Master's in Biological Sciences
The Master’s in Biological Sciences at the Université de Montréal prepares students to become informed, skilled, and creative contributors to the process of knowledge acquisition and research on biological structures, functions, and interactions.
Students will use experimental or comparative approaches to investigate mechanisms and interrelationships that occur across spatial scales — from molecules to the biosphere — and temporal scales — from the instantaneous nature of synaptic transmission to the slow recycling of elements in biogeochemical cycles. They will develop their technical skills, critical thinking, ability to identify both fundamental and applied implications of their research findings, and their capacity to effectively communicate the results of their work.
- Daytime classes
- Full-time
- 45 credits, including 36 for research
BIOLOGY RESEARCH OPTION
45 credits: 3 to 6 elective credits, up to 3 optional credits, and 39 required credits for research and thesis writing.
Please note that admissions for the Quantitative and Computational Biology Option (Segment 71) are currently suspended.
The Research Option in Biology enables students to understand and apply all phases of the scientific method within a field of biological sciences. Under the supervision of a research supervisor, students learn how to identify relevant literature, observe, define a clear research question, formulate a hypothesis, carry out appropriate experimentation or data collection, analyze results, and interpret their significance. They must also produce a scientific document reporting their findings. The research-based Master’s is often a stepping stone toward doctoral studies.
The Master’s with Research Option in Biology also aims to prepare students for the job market by equipping them with the theoretical and practical tools and knowledge related to their specialization. Students are expected to be able to conduct research and development work with some supervision. They should also be able to clearly communicate their results, both orally and in writing, with minimal guidance. Whenever possible, Master’s-level research should lead to the publication of a peer-reviewed scientific article.
An ideal research environment
Students in the Master's in Biological Sciences program have access to top-quality research centres and laboratories and the latest equipment (in French). In fact, the Université de Montréal has Canada's 2nd-largest research budget in the biological sciences.
Support for graduate students is another of the Department's assets. Our faculty is among the best known in Canada, its members reputed for their expertise, dynamic attitude and warm welcome for students. A number of young professors have been recruited in recent years, breathing new energy into the Department's research.
Whatever theme they choose, students will learn rigorous research methods and scientific procedures that they will apply in their work. Relevant, in-depth research at the master's level can lead to the publication of a scientific paper in a specialized peer-reviewed journal.
The master's program at the UdeM enjoys an excellent reputation, and is well suited both to students looking to acquire expertise that will open the door to the labour market and those considering doctoral-level studies.
Guaranteed financial support
All students in the “Research in Biology” Master’s Option receive guaranteed minimum funding of $16,500 per year. This amount may be increased through various scholarships offered by the Department and by individual laboratories, depending on the research themes supported by existing grants.
Communicating with your future supervisor
Aspiring graduate students must first contact the professor they would like to supervise their research. See the Research interests page to find suitable professors and scholars to supervise your thesis.
Teaching at the college level
Teaching at the college level is one of the possible careers for holders of the Master's in Biological Sciences. Master's students may wish to take one of the available teaching assistant positions as a way of gaining experience in some aspects of teaching biological sciences.
Note that according to Emploi Cégep (in French), additional teacher training helps open doors to college- level jobs. You may wish to consider the UdeM short graduate program in teaching at the post-secondary level.
Communicating with your future supervisor
Aspiring graduate students must first contact the professor they would like to supervise their research. See the Research interests page to find suitable professors and scholars to supervise your thesis.
Teaching at the college level
Teaching at the college level is one of the possible careers for holders of the Master's in Biological Sciences. Master's students may wish to take one of the available teaching assistant positions as a way of gaining experience in some aspects of teaching biological sciences.
Note that according to Emploi Cégep (in French), additional teacher training helps open doors to college- level jobs. You may wish to consider the UdeM short graduate program in teaching at the post-secondary level.
Questions about this program?
Tiana Alexander, Student File Management Technician: 514 343-6111, ext. 1205
Sophie Breton, Program Supervisor: 514 343-2286
Program structure (in French)
International (in French)
The + of studying biological sciences at the Université de Montréal!
- Laboratories and research groups bringing together the country's leading minds in biological sciences, in such fields as plant biology, aquatic ecology, sustainable development and hydroelectricity, genomics, proteomics, bioinformatics, soil decontamination, etc.
- The Station de biologie des Laurentides: a true natural laboratory in a protected setting, in the heart of the mountains.
- Weekly seminars given by internationally acclaimed guest scientists.
