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Biology (MSc)

Master of Science (MSc)

Program overview

The MSc in Biology is a research-intensive science program with a strong emphasis on innovative thinking. We look at a wide variety of biological sciences, including (1) cell/molecular biology, genomic and synthetic biology; as well as (2) Ecology, evolution and conservation. Working closely with a faculty mentor, you will expand your knowledge of modern research methodologies while developing your disciplinary knowledge and analytical skills. You will gain an in-depth understanding of current scientific literature and the training, knowledge and techniques needed to become an effective and engaged scientist. Montreal's status as a major centre for applied research means you'll benefit from an academic ecosystem that includes four major universities and their research centres, federal and provincial agencies and a thriving private sector that frequently seeks partnerships with academic researchers.

Program details

Admission Requirements

  • BSc degree or equivalent with specialization in biology with good standing (B average) from a recognized university.
  • Proficiency in English. Applicants whose primary language is not English must demonstrate that their knowledge of English is sufficient to pursue graduate studies in their chosen field. Please refer to the English language proficiency page for further information on requirements and exemptions.

Degree Requirements

Fully-qualified candidates are required to complete a minimum of 45 credits.

Please see the Biology Courses page for course descriptions.

Biology MSc (45 credits)

9

credits chosen from the following courses, or from the Biochemistry Courses list, in consultation with the candidate’s advisory committee:

  BIOL 601 Readings in Ecology and Behaviour I (3.00)
  BIOL 602 Readings in Cell and Molecular Biology I (3.00)
  BIOL 606 Readings in Organismal Biology I (3.00)
  BIOL 607 Readings in Ecology and Behaviour II (3.00)
  BIOL 608 Readings in Cell and Molecular Biology II (3.00)
  BIOL 609 Readings in Organismal Biology II (3.00)
  BIOL 612 Advanced Topics in Evolution (3.00)
  BIOL 613 Advanced Topics in Behavioural Ecology (3.00)
  BIOL 614 Advanced Topics in Ecology (3.00)
  BIOL 615 Advanced Topics in Animal Biology (3.00)
  BIOL 630 Advanced Topics in Bioinformatics (3.00)
  BIOL 631 Advanced Topics in Biotechnology (3.00)
  BIOL 632 Advanced Topics in Cell Biology (3.00)
  BIOL 635 Advanced Topics in Molecular Genetics (3.00)
  BIOL 640 Advanced Topics in Plant Biology (3.00)
  BIOL 680 Advanced Topics in Biology (3.00)
  BIOL 685 Advanced Topics in Microbiology (3.00)

36

credits:

  BIOL 696 Master’s Research and Thesis (36.00)

Biochemistry Courses

The following courses in Biochemistry may be taken for credit in the program:

  CHEM 670 Selected Topics in Biochemistry and Biophysics (3.00)
  BIOL 622 Advanced Techniques in Ecology (3.00)
  BIOL 623 Advanced Applied Ecology and Conservation (3.00)
  BIOL 624 Advances in Decomposer Communities and Nutrient Cycling (3.00)
  BIOL 633 Advanced Immunology (3.00)
  BIOL 634 Advanced Cell Biology (3.00)
  BIOL 660 Advanced Plant Biochemistry (3.00)
  BIOL 661 Advanced Tissue Culture (3.00)
  BIOL 670 Scientific Communication (3.00)
  BIOL 671 Scanning Electron Microscopy (3.00)
  BIOL 687 Advanced Molecular Genetics (3.00)
  CHEM 677 Enzyme Kinetics and Mechanism (3.00)
  CHEM 678 Protein Engineering and Design (3.00)
  BIOL 616 Current Advances in Ecological Research (3.00)
  BIOL 688 Advances in Biological Regulatory Mechanisms (3.00)
  BIOL 689 Advanced Techniques in Molecular Biology (3.00)
  BIOL 690 Advanced Gene Structure (3.00)

1. Ensure that your completed application includes:

2. An admission offer will not be issued until a supervisor match has been made. Students are encouraged to review the list of faculty members' field of interests and directly contact those with whom you would like to work. When you are accepted by a supervisor, forward an email with your supervisors approval to biograd.fas@concordia.ca, be sure to include your full name and student ID number as well as the email exchange with the approval of the supervisor.

  DEGREE
 
FALL
(September)
WINTER
(January)
SUMMER
(May/June)
Biology MSc Feb. 1 Sept. 1 n/a

We’re committed to providing students the support they need to focus on their studies. Top students benefit from scholarships, teaching assistantships, fellowships, research stipends usually in the amount of at least $15,000 a year.

Our students have also received support from the Natural Science and Engineering Research Council of Canada, Canadian Institutes of Health Research and the Fonds de recherche du Québec.  Additionally, internal awards and tuition remissions are available on a competitive basis for incoming students.

The departments of Biology, Chemistry and Physics in the Faculty of Arts and Science are seeking graduate students for specific research areas. Please visit this page for new opportunities regularly.

You’ll benefit from access to a greenhouse, animal holding facilities, epifluorescent and confocal microscopes, darkrooms, instrument rooms with centrifuges, spectrophotometers, basic biochemical instrumentation, a sterile transfer laboratory, cold rooms, environment controlled rooms and radioisotope laboratories.

Concordia is home to the Centre for Structural and Functional Genomics, the Centre for Biological Applications of Mass Spectrometry and the Centre for Microscopy at Concordia (CMAC).

Choose your supervisor from amongst leading researchers.

See what our students are working on. Review an inspiring list of thesis topics.

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