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.
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.
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.
Our faculty members' research focuses and strengths are divided into three areas:
"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
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.
After you have submitted your OUAC application, paid the non-refundable application fee, and Laurier has received your application, you'll receive an email from gradadmissions@wlu.ca advising you to upload the additional required documentation to Laurier’s Online Registration and Information System (LORIS).
Please note, the application process and the uploading of supplemental documentation, which includes references, typically takes two weeks. To avoid disappointment, please apply early.
An application for admission to our MSc program in Integrative Biology must include:
Visit our Graduate Admissions Toolkit for more information about applying.
Proficiency in written and spoken English is essential to graduate studies at Laurier. Applicants whose language of instruction during their previous postsecondary education was not in English must submit evidence of proficiency in English. If applicable, results from accepted testing services must be uploaded to LORIS.
Questions? Contact integrativebiology@wlu.ca (548.889.3769).
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.
Graduates of our MSc in Integrative Biology have gone on to:
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.
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
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
Jonathan Mark Wilson
Associate Professor
Graduate Program Officer
Zhongwei Zou
Assistant Professor
