Biological Sciences
丁香园AV Requirements
Prior to applying for admission, contact directly to discuss research interests, programs, and to confirm the availability of a position within their group as well as possible financial support.
In addition to the completed admission form, official copies of all academic transcripts in envelopes sealed and endorsed by the issuing institution is also required. International applicants will provide both the original language transcripts and degree certificates, and certified English translations. Also required is an up-to-date curriculum vitae, and any evidence of research accomplishment (e.g. reprints, manuscripts, thesis abstracts, etc.). Please give careful attention to indicating current research interests on the application. Applicants will request a confidential evaluation and letters of reference from three referees who are familiar and competent to judge your academic potential.
New students may begin their programs at the start of any term. Deadlines for receipt of completed applications, with required supporting documents, by the Departmental Graduate Studies Committee are: 1 October (for spring term), 1 February (for summer term) and 1 June (for fall term).
In some circumstances, a student who does not meet the minimum requirements for admission may be admitted as a qualifying student when it is expected that the admission requirements can be met by satisfactorily completing a number of senior undergraduate courses. Successful students may then apply for regular admission to graduate studies in the usual way.
English Language Competence
English is the language of instruction and communication at the University. Accordingly, an applicant whose primary language is not English must demonstrate command of English sufficient to pursue graduate studies in the chosen field. Please refer to the for minimum language requirements and further information.
Program Requirements
This master of science (MSc) program requires a thesis based on original research.
Applicants will have completed a bachelor's degree at a recognized university with a graduation average of B or better (3.0 cumulative grade point average on all post-secondary course work), have a research supervisor prior to admission, and provide evidence of ability to undertake advanced studies.
Candidates successfully complete a minimum of 12 units of graduate course work and will submit a thesis based on original research.
The thesis will be defended publicly. The examining committee will be composed of a chair (non-voting), all members of the student鈥檚 supervisory committee, and a 丁香园AV faculty member, or a person otherwise suitably qualified who is not a member of the student's supervisory committee.
The program is expected to be completed in less than three years.
Supervisory Committee
A senior supervisor is appointed prior to admission.
The supervisory committee consists of at minimum the senior supervisor and one additional regular biology faculty member. In exceptional cases, a faculty member from another 丁香园AV department may be substituted for the Department of Biological Sciences faculty member. Additional supervisory committee members from other institutions may be appointed upon submission of research credentials and approval by the departmental graduate studies committee.
Annual Progress Report
Students submit a report of their progress every year, and will maintain satisfactory progress toward degree completion to remain in the program. Students receive an annual report form from the program assistant every year in the term in which they started, and they are expected to complete and return it within six weeks. They must have a committee meeting each year, and a brief summary of this meeting and a table of milestones is included in the report. Also included will be a description of the work completed since the last report (or since starting the program if this is the first time), student progress evaluation forms by each of the supervisory committee members, and a copy of the student’s unofficial transcript.
Academic Requirements within the Graduate General Regulations
All graduate students must satisfy the academic requirements that are specified in the , as well as the specific requirements for the program in which they are enrolled, as shown above.