Overview

The Biology - Science, Society and Policy M.Sc. at the University of Ottawa provides a unique interdisciplinary platform for students to master biological research while understanding the complexities of innovation policy. This collaborative programme is designed to equip graduates with the analytical tools required to evaluate how emerging technologies interact with modern society and how scientific evidence informs public governance.

Delivered through the Ottawa-Carleton Institute of Biology, the programme benefits from the combined academic strengths and research facilities of both the University of Ottawa and Carleton University. Students engage in high-level scientific inquiry while simultaneously addressing the ethical and practical challenges that confront decision-makers at the interface of science and policy.

Why Biology - Science, Society and Policy at the University of Ottawa?

The University of Ottawa ranks among the top research-intensive institutions in Canada, offering a vibrant environment for scientific discovery. Students in this programme have access to world-class core facilities and internationally recognised professors who are leaders in fields such as genomics, molecular biology, and environmental toxins.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: CAD 9721 per semester
National fee: CAD 2844 per semester

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

Modules may include:

Research and Communication in Biology
Decision at the Interface of Science and Policy
Biological Data Science in R
Applied Biostatistics
Molecular Methods
Advanced Evolutionary Biology
Aquatic Sciences
Genomics in Graduate Studies
Advanced Microscopy

Careers with Biology - Science, Society and Policy

Graduates are prepared for professional roles where scientific expertise meets strategic decision-making. The programme develops the skills necessary for careers in government agencies, non-governmental organisations, and private sector firms focused on science and innovation policy. Potential career paths include policy analysis, regulatory affairs, and research management within industries such as biotechnology, environmental conservation, and public health.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Biotechnology

Ecology

Biochemistry

Applied Biochemistry

Neuroethology

Bioinformatics

Biophysical Techniques

Advances in Protein Engineering

Molecular Methods

Ethnobotany and Ethnopharmacology

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 24 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-01-11 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-09-01 00:00:00
Starting 2027-05-04 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-02-01 00:00:00
Starting 2027-09-09 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-02-01 00:00:00

Language

English

TOEFL^® IBT

OR

79

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

60

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

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Credits

60 alternative credits

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Ottawa, Canada

Disciplines

Biology Biotechnology Bioinformatics & Biostatistics View 62 other Masters in Biology in Canada

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

TOEFL^® IBT

OR

79

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

60

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

Have a bachelor’s degree in with a specialization, or a major in Biology (or equivalent) with a minimum average of 70% (B).

Demonstrate a good academic performance in previous studies as shown by official transcripts, research reports, abstracts or any other documents demonstrating research skills.

2 Recommendation letters

Transcripts

Resume

A letter of intent outlining your career goals and proposed research area.

We recommend that you contact potential thesis supervisors early. To register, you need to be accepted by a thesis supervisor.

International students must show proof of funding in the form of a supervisor stipend and a combination of scholarships and/or in-trust accounts.

A good knowledge of either English or French and good ability to write in English is required.

Student Insurance via Studyportals Partner

Make sure to cover your health, travel, and stay while studying abroad. Even global coverages can miss important items like Additional medical costs, Repatriation, Liability etc. Make sure your student insurance covers your needs.

Studyportals partnered with Aon to provide you with the best affordable student insurance, for a carefree experience away from home.

Get your student insurance now

Starting from €0.53/day, free cancellation any time.

Remember, countries and universities may have specific insurance requirements. To learn more about how student insurance work at University of Ottawa and/or in Canada, please visit Student Insurance Portal.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

19442 CAD / year

≈ 19442 CAD / year
Domestic Applies to you

Applies to you

Citizens or residents

5688 CAD / year

≈ 5688 CAD / year

Additional Details

Ontario residents: $2,456.70/ semester

Living costs

Ottawa

Canada

1168 - 1925 CAD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Biology - Science, Society and Policy.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

On this page

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Student Insurance via Studyportals Partner

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic Applies to you

Additional Details

Living costs

Ottawa

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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