2007-2008 University of Guelph Graduate Calendar

VIII. Graduate Programs

Biomedical Sciences

MSc Program

Students may take an MSc degree in Reproductive Biology, Developmental, Cell and Tissue Morphology, and Biomedical Toxicology/Pharmacology. The thesis research project may involve: molecular, cellular or developmental aspects of tissue or animal differentiation and growth, physiological, morphological or biomechanical investigations of normal function or disease processes in a variety of organs and tissues, or pharmacological mechanisms related to therapy and drug toxicity.

Admission Requirements

Applicants should have an honours baccalaureate degree in the biological sciences or a doctor of veterinary medicine degree (or the equivalent) with a minimum 'B+' standing in the final two years of study. Letters of reference from two of the applicant's professors must be provided with the application. In addition, a short statement of the applicant's research interests and career goals, is required to assist in the selection of faculty advisors. Students may be admitted into the fall, winter or spring semester. Students who do not meet this 'B+' standard may be admitted into a provisional category if there is additional evidence that the applicant is capable of successfully completing the graduate program (e.g., outstanding letters of recommendation, or evidence of prior relevant work or research experience). Transfer to regular category will normally be recommended when the student obtains a minimum 'B+' in two courses that have been approved by the department's graduate program committee in consultation with the student's advisory committee and displays current research ability to his/her advisory committee. These courses will be credited to the degree program.

Degree Requirements

Students must obtain at least an overall weighted average of 'B-' in prescribed courses. The number of course credits prescribed will not be fewer than 1.5 credits. The student must also prepare and defend an acceptable thesis. Prescribed and additional courses are selected by the student in consultation with the student's advisory committee. The courses selected will depend on the student's prior experience and the nature of the research project. All students are required to present two departmental seminars during their program. The thesis research proposal, developed by the student in consultation with the advisor, must receive approval from the advisory committee no later than the end of the second semester of the program. The program is completed by the successful oral defence of a written thesis.