Biochemistry: Biochemistry MSc

Master of Science

Minimum Admission Requirements

  • Applicants are admitted under the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies. Applicants must also satisfy the Department of Biochemistry's additional admission requirements stated below.

  • Normally, a minimum B+ average in the last two years of study in an honours or specialist BSc program in biochemistry or molecular biology. Applicants with strong academic credentials in honours or specialist programs in disciplines related to biochemistry or molecular biology are also considered.

  • Applicants arrange for personal reference forms from three individuals familiar with their academic performance.

  • Applicants who obtained a degree outside Canada or the United States are generally required to have an MSc degree in Biochemistry or in a closely related subject area.

  • Applicants whose primary language is not English and who graduated from a non-Canadian university where the language of instruction was not English must provide Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and Test of Written English (TWE) scores:

    • paper-based TOEFL: minimum 580 score and 5 on the TWE

    • Internet-based TOEFL: minimum 93/120 score and 22/30 on the writing and speaking sections.

  • In the absence of TOEFL results, an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score of at least 7.0 (Academic) with at least 6.5 for each component is also acceptable.

Program Requirements

Students must complete any courses that were a condition of acceptance.

  • Coursework. Students must successfully complete a total of 1.5 full-course equivalents (FCEs) as follows:

    • BCH2020Y0 Seminar Course in Biochemistry Level 1 (1.0 FCE)

    • BCH2101H Scientific Skills for Biochemists (0.25 FCE)

    • at least 0.25 elective FCE.

  • Students must submit a thesis (RST9999Y; Credit/No Credit) and successfully complete an oral examination on their research and related aspects of biochemistry.

  • Normally, MSc students are expected to participate as full-time students and to maintain full-time status in their laboratories until thesis completion and final defence.

Program Length

6 sessions full-time (typical registration sequence: F/W/S/F/W/S)**

Time Limit

3 years full-time

0 Course that may continue over a program. The course is graded when completed.

** Students may begin the program in the Fall or Winter.