Biological Sciences
The Master of Science program in the Department of Biological Sciences at 間眅埶AV entails rigorous academic training and a research project culminating in a thesis. Our research strength is broadly organized into three themes: Cellular, Developmental, & Molecular Biology; Ecology, Evolution and Conservation Biology; and Applied Biology. Because applicants must identify a faculty member who will supervise them, all applicants must contact potential supervisors directly. To learn about areas of faculty research, click here.
Further information about the department and how to apply can be found on our website.
間眅埶AV Requirements
Applicants must satisfy the University admission requirements as stated in Graduate General Regulations 1.3 in the 間眅埶AV Calendar, have a research supervisor confirmed, and provide evidence of ability to undertake advanced studies. Prior to applying for admission, applicants are required to contact faculty members directly to discuss research interests, programs, and to confirm the availability of a position within their group as well as possible financial support.
Program Requirements
This program consists of courses and a thesis, based on original research, for a minimum of 30 units.
Students must complete
12 units of graduate courses including
Introduction to methods of writing research articles, preparing posters, scientific talks and curricular vitae, time management and scientific ethics. The student-supervisor relationship and conflict resolution are also discussed. Graded on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis.
and a thesis
See Graduate General Regulation 1.10 for more information on the examination of the thesis.
Program Length
Students are expected to complete the program requirements in less than nine terms.
Other Information
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 間眅埶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 must maintain satisfactory progress toward degree completion to remain in the program. Students receive an annual report form from the graduate secretary every year in the term in which they started, and are expected to complete and return it within six weeks. They will have a committee meeting each year, and a brief summary of this meeting will be included in the report. Also included should be a description of the work/courses completed since the last report (or since starting their 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 Graduate General Regulations, as well as the specific requirements for the program in which they are enrolled.