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Master of Applied Molecular and Health Sciences

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  2. Programs

Degree

  • MAMHS (Master of Applied Molecular and Health Sciences)

Program Type

  • Coursework

Delivery

  • On-campus

Entry Terms & Deadlines

  • Domestic:

    • Winter (January): December 12
  • International:

    • Winter (January): November 12

Duration

  • Full Time: 12 months

Admission Average

B- (70% - 72%)**Additional Requirements
Program Structure

A first-of-its-kind in Canada, the Master of Applied Molecular and Health Sciences (MAMHS) is a one-year, course-based graduate program that blends advanced molecular biology with emerging fields, such as AI-driven drug discovery, immunology, and stem cell research models.

The program provides both technical proficiency and professional development, preparing students for impactful careers in biotechnology, biomanufacturing, therapeutic development, and precision medicine.

Students learn from leading experts in the fields of immunology, genetics, bioinformatics, microbiology, and molecular biology while gaining hands-on experience in state-of-the-art facilities for tissue culture, microscopy, genomics, nuclear magnetic resonance, and mass spectrometry.

Authentic and industry-relevant scenarios are explored throughout the curriculum, including regulatory case studies, computational and AI-driven exercises, ethical dilemma debates, biomanufacturing scale-up challenges, and experimental projects.

With a strong emphasis on leadership, ethics, and scientific communication, the MAMHS program prepares future leaders in the biomedicine and biological science fields.

Career-Ready Learning

MAMHS students gain intensive, hands-on training in the lab, accessing state-of-the-art tissue culture, microscopy, genomics, and mass spectrometry facilities. Through computational projects, students harness machine learning and molecular modelling tools to analyze data, predict drug-target interactions, and accelerate discovery.

Pathway to Leadership

MAMHS is designed to fast-track students into careers in biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and precision medicine. Professional and leadership development is intentionally integrated into the program, through case studies, regulatory simulations, competitions, and a capstone course focused on ethics, communication, and leadership development.

Learn from Leading Experts

Through small classes and labs, students receive hands-on training and benefit from the expertise of researchers working at the forefront of immunology, genetics, protein therapeutics, stem cell biology, and AI-driven drug discovery.

Student examines a cell culture plate with a microscope

Degree Details

The Master of Applied Molecular and Health Sciences is a one-year, course-based program (three semesters or 12 months) starting in the winter semester (January) each year. Students complete eight core courses over three semesters.

The program culminates with two capstone courses, which integrate the knowledge and skills students have learned throughout the program, with a focus on technical and leadership expertise.

Top 150 in the World
for Life Sciences (Times Higher Education 2026)
#1 in Total Research Dollars
in Canada for a Comprehensive University (Maclean’s)
Top 20% in the World
For Biological Sciences (QS Top Universities 2026)
$187 Million+
in Research Revenues Each Year
student pipetting in a hood

Molecular and Cellular Biology

More than 40 faculty members in the Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, part of the College of Biological Science, direct multidisciplinary research programs that address novel biological questions on molecular and cellular scales. Research in the department spans a range of important eukaryotic and prokaryotic systems, and addresses fundamental and applied research problems.

Faculty strengths in Molecular and Cellular Biology include biochemistry, cell biology, immunology, microbiology, molecular biology and genetics, plant biology, neuroscience, and vaccinology.

MAMHS student grabbing a pipette in the lab

Career Paths

MAMHS graduates step into diverse career paths, including biotechnology startups and drug development research, or pursue further professional or doctoral studies. Future careers include:

  • Bioinformatics analyst
  • Biomanufacturing specialist
  • Biotechnologist
  • Clinical research associate
  • Public health policy analyst
  • Regulatory affairs specialist
  • Scientific advisor
  • Vaccine developer

Hear from MAMHS Students

Krinal Chauhan

The MAMHS program has allowed me to grow as a researcher and a professional while exploring areas of biomedical research that I had not previously experienced. Coming into the program, I wanted to strengthen my molecular biology skills and gain a better understanding of how research can translate into applications in human health. I particularly value the extensive hands-on training and the opportunity to work with emerging technologies, stem-cell models, and organoid systems in courses like MCB*6630/MCB*6640. Through these experiences, MAMHS has sparked my interest in translational medicine and shaped a goal of pursuing a career connecting molecular research with clinical and healthcare applications.

