MSc Molecular and Cellular Biology
Students in the Master of Science in Molecular and Cellular Biology program work with faculty engaged in the pursuit of fundamental and applied research questions involving diverse biological systems (plants, humans and other animals, prokaryotic and eukaryotic microbes) at the molecular and cellular level.
Students graduate with a high level of knowledge and expertise in contemporary molecular and cellular biology, including experimental techniques, library research, writing and communication skills.
Degree Details
MSc in Molecular and Cellular Biology students complete coursework and prepare and defend a research-based thesis (approximately six semesters). The program is offered in five fields:
- Biochemistry
- Cell Biology
- Microbiology
- Molecular Biology and Genetics
- Plant Biology
Collaborative Specializations
MSc in Molecular and Cellular Biology students may also add a collaborative specialization in Toxicology, Neuroscience or One Health. 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 MCB graduate program.
Research Strengths
Many faculty members in the program are nationally or internationally recognized as leaders in their research fields. They include Canada Research Chairs and University Research Chairs, as well as recipients of other national career development awards, and have received many high-profile awards for research and teaching. They carry out well-funded, leading-edge research in fundamental aspects of molecular and cellular biology and address major emerging issues in the areas of cell biology, biochemistry, microbiology, molecular biology and genetics, and neuroscience.
Some of the research strengths within the Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology include:
- Molecular basis of disease
- Molecular biology and gene expression
- Cell signaling and trafficking
- Host-pathogen/commensal interactions
- Plant metabolism and biotechnology
- Protein structure and function
Career Opportunities:
Graduates of the MSc in Molecular and Cellular Biology program will have the knowledge and skills needed to carry out high-quality scientific research and will be prepared for employment in positions with some responsibility in the research and teaching enterprises of academic institutions (as instructors and technical staff), in science-related positions in the broad biotechnology sector (e.g. food and beverage industries, pharmaceuticals, biomedical, and agriculture-related industries), or in government-sector institutes and laboratories. They will be well-prepared to continue their graduate education at the PhD level. Alternatively, they may opt to complete a professional degree (such as law, medicine, or business) or teaching certificate.
This degree may lead to careers in:
- Molecular Bioscience Research
- Medicine
- Pharmaceuticals
- Public Health
- Biotechnology
- Science Outreaching and Teaching
- Food Safety and Regulation
Hear from MSc in Molecular and Cellular Biology students
My research is about developing a model for cardiomyopathy, which is caused by mutations in sarcomeric proteins. If I can develop it, my research will help the field to know how these mutations that lead to cardiomyopathy bring about the disease state. I chose to do my graduate studies at U of G because I did a research project and co-op at the university, and I really like the project and wanted to continue.
I did my undergrad within the same department and decided it would be best for me to stay where I knew both staff and students would be helpful, supportive and generally knowledgeable about the department and research. My advisor is an amazingly intelligent and supportive person. She is always willing to help troubleshoot our experiments and always has time to meet with us, even when she is busy. She reminds us all that experiments may fail many times, but that we should never let that get in our way.
Choosing an Advisor
Check out Before You Apply for helpful advice on identifying and reaching out to faculty members.
- Review current graduate student opportunities in the Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology
- Visit our CBS ReSearch database to search by research topic
- Visit the Graduate Faculty page for a full list of faculty members who work with graduate students
To be considered, applicants must have completed a four-year honours undergraduate science degree (or its equivalent) in a relevant discipline. Normally, the applicant must have achieved a B (75%) average or higher during the last two years of full-time study. In exceptional circumstances, students with a B-minus average (70%) will be considered, provided there is strong supporting evidence of research aptitude and potential.
Admission may be granted for entry in September, January, or May. Completed applications should be uploaded at least one full semester (four months) before the expected date of admission (at least eight months for international students).
Applicants must obtain the support of a faculty member willing to serve as thesis advisor before applying. We strongly recommend that potential graduate students contact faculty members who share their research interests before completing and submitting an official application form. Visit Before You Apply for advice on finding and reaching out to a faculty member.
All components of the application, including transcript(s), graduate certificate(s), grading scale(s), language test results, assessment forms, a statement of interest, and the name of the faculty advisor must be uploaded no later than two months after an application is submitted through the OUAC portal. Applications that are incomplete after this time period will be closed.
Visit the Office of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies page for full application instructions.
Visit Us
Contact individual faculty members by email and/or telephone to arrange a visit. Be prepared to discuss your specific interest in their research program. To assist our faculty in making a selection from the pool of interested students, we suggest you include in your correspondence the following:
- Courses completed (plus the mark received)
- Relevant research and/or work experience you have, and with whom
- Whether you have a scholarship
- Two or three academic or research references
- Reason for contacting our particular faculty
Once you’ve submitted your application, contact the Graduate Studies Coordinator (Dr. Jaideep Mathur, jmathur@uoguelph.ca) to be considered for an expenses-paid visit to our department.
Contact Us
Dr. Rebecca Shapiro
Graduate Program Coordinator
Email: shapiror@uoguelph.ca
Phone number: 519-824-4120 ext 53390
Laura Faris
Graduate Program Assistant
Email: cbsmcb@uoguelph.ca
Phone number: 519-824-4120 ext. 56246
Karen White
Graduate Admissions Assistant
Email: cbsgrad@uoguelph.ca
Phone number: 519-824-4120 Ext. 52730