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 Graduate Admission page for further information on the Language Proficiency requirements and exemptions.

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.

Degree Requirements

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

9 credits – Courses

To be chosen in consultation with the candidate's advisory committee

BIOL 601 - Readings in Ecology and Behaviour I (3 credits)
BIOL 602 - Readings in Cell and Molecular Biology I (3 credits)
BIOL 606 - Readings in Organismal Biology I (3 credits)
BIOL 607 - Readings in Ecology and Behaviour II (3 credits)
BIOL 608 - Readings in Cell and Molecular Biology II (3 credits)
BIOL 609 - Readings in Organismal Biology II (3 credits)
BIOL 612 - Advanced Topics in Evolution (3 credits)
BIOL 613 - Advanced Topics in Behavioural Ecology (3 credits)
BIOL 614 - Advanced Topics in Ecology (3 credits)
BIOL 615 - Advanced Topics in Animal Biology (3 credits)
BIOL 630 - Advanced Topics in Bioinformatics (3 credits)
BIOL 631 - Advanced Topics in Biotechnology (3 credits)
BIOL 632 - Advanced Topics in Cell Biology (3 credits)
BIOL 635 - Advanced Topics in Molecular Genetics (3 credits)
BIOL 640 - Advanced Topics in Plant Biology (3 credits)
BIOL 680 - Advanced Topics in Biology (3 credits)
BIOL 685 - Advanced Topics in Microbiology (3 credits)

CHEM 670 - Selected Topics in Biochemistry and Biophysics (3 credits)
CHEM 671 - Structure and Function of Biomembranes (3 credits)
CHEM 673 – Neurochemistry (3 credits)
CHEM 677 - Enzyme Kinetics and Mechanism (3 credits)
CHEM 678 - Protein Engineering and Design (3 credits)

36 credits – Thesis

BIOL 696 - Master’s Research and Thesis (36 credits)

Application process

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.

Application deadlines

DEGREE

FALL
(September)

WINTER
(January)

SUMMER
(May/June)

Biology	MSc	Feb. 1	Sept. 1	n/a
International students are advised to apply by the following deadlines to allow adequate time to obtain immigration documents: Fall Term by February 1; Winter Term by June 1. Canadian residents: Late applications may be considered. Please contact the Graduate Program Assistant.

Courses

Consult the graduate calendar for a complete list of current courses.

Funding

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.

Facilities

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).