Program start date | Application deadline |
2024-11-01 | - |
2025-03-01 | - |
Program Overview
Master of Science in Biology
The Master of Science in Biology is a research thesis-based program designed for graduates of four-year B.Sc. programs.
Program Overview
Algoma University offers a Master of Science in Biology program that is designed to develop critical thinking, analytical, and communication skills while expanding and advancing knowledge in the field of biological sciences. Students will develop the required expertise to effectively communicate scientific research to a variety of academic and non-academic audiences.
Through this thesis-based program, our Master’s students will work with world-renowned researchers and faculty members, contributing to cutting-edge biology research and scholarship, on projects ranging from fish ecology, bird communication, plant genetics to plant community ecology and invasive species in Northern Ontario, and many others. Our intimate learning environment ensures close collaborations with faculty and peers, as well as cross-disciplinary teams.
What makes us unique?
Algoma University’s special mission of cross-cultural exchange infuses every aspect of campus life and every academic program, including Biology. Weaving Indigenous and Western knowledge together, Algoma University creates a one-of-a-kind graduate teaching and learning experience that equips you with valuable, life-long collaboration and leadership skills.
Program Objectives
- To train scientists through a thesis-based experience that includes designing, executing, analyzing and writing original work, while focusing on research skills acquisition in biology.
- To deliver a Master’s program in Biology that serves Northern Ontario and increases the pool of highly qualified personnel ready to work in the Algoma region and beyond.
- To foster collaboration among academic, government, industry, and Indigenous scholars and train scientists to be competent scientific communicators.
Application at a glance:
- Application Deadline (Domestic): Spring 2025: November 5th, 2024 to March 1st, 2025
- Application Deadline (International): Spring 2025: November 5th, 2024 to February 1st, 2025
- Degree requirement: Four-year Honours Bachelor of Science degree in any field of the Life Sciences from an approved accredited university.
- Grade average requirement: 75% (B+) average in the last two years
Program at glance:
- Campus: Sault Ste. Marie
- Delivery: Full-time
- Length: Two years
- Guaranteed funding: Yes (over two years of full-time studies, conditions apply)
- Option to defer: Under certain conditions; permitted only once
Application & Admission
To ensure a successful application we recommend reviewing the list below before you apply. For a successful application, complete all steps before applying.
- Understand the Program
- In this research-intensive two-year program, Master’s students will be engaged in cutting-edge research on wide-ranging topics in life sciences and environment, including, but not limited to fish ecology, bird communication, plant genetics to plant community ecology and invasive species in Northern Ontario.
- Students will complete two courses, including a required course in Science Communication and an elective course; and an independent research thesis including a general literature review, at least one publishable manuscript and a general discussion.
- Students will be guided in course selection and research development by a supervisor and a thesis committee of at least three members.
- Check out Our Admission Requirements
- Minimum Admission Requirements
- Minimum admission requirements include a four-year Honours Bachelor of Science degree in any field of the Life Sciences from an approved accredited university, with at least a 75% (B+) average in the last two years of study (confirmed by official transcripts).
- Candidates holding an undergraduate degree in a science other than the life sciences, who have some biology background, either academic or professional, may be admitted.
- English Language Requirements
- Proficiency in the English language, both written and oral, is required for international students whose primary language of instruction was not English, and who wish to pursue graduate studies at Algoma University.
- IELTS Academic: 6.5 overall, no band lower than 6.5 (reading, writing, listening and speaking)
- TOEFL (IBT): 93 overall, CBT: 230 overall
- Cambridge Assessment Test (CAE): 176
- Canadian Academic English Language (CAEL): 60
- Pearson Test of English (PTE): 63
- Four or more years of full-time studies in an approved postsecondary school (outside Canada). The first degree must have been completed in English from a recognized institution where English was the primary language of instruction.
- Four or more years of full-time studies in a recognized post-secondary institution in Canada.
- Duolingo English Test (DET): 110, no band lower than 100
- Minimum Admission Requirements
- Review the Application Deadlines
- Allow three months or more from the start to the end of your application; applications need to be completed by the posted deadlines to be considered in the admission process.
Meet our Graduate Faculty
- Dr. Carlos Barreto
- Adjunct Professor
- Dr. Carlos Barreto holds a B.Sc. in Biological Sciences from the Federal University of Ouro Preto (Brazil) and a Ph.D. from Western University (UWO).
- He is an Adjunct Professor in our department and a Research Biologist at the Ministry of Natural Resources.
- At Algoma, his research focuses on soil ecology and microarthropod biodiversity, particularly oribatid mites in forests.
- Dr. István Imre
- Professor
- Dr. István Imre is a Professor in the Department of Biology.
