All Master of Science (MSc) degree options require 34 credits of graduate work. The MSc programs require the production and defense of research proposals and master’s theses. Transfer credits are accepted from approved institutions and the candidate’s supervisory committee determines the number of credits that may be incorporated, following the SGS guidelines. Research and coursework are supervised by the candidate’s Supervisory Committee.
Students have the option of completing the master’s degree by capstone, thesis (MSc), and thesis with manuscript (MSc). Students that choose the thesis with manuscript format must submit a manuscript for publication to an approved journal. The manuscript must be developed to an acceptable standard and approved for submission by the Supervisory Committee. Completion of the degree does not require acceptance of the manuscript for publication. If appropriate, the manuscript may be included as a chapter in the master’s thesis.
All completed theses, upon the recommendation of the Chair of the Supervisory Committee, are submitted to the Dean of the School of Graduate Studies for submission to the external examiner. In addition, a final oral presentation and defense of the thesis must be successfully completed before the degree is awarded.
ANATOMY
The MSc in anatomy is a two-year program that focuses on contemporary topics in anatomical sciences such as ultrasound, endoscopy, immunohistochemistry, medical education etc. and is available as a thesis or non-thesis master’s program.
BIOCHEMISTRY
The MSc in biochemistry is a two-year program which has both a course component and a research component. It is anticipated that the course requirements can be completed in the first year of the program while the research and thesis components will be completed in the second year of enrollment. This program is intended to provide laboratory (hands-on) research training in biochemistry. The training will involve three important components addressing a specific research proposal :1) Experimental design; 2) Performing experiments; and 3) Interpretation of experimental results and compiling them in the final thesis.
BIOETHICS
This MSc degree provides a unique cultural and socioeconomic environment in which students develop bioethical insights and skills needed for successful international and multicultural interaction. Students explore the connections between bioethics and societal concerns, including the impact of climate change on health.
MICROBIOLOGY
The microbiology master’s program provides a rich, laboratory-based curriculum, supporting students in the development of independent research projects, and encouraging them in their efforts to develop and contribute new ideas in selected areas of microbiology. Areas of concentration include but are not limited to clinical microbiology, marine microbiology, parasitology, mycology, and virology. A student’s individualized program of study and pursuant research is determined by the student’s interests, as well as academic background, and is directed by a chosen advisor and selected Supervisory Committee, in consultation with the student. The microbiology department also offers students an opportunity to concentrate on medical related issues in microbiology. With similar academic requirements, this degree program includes courses delivered in the basic medical sciences, preparing students for careers in medical research and clinical laboratory work.
PHYSIOLOGY OR NEUROSCIENCE
The MSc program in physiology or neuroscience is designed to expose students to the latest developments in medical physiology and neuroscience, both in terms of content knowledge and methodologies. The program aims to provide a solid foundation in physiology and neuroscience-related fields with an opportunity to choose a specialist subject in which to conduct research, either as a practical project or a literature-based project. Both of these tracks teach students how to develop their evidence-based learning skills and introduce students to critical thinking and project management.
TROPICAL MEDICINE
This one-year, 34-credit MSc in tropical medicine is designed for postgraduate students who have a keen interest in global health and who wish to gain firsthand experience in tropical medicine in a tropical setting. The course focuses on parasitic diseases and is delivered through 15 credits of required coursework (10 from the MD basic sciences curriculum) and 19 credits of 900-level (thesis) courses. Dual MD/MSc students only require 24 credits outside of their MD coursework to complete the MSc degree. A large component of the degree is spent developing and testing a hypothesis which is completed in the form of a thesis. Research is carried out in a tropical or developing country setting under the guidance of a Supervisory Committee. Students who complete this degree have been exposed to research ethics, epidemiology of tropical parasitic diseases and health systems in developing countries, cultural competence, and research design, as well as interpretation, scientific writing, and oral presentation of research findings. Projects are designed to facilitate publication in peer-reviewed international journals.
MEDICAL EDUCATION
The program is a premier pathway for medical students and physicians who aspire to leadership roles in medical higher education, with a particular emphasis on educational scholarship and evidence-based teaching and learning. It complements existing SGU offerings (including MD/M.Sc. dual degrees and the M.Ed. with specializations in Medical, Global, and Inclusive Education) by providing a deeper, discipline-specific focus on medical education rather than broader educational leadership.