Master of Science in Biology in Canada at Acadia University

Program Overview for Master of Science in Biology in Canada:

Deepen your knowledge and experience in a rigorous graduate course in biology tailored to you and your research interests. At Arcadia, it will become one of the most dynamic and community-focused departments in the region. 

In Arcadia's Master of Science in Biology, you will enhance your expertise in modern biological research methods and deepen your knowledge in your chosen field of research. Although we have various research fields to suit your interests, you will benefit from a small school experience, work closely with your supervisor and others in the same research group, and establish close relationships with your fellow graduates. 

In our graduate programs, the focus is on research rather than courses. You will work with your supervisor and the advisory committee to determine a personalized study plan that suits your research interests. Through our many research projects, you will also gain experience working with people and organizations in the local community. 

Be Inspired:

Acadia is close to the tidal flats of the Bay of Fundy (known as one of the world's seven natural wonders) and in the Annapolis Valley, so our location provides you with a variety of ecosystems, including aquatic life. , Wetlands, farms, and forests. These habitats are used for field research work to provide you with a balance between indoor and outdoor learning experiences throughout the program. 

We also hold leadership positions in some of the most important projects in the Atlantic region. Arcadia is actively involved in the tidal power generation program in the Bay of Fundy through the Arcadia Tidal Energy Institute. Acadia is a partner with Ducks Unlimited Canada on waterfowl and wetland conservation projects. Watershed management and estuary systems are studied through the Arcadia Estuary Research Center, the only center in Canada.

Research Interest:

• Animal movement and its relationship to population dynamics and conservation
• Cancer immunology
• Coevolution of parasites and hosts
• Conservation biology
• Developmental biology, and its relation to evolutionary change
• Ecology and health of coastal habitats
• Fungal endophytes of coastal and marine plants
• Immune cell developmental pathways
• Impacts of anthropogenic disturbances in coastal ecosystems on fish
• Insect pheromone processing and behavior
• Interaction between parasites and host ecology
• Management and recovery of species at risk
• Molecular evolution and molecular systematics in bivalves and mammals
• Natural history of beetles and birds in forested and agricultural landscapes
• Floral character evolution in family Rosaceae and genus Vaccinum
• Pest management in forestry and agriculture
• Plant ecology
• Plant systematics, phylogeny, and evolution
• Population dynamics
• Role of relaxin family peptides and their receptors in neuroprotection
• Tidal energy and its impacts
• Watershed management

The eligibility for Master of Science in Biology in Canada for both domestic and international student is:

As a budding biologist, our department emphasizes research rather than coursework. The candidate's supervisor and committee determine individual programs of study. Applicants are advised to contact their prospective supervisor directly at the time of application as acceptance of a qualified candidate is made primarily on the recommendation of the prospective supervisor.

Candidates for admission to the graduate programs of Acadia University must possess an honors degree, or a four-year bachelor's degree, from an approved university. Those candidates possessing a major in a field other than their graduate program will normally be required to take sufficient undergraduate courses to make up the equivalent of an Acadia undergraduate major. Special consideration may be given to those candidates wishing to change from one undergraduate field to a related graduate one.

Candidates must have at least a B- average (70%) in the courses taken in the major field in the last two undergraduate years (or 60 credit hours) of university study, including coursework in an undergraduate degree(s) and any graduate work completed.

The number of students admitted to our graduate programs is limited, and possession of the minimum entrance requirements does not ensure admission. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the Graduate Studies Officer by emailing gradadmissions@acadiau.ca.

Other Documents Required to support your application:

1. One Original Official Transcript from EACH post-secondary institution attended
2. Resume 
3. Statement of Research Interests: You will upload your Statement of Research Interests through the Applicant Status Portal once you submit your application form. There is no specific format or page limit for this statement. A statement of research interest is a short document that provides a brief history of your past research experience and the future work you intend to complete. It is a common component of a potential candidate’s application for post-graduate study. The statement is the primary way an admissions committee determines if a candidate’s interest and experience make them a good fit for their program/institution. A Statement should:
   • Articulate the broader field you are working within and the specific question you are interested in answering.
   • Provide a brief history of your past research/interest. How did this research propel you forward?
   • Describe your ongoing research. What questions are you actively trying to solve? What have you found so far? How are you connecting your research to the larger academic conversation? (do you have any publications under review, upcoming conferences, or other professional engagements?) What are the larger implications of your work? and
   • Describe the future trajectory of your research. What is the big picture? What further questions do you have, and how will you solve them? How can the institution to which you are applying for help you in that process? Does the institution have the necessary academic expertise and resources to help you complete the research?
4. Letter of Recommendation: Two (2) reference letters are required. 
5. Writing sample: Minimum of 10 pages. A research essay completed for an upper-level undergraduate course is appropriate. Please submit a copy free of the instructor’s mark and comments.

These are the test eligibilities for the Master of Science in Biology to qualify.

The international student tuition fees and costs for Master of Science in Biology in Canada.

Many departmental scholarships are available for this program.

Contact:

Biology Department
Biology Building, Room 302
33 Westwood Avenue
Wolfville, Nova Scotia, B4P 2R6
biology@acadiau.ca
902-585-1334