Academic Programs in Genetics in Canada

Genetics is a major branch of biological sciences with several sub disciplines such as human genetics, animal genetics, plant genetics and so on. Human genetics is the scientific study of the heredity and the inherited characteristics in the human beings while animal genetics is the study of inherited characteristics in the animals. Plant genetics deals with the study of plant genes and its transmission from generation to generation. Other major branches of genetics include medical genetics and molecular genetics.

In Canada, professional study programs in the field of genetics are mainly conducted at the campuses of the University of Alberta; the University of British Columbia; the University of Manitoba; the Memorial University of Newfoundland; the University of Guelph; the McMaster University; the University of Ottawa and the University of Toronto.

University of Alberta

University of Alberta offers a PhD in molecular biology and genetics and a PhD Medical Genetics. Master level programs viz. MSc in medical genetics and MSc in molecular biology and genetics are also conducted at the university.

The University of British Columbia

PhD in Genetics; PhD in Medical Genetics and MSc in Medical Genetics are available at the campuses of the University of British Columbia

University of Manitoba

University of Manitoba offers a BSc (honours) in genetics at bachelor level. Master and doctoral level programs in genetics are also available at the university with the specialization in biochemistry and medical genetics. University’s MSc in biochemistry and medical genetics and PhD in biochemistry and medical genetics are one of the best courses offered in the discipline of medical genetics.

Memorial University of Newfoundland

Advanced qualifications in human genetics such as MSc (Med) in medicine (human genetics) and PhD in medicine (human genetics) are available at the Memorial University of Newfoundland.

University of Toronto

University of Toronto is a good destination for bachelor level qualifications in the discipline of genetics. Major programs available at the university include a BSc in Behaviour, Genetics and Neurobiology Specialist program and BSc in Human Biology: Genes, Genetics and Biotechnology Specialist program.

Molecular genetics, another major branch of genetics is also fast becoming a much favoured study area. Canadian universities such as the University of Guelph (BSc honours molecular biology and genetics and MSc in molecular biology and genetics); the McMaster University (BSc in molecular biology and genetics) and the University of Ottawa (PhD in Human and Molecular Genetics collaborative and MSc with specialization in Human and Molecular Genetics collaborative) are good destinations for doing a professional program in this field.