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Integrative Biology (MSc)

Integrative Biology (MSc)

Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies and Faculty of Science

waterloo

Your goal is to become a biologist, and we want to help you achieve that goal. Our Master of Science (MSc) in Integrative Biology provides an interdisciplinary approach to research that allows you to explore complex questions from a perspective that bridges the traditional sub-disciplines of biology, across diverse taxa, over time scales ranging from short (physiological) to long (evolutionary).

Work with faculty with a diverse range of interests.

Design and implement your own research project.

Expand your professional network.

Program Details

Become an Expert

In our program, you’ll learn to think nimbly about biological problems and processes. You’ll develop an advanced confidence in your ability to learn, think and act in a way that is supported by concrete and well-demonstrated skills in critical thinking and problem solving.

You’ll gain the ability to design and implement a substantial original research project and to effectively communicate the results of that research in a variety of forms, including articles for refereed professional journals, presentations at scientific conferences, and articles for the popular press – all of which is required for you to become an expert and a leader in the field.

Program Structure

Our MSc in Integrative Biology is a full-time, 24-month program.

In addition to a thesis, you are also required to complete BI601: Research in Integrative Biology and one elective course.

Research Focus

Our faculty members' research focuses and strengths are divided into three areas:

cell, molecular and microbial biology, and genetics
biodiversity, evolution and ecology
physiology and toxicology

"I love Laurier because it’s small in size but big in heart. I know and interact with the entire community, not just with students but with professors, lab coordinators and technicians. What we lack in size we gain in authenticity.”

Magdalena Olszewski, Integrative Biology graduate 2019

Admissions

Take the first step in your graduate education and apply to one of our graduate programs. Follow our three-step admission process — we’ll walk you through how to apply and prepare for your first day as a graduate student.

Start: Fall (September), Winter (January) or Spring (May)
Format: Full-time
Application opens:
- January intake: Sept. 1 (international applicants) or Nov. 16 (domestic applicants)
- May intake: Dec. 16 (international applicants) or March 16 (domestic applicants)
- September intake: May 1 (international applicants) or Aug. 16 (domestic applicants)
Application deadline:
- January intake: Aug. 31 (international applicants) or Nov. 15 (domestic applicants)
- May intake: Nov. 15 (international applicants) or March 15 (domestic applicants)
- September intake: March 30 (international applicants) or Aug. 15 (domestic applicants)

Your Next Steps

Contact a Faculty Member Tuition and Funding Apply Now

Questions? Contact integrativebiology@wlu.ca (548.889.3769).

Research Excellence

Laurier researchers examine potential of ancient volcanic rock as fertilizer.

Student Research

Biology student wins top prize in Laurier’s inaugural Graduate Student Research Competition.

Canada Research Chair

Frances Stewart named Canada Research Chair in Northern Wildlife Biology.

Research Excellence

Laurier researchers examine potential of ancient volcanic rock as fertilizer.

Student Research

Biology student wins top prize in Laurier’s inaugural Graduate Student Research Competition.

Canada Research Chair

Frances Stewart named Canada Research Chair in Northern Wildlife Biology.

Waterloo Campus

This program is available on Laurier's Waterloo campus.

Laurier's Waterloo campus is home to more than 19,000 graduate and undergraduate students. Tucked into several city blocks, this campus is walking distance to your classrooms, food, and various campus amenities.

Laurier is a leading force in research among Canadian universities, and many of our research centres and institutes are housed in Waterloo.

Learn more about Laurier's campuses.

Tuition and Funding

Regardless of the type of graduate degree program you intend to pursue, financial planning is important. At Laurier, we want to provide you with as much information as possible about a variety of scholarship and funding opportunities and equip you with the skills to manage your finances effectively in the years to come.

Careers

Graduates of our MSc in Integrative Biology have gone on to:

complete doctoral research
medical school
careers as technologists or scientists in government and industry
environmental consulting and risk assessment

Your Path to Post-Degree Success

ASPIRE is Laurier's professional skills development training program for graduate students. The program helps you craft an individualized, extracurricular learning plan tailored to your professional journey and entry to the workplace.

Research Chat

A podcast showcasing graduate students' research and experiences at Laurier.

Laurier 601

Laurier's incoming student support program will help you transition into graduate studies.

Celebrating Laurier Achievements

Watch a video recognizing the many forms of Laurier scholarship and creativity.

Research Chat

A podcast showcasing graduate students' research and experiences at Laurier.

Laurier 601

Laurier's incoming student support program will help you transition into graduate studies.

Celebrating Laurier Achievements

Watch a video recognizing the many forms of Laurier scholarship and creativity.

Faculty

Learn about the interests and ongoing research of our faculty members. If their research interests you, email the professor directly to set up a meeting. Include information about yourself, your skills, your experience, and why you’re interested in their research. If you are looking for more information about this program, have questions, or want to set up a meeting, contact a member of our team.

Jennifer Baltzer
Associate Professor
Canada Research Chair in Forests and Global Change

Christian Danve M. Castroverde
Assistant Professor

Mihai Costea
Professor
Curator of the Laurier Herbarium

Joseph Culp
Environment and Climate Change Canada Research Scientist in Residence

Stephanie DeWitte-Orr
Associate Professor, Health Sciences and Biology

Derek Gray
Associate Professor

Lucy Lee
Adjunct Professor

Erin Leonard
Assistant Professor

Tristan A.F. Long
Associate Professor

Deborah MacLatchy
President and Vice-Chancellor
Professor

Allison McDonald
Professor

Jim McGeer
Professor

Gabriel Moreno-Hagelsieb
Professor

Kelly Munkittrick
Adjunct Professor

Jonathan Newman
Professor
Vice-President: Research

Scott M. Ramsay
Associate Professor
Undergraduate Academic Advisor

Robin Slawson
Professor

Matthew Smith
Professor
Chair, Department of Biology

John Smith
Adjunct Professor

Kevin Stevens
Associate Professor

Frances Stewart
Assistant Professor
Canada Research Chair in Northern Wildlife Biology

Heidi Swanson
Associate Professor
Jarislowsky Chair in Sustainable Water Futures

Joel Weadge
Associate Professor

Michael P. Wilkie
Professor
Graduate Program Officer

Jonathan Mark Wilson
Associate Professor

Zhongwei Zou
Assistant Professor