Applied Bioscience (Master's program)
Overview
Applied Bioscience is a unique collaborative program offered by an interdisciplinary network of chemists, biologists and health scientists. The primary objective of the Master of Science (MSc) program in Applied Bioscience is to train students to become high-quality researchers at the interface between chemistry and biology. The Faculty of Science, with no traditional departments, exposes students to interdisciplinary research, allowing them to gain experience working successfully within collaborative networks. The graduate programs equip students with a wide array of both practical and conceptual scientific skills that prepare them for leadership roles in the life sciences. These goals are achieved through independent research and rigorous
Graduates from these programs are expected to have a breadth of knowledge in the life sciences, a depth of knowledge in their chosen field, and the scientific and technical skills that are essential for a career in research. It is also expected that graduates will continue to make significant contributions to the advancement of knowledge in their field and become lifelong scholars with an appreciation of the impact of science on society.
Fields
The program capitalizes on the faculty's current research expertise which is reflected in four fields. These fields are interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary in nature and require students to rely on both chemistry and biology research methods in order to answer specific research questions.
- Biomolecular Science Biomolecular science focuses on the use of molecular and cellular tools to investigate mechanisms of cell function; new approaches for combating infectious organisms and disease; biomaterials and bio-based products; drug discovery, drug formulation and site-specific drug delivery; the mechanisms of action of pharmaceuticals at the cellular and molecular level; and the molecular and cellular aspects of the immune system in response to pathogenic and non-pathogenic micro-organisms. Research in this field occurs at the interface of biology and chemistry.
- Ecosystem Health
The field of ecosystem health focuses on determining the implications of external toxicants on the health of ecosystems, discovering indicators for environmental problems and developing methods to lessen human exposure to toxicants. In addition, researchers in the program investigate related areas such as environmental microbiology, the pathophysiology of environmental disorders and the micro and macro environmental factors causing cancer. Finally, research in the field focuses on specific environmental problems and the development of solutions that benefit Canadians.
- Forensic Bioscience
Forensic bioscience is a distinct field that combines special content areas of biological and chemical sciences with training in legal and forensic investigations. National security, bioterrorism and global pandemics are just three examples of areas in which skilled forensic bioscience workers will be in high demand in the future. For many scientists, the field of forensic bioscience crystallizes an area of research at the interface between biology, chemistry, forensic science and legal science.
- Human Health Biology
Human health biology is a field that addresses the basic understanding of human health with a particular emphasis on common human diseases, human movement science, applied physiology and respiratory illnesses. Efforts in this field concentrate on laboratory-based research that will translate into disease prevention and management, health promotion and novel therapeutic interventions. The four main areas of investigation are cancer, neuro-musculoskeletal function, exercise physiology and respiratory health. This field is further characterized by interdisciplinary research at the interface of several complementary core disciplines.
Admissions
Admissions
- Hold a four-year honours undergraduate degree in biology, chemistry or related area, or its equivalent from a recognized institution.
- Minimum overall academic standing of a B (GPA: 3.0 on a 4.3 scale or 73 to 76 per cent), with a minimum B average in the last two full-time years (four semesters) of undergraduate work or equivalent.
- To assist with the assessment of the application, applicants may be asked to provide course numbers, titles and brief descriptions of course content; textbooks used and/or chapters covered; and grades received in relevant areas of study.
Required supporting documents:
Please see the checklist of required documents for a list of supporting documentation that must be submitted with your application.
Additional requirements:
Admission depends on the availability of a research supervisor. It is recommended that applicants contact a potential supervisor before formally applying.
In their statement of academic intent, applicants should include the type(s) of course(s) they feel they are suitable to teach as teaching assistants.
Required test scores for English language proficiency:
See English language proficiency for the minimum required test scores for this program.
Please see application deadlines for specific dates. Note that the application deadlines listed are for both the online application and all supporting documentation.
Applications for admission to all graduate studies programs are submitted online. There are five steps you must go through to complete the application process. See application process and requirements for step-by-step instructions.
Many of our graduate programs are extremely competitive; the number of qualified applicants normally exceeds the number of seats available for each intake. Satisfaction of minimum entry requirements does not ensure admission.
Research areas
- Biochemistry
- Cell biology
- Chemical biology
- Ecology
- Environmental toxicology
- Forensic science
- Genomics
- Immunology
- Kinesiology
- Microbiology
- Molecular biology
- Organic chemistry
- Pharmacology
- Pharmaceutical chemistry
- Physiology
Learn more about the research areas within this program and find research experts by visiting the faculty's website and the university's Expert Centre.
Additional information
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Internal awards and funding
Applicants to research-based graduate programs who are studying full-time are automatically considered for some types of funding at the time of admission.
Types of funding that do not require an application:
- Entrance scholarships
- Minimum funding packages
- Teaching assistantships, research assistantships and graduate research assistantships
For more details on the above funding opportunities, see graduate student awards and funding.
Please note: Part-time students are not eligible for the above funding opportunities.
External awards and funding
Graduate program applicants are encouraged to apply for external awards to help finance their education. The application process differs for each competition, so review the information carefully to determine where and when you must apply. Please note: The majority of these awards are for domestic or permanent residents only.
Tuition fees for graduate programs are charged on a flat-fee or fee-per-credit basis and vary by program and student status.
For current, specific fees and details on flat-fee versus fee-per-credit programs, please see tuition and fees.
Contact the program:
Faculty of Science
905.721.3050
gradsecretary@science.ontariotechu.ca
Contact the School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies:
905.721.8668 ext. 6209
gradstudies@ontariotechu.ca
