Master of Science, Applied (M.Sc.A.) in Biotechnology at McGill University

About the Program:

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.

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)