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Biology1

Biological Sciences

Thesis-based program, program overview.

Graduate study in Biological Sciences puts students on the front lines of discovery. Doctoral students design, conduct and analyze original research; they develop rigorous expertise in everything from foundational theory and the study of evolution to cutting-edge research methodologies as they investigate a broad range of biological problems ranging from the molecular level to the biosphere. Degrees are offered in four integrated areas: biochemistry; ecology and evolutionary biology; integrative cell biology; and microbiology. The program takes four to five years, with funding available through sources such as scholarships, teaching assistantships, research assistantships, and supervisor's research grants.

Completing this program

Research Seminar: Related to supervisor interest, and may include biochemistry, cell biology, ecology and evolutionary biology or microbiology.

Candidacy: Students will prepare a research proposal or essay, followed by an oral exam in their field of research expertise.

Additional Courses: Topics may cover biology of laboratory animals, theory and lab methods, statistical methods, recent advances and Darwin.

Thesis:  Students will propose, write and successfully defend a research thesis.

Specializations

  • Biochemistry
  • Biophysical Chemistry
  • Cell Biology
  • Developmental Biology
  • Environmental Biology
  • Evolutionary Biology
  • Molecular Microbiology
  • Structural Biology
  • Host-Pathogen Interactions
  • Energy and Environmental Systems

Professor, biologist, teacher, consultant, scientist (agricultural/forestry breeding, process development, environmental), data analyst, biotechnologist, genetic counsellor, manager (lab, project, clinic, territory, resource), science writer, research technician, bioscience/biotechnology business.

A PhD in biological sciences is usually considered a final degree.

Students are required to prepare a thesis and successfully defend in an open oral defense.

Minimum of two courses, with additional seminar courses

Learn more about program requirements in the Academic Calendar

Classroom delivery

Time commitment.

Four years full-time; six years maximum

A supervisor is required, and must agree to oversee the student's research before admission will be granted

See the Graduate Calendar for information on  fees and fee regulations,  and for information on  awards and financial assistance .

Virtual Tour

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Admission requirements

A minimum of 3.2 GPA on a 4.0 point system, over the past two years of full-time study (a minimum of 10 full-course equivalents or 60 units) of the undergraduate degree.

Minimum education

Completion of a Master of Science program recognized by the Faculty of Graduate Studies. Exceptional students may apply to a PhD program without a Master of Science recognized by the Faculty of Graduate Studies.

Work samples

A concise statement outlining the applicant's research interests and reasons for wishing to attend the University of Calgary

Reference letters

Three academic reference letters along with the required reference form.

Test scores

English language proficiency.

An applicant whose primary language is not English may fulfill the English language proficiency requirement in one of the following ways:

  • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL ibt)  score of 105.
  • International English Language Testing System (IELTS)  score of 7.5 (minimum of 6.0 in each section)
  • Pearson Test of English (PTE)   score of 75, or higher (Academic version).
  • Canadian Academic English Language test (CAEL)  score of 70 (minimum 70 in each section)  
  • Academic Communication Certificate (ACC)  score of A- in each course.
  • Cambridge C1 Advanced or Cambridge C2 Proficiency  minimum score of 200.
  • Duolingo English Test  and obtaining a minimum score of 145* (with no sub-score below 125*).

For admission on September 1

  • Canadian and permanent resident (students with Canadian or U.S. transcripts)- apply by June 1 
  • International (students with international transcripts)- apply by May 1 

For admission on January 1

  • Canadian and permanent resident (students with Canadian or U.S. transcripts)- apply by Oct. 1 
  • International (students with international transcripts)- apply by Sept. 1

For admission on May 1

  • Canadian and permanent resident (students with Canadian or U.S. transcripts)- apply by March 1 
  • International (students with international transcripts)- apply by Jan. 1

If you're not a Canadian or permanent resident, or if you have international credentials, make sure to learn about international requirements

Have you made your final decision and you’re ready to apply?

Learn more about this program, department of biological sciences.

Biological Sciences Building 186 2500 University Drive NW Calgary, ABT2N 1N4 403-220-6623

Contact the Graduate Program Administrator

Visit the departmental website

University of Calgary 2500 University Drive NW Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4

Visit the Faculty of Science website

Related programs

If you're interested in this program, you might want to explore other UCalgary programs.

Thesis-based MSc

Anthropology

Thesis-based MA

Thesis-based PhD

Archaeology

Biochemistry and molecular biology, medical science, microbiology and infectious disease, veterinary medicine, curious about the university of calgary.

Located in the nation's most enterprising city, we are a living, growing and youthful institution that embraces change and opportunity with a can-do attitude.

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