This thesis-based Master of Science program offers a comprehensive education in microbiology and infectious diseases, preparing students for doctoral studies or research-focused careers. The curriculum delves into topics such as medical microbiology, microbial diseases, and gene expression in bacteria. Students gain valuable research experience, engage in cross-disciplinary collaborations, and contribute to faculty research that spans lung infections, systemic infections, molecular diagnostics, therapeutics, and vaccine development. The program emphasizes research ethics, requiring participation in Research Integrity Day and completion of a Sex & Gender Module. A core component involves defending a written research proposal and a final thesis.
Graduates are well-prepared for a variety of research-oriented career paths in both academia and industry. The program also serves as a prerequisite for doctoral studies.
A supervisor must agree to oversee the student's research before the application for admission is submitted.
Information on fees and financial assistance is available in the Graduate Calendar.
You need a four-year baccalaureate degree and a minimum GPA of 3.3 on a 4.0 scale over your last two years of full-time study (minimum 10 full-course equivalents or 60 units). A supervisor must also agree to oversee your research before you apply.
The first crucial step is to identify and contact potential supervisors whose research aligns with your interests. After securing a supervisor, you will need to review program requirements, prepare documents like transcripts and reference letters, and submit your online application by the deadline.
For international students, the application deadline is December 1 for a May 1 intake, April 1 for a September 1 intake, and August 1 for a January 1 intake.
This is a thesis-based Master of Science program that typically lasts for 2 years.
Information regarding specific tuition fees and estimated living costs is available in the Graduate Calendar. Please refer to the Graduate Calendar for detailed financial information.
Graduates are well-prepared for research-oriented careers in academia and industry, including roles such as Researcher, Project Manager, Post-doctoral Researcher, and positions in Government, Clinical Microbiology, and Alberta Health Services. The program also serves as a strong foundation for doctoral studies.