MSc in Biological Sciences - Microbiology and Biotechnology (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 courses, 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 microorganisms, yeast, plants, insects, and mammals. Additional features comprise large aquatic animal 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 extensive research collections covering microfungi, vascular and non-vascular plants, along with vertebrate and invertebrate specimens – including significant fish collections, fossilized plants and vertebrates, insect specimens, and parasitic organisms.