- He holds a B.Sc. (Fisheries Biology, 1997) and a M.Sc. (Zoology, 1999) degree from University of Guelph and a Ph.D. from Concordia University (Biology, 2003).
- Dr. Imre completed postdoctoral fellowships at Université de Montréal and McGill University before accepting a tenure-track position at Algoma University in 2006.
- Dr. Isabel Molina
- Professor
- Dr. Isabel Molina earned a B.Sc. in Biochemistry from the National University of La Plata Argentina, and a Ph.D. from Michigan State University (MSU) as a Fulbright fellow.
- After postdoctoral training at MSU, she joined Algoma University in 2011, became a Tier 2 Canada Research Chair in Plant Lipid Metabolism in 2018, and was promoted to Full Professor in 2021.
- Dr. Pedro Madeira Antunes
- Professor
- Pedro M Antunes began his studies in Biology at the University of Évora in Portugal (B.Sc., 1999), before honing his focus on Soil Science in Canada, where he completed a Ph.D. at the University of Guelph (2005).
- He took on a Research Assistant Professorship in the Rillig Lab at the Free University of Berlin, Germany () where he continued to expand his work on plant-soil ecological interactions, having obtained a Marie-Curie Fellowship.
- Dr. Lisa Vernier
- Adjunct Professor
- Dr. Lisa Venier has been a research scientist with Canadian Forest Service, Natural Resources Canada since completing her PhD in Landscape Ecology in 1996.
- Her research interests are focused on what biodiversity can tell us about human and natural disturbances.
- Dr. Michael Twiss
- Professor
- Professor Michael Twiss is a Great Lakes limnologist trained in Canada – HonBSc (Trent), MSc (Toronto) and PhD (Québec) – and the United States (postdoctoral fellow at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution) – and has worked at Toronto Metropolitan University ) and Clarkson University (New York) from , where he is Professor Emeritus.
- Dr. Chris MacQuarrie
- Adjunct Professor
- Chris MacQuarrie is a research scientist and forest entomologist with the Canadian Forest Service of Natural Resources Canada in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario.
- He has a BSc. in Biology from the University of Saskatchewan, an MSc. in Biology from the University of New Brunswick and a PhD in Forest Biology and Management.
- Dr. Dave Morris
- Adjunct Professor
- Dr. Morris received both his BScF and MScF from Lakehead University and his PhD from the University of Guelph in Environmental Biology.
- Dave has been a research scientist with the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry since 1986, and is currently the Stand Ecology Program Leader at the Centre for Northern Forest Ecosystem Research in Thunder Bay, ON.
- Dr. Nikki Shaw
- Professor
- Dr. Shaw (Nikki) is English but has lived in Canada for 22 years in BC, AB, and ON.
- Her discipline is health informatics, but she also works in health services research, disability studies and medical professionalism and bio/medical ethics.
- Dr. Brandon Schamp
- Professor
- Dr. Schamp received his bachelor’s degree from Wilfrid Laurier in 1997, his M.Sc. from Queen’s in 2001.
- He finally finished his schooling with his Ph.D., also at Queen’s, in 2008, which would equate to finishing approximately grade 25!
- Dr. Jennifer Foote
- Professor
- Dr. Foote holds a B.Sc from Saint Mary’s University (2002), an MSc from Dalhousie University (2004), and PhD from Queen’s University (2008).
- Dr. Foote and her students study communication behaviour of temperate songbirds with a particular focus on nocturnal song and the dawn chorus.
- Dr. Christine Madliger
- Assistant Professor
- Dr. Madliger holds a B.Sc. from McMaster University and a Ph.D. from the University of Windsor.
- She has been a member of the Biology Department at Algoma University since 2022.
- She is interested in how physiological tools can be applied to the field of conservation science.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The Master of Science in Biology at Algoma University is a two-year, full-time, research thesis-based program designed for graduates of four-year B.Sc. programs. The program aims to develop critical thinking, analytical, and communication skills while expanding knowledge in biological sciences. Students will gain expertise in communicating scientific research to diverse audiences. Students work with faculty members on research projects, including fish ecology, bird communication, plant genetics, plant community ecology, and invasive species in Northern Ontario. The learning environment fosters close collaboration with faculty and peers, and cross-disciplinary teams. The program offers guaranteed funding of $17,500/year for two years (conditional upon maintaining good standing), requiring students to work as Graduate Teaching Assistants (GTAs) for two semesters (up to 10 hours/week). The funding includes a University grant and a Graduate Research Assistantship (GRA) from the supervisor's research grants. Program Objectives: To train scientists through a thesis-based experience encompassing designing, executing, analyzing, and writing original research, focusing on research skills acquisition in biology. To deliver a Master’s program in Biology serving Northern Ontario and increasing the pool of highly qualified personnel for work in the Algoma region and beyond. To foster collaboration among academic, government, industry, and Indigenous scholars and train scientists to be competent scientific communicators.
