

    Lisa Gieg

    Unavailable
    Environmental Microbiology
  3.  Omid Haji-Ghassemi - Assistant Professor - Department of Biological Sciences

    Omid Haji-Ghassemi

    Accepting Inquiries
    Structural Biology of Protein Kinases
  4. Dave Hansen

    Dave Hansen

    Seeking Students
    Stem Cells, microRNA level control
  5. Michael Hynes

    Michael Hynes

    Unavailable
    Bacterial genetics and physiology
  6. Photo of Dr. Lucas

    Kelsey Lucas

    Accepting Inquiries
    Ecological Biomechanics
  7. Greg Moorhead

    Greg Moorhead

    Accepting Inquiries
    Protein Phosphatases in Cell Signalling
  8. Placeholder Profile Image

    Douglas Morck

    Accepting Inquiries
    Biofilms, Antibiotic Resistance, Bacterial Pathogenesis, Immunomodulatory Effects of Antibiotics
  9. Douglas Muench

    Douglas Muench

    Seeking Students
    Characterization and engineering of proteins that regulate post-transcriptional gene expression, Molecular and cellular approaches to oil sands tailings remediation and biosensing
  10. Dae-Kyun Ro

    Dae-Kyun Ro

    Accepting Inquiries
    General statement, 1. Chemical diversity and evolution of sesquiterpene lactone in lettuce, sunflower, and related plants in Asteraceae family., 2. Molecular genetics and biochemistry of natural rubber in lettuce., 3. Proanthocyaninin biochemistry in pea, 4. Synthetic Biosystems for the Production of High Value Plant Metabolites

Admission requirements


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:

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

Learn more about this program

Biological Sciences

Biological Sciences Building 186
2500 University Drive NW
Calgary, ABT2N 1N4
403-220-6623

Contact the Graduate Program Administrator

Visit the departmental website

Faculty of Science

University of Calgary
2500 University Drive NW
Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4

Visit the Faculty of Science website