Frequently Asked Questions

Answers

Any tips for the application process?

• Read these FAQs
• Consult the IB/CBS/university graduate studies website
• Ask questions
• Before agreeing on a position, talk or email current and past graduate students in your potential advisor's lab to get feedback on advising style, work conditions, expectations and support, etc...

Are grades important?

Yes & No

• Yes: high grades - necessary for external scholarships and sometimes convince faculty members to consider your application.
• No: high grades do not guarantee success in graduate school.

Do I need my own funding to start grad school?

Yes & No

• Yes: with a scholarship, it will be a lot easier to convince an advisor to support your application
• No: advisors often have their own

So it is important to contact potential advisors

How do I contact potential advisors?

1. Check the individual faculty profiles on the IB website.
2. Make a selection based on common interests.
3. Write your email as an application letter:

• A short summary of your past relevant research and work experience.
• Your research interests and how they match up with the potential advisor's research program. Be specific here, show that you did your homework.
• Explain how you can contribute to that research program.
• Attach an updated C.V. and an official transcript.

Is it better to do my graduate studies at a different university from my undergrad?

Yes & No

• No: Your advisor is more important than the university she is at.
• No: Advisors often prefer working with a good undergrad who volunteered in her lab or did a research project with her because she knows the strengths of the student and the student potentially already has a lot of relevant background in the field of study.
• Yes: Having 3 or more degrees from the same university can raise a flag at job interviews.

Is the degree course- or thesis-based?

Only thesis-based.

What are the minimum requirements?

MSc

• BSc
• B (75%) minimum average during final 4 semester of undergrad or for alternate admissions, significant record of experience (5 years)
• support of faculty member willing to serve as thesis advisor

​PhD

• MSc in related field
• A- (80%) minimum average in postgraduate studies
• support of faculty member willing to serve as thesis advisor
• PhD direct entry (without MSc) for exceptionally promising students
• MSc to PhD transfer: after 1 year in MSc

What does "Integrative Biology" mean?

• Check out the We Be IB Youtube video
• Integrative Biology focuses on integration across biological levels, with the  organism as a center point and moving up (populations, communities,  ecosystems) and down (physiology, cell, genome)
  • Advantage: option/flexibility to expand into different biological realms
• Half of our graduate students have faculty from different streams in their advisory committee, illustrating the integrative nature of the department
• Acknowledges the history of the department, with the integration of the  botany and zoology departments in the early 2000s

What is the deadline for applying?

• Open enrollment, throughout the year for Fall-Winter-Summer start.
• 4 months in advance (but can be quicker if necessary).

What is the difference between a course- and thesis- based degree?

Course-based

• Training for specific job skills
• Theoretical - practical
• More prescribed by the program
• Surveys of techniques

Thesis-based

• Training for career skills (e.g. active project management and problem-solving skills)
• Knowledge development via scientific publications
• Mentor-apprentice relationship
• Explore an area of interest in great depth

Where do graduates of this program end up?

MSc Graduates

• 21% start a PhD
• 17% work as research staff in the private sector
• 15% work as research staff in government
• 14% work as research staff in academia

PhD Graduates

• 44% start a post-doc
• 17% work as a scientist in government
• 5% work in research and teaching jobs