Krinal Chauhan, Graduate StudentMAMHS ('27)
Hanna Metzger

What I value most about the MAMHS program is how much hands-on experience is built into a one-year master’s. Having an entire semester dedicated to laboratory work has allowed me to learn techniques that go beyond what is typically available in course-based programs, including differentiating stem cells into specialized cell types such as cardiomyocytes. These experiences have helped me to gain confidence working in a laboratory setting and prepared me for future opportunities in the sciences.

Hanna Metzger, Graduate StudentMAMHS ('27)
Izzy Fleet

My experience in the MAMHS program has given me the opportunity to learn about some of the most exciting and rapidly developing areas of molecular and health sciences. What stands out most to me is how unique and cutting-edge the course content is, particularly the integration of areas such as AI-driven drug design, stem cell biology and translational medicine. The combination of advanced coursework and hands-on learning has allowed me to develop a diverse set of applicable skills that I can carry forward into my future career. I'm especially grateful for the opportunity to learn from supportive faculty who are actively contributing to these innovative fields.

Izzy Fleet, Graduate StudentMAMHS ('27)
Sapphire Aberdeen

The MAMHS program has provided an opportunity to develop my knowledge in various areas in molecular biology. The first semester consists of learning the fundamentals of immunology, cell biology and the use of AI in drug design while the course assignments allowed me to apply these concepts. My favourite part of the program was the laboratory component, where I gained hands-on experience with techniques such as stem cell culture, CRISPR, and organoid development. The program has helped me understand how scientific concepts are translated into practical laboratory applications and has given me greater confidence as I prepare for future opportunities. On top of that, the faculty have been incredibly supportive!

Sapphire Aberdeen, Graduate StudentMAMHS ('27)

Admission Details

To be admitted into this program, students must have successfully completed an undergraduate/baccalaureate degree in an honours program or the equivalent from a recognized university in molecular biology, biotechnology, biochemistry, immunology, or related field. The minimum average for admissions is B- in the last two years of full-time equivalent study. Students must also have taken the following prerequisite courses: 1) one course in molecular biology, cellular biology, genetics, immunology, or microbiology; 2) one lab technique or methods course in biology or chemistry; and, 3) one course in biochemistry or structural biology.

If the student’s first language is not English, they will be required to submit an acceptable result from one of the approved standardized English language tests. Minimum acceptable test scores are as follows:

  • For TOEFL, a minimum score of 93, with a minimum score of 22 in each of the four categories.
  • For IELTS, a minimum score of 7.0, with a minimum of 6.5 in each component.
  • For Duolingo, a minimum overall score of 130, with a minimum score of 120 in each of the four categories.

Language test exemptions will be granted students with degrees completed in English from a university in Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the United States, and/or the United Kingdom.

Please note that these test score requirements are higher than the general university requirements. We cannot accept applicants with test scores lower than the minimum stated above.

The MAMHS program is offered every year starting in January. Applications for 2027 are now open.

Applications to this program require a statement of interest, two references, a CV, transcript, grading scale and standard English language proficiency test, if applicable. For more information about these documents and the application process, visit the Application Process page.

Visit the Office of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies page for full application instructions.

Domestic tuition is $22,500 (plus fees), or $7,500 per semester. Domestic students are eligible for OSAP.

Annual tuition for international students is set at $39,400 (plus fees), or $13.133.33 per semester.

Tuition fees can be found on the Registrar’s Office website.

Apply Now
Instructor teaches student at a computer

Contact Us

Patricia Van Asten, MAMHS Program Coordinator
mamhs@uoguelph.ca
519-824-4120 x56474

Dr. Jasmin Lalonde, MAMHS Program Director
jlalon07@uoguelph.ca
519-824-4120 x54706

Dr. Marc Coppolino, MAMHS Program Director
mcoppoli@uoguelph.ca
519-824-4120 x53031

Dr. Rebecca Shapiro, Graduate Program Coordinator
shapiror@uoguelph.ca
519-824-4120 x53390