Biomedical Communications

Program Overview

Interdisciplinary, research-based, and unique. The Master of Science in Biomedical Communications (MScBMC) is unique in Canada and is one of five accredited programs of its kind. This two-year professional graduate program prepares students for careers in the visual communication of science, medicine, and health.

Students in this interdisciplinary program explore the use of images, interactive technologies, and animation/simulation to effectively communicate complex science and health topics to a range of audiences. Graduates of the program are leaders in biocommunications across a number of fields, including pharma and biotech visualization, medical-legal visualization, health communication, research dissemination, textbook publishing, and more.​

There are two fields:

  • Biomedical Media Design and
  • Biomedical Visualization Design.

This program is offered by the Institute of Medical Science, which serves as the primary graduate unit for the clinical departments of the Faculty of Medicine.

 


Quick Facts

Domestic International
Application deadline MScBMC:

Fall 2024 entry

18-Dec-2023

MScBMC:

Fall 2024 entry

18-Dec-2023

Minimum admission average MScBMC:

Mid-B in the final two years of a four-year bachelor’s degree

MScBMC:

Mid-B in the final two years of a four-year bachelor’s degree

Direct entry option from bachelor's to PhD? MScBMC:

N/A

MScBMC:

N/A

Is a supervisor identified before or after admission? MScBMC:

N/A

MScBMC:

N/A

If a supervisor is identified after admission (as per question above), is admission conditional upon securing a supervisor? MScBMC:

N/A

MScBMC:

N/A

Is a supervisor assigned by the graduate unit or secured by the applicant? MScBMC:

N/A

MScBMC:

N/A

Are any standardized tests required/recommended? MScBMC:

N/A

MScBMC:
  • Applicants whose primary language is not English, and who graduated from a university where the language of instruction was not English, must demonstrate proficiency in the English language through the successful completion of one of the following English language proficiency tests.

    Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL):

    • a minimum score of 600 on the paper-based test and 5 on the Test of Written English (TWE); or
    • a minimum score of 100 on the Internet-based test and 25 on the writing and speaking sections.

    International English Language Testing System (IELTS): minimum overall score of 7.5 with at least 6.5 in each component.

    Certificate of Proficiency in English (COPE): minimum total of 86 including a minimum writing score of 32 and reading and listening scores of 22. Test of Oral Proficiency assessment band should be equivalent to a 7.


Master of Science in Biomedical Communications

Program Description

The MScBMC is a 24-month, course-based professional graduate program that prepares students for careers in the visual communication of science, medicine, and health. Students in this interdisciplinary program explore the use of images, interactive technologies, and animation/simulation to effectively communicate complex science and health topics to a range of audiences.

The program offers two fields: Biomedical Media Design and Biomedical Visualization Design. Students take the same courses in Year 1 and then choose their field at the start of the Summer session between Year 1 and Year 2.

 

Field: Biomedical Media Design

Minimum Admission Requirements

  • Applicants are admitted under the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies. Applicants must also satisfy the Institute of Medical Science's additional admission requirements stated below.

  • Graduation from a recognized university with an appropriate four-year bachelor's degree that includes a variety of courses in the arts, sciences, and humanities.

  • Minimum mid-B standing in the final two years of undergraduate study. Prerequisite courses: English (or an effective writing substitute); a humanities or social science course; biology; cell and molecular biology and/or histology; introductory physiology.

  • At least one third- or fourth-year undergraduate course, or graduate course, from one or more of the following subject areas: Biochemistry, Cell Biology, Embryology, Genetics, Histology, Immunology, Molecular Biology, Pharmacology, or Physiology.

  • A high-quality portfolio of visual material; consult the MScBMC website for guidance.

Program Requirements

  • Coursework. Students must complete 8.5 full-course equivalents (FCEs) including:

    • in Year 1, complete 5.0 FCEs: MSC1001Y, MSC2001Y, MSC2003Y, MSC2004H, MSC2009H, MSC2020H, and MSC2023H

    • in Year 2, complete 1.5 FCEs: MSC2002H, MSC2012H, and MSC2018H+

    • complete at least 1.0 FCE chosen from MSC2006H, MSC2008H, and MSC2015H

    • complete 1.0 FCE chosen from MSC2007H, MSC2011H, MSC2013Y, MSC2014H, and MSC2022H (or any other appropriate graduate course[s]).

  • Students must complete MSC2025Y Master's Research Project for BMC.

Program Length

6 sessions (2 years) full-time (typical registration sequence: F/W/S/F/W/S)

Time Limit

3 years

+ Extended course. For academic reasons, coursework is extended into session following academic session in which course is offered.

 

Field: Biomedical Visualization Design

Minimum Admission Requirements

  • Applicants are admitted under the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies. Applicants must also satisfy the Institute of Medical Science's additional admission requirements stated below.

  • Graduation from a recognized university with an appropriate four-year bachelor's degree that includes a variety of courses in the arts, sciences, and humanities.

  • Minimum mid-B standing in the final two years of undergraduate study.

  • At least one third- or fourth-year undergraduate course, or graduate course, from one or more of the following subject areas: Biochemistry, Cell Biology, Embryology, Genetics, Histology, Immunology, Molecular Biology, Pharmacology, or Physiology.

  • A high-quality portfolio of visual material; consult the MScBMC website for guidance.

Program Requirements

  • Coursework. Students must complete 8.5 full-course equivalents (FCEs) as follows:

    • in Year 1, students must complete 5.0 FCEs: MSC1001Y, MSC2001Y, MSC2003Y, MSC2004H, MSC2009H, MSC2020H, and MSC2023H

    • in Year 2, complete 1.5 FCEs: MSC2002H, MSC2012H, MSC2018H+

    • complete 1.0 FCE: MSC2015H and MSC2017H

    • complete 1.0 elective FCE chosen from MSC2006H, MSC2007H, MSC2011H, MSC2014H, and MSC2022H (or any other appropriate graduate course[s]).

  • Students must complete MSC2025Y Master's Research Project for BMC.

Program Length

6 sessions (2 years) full-time (typical registration sequence: F/W/S/F/W/S)

Time Limit

3 years

+ Extended course. For academic reasons, coursework is extended into session following academic session in which course is offered.

Melanie Burger

“I would like to work as a scientific illustrator.”

Melanie Burger
Alumna, MScBMC (2013), Biomedical Communications​
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