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Graduate Program in Biology

MSc > Degree Requirements

MSc Degree by Research Thesis

Candidates for the MSc degree by research thesis must fulfil the following requirements:

  1. Courses

    1. All entering students plan a research program with their supervisor at the start of their degree studies.  Progress in research is monitored by the Supervisory Committee through meetings with the student and by a progress report consisting of a written paper and attendance at the graduate student seminar series and one presentation during degree program.  Satisfactory progress in research results in credit for Biology 6021 3.0/6022 3.0:  MSc Research Evaluation and a statement of the student’s progress in the student’s record.  In the event of failure to achieve satisfactory progress, the student will normally be required to withdraw from the program.

    2. In addition to MSc Research Evaluation, each student must take a minimum of  6 credits from core courses (Biology 5027 1.5, 5028 1.5, 5029 1.5, 5030 1.5, 5034 1.5, 5037 1.5, 5038 1.5, 5055 1.5, 5065 1.5, 5072 1.5, 5081 3.0, 5086 1.5, 5087 1.5, 5098 1.5, 5128 1.5, 5145 1.5, 5146 3.0, 5221 1.5, 5335 1.5, etc.).

    3. Students may be required to take up to two full undergraduate courses (or equivalent) in biological science if this is necessary to strengthen the student’s background.

  2. Thesis and Oral Examination
    Candidates must conduct a laboratory or field research project and report the results in appropriate thesis form.  The research and thesis should demonstrate the candidate’s independence, originality, and understanding of the area of investigation. After the formal submission of the thesis, an oral examination is held, normally centering on the thesis and matters related to it. The thesis should be of a quality normally associated with published material. The total length of the thesis should not exceed 100 pages unless previously authorized by the supervisory committee.  Prior to submission to the graduate Faculty, the thesis must be presented to, and approved by, a majority of the program members of the examining committee.

Normal Time Limits

Full-time candidates should normally complete all requirements for the MSc degree in biology within two years of full time study.  Subsequent years will be permitted only as a part-time student.