Biology (MSc)

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Degree

Master of Science (MSc)

Department

Biology

Faculty

Faculty of Arts & Science

Program type

Thesis

Primary campus

Loyola (LOY)

Duration

2 years

Credits

45 credits

Start term

Fall, Winter

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 structure

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)

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)

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)

Consult the Graduate Calendar for the complete list of courses

Admission requirements

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.

Application process

Review these four steps before applying

Make sure to check for program specific requirements

Application deadlines

FALL

February 1

WINTER

September 1

SUMMER

n/a

Priority will be given to complete applications submitted by the deadline. In some cases, programs may continue to accept applications as long as there is space available.

International students: Considering the waiting period involved in meeting the entry requirements to Canada and Quebec, we strongly encourage international applicants to apply early and submit supporting documents prior to the deadline.

Tuition & funding

Tuition and fees

Tuition and fees of the program may depend on your student status, among other key factors. Estimate these costs based on the most common situations.

Use the tuition & fee estimator

Awards and funding

Funding packages are generally available for students in thesis-based programs. They come in the form of awards, teaching and research assistantships are offered at the time of admission to most students to allow them to focus on their research and studies. Research and thesis-based students are automatically considered for all entrance graduate awards when they apply to Concordia, provided they meet eligibility criteria. No separate application is required.

Learn more about entrance awards

The Quebec and Canadian governments offer a number of competitive graduate scholarships. We encourage you to apply for these awards at the same time you are preparing your application.

Consult the list of awards available

Out-of-province students

Get $9,251 in special funding for thesis master's programs. Learn more

Other programs of interest

Gain broad-based knowledge in the study of genomics, proteomics, molecular genetics, protein biochemistry and bioinformatics. Prepare to enter the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries or to pursue further graduate studies.

Department

Department of Biology

Faculty

Faculty of Arts & Science

View program details

Biology (MSc)

Program overview