Molecular Biology and Biochemistry
Master of Science
This program provides advanced education and research training for a career in academia, industry or the public sector and emphasizes development of research skills in combination with relevant course work. The program is of interest to those wishing to use cutting edge laboratory and/or computational approaches to address research problems in biology, biochemistry or biomedical disciplines.
Admission Requirements
Applicants must satisfy the university admission requirements as stated in Graduate General Regulations 1.3 in the SFU Calendar. Applicants must have a bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline and should preferably have research experience. In addition, applicants must have found a supervisor who is willing to support their application. Applicants should contact faculty members directly to discuss their research interests and confirm the availability of funding and space in their research group. Only students having a proposed supervisor can be considered for admission to the program.
English Language Competence
English is the language of instruction and communication at the university. Accordingly, an applicant whose primary language is not English must demonstrate command of English sufficient to pursue graduate studies in the chosen field. Please refer to the Graduate General Regulations (1.3.3 English Language Competence) for minimum language requirements and further information.
Note that the minimum English language test scores required for this program are higher than the minimum test scores accepted for entry into Graduate Studies at SFU. For details, visit the Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry website.
Program Requirements
This program consists of required courses, elective courses, and a thesis for a minimum of 30 units.
Students must complete
MBB 801
-
Student Seminar in Molecular Biology and Biochemistry
(3)
An introductory course for graduate students in the Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry (MBB). Lecture presentations include general information for students starting graduate studies; effective research writing and presentation skills; fundamentals for proper data and statistical analysis; research ethics and policies for professional equality, diversity, and inclusiveness; professional skills for scientific careers.
MBB 803
-
MBB Department Seminar Series
(1)
*
In accompaniment with the weekly MBB departmental seminar series, students will read relevant literature from the speaker’s laboratory to participate in the scientific discussion that follows each seminar. Approaches for providing effective seminar presentations will also be discussed. Students must take MBB 803 twice, in two consecutive offerings, at the first opportunity in the MBB graduate program (fall and spring or spring and fall).
and one unit of MBB colloquia by completing one of
MBB 821
-
Cell and Molecular Biology Colloquium
(1)
Recent research articles on the molecular mechanisms underlying cellular activities will be presented and discussed by students and faculty, with an emphasis on critically analyzing concepts, experimental design, and methodology. A student may not take more than 3 units of colloquia for credit. Prerequisite: BISC 331/MBB 331 or equivalent.
MBB 841
-
Genomics and Bioinformatics Colloquium
(1)
Recent research articles on modern genomic techniques will be presented and discussed by students and faculty, with an emphasis on critical analysis of the concepts, experimental design, technologies and the practical application of bioinformatics algorithms. A student may not take more than 3 units of colloquia. Prerequisite: It is recommended that students have previously taken one introductory computer-programming course (e.g. CMPT 102, 110, 120, 130 or equivalent) and one introductory statistics course (e.g. STAT 201, 270 or equivalent); or permission of the instructor.
MBB 861
-
Biomolecular Structure and Function Colloquium
(1)
Recent research articles on the structure, function, and interactions of macromolecules including proteins, nucleic acids, and lipids, as well as their complexes, will be presented and discussed by students and faculty, with an emphasis on critical analysis of the concepts and experimental design and methods. Prerequisite: BISC 331/MBB 331 or equivalent.
| Section |
Instructor |
Day/Time |
Location |
|
G100
|
Edgar Young
|
|
TBD
|
and an additional six elective graduate units
(These courses are chosen in consultation with the supervisory committee and can include appropriate courses from MBB and/or other departments.)
and a thesis
A major part of the program is original research. A thesis describing the research is submitted and defended in accordance with Graduate General Regulations.
Research Seminar Series
Students are expected to attend the Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry research seminar series, even after completing MBB 803 twice.
Accelerated Master's in MBB
The accelerated master's is an approved pathway for expediting completion of the molecular biology and biochemistry (MBB) master of science (MSc) degree. The accelerated master's allows students to count work and units from their undergraduate program toward their MSc degree. This is accomplished by completing a BSc honours thesis and two graduate-level courses (six units total) while in the undergraduate program ("accelerated master's-track"). The honours thesis forms the basis of the MSc research project and the graduate courses count toward both the bachelor's degree (BSc) and the required MSc coursework. For more information see: https://www.sfu.ca/mbb/graduate/prospective/degree-programs/accelerated-masters-in-mbb.html.
Program Length
Students are expected to complete the program requirements in six terms.
Other Information
Interdisciplinary Oncology Graduate Specialization (IOGS)
This specialization is for students who are interested in gaining exposure to diverse facets of cancer-related research. Application to the program is through the interdisciplinary oncology graduate specialization steering committee. The program consists of required courses, elective courses, and a thesis for a minimum of 30 units.
The MSc program requirements for this specialization are as follows:
Students must complete the following
MBB 801
-
Student Seminar in Molecular Biology and Biochemistry
(3)
An introductory course for graduate students in the Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry (MBB). Lecture presentations include general information for students starting graduate studies; effective research writing and presentation skills; fundamentals for proper data and statistical analysis; research ethics and policies for professional equality, diversity, and inclusiveness; professional skills for scientific careers.
