Master of Science in Biochemistry (Project Option) at UNBC - University Of Northern British Columbia - Program overview

Program overview

Admission Requirements

Intakes

Last updated on 2025-08-20

Program overview

The Master of Science in Biochemistry (Project Option) at the University of Northern British Columbia is designed for individuals seeking to enhance their skills in a scientific field. This program offers a unique project-based approach, catering particularly to those with defined career objectives or non-traditional students, such as working professionals and teachers. The project option emphasizes interdisciplinary training and provides a pathway for students to engage in independent investigations that contribute to scientific knowledge, without the necessity of original research. This flexibility allows students to tailor their educational experience to meet their career aspirations.

Program structure

The Master of Science in Biochemistry (Project Option) is structured to provide a comprehensive educational experience over a two-year period. The program includes:

Graduate Seminar: 3 credit hours, required for at least two semesters.
Elective Courses: A minimum of 18 credit hours of approved graduate-level electives, selected from science courses within the designated specialization.
MSc Project: 6 credit hours, involving an independent investigation that results in a scientific contribution.

Students are expected to complete all core and elective course requirements before presenting their project. The program is designed to accommodate students' varying backgrounds and may require additional coursework to ensure readiness for graduate-level studies. The supervisory committee plays a crucial role in guiding students through their academic journey, ensuring that they select appropriate electives and meet all necessary requirements.

Featured Experiences

Participation in a Graduate Seminar course for at least two semesters, enhancing communication and presentation skills.
Opportunity to engage in an independent project that contributes to scientific knowledge.
Access to a supportive supervisory committee that assists in course selection and project development.
Flexibility for non-traditional students to upgrade their skills while balancing work or other commitments.
Engagement in a public oral defense of the project, fostering professional presentation skills.

Career Options

Graduates of the Master of Science in Biochemistry (Project Option) can pursue a variety of career paths in Canada, including:

Biochemist: Conduct research and experiments to understand biological processes and develop new products or processes.
Laboratory Technician: Perform tests and analyses in laboratories, supporting research and quality control in various industries.
Quality Control Analyst: Ensure that products meet required standards and regulations through rigorous testing and analysis.
Research Scientist: Engage in scientific research, contributing to advancements in biochemistry and related fields.
Regulatory Affairs Specialist: Navigate the regulatory landscape to ensure compliance for biopharmaceutical products and research initiatives.

DISCLAIMER: The information above is subject to change. For the latest updates, please contact LOA Portal's advisors.

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Last updated on 2025-08-20

Program overview

Academic Requirements

For the Master of Science in Biochemistry (Project Option), the following academic requirements apply:

Minimum average grade of 5 or higher in English 12, three academic subjects, and an elective for Vietnamese students.
Transfer applicants must have a minimum of 15 credit hours of acceptable university-level coursework from a recognized post-secondary institution.
Official documents must be provided prior to the start of the semester.
Transcripts may be required to be evaluated by WES in some cases.

We recommend that you also provide your grades from your final two years of upper secondary school for prerequisite purposes.

If you have any questions or need clarification regarding these requirements, please feel free to contact LOA Portal's advisors for support.

Language Requirements

English is the primary language of instruction and communication at UNBC. Consequently, it is expected that an applicant be able to demonstrate an acceptable level of proficiency in the use of English in order to receive and participate in classroom instruction and discussion as well as to complete written assignments. Applicants whose first language is not English must submit evidence of English language proficiency prior to admission.

Acceptable evidence of English language proficiency may be any one of the following tests:

TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) score of 90 or higher in the internet-based test, with not less than 20 in each of the Reading, Listening, Writing or Speaking components; score of at least 230 in the computer-based test or at least 570 in the paper-based test.
IELTS (International English Language Testing System) Academic score of at least 6.5 overall, with not less than 6.0 in any of the four modules.
Duolingo English Test score of 105 or higher.
A final grade of 2.00 (C) or better in the UNBC English Language Studies 50 and English Language Studies 170.
A final grade of 2.00 (C) or better in an articulated BCCAT EAP (BC Council on Admissions and Transfer English for Academic Purposes) 4 program.
A final grade of 50% or better in English Studies 12 from the British Columbia high school system.
A final grade of 75% (B) or better in a University-transferable English course.
A final grade of 75% or better in CBSE (Central Board of Secondary Education) / CISCE (Council for The Indian School Certificate Examinations) Class XII English Core.
Completion of two full years of full-time degree level studies or equivalent at a recognized institution where English is the language of instruction.
A final grade of 2 or better in AP (Advanced Placement) English Literature and Composition or AP Literature and Composition.
A final grade of 3 or better in IB (International Baccalaureate) English A1 or A2 (higher or subsidiary level).
MELAB (Michigan English Language Assessment Battery) score of at least 80, with a minimum of 3 on the Speaking Rating Scale.
CAEL (Canadian Academic English Language) or the CAEL CE (Computer Edition) Assessment score of at least 70, with no subtest below 60.
A grade of B or better on Cambridge English Qualification C1 Advanced.
PTE (Pearson Test of English - Academic): overall score of 65, with not less than 60 in each of reading, writing, listening, and speaking.

For the Northern Collaborative Baccalaureate Nursing Program (NCBNP), the following are required for admission:

fulfillment of the BC high school English Studies 12 requirement (70%); and
either an IELTS (International English Language Testing System) Academic, or a CELBAN (Canadian English Language Assessment for Nurses) with current, valid results and scores as set by BCCNM for the year of admission.

In order to be considered valid, results must be sent directly from the testing agency/institution to the Office of the Registrar. Scores are valid for a period of two years.

Please check with our team for more details.

DISCLAIMER: The information above is subject to change. For the latest updates, please contact LOA Portal's advisors. The listed minimum requirements are a guideline and do not guarantee admission. Do not worry, we will notify you of any changes during the application process.

Not meeting the minimum language requirements?

You may still be able to apply!