MSc in Biological Sciences - Ecology (Thesis-based) in Edmonton Canada | University of Alberta

The Department of Biological Sciences provides graduate programs for both Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degrees. It aims to cultivate scholars who are well-versed in their field's literature, able to recognize emerging research challenges and opportunities, and skilled in essential research methodologies. Students achieve these goals through various avenues: guided research projects, academic coursework, seminar involvement, and successfully defending their thesis.

The Department maintains specialized laboratories and teaching spaces accommodating 250–300 graduate students. These include resources for digital imaging, advanced microscopy (electron and confocal), chemical analysis, molecular biology techniques, fermentation processes, biotechnological applications, DNA synthesis and sequencing, as well as cell culture facilities for microbes, yeasts, plants, insects, and mammals. Additional features comprise aquatic animal housing with large tanks and controlled environment chambers, including a comprehensive greenhouse facility. Off-site locations encompass the Devonian Botanic Garden with its fungal collections, several research stations like Meanook Biological Research Station and Ellerslie Plant Genetics Station near Edmonton, plus the Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre on Vancouver Island. The department also houses significant reference collections covering microfungi, vascular/non-vascular plants, vertebrates, and invertebrates – featuring notable assemblies of fish species, fossilized plants and vertebrates, insect specimens, and parasites.