IX. Graduate Programs
Biomedical Sciences
MBS program
Students may wish to focus their Master of Biomedical Sciences in a range of subject areas, including 1) reproductive biology and development; 2) cellular and molecular basis of health and disease; 3) cancer biology; 4) cardiovascular physiology; 5) stem cell biology and regenerative medicine; 6) biomedical toxicology and pharmacology; and 7) neuroscience. The research projects are varied in topic and scope and may involve: molecular, cellular, or developmental aspects of tissue or animal differentiation and growth; physiological, morphological, or biomechanical investigations of normal function or disease processes in a variety of organs and tissues; or pharmacological mechanisms related to therapy and drug toxicity. Research projects may also involve pedagogical research related to teaching in the biomedical sciences. Practicum experiences, also varied in topic and nature, expose students to real-world applications of their areas of study, and connect them with employers in government agencies, consulting firms, research organizations, etc.
Admission Requirements
Applicants should have an Honours baccalaureate degree in the Biological Sciences or a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree (or the equivalent) with a minimum 'B+' standing in the final two years of study. Letters of reference from two individuals who can adequately evaluate the academic and research capabilities of the applicant must be provided with the application. In addition, a short statement of the applicant's area of interest and career goals is required to assist in the selection of faculty advisors. Students may be admitted into the Fall, Winter, or Summer semester. Provisional acceptance may be granted to students who do not meet this 'B+' standard if there is additional evidence that the applicant is capable of successfully completing the graduate program (e.g., outstanding letters of recommendation, or evidence of prior relevant work or research experience). Transfer to regular status will normally be recommended when the student obtains a minimum grade of ‘A-’ in their first two graduate course and displays current research ability to their advisory committee. These courses will be credited to the degree program.
Program Requirements
Students must obtain at least an overall weighted average of 'B-' in prescribed courses. The number of course credits prescribed will not be fewer than 4.0 credits. As part of their studies, all MBS students must complete either a research project through BIOM*6900 or an applied practicum through BIOM*6910. The remaining courses selected will depend on the student's prior experience and the nature of the research project or practicum. All students are required to present a poster seminar as a component of BIOM*6900 or BIOM*6910. The program is completed when all components of BIOM*6900 or BIOM*6910 have been submitted and the related written report is deemed appropriate by the student's Advisory Committee.