Master of Science, Applied (M.Sc.A.) Biotechnology (Non-Thesis) - McGill University

Biotechnology is the science of understanding, selecting, and promoting useful organisms and specific gene products for commercial and therapeutic purposes. It demands a broad comprehension of biology and engineering as well as detailed knowledge of at least one basic subject, such as molecular genetics, protein chemistry, microbiology, or chemical engineering.

The non-thesis M.Sc.(Applied) degree in Biotechnology offers a course-based curriculum with practical training in laboratory courses and internships offered through the Institute of Parasitology. The Institute is housed on Macdonald Campus of McGill University in Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue about 30 kilometers from the Montreal main campus downtown.

Graduates typically enter the biotechnology sector in research, management, or sales, or accept government positions.

Admission Requirements

• Candidates for the M.Sc.(Applied) in Biotechnology must possess a bachelor’s degree in biological sciences or equivalent with a minimum cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 3.2/4.0, as well as all prerequisites or their equivalents. Applicants are required to have sufficient background in biochemistry, cellular biology, and molecular biology, preferably at an advanced level for the Master's Applied.
• English Language Proficiency:

For graduate applicants whose mother tongue is not English, and who have not completed an undergraduate or graduate degree from a recognized Canadian or American (English or French) institution or from a recognized foreign institution where English is the language of instruction, documented proof of English proficiency is required prior to admission.

The items and clarifications below are additional requirements set by this department:

• An English Proficiency test is required for most international applicants.
• The GRE (optional).
• Other Supporting Documents – Other documents may be required for the admission process, such as; 

1. University transcripts
2. Letters of reference
3. Curriculum Vitae
4. Personal Statement

Course Structure

The M.Sc. (Applied) in Biotechnology is a 45-credit program consisting of 10 required components covering laboratory, science, and management courses, and a research project. Three complimentary courses complete the program and can be chosen within an area of interest in consultation with the academic advisor. 

Course Breakdown

• 6 required courses (20 credits)
• A research project (16 credits)
• 3 complementary courses (9 credits)

Semester 1 (Fall)

• BIOT 505 Selected Topics in Biotechnology
• BTEC 501 Bioinformatics
• BTEC 620 Biotechnology Laboratory 1
• BTEC 621 Biotechnology Management
• HGEN 660 Genetics and Bioethics

Semester 2 (Winter)

• BTEC 619 Biotechnology Laboratory 2
• BTEC 622 Biotechnology Research Project 1
• Complementary Course 1
• Complementary Course 2
• Complementary Course 3 (optional)

Semester 3 (Summer)

• BTEC 623 Biotechnology Research Project 2

Semester 4 (Fall)

• BTEC 624 Biotechnology Research Project 3
• BTEC 625 Biotechnology Research Project 4
• Complimentary Course 3 (optional)

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees for international students at the M.Sc (Applied) in Biotechnology are $18,322 per year.

Scholarships

Financial support is not available for this applied program. It is suggested that students give serious consideration to their financial planning before submitting an application. Students should be self-financed or self-funded to ensure they can complete this program financially worry-free. Academic units cannot guarantee financial support via teaching assistantships.