Biological Sciences

Find new ways to pursue your passion for life in the University of Calgary's Biological Sciences department. Master's students have the opportunity to broaden their understanding of the discipline, while following their own curiosity to define and investigate a specific research focus for their thesis work. Guidance is provided by faculty members pursuing a wildly diverse range of research in contemporary issues in botany, zoology, ecology and more. Students will be exposed to foundational theory and cutting-edge methods as they explore a broad range of concepts and issues ranging from the molecular level to the biosphere.

Completing this program

• Research Seminar: Related to supervisor interest, and may include biochemistry, cell biology, ecology and evolutionary biology or microbiology.
• Research Proposal: Students present a written research proposal within six months of initial registration in the program.
• Thesis: Students will be required to submit and defend an original research thesis.
• Additional Courses: Topics may cover biology of laboratory animals, theory and lab methods, statistical methods, recent advances and Darwin.
• Other Disciplines: Depending on research interests, some students may take graduate courses offered by other departments.

Specializations

• Biochemistry
• Biophysical Chemistry
• Cell Biology
• Developmental Biology
• Ecology
• Environmental Biology
• Evolutionary Biology
• Molecular Microbiology
• Physiology
• Structural Biology
• Host-Pathogen Interactions
• Energy and Environmental Systems

Lab technician, biologist, teacher, scientist (agricultural/forestry breeding, process development, environmental) biotechnologist, manager (lab, project, clinic, territory, resource), technical writer, instructor, bioscience/biotech business, writer, lab quality control (government/industrial).

A master’s degree in biological sciences will give you the pre-requisite for a PhD.

1. Collect your documentation

   • Check your program requirements to find out which documents and forms you will need to prepare.
   • See the program's list of required documents for submission details.
   • Prospective doctoral students with funding from the China Scholarship Council: see additional information.

2. Gather references (if required)

   • Contact past professors for potential references. We will invite your referees to complete an online reference form after you submit your application.
   • Some course-based programs do not require references, please see specific admission requirements if you are unsure.

3. Begin your application

   • Create an eID to log in. If you already have an eID, you can begin your online application. 
   • Once you begin, remember to click 'Save & Continue' often to ensure your application is saved.

4. Submit your application

   • Pay your application fee:
     • $125 for Canadians or Permanent residents
     • $145 for International Students
   • Learn about payment options here