Master of Science

Program Description

The objective of the MSc program is for students to acquire written and oral scholarly research skills in Medical Biophysics. Students carry out a research project (which is usually laboratory-based), prepare a research thesis, take graduate-level courses, and attend and participate in research seminars. Students select from a flexible, modular curriculum and participate in department-wide Medical Biophysics Graduate Student Seminars which develop skills in cross-disciplinary communication.

All MSc students carry out a thesis project in a laboratory that they select by means of a rotations program on entry to the department. Through this project they acquire knowledge in the design of experiments and in the interpretation and critical analysis of research findings. Students submit a thesis that reports critically on their research and pass an oral examination. They are guided by a supervisory committee through which they have access to the wide range of expertise in our faculty.

Students participate in student symposium, invited lecture series, and research seminars throughout their program. They are encouraged to reclassify (transfer) into the PhD program through an examination during Year 2, taken about 20 months after entry.

Minimum Admission Requirements

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

• Applicants from diverse academic backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

Program Requirements

• Coursework. Students must complete a total of 2.5 full-course equivalents (FCEs) as follows:

  • MBP1015Y⁰ Biophysics Seminar (1.0 FCE). Note that students must attend this continuous course until their degree program is completed.

  • MBP1200H Scientific Exposition and Ethics (0.25 FCE).

  • MBP1201H Biostatistics (0.25 FCE).

  • One of the following two options:

    • a biology-stream module (0.25 FCE) or

    • a graduate course (0.25 FCE) chosen in consultation with the department that provides a foundation in biology.

  • The balance of 0.75 FCE is chosen from any of the other course modules; or (with departmental approval) graduate courses in another department.

  • Modules are taken within courses. See the course list below.

• Successful completion of an oral examination of the student's research thesis.

Program Length

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

Time Limit

3 years full-time