Program Overview

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Program Overview

The Master's Program in Biological Sciences aims to form independent researchers of high level in the diverse areas of the vast field of biology. The program is focused on specific areas, providing graduates with the capacity to develop scientific research in various areas of interest.

Description

The Program of Master in Biological Sciences has as its goal to train high-level independent researchers in the various areas of the vast field of biology. The Program is focused on specific areas, granting graduates, through the use of updated techniques, the ability to develop scientific research in diverse areas of interest. Its creation dates back to 1978, and it is governed by University Decree 7140. The program has graduated over 400 students, most of whom are now academics in universities and government institutions in the country. Many have gone on to pursue Doctoral programs in Chile or abroad.

Academic Staff

The current Academic Staff consists of 58 titular members and 9 collaborators. The Program has an Academic Committee composed of nine professors from the Staff, directed by the Program Coordinator, and depends directly on the Graduate School of the Faculty. The Program is linked with other faculties of the University of Chile, other universities in the country and abroad, and the Government of Chile through initiatives such as CONICYT, FONDAP, or INICIATIVA CIENTIFICA MILENIO.

Graduate Profile

The graduate profile of the Master's in Biological Sciences establishes that graduates should achieve broad and updated knowledge in specific areas, mastery of fundamental concepts, and the ability to face new problems. Graduates can work in research laboratories, public and/or private institutions related to renewable natural resources, health, and higher or middle education.

Research Areas

The program has several research areas, including:

• Ecology and Evolutionary Biology: Ecology (Populations, Communities, Ecosystems, Parasites, Evolutionary), Botany, Zoology, Organismal Biology, Animal Behavior, Eco-physiology, Biodiversity and Conservation, Limnology, Paleoecology, Paleoclimatology, Biogeography, and Ecological Chemistry.
• Molecular, Cellular, and Neurosciences: Neurobiology, Immunology, Cellular Physiology, Developmental Biology, Molecular Biology, Biophysics, Biochemistry, and Structural Biology.
• Microbiology and Biotechnology: Genetics and Ecology of Microorganisms, Structural Biology, Molecular Biology, Genomics, and Proteomics.

Study Plan

The Master's Program in Biological Sciences is organized into four semesters (two semesters for the pregraduate-postgraduate linkage). The academic requirements contained in the Training Plan are expressed in credits. The Training Plan includes additional curricular activities to the development of the thesis:

• Two or more elective courses that sum up to a minimum of 16 credits.
• A research unit of 10 credits.
• Elaboration of a Thesis Project of 6 credits.

Admission Requirements

To apply for the Master's Program in Biological Sciences, candidates must meet the following requirements:

• Be in possession of a bachelor's degree or professional title whose level, content, and duration of studies correspond to a formation equivalent to a bachelor's degree at the University of Chile.
• Those who are completing their last semester of undergraduate studies may also apply. If the Committee so determines, their acceptance will be pending and they may enter the Program once they have completed their undergraduate degree.
• Have previous training in line with the program's objectives and requirements.
• Have a tutor professor who belongs to the Program's Staff, certified by a commitment letter.

Pregraduate-Postgraduate Linkage

Applicants from the Licenciatura in Biology, Environmental Biology, and Biotechnology Engineering careers at the Faculty of Sciences, University of Chile, may opt for the pregraduate-postgraduate linkage modality. In addition to the above requirements, they must:

• Have passed with a grade of 5.0 or higher at least two postgraduate elective courses in their undergraduate studies, for a total of at least 16 credits.
• Indicate their preference for the pregraduate-postgraduate linkage in their letter of intention, explicitly stating the list of courses and research units they propose to homologate.
• Have delivered their Thesis Seminar paper prior to registration.
• Have a pregraduate grade point average of 5.0 or higher.
• Submit their thesis project upon entering the Program.

Application Process

All applicants must present their background through the online platform, following the guidelines of the Online Application Instructions. They must attach, among other documents, their CV, application form, letter of intention, tutor commitment, grade transcript, publications, and previous work. The Academic Committee will make the selection based on these documents.

Tuition Fees

• Annual tuition fee for 2024: $5,040,000 (with discounts of up to 100%).
• Enrollment fee for 2025: $196,400.

Program Details

• Degree: Master's in Biological Sciences.
• Application period: From June 15, 2025, to September 30, 2025.
• Coordinator: Dr. Magdalena Sanhueza.
• Faculty: Faculty of Sciences.
• University Decree: D.U.E. 2017.