Potential Graduate Students
Congratulations on deciding to pursue a M.Sc. or Ph.D. in Biochemistry! There are many details involved in applying for Graduate Studies and the links below can help with that process.
Ensure you give yourself enough time to find a supervisor, complete the application form and have all the supporting documentation arrive before the application deadline(s). Incomplete applications will not be considered for admission to Graduate Studies.
You can also visit the School of Graduate Studies webpage for additional information or contact them directly with your questions.
Program of Study:
M.Sc.
- The M.Sc. degree may be obtained in Biochemistry.
Ph.D.
- The Ph.D. degree will be identified as one of the following interdisplinary areas: Biomolecular Science, Biosystems and Biodiversity, Earth, Space, and Physical Science, or Theoretical and Computational Science, depending on the nature of the research undertaken.
Graduate Student FAQs
You can find answers here to the most common questions future Grad Students have. If your require more information contact the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, visit us in E866, University Hall or contact the School of Graduate Studies .
When are the application deadlines?
Where are the application forms?
What supporting documents are required?
How do I find a supervisor and do I need one?
What other degree(s) and GPA are required for the MSc or PhD program?
What if my GPA isn’t high enough?
What funding is available?
How much is tuition?
When will I be notified if I have been accepted into Graduate Studies?
When are the application deadlines?
- Spring Semester - October 1
- Fall Semester - Feb 1 (1st round)
- Fall Semester - May 1 (2nd round)
- Summer Semester - Feb 1
Where are the application forms?
The application forms are on the School of Graduate Studies web page.
You must have a SUPERVISOR before you can apply (see below for more information on how to find a supervisor).
What supporting documents are required?
- Application Form
- Official Academic Transcripts (sent directly from issuing institution to ROSS)
- Three Letters of Recommendation (academic and/or researcher reference speaking to the applicant's ability and aptitude for graduate studies)
- Student's C.V. (include academic background, work experience, awards, scholarships, and publications)
- The Program Committee requires the submission of a one page Letter of Intent, indicating in general terms, the reasons, goals or objectives for seeking a graduate degree
- Proof of English Language Proficiency (required by all applicants, whose first language is not English)
If your application is not complete, you will not be considered for admission to Graduate Studies.
All applicants whose first language is not English must meet the English Language Proficiency (ELP) Requirement for Graduate Studies (see English Language Proficiency for Graduate Students).
Ph.D. students should check the Doctor of Philosophy page, as some of the admission requirements are different than for an M.Sc.
How do I find a supervisor and do I need one?
Every Grad Student must have a supervisor. A supervisor is a faculty member who mentors a graduate student in their research.
Your supervisor is the key person in your graduate degree program. The principal role of the supervisor is to help students achieve their scholastic potential and to chair the student’s Supervisory Committee. The Supervisor will provide reasonable commitment, accessibility, professionalism, stimulation, guidance, respect and consistent encouragement to the student.
Supervisors should be available to help their graduate students at every stage, from formulation of their research projects through establishing methodologies and discussing results, to presentation and possible publication of dissertations. Graduate supervisors must also ensure that their students’ work meets the standards of the University and the academic discipline.
To find a supervisor the School of Graduate Studies webpage has detailed information on how to find a supervisor.
You can also find a supervisor that does research in the area that you want to study on the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry Research webpage , the Department of Biological Sciences Research webpage or see the list below.
Supervisors:
Dept. of Chemistry & Biochemistry
- Dr. Ute Kothe - Molecular mechanisms of small ribonucleoproteins
- Dr. Steven Mosimann - Structure and Function of RNA Processing
- Dr. Marc Roussel - Work is at the interface between chemistry
- Dr. Stacey Wetmore - Her research uses computer calculations to understand chemical systems
- Dr. Hans-Joachim Wieden - Study functional and structural dynamics of protein biosynthesis
Dept. of Biological Sciences
- Dr. Roy Golsteyn - studies cancer cells under laboratory conditions
- Dr. Tony Russell - focuses on the structure, function and evolution of selected eukaryotic protein-RNA complexes (RNPs)
- Dr. Brent Selinger - studies the genetics and biochemistry of microbial hydrolytic enzymes
- Dr. James Thomas - studies cell & molecular biology, biochemistry and environmental microbiology
What other degree(s) and GPA (Grade Point Average) are required for the M.Sc. or Ph.D. program?
M.Sc.
A University of Lethbridge baccalaureate degree or its equivalent form another recognized degree-granting institution, in the discipline of interest or in a closely related cognate discipline. The UofL reserves the right to determine whether degrees and other academic programs completed elsewhere are equivalent.
A minimum GPA of 3.00 (based on a 4.00 scale) on the last 20 graded university-level semester courses of a B.Sc. degree.
Full details are available here
Ph.D. Master of Science degree awarded from a recognized institution where the language of instruction is English and the student's work is in English.
Minimum grade point average of 3.5 (based on a 4.00 scale) on all graded master’s-level courses.
Full details are available here
What if my GPA isn’t high enough?
Contact the School of Graduate Studies for specific advice. They will review your information and recommend the best way to either improve your GPA or to apply for the Second Degree Program.
You can apply to the UofL for the Second Degree Program, which is a minimum of 20 courses, but may be as many as 35, depending on the major.
Applicants whose first language is not English must meet the English Language Proficiency (ELP) Requirement for Graduate Studies (see English Language Proficiency for Graduate Students).
M.Sc. Financial Assistance Package
The School of Graduate Studies recommends a Financial Assistance Package in the amount of $17,000 per year for 2 years. The $17,000 is comprised of:
- $7,000 per year is provided as a Graduate Teaching Assistantship in return for which the student provides services in support of teaching;
- $3,000 per year is provided as an Entrance Award by the University of Lethbridge;
- Where possible, the remaining $7,000 (or more) is provided by the student's supervisor in the form of a Research Assistantship from research grants;
- Additionally, international students in the M.Sc. program receive an International Research Award of $2,000 in their first year
Ph.D. Financial Assistance Package
The School of Graduate Studies provides a minimum Financial Assistance Package in the amount of $17,000 per year for 3 years. The $17,000 is comprised of:
- $7,000 per year is provided as a Graduate Teaching Assistantship in return for which the student provides services in support of teaching;
- $7,000 (minimum required) is provided by the student's supervisor in the form of a Research Assistantship from research grants;
- $3,000 per year is provided as an Entrance Award by the University of Lethbridge;
- Additionally, international students receive an International Research Award in the amount of $3,000 for two years.
Full details are available here
Tuition varies from semester to semester and if you are an International student. See the following page for complete details.
When will I be notified if I have been accepted into Graduate Studies?
The Dean of the School of Graduate Studies informs the applicant of the Program Committee’s decision. Applicants and their faculty supervisors will be notified of admission status by May 1, July 1, or December 1. Successful applicants will be advised of registration procedures at that time.
Applicants may also be called for an interview with the Program Committee.
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