Key Areas of Research
Cell and Molecular Biology
Ecology and Evolution
Physiology and Neuroscience
Within each research area there is a critical mass for interaction among faculty and students. This also includes sharing of resources and expertise among labs. Biology graduate students are trained in many areas of professional development including experimental design, statistical analyses, scientific writing, lab/field methodology, critical thinking and public speaking. Graduate students write an annual research progress report, present at the Graduate research seminar series and also organize an annual symposium with external and internal speakers.
Faculty members in the Department of Biology at York U study every aspect of life, from the shape and function of biologically interesting molecules to the effects of climate change on ecosystems. Our professors are dedicated to advancing research in these areas and mentoring students to investigate life’s complexity and develop careers in the biological sciences. With 39 tenure-stream faculty and an additional 33 research faculty who are adjunct or cross-appointed to our graduate programs, we are one of the largest departments of Biology in the country. Nearly 150 graduate students per year receive a top-quality education on-campus in laboratories and at field sites around the world.
Our graduate program is research intensive with low course requirements for M.Sc. and few or no course requirements for most Ph.D. students. Students gain valuable teaching and leadership experience through teaching assistant positions in undergraduate labs. We train our students in high-caliber and publishable research. Our graduate students work in world-class labs and their research is funded primarily through their supervisor’s grants from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada and the Canadian Institute for Health Research.
Master of Science (MSc)
At the master’s level, students work closely with a supervisor, and their research is supported by that supervisor. Thus, no student is accepted into the program unless a faculty member agrees to supervise that student.
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
At the PhD level, students work closely with a supervisor, and their research is supported by that supervisor. Thus, no student is accepted into the program unless a faculty member agrees to supervise that student.
Learn More
The Graduate Program in Biology at York is an exciting environment to pursue innovative, socially engaging, career-ready education. Contact our Graduate Program Assistant to learn more.