Integrative Biosciences (MSc)

bioscience

The human body has amazing capabilities and understanding the structure, function and adaptability of the many important systems helps make today’s impossible, tomorrow’s reality.

Encompassing muscle physiology, metabolism and biochemistry of muscle function and adaptation, cardiorespiratory/cardiovascular physiology, biomechanics and the control of vascular smooth muscle, the Integrative Biosciences in Kinesiology field examines the many systems and processes that allow us to engage in physical activity, exercise and sport.

Thesis-Based

The thesis-based option emphasizes learning through research and the concentration of study on a specific topic that promotes depth of knowledge. Students work closely with a supervisor to produce a research study by gathering original data and applying methodologies to the study of a question that may advance knowledge in the selected field.

NOTE: Students must contact prospective research supervisors (see below) prior to submitting an application to the thesis-based program.

Course-Based 

(Note: Not accepting applications for 2024, please refer to the new MKin course-based program)

Students guide the content of their program by selecting courses based on their areas of interest to expand their breadth of knowledge in the field. By gathering information from existing sources, students construct a major paper about a specialized topic or question, and present it to the University community.y.

NOTE: Students are not required to contact a supervisor prior to submitting an application to the course-based program.

Thesis-Based

Duration

12 to 24 months. Students are enrolled during all 3 academic terms (Fall, Winter and Summer). Most students complete their master’s degree within 18-24 months.

Course Load

2.0 credits

  • 0.5 credits are required courses:
    • Research methods or statistics course
  • 1.5 credit selected by the student and supervisor suitable for the student's area of research
Non-course Milestone Requirement:

Thesis

Yes. The formal statement of the theory, source materials, methodology, and findings of a student's major research project. It must be a complete and sufficient document that does not require subsidiary information to substantiate its findings.

Internship

No

Course-Based

Duration

12 to 24 months. Students are enrolled during all 3 academic terms (Fall, Winter and Summer). Most students complete their master’s degree within 18-24 months.

Course Load

4.0 credits (8 one-term courses)

  • 1.5 credits are required courses
    • 0.5 credit - Research Methods course (Kin 9466-003 Interpreting and Communicating Science)
    • 1.0 credit - selected from the Integrative Biosciences courses offered by Kinesiology
  • 2.5 credits selected by the student and course-based coordinator suitable for the student’s area of research.
Non-course Milestone Requirement:

Major Research Paper and Presentation

Yes. This paper focuses on a critical evaluation of a topic or question. It will be graded by faculty with appropriate interest and expertise. Upon completion, the student will present the topic to the Western University community.

Internship

No

* indicates thesis-based supervisors
^ indicates course-based supervisors