In addition to a core group of faculty members, the Department of Animal Biosciences works closely with professionals from the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food (OMAF), Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC), and other affiliated organizations. The graduate program encompasses the MSc by thesis, the PhD, and the Master of Animal Biosciences (MABS). 

There are four main fields for MSc and PhD students:

• Animal Breeding and Genetics (quantitative or molecular)
• Animal Nutrition (monogastric or ruminant)
• Animal Physiology (environmental and reproductive)
• Animal Behaviour and Welfare

The Master of Animal Biosciences (MABS) is a course-based master’s program where students develop core competencies and expertise in one of five fields of specialization: breeding and genetics, animal nutrition, animal behaviour and welfare, animal physiology or digital animal analytics. Students also develop numeracy skills to enable them to make evidence-based decisions in the workplace. Lastly, students have a choice between a major research project or internship in Animal Biosciences as a capstone experience. Students graduating from this program emerge as leaders in the rich and diverse landscape of animal agriculture within our local community, our province, our country, and abroad. 

Administrative Staff

Chair
Gregoy Bedecarrats (146 ANNU, Ext. 53692)
gbedecar@uoguelph.ca
Graduate Program Coordinator
Wendy Pearson (227 ANNU, Ext. 53652)
wpearson@uoguelph.ca 
Graduate Program Assistant - MSc/PhD
abscgradthesis@uoguelph.ca
Academic Coordinator - Course-Based Master's
abscgradcoursework@uoguelph.ca

Graduate Faculty

This list may include Regular Graduate Faculty, Associated Graduate Faculty and/or Graduate Faculty from other universities.

MABS Program

Admission Requirements

Admission to the MABS program requires students to have an Honours Bachelor’s degree in biology or a related field from a recognized university. They will also be required to have an average of at least 73% in their final two years of full-time study. 

Learning Outcomes

By the time students complete the Master of Animal Biosciences, they will have the capacity to:

1.    Critically evaluate current research and understand both the complexity of knowledge in their respective field and the potential contributions of other disciplines within animal biosciences in order to address complex issues in animal biosciences using established principles and techniques.

2.    Explain which lab, field and statistical techniques can be used to collect, analyse, interpret and present data in order to create knowledge in their field of interest while understanding the limitations of those techniques.

3.    Communicate knowledge and data in a clear and effective way using written and oral formats to a range of audiences (e.g. accurate, informative, and attractive graphics to support communication).

4.    Follow appropriate guidelines and procedures regarding animal care and welfare and carry out their work with scientific integrity, respect for others' perspectives and consideration for ethics within Animal Biosciences.

5.    Appreciate and be able to convey how cultural context can result in different application of knowledge in animal biosciences and how conceptual frameworks and methodologies in Animal Biosciences have developed over time.

6.    Exercise independence, problem solving, teamwork as well as organizational and time management skills.

7.     Identify and apply knowledge and skills in animal biosciences to solve a question or challenge in research, animal care or industry context

Program Requirements

Students are required to complete 4.0 credits total. Students are strongly encouraged to specialize in one of the fields listed in the restricted electives, taking at least 1.5 credits from one of the fields. Students are also encouraged to take their remaining course from outside of their field to provide some breadth of knowledge.  

A maximum of two senior-level (third and fourth year) undergraduate courses (a maximum of 1.0 credit) can be included among a student's restricted elective choices.   

*

IAEF*6020 Internship Preparation is a zero-credit pre-requisite for IAEF*6030 Internship in Agriculture, Environment, Food and Communities, to be taken in the Fall and Winter semesters preceding the internship

Students choosing the internship option but unable to complete an internship will meet with the Graduate Program Coordinator and course instructor to establish an alternate way to meet program learning outcomes (e.g., new internship, additional work-simulated assignments or an alternative course).   

MSc Program

Admission Requirements

An honours baccalaureate, with a minimum average grade of `B' during the last 2 years of full-time equivalent study. For Canadian degrees, we interpret this as the last 20 semester courses, however we do not split a semester and we will not consider any fewer than 16 courses.

Program Requirements

The MSc program involves advanced courses and the completion of a research project. These are means of developing the skills and intellectual curiosity that may further qualify the student for a leadership role within animal organizations and industries or serve as a prerequisite for doctoral studies. 

The number of course credits required in this program will be decided by the student's advisory committee in consultation with the student, and may exceed the minimum 1.5 credits required by the Faculty of Graduate Studies. Generally, 3 or 4 courses (1.5-2.0 credits) will be taken, including the mandatory ANSC*6610 Scientific Communication, Knowledge Dissemination and Professional Development (0.50 credits). In addition to this prescribed series of courses, candidates prepare and submit a thesis proposal to their advisory committee, conduct a research project, prepare a thesis based on their results and defend this in a final examination. 

PhD Program

Admission Requirements

Students entering a PhD program should show potential for independent, productive, and original research. A PhD program can be entered by three routes: following completion of an MSc program; following transfer prior to completion of an MSc program; and directly from a bachelor degree.

In general, a minimum average grade of `B' for a completed MSc program plus strong letters of reference are required. Students wishing to be considered for transfer to a PhD program prior to completion of the MSc program must request the transfer before the end of the fourth semester and have an excellent academic record as well as a strong aptitude for research.

Direct admission to the PhD program may be permitted for applicants who hold a bachelor's degree and have an excellent academic history and strong indications of research potential.

Program Requirements

The PhD program is research oriented and provides instruction and experiences that develop the student's ability to independently formulate hypotheses and design and execute experiments or conduct observational studies to reach definitive conclusions.

Satisfactory completion of a PhD program requires a comprehensive knowledge of the area of emphasis and the ability to conduct original research in this area, plus a sound general background in two related areas of study. This competence is demonstrated in a qualifying examination and through the preparation and submission of a thesis proposal to their advisory committee that outlines the design and plans to execute a substantial and original research project. Based on this research, a thesis is prepared and defended in a final examination.

The number of courses required for a PhD program will be decided by the student's advisory committee in consultation with the student. All PhD students are required to complete the mandatory ANSC*6610 Scientific Communication, Knowledge Dissemination and Professional Development (0.50 credits).  Students taking this course as an MSc student are not required to take it as a PhD student.

Collaborative Specializations

Neuroscience

The Department of Animal Biosciences participates in the MA/MSc/PhD collaborative specialization in neuroscience. Please consult the Neuroscience listing for a detailed description of the MA/MSc/PhD collaborative specialization.

One Health

The Department of Animal Biosciences participates in the collaborative specialization in One Health. Master’s and Doctoral students wishing to undertake thesis research or their major research paper/project with an emphasis on one health are eligible to apply to register concurrently in Animal Biosciences and the collaborative specialization. Students should consult the One Health listing for more information.

Toxicology

The Department of Animal Biosciences participates in the masters/doctoral collaborative specialization in toxicology. The research and teaching expertise of these faculty include aspects of toxicology; they may serve as advisors for masters and doctoral students in Toxicology. Students choosing this option must meet the requirements of the Toxicology collaborative specialization, as well as those of their home department. Please consult the Toxicology listing for a detailed description of the masters/doctoral collaborative specialization.

Courses

Some courses are only offered when there is a certain minimum enrolment.