Admission FAQs

1. I cannot access the online application.

Applications for MBiotech will be available as of September 21, 2012. 

If you have gone to the online application website and cannot access the online application, it is possible that your browser is incompatible or its security settings are too high.

The browser should be Internet Explorer 6+, or Firefox, and must have Javascript and cookies enabled. To enable Javascript and cookies in Internet Explorer:

• go to ‘Tools’, ‘Internet Options’ and select the ‘Security’ tab
• Under 'Security level for this zone', click ‘Default’ Level.
• Select the ‘Privacy’ tab and click ‘Default’. Click ‘Ok’.

2. I have successfully begun my online application but cannot select the program/degree.

Applicants for the May 2013 start date should apply to:

UNIT: 'Professional Graduate Program Centre' 
PROGRAM: 'Biotechnology'
DEGREE: 'Master of Biotechnology' 
 

3. Do you have September admission to the Master of Biotechnology Program?

No. Admission is once yearly in May. Classes start May 21, 2013.

4. Will you consider my application for May admission if I am still completing the fourth year of my bachelor's degree?

Yes. You can still apply for May admission even if you are still working on your fourth year of studies. You must still submit an official transcript (with final grades from Fall semester) as part of your application.

Depending upon the success of your application, it is possible to gain 'conditional' admission to the program for May, the condition being successful completion of your 4-year bachelor's degree. Proof is required in the form of another official transcript that indicates your degree has been conferred.

5. I have a 3-year bachelor's degree. Is that acceptable for admission to the Program?

No. A 3-year bachelor's degree does not meet the minimum academic requirements for Graduate Studies at the University of Toronto. You might want to consider a qualifying year at any recognized Canadian university. This is an undergraduate matter and at the University of Toronto Mississauga should be discussed with undergraduate counselors in the Office of the Registrar.

A 3-year bachelor's degree combined with a Master's degree (or qualifying year) does usually meet the minimum academic requirements for admission.

A qualifying year can be taken at any recognized Canadian university and consists of 5 full credit (i.e., 5 x 1.0 credit courses) upper year (i.e., 4th and 3rd year) undergraduate courses, obtaining a minimum of at least a mid-B average to be considered.

Please note: those students who receive their bachelor's degree from a Quebec institution, and who received advanced standing for the first year of their program by completing 2 years of CEGEP, do meet the minimum academic requirements for Graduate Studies at the University of Toronto.  In this specific instance, your bachelor's degree is treated as a full 4-year degree due to the advanced standing received.

6. Can you tell me what undergraduate courses to take in a qualifying year?

This is an undergraduate matter and you need to consult with undergraduate studies counselors. In order to succeed in the Program, you must have an understanding of Molecular Biology and Protein Chemistry. You could consider taking 3rd and 4th year courses in these areas. Examples of suitable courses would include: 4th year research projects, molecular biology, structural biology, immunology, biochemistry and chemistry. At UTM, examples of suitable courses would include: BIO314H5, BIO370Y5, BIO372H5, BIO477H5, BIO481Y5; CHM333H5, CHM341H5, CHM345H5, CHM347H5, CHM361H5, CHM371H5, CHM416H5, CHM422H5, CHM489Y5

7. Which GRE Test should I write?

Applicants should write the GRE Subject Test. Applicants should choose the subject most relevant to them, i.e. choose the subject in which you majored.

8. What institution code should I use for the GRE?

Applicants should select "University of Toronto Mississauga", institution code 7203. For program code, please select "Other Biological Sciences", program code 0299".

9. Is there anything I can do to prepare for the admission interviews?

For the science interview, you may choose to brush up on your basic molecular biology, biochemistry, PCR and principles of protein expression. The business/interpersonal interview is pretty much like you'd expect in a job interview, so prepare as you would for that.

10. My offer letter says that I need to return a copy of the signed offer to the Professional Graduate Program Centre. What's that?

MBiotech is one of the programs that makes up the Professional Graduate Program Centre (PGPC). Please return this second signed copy directly to the MBiotech Offices in DV2071.

For more information

Please email mbiotech@utoronto.ca or call us at 905-569-4737.