Bioinformatics: MBinf, MSc, PhD
Do you want to become part of a revolution in biology? Technological advances have led to an explosion
in the amount of biological information available to scientific communities, governments, and industry. The
challenge now is how to organize, visualize, and interpret this vast amount of information. Bioinformatics
seeks to make sense of biological processes on all scales, from the molecular level to full ecosystems,
using powerful and efficient computational techniques. Graduate students in our bioinformatics programs
apply skills in programming, statistics, and data management in their own research project. Areas of focus
have included agricultural science, ecology, evolution, genetics, medicine, and veterinary science.
uoguelph.ca/bioinformatics
Program
We offer two Master’s options and a
Doctoral program, all with the option
to do a collaborative specialization in
Artificial Intelligence. The course work
plus major research project Master
of Bioinformatics (MBinf) is a three-
semester program primarily tailored
for students with a background in life
sciences. The traditional thesis-based
M S c in Bioinformatics (M S c) is a six-
semester program for students who
already have a strong background in
computational science and/or statistics
and wish to conduct substantial
research leading to a thesis. Thesis-
based MSc students may choose
to participate in the Collaborative
comprised of faculty in both life sciences ARE YOU INTERESTED IN:
Specialization in Artificial Intelligence.
The PhD program (twelve semesters) and computational sciences in order to
ensure that students have integrative and ■ Integrating research that blends life
requires that students successfully
complete a qualifying exam and defend multidisciplinary research experiences. sciences and computational statistics
a research-based thesis. ■ Developing the computational and
Admission Requirements
programming skills necessary to
Faculty and Laboratories Applicants should review the admission
manage and analyze big data
requirements to see if they qualify here:
Our interdisciplinary programs aim to Acquiring a background
uoguelph.ca/bioinformatics/admission- ■
provide students with broad research
and-fees/requirements in bioinformatics
and experiential opportunities to
help meet their career goals. Over 50 M B inf, M S c:
researchers in funded laboratories ■ Honours B Sc with a minimum B
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES:
in departments across campus are (75%) standing in the last two years of
actively engaged in the bioinformatics full-time equivalent study ■ Bioinformatics
graduate programs, thus providing PhD: ■ Computer Sciences/Programming
students with opportunities to conduct ■ MSc/MBinf with a minimum A- ■ Healthcare/Life Sciences
cutting-edge and impactful research (80%) standing ■ Software Development
in a wide range of fields. All students
have graduate advisory committees Application Deadlines
MSc and PhD: Ongoing CONTACT INFORMATION
Interested candidates are encouraged
Director:
to apply at least four months prior to the
Dr. Jennifer Geddes-McAlister
intended start date (6-8 months prior for
[email protected] international applicants).
Graduate Program Coordinator:
MBinf: February 28 (Applications will Dr. Steffen Graether
be reviewed starting January 1, 2024)
[email protected] Space permitting, exceptional domestic Bioinformatics Program Manager:
candidates, with a GPA of A or higher, will Emily Berzitis
be considered through June 15.
[email protected]
