Biology (MSc)

Deepen your knowledge and experience in a rigorous biology graduate program customized to you and your research interests. At Acadia, you will be part of one of the most vibrant and community-focused departments in the region.

In Acadia's Master of Science in Biology you will enhance your expertise in modern research methods in biology and deepen your knowledge in your chosen area of study. Although we have a wide variety of research areas to suit your interest, you will benefit from a small school experience, working closely with your supervisor and others in the same research group, and developing a close relationship with your fellow graduate students.

Within our graduate program emphasis is placed on research rather than coursework. You will work with your supervisor and advisory committee to determine an individualized program of study suited to your research interests. Through many of our research programs you will also gain experience working with individuals and organizations in the local community.

Be Inspired

Acadia is located near the tidal mud flats of the Bay of Fundy (named one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World) and within the Annapolis Valley, so our location provides you with access to a variety of ecosystems including, aquatic, wetland, farm, and forest. These habitats are used in field-based research work to give you a balance of outdoor and indoor learning experiences throughout the program.

We have also taken leadership roles in some of the largest projects in the Atlantic region. Acadia, through the Acadia Tidal Energy Institute, is actively involved in tidal power initiatives in the Bay of Fundy. Acadia is a partner with Ducks Unlimited Canada in waterfowl and wetlands conservation projects. Watershed management and estuarine systems are studied through the Acadia Centre for Estuarine Research, the only centre of its kind in Canada.

Research Interests

For a more detailed description of research programs in the biology department, please see the descriptions on the biology faculty page.

  • Animal movement and its relationship to population dynamics and conservation
  • Cancer immunology
  • Coevolution of parasites and hosts
  • Conservation biology
  • Developmental biology, and its relation to evolutionary change
  • Ecology and health of coastal habitats
  • Fungal endophytes of coastal and marine plants
  • Immune cell developmental pathways
  • Impacts of anthropogenic disturbances in coastal ecosystems on fish
  • Insect pheromone processing and behaviour
  • Interaction between parasites and host ecology
  • Management and recovery of species at risk
  • Molecular evolution and molecular systematics in bivalves and mammals
  • Natural history of beetles and birds in forested and agricultural landscapes
  • Floral character evolution in family Rosaceae and genus Vaccinum
  • Pest management in forestry and agriculture
  • Plant ecology
  • Plant systematics, phylogeny and evolution
  • Population dynamics
  • Role of relaxin family peptides and their receptors in neuroprotection
  • Tidal energy and its impacts
  • Watershed management
 

Program at a Glance

Year 1 - Term 1

BIOL 5013
Research Methods 1
BIOL 5033/5043/5053
Elective
BIOL 5960
Thesis

Year 1 - Term 2

BIOL 5023
Research Methods 2
BIOL 5033/5043/5053
Elective
BIOL 5960
Thesis

Year 1 - Term 3

BIOL 5960
Thesis

Year 2 - Term 1

BIOL 5960
Thesis

Year 2 - Term 2

BIOL 5960
Thesis completion

Biology

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 Academic Calendar

Research Facilities:
Acadia Centre for Estuarine Research
Acadia Tidal Energy Institute
Atlantic Wine Institute
Bon Portage Island
Centre for Wildlife and Conservation Biology
E.C. Smith Herbarium
Harriet Irving Botanical Gardens
Heckman's Island
K.C. Irving Environmental Science Centre
Mersey Tobeatic Research Institute
Weston Animal Care Facility
Wildlife Museum

Get Involved:
Acadia Biology Society
Acadia Graduate Students' Association

Contact

Biology Department
Biology Building, Room 302
33 Westwood Avenue
Wolfville, Nova Scotia, B4P 2R6
biology@acadiau.ca
902-585-1334