Master of Science in Biochemistry (Thesis 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 (Thesis Option) at the University of Northern British Columbia is designed for students aiming to pursue careers in scientific research or further academic studies. This program emphasizes the design and completion of an original research project, culminating in a thesis. Students will engage in a rigorous academic environment that fosters critical thinking and scientific inquiry, preparing them for various professional opportunities in the field of biochemistry.

Program structure

The Master of Science in Biochemistry (Thesis Option) is structured to be completed in a normal time frame of two academic years. The program includes:

Graduate Seminar: 3 credit hours (to be taken for at least two semesters)
Elective Courses: Minimum of 12 credit hours of approved graduate-level electives
MSc Thesis: 12 credit hours

Students are required to make an oral presentation of their thesis proposal, write an original thesis, and present a public oral defense of their thesis. The supervisory committee plays a crucial role in guiding students through their elective course selection and ensuring that all academic requirements are met.

Featured Experiences

Participation in a Graduate Seminar course for at least two semesters.
Opportunity to engage in independent research leading to an original thesis.
Oral presentation of thesis proposal and public defense of the thesis.
Access to a supervisory committee for personalized academic guidance.

Career Options

Research Scientist: Conduct experiments and analyze data to contribute to scientific knowledge in biochemistry.
Laboratory Manager: Oversee laboratory operations, ensuring compliance with safety regulations and managing staff.
Biochemist: Study the chemical processes within living organisms, often working in pharmaceuticals or biotechnology.
Quality Control Analyst: Test and analyze products to ensure they meet required standards and regulations.
Academic Researcher: Pursue further academic research opportunities, potentially leading to a PhD and a career in academia.

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 (Thesis 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.
To be considered a transfer student, a minimum of 15 credit hours of acceptable university-level coursework from a recognized post-secondary institution is required.
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

Applicants whose first language is not English must be able to demonstrate an acceptable level of proficiency in English. The following tests are accepted as evidence of English language proficiency:

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.

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!