Biochemistry & Molecular Biology Master's (MSc), Doctorate (PhD)

Why do your MSc in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at Dal?

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Did you know?

We also co-offer a MSc in Computational Biology and Bioinformatics in partnership with the Faculty of Computer Science.

Sharing our commitment to research

MSc in Biochemistry & Molecular Biology

Alongside our strong dedication to training students for successful academic, medical and industrial careers, you’ll also find that we are commited to furthering research. This full-time program provides everything you need to become a well-rounded researcher, including:

  • laboratory work
  • guided seminar presentations
  • discussion groups

Our department’s collective research strengths include molecular evolution, cell signalling, gene expression and protein chemistry. And since we can’t enrol you in the program without a stipend, there is also ample opportunity for scholarship support through the department, set at a minimum amount of $21,500 as of September 2015.

What about the future?

An MSc in Biochemistry & Molecular Biology opens the door to a variety of careers:

  • employment in government and industrial laboratories
  • the RCMP employs biochemists in forensic science laboratories
  • opportunities in clinical diagnostic medicine in hospitals and in the numerous companies now providing diagnostic procedures
  • the pharmaceutical, brewing and food processing industries employ biochemists
  • monitoring and control of pollution are also expanding fields for biochemists
  • recent advances in molecular biology and genetics has given biochemistry a major role in the biotechnology industry

Biochemistry will continue to be a very good preparation for the professions of medicine, dentistry and pharmacy. Opportunities exist in universities and research institutes for biochemists with post graduate degrees.

Program Details

MSc in Biochemistry & Molecular Biology

Program structure

This is a full-time program and typically takes 1-2 years to complete.  

Admission requirements

For the MSc in Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, you will need:

  • an Honours degree in biochemistry and molecular biology or a research-based degree in biology, chemistry or biomedical sciences
  • a TOEFL score of at least 600 (paper-based) or 100 (Internet) or an IELTS score of at least 7.5 for those whose first language is not English

Degree requirements

To complete the MSc in Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, you’ll need to:

  • complete 5000-level courses as required by the Graduate Advisory Committee after consulting with you and your supervisor
  • spend at least one term as a laboratory demonstrator
  • take BIOC 5914.03 and BIOC 5915.03 and present a department seminar
  • complete and defend a thesis

Choosing a research supervisor

Before you begin, you'll need to find a supervisor who is able to support your research interests and has the capacity to take on the added responsibility. This individual will be an important part of your supervisory committee. Start by checking out our faculty profiles, then get in touch with them directly.

Thesis

When designing your thesis, you should keep in mind that to be successful, it must describe an original contribution to knowledge made while you attended Dalhousie University. It also needs to be valuable enough to merit publication in a reputable scientific journal with a system of external review.  

Research for the thesis is conducted under the guidance of your research supervisor, in whose laboratory you work. A Thesis Supervisory Committee for each student provides additional expertise and advice to facilitate the research and the preparation of the thesis.

Important application deadlines

June 1 (for September start) is the deadline for Canadian applicants.

April 1 (for September start) is the deadline for non-Canadian applicants. If you think your visa processing will take some time, please apply by March 1.

Contact information

Roisin McDevitt, graduate administrator
Email: roisin.mcdevitt@dal.ca
Phone: 902-494-2306    

Dr. Jan Rainey, graduate coordinator
Email: jan.rainey@dal.ca

Dr. Barbara Karen, associate graduate coordinator
Email: bkarten@dal.ca

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