MSc Integrative Biology
The MSc in Integrative Biology at the University of Guelph is one of the finest in the country for research, training, and scholarship in both plant and animal sciences. Our graduate students pursue studies in all aspects of biology, from genes to entire ecosystems. Graduate students’ programs are tailored depending on their interests and background.
A wide variety of organisms, from microbes to plants and animals, at multiple levels of organizations, from molecules and cells to entire ecosystems, are studied within the Department of Integrative Biology.
MSc graduates go on to pursue their PhDs and/or find work in government, not-for-profits or industry, in a variety of roles, such as environmental consultant, data scientist and conservation officer.
Degree Details
The Master of Science in Integrative Biology is a research-based program. Students take 1.5 credits in coursework and prepare and defend a research-based thesis for their MSc (approximately six semesters).
Students can choose to pursue research in one of three areas:
- Ecology
- Evolutionary Biology
- Comparative Physiology
The three areas of emphasis focus on, but are not restricted to, experimental approaches in field and laboratory settings and a strong linkage between theoretical and applied investigations. Learn about the program’s expected learning outcomes. The department encourages students to pursue interdisciplinary research and take advantage of faculty expertise from across campus.
Students with advanced academic and research aptitudes can apply for transfer into the PhD program after partial completion of the MSc degree requirements.
Collaborative Specializations
A collaborative specialization is an intra-university graduate field of study that provides an additional multidisciplinary experience for students enrolled in and completing the degree requirements for an Integrative Biology graduate program. Opportunities for collaborative specializations are available in the areas of Neuroscience, Toxicology, and One Health.
Facilities and Fieldwork
The University of Guelph is home to diverse, state-of-the-art facilities that contribute to research and graduate training. Extensive freshwater and saltwater holding facilities are available in the Hagen Aqualab. The university is home to one of the largest herbariums in Canada and has a strong partnership with the Royal Botanical Gardens. The Biodiversity Institute for Conservation Synthesis provides first-class facilities to investigate the genetic diversity of organisms and the Limnotron enables experimental manipulation of aquatic food webs.
The department engages in fieldwork throughout the world, including local, Arctic, African, and tropical sites. The department has access to field sites, extensive greenhouse and plant growth facilities across campus. Graduate students have access to facilities in the Advanced Analysis Centre, including those for genomics, mass spectrometry, NMR, x-ray crystallography, and facilities for the growth of bacteria, yeast, mammalian, and plant cells.
Choosing an Advisor
Check out Before You Apply for helpful advice on identifying and reaching out to faculty members.
- Review current graduate student opportunities in the Department of Integrative Biology.
- Visit ReSearch CBS database to search by research topic.
- View full list of graduate faculty or search for faculty by area of research:
MSc applicants require an honours bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in a related area, including: integrative biology, wildlife biology, ecology, evolution, marine and freshwater biology, and molecular biology and genetics.
To be considered, applicants must meet the requirements of a four-year science degree with a minimum B (75%) average during the final two years (four semesters) of undergraduate study. Each applicant must obtain the support of a faculty member willing to serve as their thesis advisor.
Graduate students are an important and valued component of the department and we welcome inquiries from students with the appropriate academic qualifications. Before completing and submitting an official application, potential graduate students must find a faculty member who shares their research interest and is willing to be their advisor. Once they've agreed, the advisor can recommend which semester they should apply to.
When contacting faculty, applicants should consider including the following information:
- a transcript of their academic record (an unofficial copy will suffice)
- a description of any relevant research and/or work experience
- whether they have applied for or have a scholarship
- names, phone numbers and email addresses of two to three academic or research references
- the reason they would like to work with that particular faculty member
Admission may be granted in September, January, or May. Completed applications should be uploaded at least one full semester (four months) before the expected date of admission. Applications from international students should be uploaded at least eight months prior to the expected date of admission.
Graduate student applications to programs in the College of Biological Science are handled by the Office of the Associate Dean, Research (ADR). Before submitting an application, applicants are strongly encouraged to review the information found on the CBS-ADR website to learn more about the application process.
Complete application submission instructions may also be found on the Office of Graduate Studies webpage or in the Graduate Calendar.
Contact Us
Dr. Cortland Griswold, Graduate Program Coordinator
519-824-4120 ext. 56240
cgriswol@uoguelph.ca
Kate Artuso, Graduate Program Assistant
519-824-4120 ext. 56097
cbsib@uoguelph.ca
Karen White, Graduate Admissions Assistant
519-824-4120 ext. 52730
white@uoguelph.ca