Outline:
The program is a two-year (six-semester) research-intensive program. Students complete two courses: a required course in Science Communication and an elective course. The core of the program is an independent research thesis, including a literature review, at least one publishable manuscript, and a general discussion. Students receive guidance from a supervisor and a thesis committee (at least three members) in course selection and research development.
Teaching:
The program emphasizes hands-on learning in a close-knit campus community with supportive faculty. Algoma University's cross-cultural mission influences the program, integrating Indigenous and Western knowledge. This creates a unique graduate teaching and learning experience that develops collaboration and leadership skills. Students work closely with their supervisors and thesis committees. The program includes a required course in Science Communication. Faculty members involved in the program include Dr. Pedro Antunes, Dr. Isabel Molina, and Dr. Christine Madliger.
Careers:
The program aims to increase the pool of highly qualified personnel ready to work in the Algoma region and beyond. The program incorporates Indigenous and Western knowledge. Guaranteed funding is available for admitted students, contingent on maintaining good standing. The program's research focuses on various life sciences and environmental topics, including fish ecology, bird communication, plant genetics, plant community ecology, and invasive species in Northern Ontario.
Algoma University, established in 1965, is a distinctive institution dedicated to academic excellence, personal growth, and cross-cultural learning. Located on the historic site of the former Shingwauk Indian Residential School, the university embraces a special mission to foster cross-cultural learning between Anishinaabe (First Nations, Métis, and Inuit) communities and the world.
Special Mission and Values
At the heart of Algoma University's ethos is its commitment to cross-cultural learning, particularly between Anishinaabe communities and global perspectives. This mission permeates every aspect of campus life, offering students invaluable insights and unique leadership opportunities.
The university celebrates diversity, recognizing and respecting the varied experiences, skills, and talents of its community members.
Campuses
Algoma University operates three campuses, each offering unique experiences:
- Sault Ste. Marie: Known as "The Soo," this campus provides a northern experience with all the amenities of a big city, including shopping, entertainment, and cultural activities.
- Brampton: Situated in one of Canada's fastest-growing cities within the Greater Toronto Area, the Brampton campus offers an urban experience with access to numerous businesses and services.
- Timmins: Known as the "city with a heart of gold," the Timmins campus caters to diploma-to-degree and university transfer students, emphasizing a northern context for those living and working in Northern Ontario.
Academic and Student Life
Algoma University offers a personalized, hands-on learning experience, with small class sizes that foster close interactions between students and faculty. The diverse student body—nearly 50% international—provides a rich environment for cultural exchange.
Students have access to a wide range of cultural, academic, and social activities, contributing to a transformative university experience.
Leadership
The university's senior leadership team includes:
- Dr. Asima Vezina: President and Vice-Chancellor
- Mario Turco: Chancellor
- Kelli-Ann Lemieux: Chair, External Member
- Dr. Michele Piercey-Normore: Special Advisor to the President
- Patty Chabbert: Interim VP, Nyaagaaniid - Anishinaabe Initiatives, Equity & Decolonization
- Craig Fowler: Vice-President of Growth, International, & External Relations
- Kramer Rousseau: Interim VP, Finance & Operations
Through its unique mission, diverse campuses, and commitment to inclusive education, Algoma University strives to create a supportive and dynamic learning environment that prepares students for global opportunities.
Entry Requirements:
- Academic Qualifications: A four-year Honours Bachelor of Science degree in any field of the Life Sciences from an approved accredited university is required. Applicants must have at least a 75% (B+) average in the last two years of their undergraduate study (confirmed by official transcripts). Candidates with undergraduate degrees in sciences other than life sciences, but possessing some biology background (academic or professional), may be considered. Identification of a prospective research supervisor and their approval to supervise is also required for acceptance. Three letters of recommendation from faculty familiar with the applicant's work are also necessary.
Language Proficiency Requirements:
Proficiency in written and oral English is required for international students whose primary language of instruction was not English. Applicants must demonstrate an appropriate level of English proficiency regardless of citizenship or country of origin. Acceptable test scores (taken within the last 24 months of application submission) include:
- IELTS Academic: 6.5 overall, with no band score lower than 6.5.
- TOEFL (IBT): 93 overall, or CBT: 230 overall.
- Cambridge Assessment Test (CAE): 176.
- Canadian Academic English Language (CAEL): 60.
- Pearson Test of English (PTE): 63.
- Duolingo English Test (DET): 110, with no band score lower than 100. Alternatively, four or more years of full-time study in an approved post-secondary school (outside Canada) where the first degree was completed in English at a recognized institution where English was the primary language of instruction, or four or more years of full-time study in a recognized post-secondary institution in Canada, will fulfill the requirement.