Navigation
Masters
There are six research interest groups within the department: Ecology, Microbiology and Biotechnology, Molecular Biology and Genetics, Physiology and Cell Biology, Plant Biology and Systematics and Evolution. Students either register in one of these areas of specialization for their program or, with permission of the supervisor and approval of the Associate Chair(Graduate Studies), register toward a degree of MSc with Specialization in Biological Sciences. Delcared specialization in one of the six research interest areas can be indicated on a student's thesis title page, degree diploma and transcript.
Required courses depend on the area of specialization (see below) and the undergraduate background of the student; however, the Master's program normally consists of a minimum of 6 credits of graded courses (two single-term graduate level graded courses) and a thesis. Generally, these courses should be taken in the first year of the program and chosen from a list approved by the student's supervisor or by the department (for each of the six areas). Beyond the basic course requirements of the department, each student's individual program will be developed by agreement between the student and the supervisor or the supervisory committee.
Candidates for the MSc degree must complete a minimum of two 4-month terms in full-time residence at the University of Alberta.
Program Requirements Within Research Groups:
The Degree of MSc with Specialization in Biological Sciences:
Research leading to a thesis, and a minimum of 6 credits of graded course work, of which 3 credits must be in a graded seminar or discussion-oriented course.
The Degree of MSc with Specialization in Ecology:
The Degree of MSc with Specialization in Microbiology and Biotechnology:
Research leading to a thesis and a minimum of 6 credits graded course work, which includes MICRB 514 in the first or second year and MICRB 607 in the second year. In addition, all students must register and/or participate in MICRB 606 in first and third year.
The Degree of MSc with Specialization in Molecular Biology and Genetics:
Research leading to a thesis, and a minimum of 6 credits of graded course work. In their first year, students typically register in GENET 500 (Term I) and GENET 510 (Term II). In special cases, students may opt out of one of these courses on recommendation of their supervisory committee. However, all students must register in at least 3 credits of graded courses in their first year, and at least 3 credits of their total graded course weight must be chosen from the 500-or 600-level as advised by their supervisory committee. (GENET 500 and GENET 510 will normally fulfill this requirement). Each year, all students will register and/or participate in GENET 601 and 605.
The Degree of MSc with Specialization in Physiology, Development and Cell Biology:
Research leading to a thesis, and a minimum of 6 credits of graded course work, of which 3 credits must be in a graded seminar or discussion-oriented course. Students will register in BIOL 642 during each semester of the first year of their program. In subsequent years, they will participate either in BIOL 642 or any other seminar course, as determined by the supervisor. Students are also required to present one seminar in the BIOL 642 seminar course. Normally this would be in the second year of their thesis work. Presentation in BIOL 642 is not to be used as the pre-thesis or any other seminar course, as determined by the supervisory committee.
The Degree of MSc with Specialization in Plant Biology:
Research leading to a thesis, and a minimum of 6 credits of graded course work. Students will register in BOT 600 during the first year of their program. Students are encouraged to complete these requirements in their first year. Continued participation in BOT 600 in subsequent years is recommended.
The Degree of MSc with Specialization in Systematics and Evolution:
Research leading to a thesis, and a minimum of 6 credits of graded course work. In addition, students must register in BIOL 506 and 507 at least once during their program. Continued participation in BIOL 507 in subsequent years is recommended. Students are encouraged to select additional courses from the following list after consultation with their supervisor or supervisory committee: BIOL 321, 335, 380, 430, 521 or 592 (521 strongly recommended).