Admissions Standards and Procedures
Students admitted to the MSc and PhD program in Biophysics have previous degrees in a wide range of fields, including Biophysics, Biochemistry, Cell Biology, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Molecular Biology, Microbiology, Engineering, Mathematics, Computing Science etc.
MSc degree
The minimum requirement for admission to the MSc program in Biophysics is a BSc degree in a 4-year honours program from a recognized university or college, with an average of at least a B (73%) over the final two years of the program.
PhD degree
The normal basis for admission to the PhD degree is a masters degree in an appropriate field from a recognized institution, with high academic standing (B+, 77% average) in post-graduate studies. Direct admission to the PhD program from the BSc is permitted on rare occasions for students with very high academic standing and demonstrated research promise.
Direct transfer from the MSc to the PhD program
Students who first register in the MSc program may transfer directly to the PhD degree (without completion of the MSc degree) no later than the end of the fourth semester of full-time registration. This path is designed for those students with a superior academic record in their graduate courses, as well as a particular aptitude for research. The application to transfer must be made to the Director between the end of the second semester and the end of the fourth semester in the MSc program. The student's Advisor and Advisory Committee provide a letter to the Director recommending transfer to the PhD program. The Director of BIG reviews the student's file and may then recommend to Graduate Program Services that a direct transfer be initiated, which is effective at the beginning of the next semester of registration.
Admission procedures
Potential applicants are strongly advised to contact the Director by e-mail first, for information on the availability of spaces in the program. At this time, your can indicate your area of research interest, together with a list of preferred supervisors (who are known as “advisors” at the University of Guelph). Deadline dates for the Fall, Winter and Summer semesters are on a 'rolling basis', there is a continuous evaluation of applications for admission consideration. To negotiate the detailed application process, please allow yourself the review committee enough time, and apply as soon as possible.
Applications are completed on-line; for more information on how to use the university's universal graduate application system please visit Applying to Graduate Studies@Guelph.
Payment of the admission fee using the web-based system is by credit card. It is a self-administered application package. You must assemble all supporting documentation and forward the complete package to the Graduate Secretary of the Biophysics program at the following mailing address:
Cynthia Cheeseman
Biophysics Interdepartmental Group (BIG) Graduate Secretary
Physical & Engineering Science - Dean's Office
SCIE Room 1310
University of Guelph
Guelph,Ontario,Canada, N1G 2W1
email: ccheesem@uoguelph.ca
Phone 519-824-4120 Ext 56176
Fax 519-823-2808
The transcripts and letters of recommendation to be included in the application package must be given to you in sealed envelopes with seals or signatures over the envelope flap.