MBB 803
-
MBB Department Seminar Series
(1)
*
In accompaniment with the weekly MBB departmental seminar series, students will read relevant literature from the speaker’s laboratory to participate in the scientific discussion that follows each seminar. Approaches for providing effective seminar presentations will also be discussed. Students must take MBB 803 twice, in two consecutive offerings, at the first opportunity in the MBB graduate program (fall and spring or spring and fall).
ONC 502
-
Concepts in Oncology
(3)
This course covers the biology and epidemiology of cancer and theories behind prevention, diagnosis and treatment of different types of cancer. A major goal of the course is to integrate knowledge and research on the biology of cancer with all disciplines in oncology. This course can only be taken once, either during an MSc or during a PhD. Prerequisite: Enrollment in a participating graduate program. No specific courses are prerequisites.
ONC 510
-
Seminars in Oncology
(3)
Features cancer-related research by trainees and faculty located at the BC Cancer Research Centre and other sites. Topics include recent developments in the molecular basis of oncogenesis, cancer bioinformatics, cancer epidemiology, cancer treatment and other clinical studies, and ethical issues. Students are required to present seminars on their research. Students undertaking the interdisciplinary oncology graduate specialization must enroll in this course throughout their entire time as a graduate student. This course can be taken twice, if a student does the interdisciplinary oncology graduate specialization (IOGS) as an MSc student, and also does it as a PhD student. Students who transfer from MSc to PhD would only take it once. Graded on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis. Prerequisite: Enrollment in a participating graduate program. No specific courses are prerequisites.
| Section |
Instructor |
Day/Time |
Location |
|
G100
|
Sharon Gorski
|
|
TBD
|
and one unit of MBB colloquia by completing one of
MBB 821
-
Cell and Molecular Biology Colloquium
(1)
Recent research articles on the molecular mechanisms underlying cellular activities will be presented and discussed by students and faculty, with an emphasis on critically analyzing concepts, experimental design, and methodology. A student may not take more than 3 units of colloquia for credit. Prerequisite: BISC 331/MBB 331 or equivalent.
MBB 841
-
Genomics and Bioinformatics Colloquium
(1)
Recent research articles on modern genomic techniques will be presented and discussed by students and faculty, with an emphasis on critical analysis of the concepts, experimental design, technologies and the practical application of bioinformatics algorithms. A student may not take more than 3 units of colloquia. Prerequisite: It is recommended that students have previously taken one introductory computer-programming course (e.g. CMPT 102, 110, 120, 130 or equivalent) and one introductory statistics course (e.g. STAT 201, 270 or equivalent); or permission of the instructor.
MBB 861
-
Biomolecular Structure and Function Colloquium
(1)
Recent research articles on the structure, function, and interactions of macromolecules including proteins, nucleic acids, and lipids, as well as their complexes, will be presented and discussed by students and faculty, with an emphasis on critical analysis of the concepts and experimental design and methods. Prerequisite: BISC 331/MBB 331 or equivalent.
| Section |
Instructor |
Day/Time |
Location |
|
G100
|
Edgar Young
|
|
TBD
|
and a thesis
A major part of the MSc specialization program will be devoted to original research. A thesis describing the work must be submitted and defended in accordance with SFU Graduate General Regulations.
Optional Specialization in Translational and Integrative Neuroscience (TRAIN)
Application to TRAIN is through the TRAIN steering committee. Students must fulfill all Departmental requirements for the MSc.
To receive TRAIN specialization, students must complete both NEUR courses with a grade of B+ or higher. These courses can be taken as part of graduate elective course requirements for this program.
Students must complete all of
NEUR 800
-
Foundations of Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience
(3)
Covers fundamental concepts related to the basic cellular neurobiology of neurons and other nervous system cells, neuronal pathfinding, electrophysiology, dendritic organization, axonal transport, plasticity, and signal transduction, as well as the integration of neurons into neural circuits and diseases of the nervous system. This course can only be taken once, either during a Masters or Doctoral program.
NEUR 801
-
Foundations of Systems Neuroscience
(3)
Fundamental concepts related to information processing (sensing, encoding, planning, decision-making, execution) by neural circuits are discussed. Topics include: neural communication, sensorimotor control of movement, neuroplasticity, and diseases of the brain. Issues of experimental design and application of modern neuroscience methods will be integrated across these topics. Additional topics will vary depending on the year. This course can only be taken once, either during a Masters or Doctoral program.
and participate in at least two TRAIN workshops over the course of their degree
NEUR 802
-
Translational and Integrative Neuroscience Workshop
(0)
*
Workshops focus on providing students with skills to facilitate the translation of neuroscience, broadly defined, for the benefit of society. Faculty members at SFU as well as relevant clinicians and company representatives will run these workshops. Topics may include: how to translate fundamental questions into clinical-oriented questions; how to perform clinical research; how to start a spin-off company; how to pitch ideas for commercialization; how to work with industry; how drug-discovery works; and how to communicate to different audiences. All topics will relate specifically to neuroscience. Graded on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis. Prerequisite: Enrollment in translational and integrative neuroscience graduate specialization or permission from lead workshop organizer.
*Workshops will normally be offered approximately once per term and will be approximately three hours in duration.
For more information on TRAIN, please see Translational and Integrative Neuroscience.
Academic Requirements within the Graduate General Regulations
All graduate students must satisfy the academic requirements that are specified in the Graduate General Regulations, as well as the specific requirements for the program in which they are enrolled.