COURSE CURRICULUM

Algoma University’s research-intensive Master of Science in Biology is a two-year, six-semester program focused on cutting-edge topics in life sciences and environmental studies, including fish ecology, bird communication, plant genetics, plant community ecology, and invasive species in Northern Ontario. Students are required to complete two courses: a mandatory Science Communication course and an elective chosen with guidance from their supervisor and thesis committee. The core of the program is an independent research thesis, which includes a general literature review, at least one publishable manuscript, and a comprehensive discussion. Throughout the program, students work closely with a supervisor and a thesis committee of at least three members who support course selection and research development. Students maintain full-time status for the entire program duration, registering and paying tuition, ancillary, and insurance fees for all three semesters each year. The Spring/Summer semester is primarily dedicated to fieldwork and research activities, while the Fall and Winter semesters focus on completing coursework and fulfilling contractual responsibilities as Teaching Assistants. This structure provides students with a balanced experience of academic learning, hands-on research, and teaching, preparing them for careers in academia, research, and related fields.