Medical Science: Medical Science MSc

Master of Science

Program Description

The MSc program is available in a wide range of basic sciences, clinical sciences, and population health research. Under the mentorship of a faculty member, a student receives specialized training and exposure to Toronto's finest multidisciplinary research. Students conduct research in one of six fields: Bioethics; Biomedical Science; Clinical Science; Health Professions Education; Population Health/Health Services; and Radiation Oncology.

The program emphasizes hands-on research, rather than coursework. Faculty conduct research in the following areas: cardiovascular sciences, bioethics, neuroscience, membrane biology, respiratory medicine, and psychosomatic medicine. The Institute of Medical Science (IMS) is the graduate unit of choice for undergraduates and MDs seeking training as clinician investigators, and graduates may seek positions as academics and health-care professionals in universities, government, and industry. The IMS participates in the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons Clinical Investigator Program (CIP).

Students will complete the program in two years over six sessions.

Minimum Admission Requirements

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

  • An appropriate BSc or an MD degree from a recognized university and academic credentials and background preparation appropriate to the field of study. Qualified university graduates with a professional health science degree (for example, MD, BScN) or an undergraduate arts and science degree of appropriate background who wish to pursue graduate studies in basic or clinical biomedical sciences are encouraged to apply.

  • Applicants lacking adequate background in biological, natural, or social sciences may be required to take undergraduate or graduate courses considered necessary to provide a proper basis for their research.

  • A– (80%) average in the final year of undergraduate study and an A– cumulative average over three of the four total years of study.

  • Applicants whose primary language is not English, and who graduated from a university where the language of instruction was not English, must demonstrate proficiency in the English language through the successful completion of one of the following English language proficiency tests:

    • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL):

      • a minimum score of 600 on the paper-based test and 5 on the Test of Written English (TWE); or

      • a minimum score of 100 on the Internet-based test and 25 on the writing and speaking sections.

    • International English Language Testing System (IELTS): minimum overall score of 7.5 with at least 6.5 in each component.

    • Certificate of Proficiency in English (COPE): minimum total of 86 with a minimum writing score of 32, reading score of 22, and listening score of 22. Test of Oral Proficiency assessment band = 7.

Program Requirements

  • Coursework. Students must complete a minimum of 2.0 graduate full-course equivalent (FCEs) as follows:

    • 0.5 FCE: MSC1010H0 MSc Student Seminars in Translational Research (Credit/No Credit).

    • 0.5 FCE: MSC modular courses (two courses worth 0.25 FCE each).

    • 1.0 elective FCE.

  • A research thesis and oral thesis examination.

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. Credit is given when the course is completed.