Master of Applied Molecular and Health Sciences

A first-of-its-kind in Canada, the Master of Applied Molecular and Health Sciences (MAMHS) is a one-year, course-based graduate program that blends advanced molecular biology with emerging fields, such as AI-driven drug discovery, immunology, and stem cell research models.

The program provides both technical proficiency and professional development, preparing students for impactful careers in biotechnology, biomanufacturing, therapeutic development, and precision medicine.

Students learn from leading experts in the fields of immunology, genetics, bioinformatics, microbiology, and molecular biology while gaining hands-on experience in state-of-the-art facilities for tissue culture, microscopy, genomics, nuclear magnetic resonance, and mass spectrometry.

Authentic and industry-relevant scenarios are explored throughout the curriculum, including regulatory case studies, computational and AI-driven exercises, ethical dilemma debates, biomanufacturing scale-up challenges, and experimental projects.

With a strong emphasis on leadership, ethics, and scientific communication, the MAMHS prepares future leaders in the biomedicine and biological science fields.

Career-Ready Learning

MAMHS students gain intensive, hands-on training in the lab, accessing state-of-the-art tissue culture, microscopy, genomics, and mass spectrometry facilities, and through computational projects, harnessing machine learning and molecular modelling tools to analyze data, predict drug-target interactions, and accelerate discovery.

Pathway to Leadership

MAMHS is designed to fast-track students into careers in biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and precision medicine. Professional and leadership development are intentionally integrated into the program, through case studies, regulatory simulations, competitions, and a capstone course focused on ethics, communication, and leadership development.

Learn from Leading Experts

Through small classes and labs, students receive hands-on training and benefit from the expertise of researchers working at the forefront of immunology, genetics, protein therapeutics, stem cell biology, and AI-driven drug discovery.

Degree Details

The Master of Applied Molecular and Health Sciences is a one-year, course-based program (three semesters, or 12 months) starting in the winter semester (January) each year. Students complete eight core courses over three semesters.

The program culminates with two capstone courses, which integrate the knowledge and skills students have learned throughout the program, with a focus on technical and leadership expertise.

Top 150 in the World: for Life Sciences (Times Higher Education 2026)
#1 in Total Research Dollars: in Canada for a Comprehensive University (Maclean’s)
Top 20% in the World: For Biological Sciences (QS Top Universities 2025)
$187 Million+: in Research Revenues Each Year

Molecular and Cellular Biology

More than 40 faculty members in the Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, part of the College of Biological Science, direct multidisciplinary research programs that address novel biological questions on molecular and cellular scales. Research in the department spans a range of important eukaryotic and prokaryotic systems, and addresses fundamental and applied research problems.

Faculty strengths in Molecular and Cellular Biology include biochemistry, cell biology, immunology, microbiology, molecular biology and genetics, plant biology, neuroscience, and vaccinology.

Career Paths

MAMHS graduates will step into diverse career paths, including biotechnology startups, drug development research, or pursue further professional or doctoral studies. Future careers could include:

Bioinformatics analyst
Biomanufacturing specialist
Biotechnologist
Clinical research associate
Public health policy analyst
Regulatory affairs specialist
Scientific advisor
Vaccine developer

Admission Details

Admission Requirements

To be admitted into this program, students must have successfully completed an undergraduate/baccalaureate degree in an honours program or the equivalent from a recognized university in molecular biology, biotechnology, biochemistry, immunology, or related field. The minimum average for admissions is B- in the last two years of full-time equivalent study. Students must also have taken the following prerequisite courses: 1) one course in molecular biology, cellular biology, genetics, immunology, or microbiology; 2) one lab technique or methods course in biology or chemistry; and, 3) one course in biochemistry or structural biology.

If the students’ first language is not English, they will be required to submit an acceptable result from one of the approved standardized English language tests. Minimum acceptable test scores are as follows:

For TOEFL, a minimum score of 93, with a minimum score of 22 in each of the four categories.

For IELTS, a minimum score of 7.0, with a minimum of 6.5 in each component.

For Duolingo, a minimum overall score of 130, with a minimum score of 120 in each of the four categories.

Language test exemptions will be granted students with degrees completed in English from a university in Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the United States, and/or the United Kingdom.

Please note that these test score requirements are higher than the general university requirements. We cannot accept applicants with test scores lower than the minima stated above.

Application Process

The MAMHS program is offered every year starting in January. The deadline for a January 2026 start for domestic applicants is Dec. 12, 2025. The deadline for international applicants is Nov. 28, 2025.

Applications to this program require a statement of interest, two references, a CV, transcript, grading scale and standard English language proficiency test, if applicable. For more information about these documents and the application process, visit the Application Process page.

Visit the Office of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies page for full application instructions.

Program Fees

Tuition fees for the Winter 2026 semester for both domestic and international students are now posted on the Registrar’s Office website.

Annual domestic tuition is tentatively set at $22,500 (plus fees), or $7,500 per semester, pending approval by the Ontario Ministry of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security (MCURES). OSAP will not be available until such time the program is recognized by MCURES.

Annual tuition for international students is set at $39,400 (plus fees) or $13.133.33 per semester.

Apply Now

Contact Us

Dr. Jasmin Lalonde, MAMHS Program Director
jlalon07@uoguelph.ca
519-824-4120 x54706

Dr. Marc Coppolino, MAMHS Program Director
mcoppoli@uoguelph.ca
519-824-4120 x53031

Dr. Rebecca Shapiro, Graduate Program Coordinator
shapiror@uoguelph.ca
519-824-4120 x53390