University of Alberta - Faculty of Graduate Studies & Research

Biological Sciences

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Program Information

School:University of Alberta - Faculty of Graduate Studies & Research
Faculty:Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research
Degree:Master
Field of Study:Biology/Biological Sciences, General
Description:The Department of Biological Sciences offers programs leading to the degrees of Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy. It strives to develop scholars familiar with literature in their field, capable of identifying new problems and new directions of endeavour in their field, and competent with the methods of data collection and analysis essential to do research. Students will fulfil these objectives through several forums: a supervised research program, coursework, participation in seminar programs, and defending their dissertation.



The Department has research laboratories and instructional facilities for 250–300 graduate students. There are facilities for digital image processing, electron and confocal microscopy, analytical chemistry, molecular biology, fermentation, biotechnology, DNA synthesis and sequencing, cultivation of microbial cells and cells of yeasts, plants, insects and mammals. Facilities include large holding tanks for aquatic animals, and controlled environment rooms including an extensive greenhouse complex. Off-campus facilities include the Devonian Botanic Garden and mycology herbarium, several field stations including the Meanook Biological Research Station and Ellerslie Plant Genetics Station, all near Edmonton, and the Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre on Vancouver Island. Extensive reference collections are available for research with microfungi, vascular and cryptogamic plants as well as vertebrates and invertebrates, including major collections of fishes, fossil plants and vertebrates, insects and parasites.

URL:Biological Sciences at University of Alberta - Faculty of Graduate Studies & Research
Areas of Research:Biological Sciences; Ecology; Microbiology and Biotechnology; Molecular Biology and Genetics; Physiology, Development and Cell Biology; Plant Biology; Systematics and Evolution.
Thesis Based:Yes
Length:2 Year(s)
Careers:Biologists

Admission Requirements

Grade for Entrance Previous Year (%)*83
Prerequisites:*These courses are intended as guidelines. Speak to your guidance counsellor to see what courses are offered at your school.
    At minimum, applicants require an appropriate previous degree or its academic equivalent from an academic institution recognized by the University of Alberta with a 3.3 GPA on a 4.0 scale on the most recent two years of full-time study.
    Test Scores:
    • Test of English as a Foreign Language (Internet Based) [min. 90] or International English Language Testing System (academic or immigration) [min. 7]
    Additional Admission Requirements:
    • Letter(s) of Reference
    • Resume/Curriculum Vitae
    • Statement of Research Interests

    * The entrance grade may change from year to year. Please contact the school for further information.

    * We make every attempt to provide accurate information on prerequisites, programs, and tuition. However, this information is subject to change without notice and we highly recommend that you contact the school to confirm important information before applying.

    Modified on September 05, 2022