Biology (MSc)
Master of Science (MSc)
Offered by:Department of Biology, Faculty of Arts & Science
Why pursue a Master's in Biology?
The Master of Science (Biology) is a research-intensive program, which places a heavy emphasis on creativity and innovation yet remains firmly grounded in fundamental science. Working closely with a faculty mentor, you will develop a mastery of modern research methodologies while expanding your disciplinary knowledge, analytical skills and critical thinking. You will also develop an in-depth understanding of current scientific literature and enhanced communication skills. Our program gives students the training, knowledge and techniques to become effective and engaged scientists.
Our faculty members are internationally known for their work across a wide spectrum of biological sciences. The breadth of our department and cognate programs offers a diverse range of disciplinary and cross-disciplinary research opportunities.
Areas of research conducted within our Department include:
- Animal Biology and Behaviour
- Cellular and Developmental Biology and Biochemistry
- Ecology, Evolution and Conservation Biology
- Microbiology
- Microscopy
- Molecular Biology and Genomics
- Plant Biochemistry and Biotechnology
- Synthetic Biology and SynBioApps program
Thrive in Montreal, a major centre for academic and applied research. We have four universities (and affiliated research centres) and Federal and Provincial Government research agencies as well as private companies engaged in partnerships with academic researchers.
Program details
The admission requirement is a BSc degree or equivalent with specialization in biology with good standing (B average) from a recognized university. Exceptionally, applicants not meeting the GPA requirement may be admitted on the basis of outstanding academic letters of reference, good performance and high standing in advanced courses or exceptional research experience.
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 Graduate Admission page for further information on the Language Proficiency requirements and exemptions.
- Credits. A fully-qualified candidate is required to complete a minimum of 45 credits.
- Courses. Three 3-credit courses (9 credits), to be chosen in consultation with the candidate's advisory committee.
- Thesis (BIOL 696, 36 credits). The thesis will be examined by a committee composed of the student's supervisory committee plus a third examiner chosen at the discretion of the Graduate Program Director. An oral examination chaired by the Graduate Program Director or his/her designate will be conducted before the examining committee to test the student's ability to defend the thesis.
- Seminars. Each student is expected to attend and participate in departmental seminars. In addition, students will be required to present a short (20-30 minutes) seminar to the department on their research once during their residency, normally on completion of their first year.
1. Ensure that your completed application includes:
- Application form and Fee
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Three Letters of Reference and assessment form
- Statement of purpose
- Transcripts for all post-secondary institutions attended
- Proof of Canadian citizenship (if applicable)
- Applicants whose primary language is not English, are required to submit official language test scores, unless exempted.
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.
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.
Important information about admissions
Please be advised that Concordia University does not process admissions or fee payments through third parties for our degree programs.
All applicants are advised to ensure that they are communicating directly with the university for admissions and fee payments.
