Biology

Graduate Co-ordinator:  Andrew Cameron, PhD

Faculty Listing

Department Description

The department offers thesis-based degree programs at both the Master's and Doctoral level. The Department of Biology has expertise in ecology and evolution, cell and molecular biology and organismal physiology/biochemistry. Our field station is located in the picturesque Cypress Hills of southwestern Saskatchewan, and is used for both field-based research and for upper-level courses. We are also home to the Institute for Environmental Change & Society and the Institute for Microbial Systems & Society. As well, the Department of Biology has modern facilities for molecular biology and related disciplines, and is home to a modern aquatics facility for housing a variety of aquatic vertebrates. Our faculty and students conduct research in a wide variety of locations across Canada and elsewhere, and have national and international collaborations. The Biology Department also has close connections and collaborations with the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and with various local, provincial, and national agencies.

Further information about the Biology graduate programs is available at https://www.uregina.ca/science/biology/graduate/index.html.  We strongly recommend arranging for a supervisor prior to applying for admission; suggestions for how to contact potential supervisors are available in the Graduate section of the Biology Dept. website.

Degree Requirements

Master of Science (MSc) in Biology (thesis)

The MSc program consists of a minimum of 10-16 credit hours of course work, and 14-20 credit hours of BIOL 901 (for a total of 30 credit hours).

* 800-level courses from any unit: courses from outside of Biology require the approval of the supervisory committee and the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research.

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Biology (after Master's)

Typically the PhD program is entered following the completion of a Master's program. The PhD program consists of a minimum of 10 to 16 credit hours of course work and 44 to 50 credit hours of BIOL 901 (for a total of 60 credit hours).

*800-level courses from any unit: courses from outside of Biology require the approval of the supervisory committee and the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research.

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Biology (after Bachelor's)

In exceptional circumstances, a candidate may transfer into the PhD program without completion of a Master's degree. In these cases, the PhD program consists of a minimum of 16 to 22 credit hours of course work and 68 to 74 credit hours of BIOL 901 (for a total of 90 credit hours).

*800-level courses from any unit: courses from outside of Biology require the approval of the supervisory committee and the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research.

Courses

BIOL 801 Comprehensive Exam on the PhD Research Area (3)
A departmental committee will examine the candidate’s knowledge in the area(s) of Biology related to the student’s research proposal. Students will submit a comprehensive research proposal, which will serve as the basis for an oral examination.
Required of all PhD students, to be completed in the first 12 months of the program.

BIOL 802 Comprehensive Review of a Selected Topic in Biology (3)
The student will write and present an in-depth literature review of current knowledge in an area of biology (selected in consultation with the department Head and supervisor). At an oral examination, a departmental committee will examine the candidate’s knowledge related to the review.
Required of all PhD students, to be completed in the first 20 months of the program.

BIOL 803 Scientific Research Skills for Biological Sciences in Graduate Students (3)
The focus of this course is to develop general skills and knowledge in the field of scientific research. Students will be introduced to the philosophy of science with discussions about how to identify important and feasible research topics. Students will also be taught about communicating with the media, giving clear oral presentations and posters, and will have the opportunity to do extensive writing and oral presentations which will be rigorously critiqued by a number of faculty members.
Pre-requisite: Admission to a MSc program in Biological Sciences

BIOL 810 Modelling Biological Data (3)
A guide to contemporary statistical models for biological data. Emphasizes practical skills in using software for implementing models, testing hypotheses, and making predictions about biological and ecological systems. Prior programming experience is recommended.

BIOL 820AA-ZZ Selected Topics in (STI) Animal Physiology (3)

BIOL 825AA-ZZ Selected Topics in (STI) Animal Behaviour (3)

BIOL 830AA-ZZ Selected Topics in (STI) Molecular Genetics (3)

BIOL 835AA-ZZ Selected Topics in (STI) Ecology (3)

BIOL 845AA-ZZ Selected Topics in (STI) Population Genetics (3)

BIOL 850AA-ZZ Selected Topics in (STI) Microbiology (3)

BIOL 855AA-ZZ Selected Topics in (STI) Plant Morphology (3)

BIOL 860AA-ZZ Selected Topics in (STI) Plant Physiology (3)

BIOL 880AA-ZZ Directed Readings (1-6)
Directed readings for individual students or groups of students on selected topics.

BIOL 887 Research Seminar (1)
All students must successfully complete two credit hours. One credit hour will be given for presentation of a departmental seminar based on the thesis research, to be delivered towards the end of the program. The second credit hour will be earned by participation in the Graduate Student Seminar Series.

BIOL 888 Seminars in Biology (1)
Seminars by invited speakers. All graduate students must register for two semester hours, but should attend each semester while in residence. This course is given in conjunction with BIOL 488 during the fall and winter semesters.

BIOL 901 Research (1-15)
Original research, required of all Master's and Doctoral candidates