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MSc Integrative Biology

The MSc in Integrative Biology at the University of Guelph is one of the finest in the country for research, training, and scholarship in both plant and animal sciences. Our graduate students pursue studies in all aspects of biology, from genes to entire ecosystems. Graduate students’ programs are tailored depending on their interests and background.

A wide variety of organisms, from microbes to plants and animals, at multiple levels of organizations, from molecules and cells to entire ecosystems, are studied within the Department of Integrative Biology.

MSc graduates go on to pursue their PhDs and/or find work in government, not-for-profits or industry, in a variety of roles, such as environmental consultant, data scientist and conservation officer.

Student bands sparrow

Degree Details

The Master of Science in Integrative Biology is a research-based program. Students take 1.5 credits in coursework and prepare and defend a research-based thesis for their MSc (approximately six semesters).

Students can choose to pursue research in one of three areas:

  • Ecology
  • Evolutionary Biology
  • Comparative Physiology

The three areas of emphasis focus on, but are not restricted to, experimental approaches in field and laboratory settings and a strong linkage between theoretical and applied investigations. Learn about the program’s expected learning outcomes. The department encourages students to pursue interdisciplinary research and take advantage of faculty expertise from across campus.

Students with advanced academic and research aptitudes can apply for transfer into the PhD program after partial completion of the MSc degree requirements.

Collaborative Specialization

Collaborative Specializations

A collaborative specialization is an intra-university graduate field of study that provides an additional multidisciplinary experience for students enrolled in and completing the degree requirements for an Integrative Biology graduate program. Opportunities for collaborative specializations are available in the areas of Neuroscience, Toxicology, and One Health.

Student works in Centre for Biodiversity Genomics

Facilities and Fieldwork

The University of Guelph is home to diverse, state-of-the-art facilities that contribute to research and graduate training. Extensive freshwater and saltwater holding facilities are available in the Hagen Aqualab. The university is home to one of the largest herbariums in Canada and has a strong partnership with the Royal Botanical Gardens. The Biodiversity Institute for Conservation Synthesis provides first-class facilities to investigate the genetic diversity of organisms and the Limnotron enables experimental manipulation of aquatic food webs.

The department engages in fieldwork throughout the world, including local, Arctic, African, and tropical sites. The department has access to field sites, extensive greenhouse and plant growth facilities across campus. Graduate students have access to facilities in the Advanced Analysis Centre, including those for genomics, mass spectrometry, NMR, x-ray crystallography, and facilities for the growth of bacteria, yeast, mammalian, and plant cells.

Choosing an Advisor

Check out Before You Apply for helpful advice on identifying and reaching out to faculty members.

Contact Us

Dr. Cortland Griswold, Graduate Program Coordinator 
519-824-4120 ext. 56240 
cgriswol@uoguelph.ca  

Kate Artuso, Graduate Program Assistant 
519-824-4120 ext. 56097 
cbsib@uoguelph.ca 

Karen White, Graduate Admissions Assistant 
519-824-4120 ext. 52730 
white@uoguelph.ca