One of the courses is the Graduate Seminar Series, which focuses on recent developments in the biology literature, as well as on building professional skills related to the practice and communication of modern biological sciences. The precise number and details of the other courses are determined within the first semester of the student's program. The thesis forms the central requirement of the program and calls for dedicated training leading to the development of a range of skills that are central to the liberal education tradition, including examination and synthesis of ideas, empirical investigations and data analysis, the construction and articulation of arguments, and writing skills. This process involves close collaboration between supervisor and student; consequently, it is necessary for a candidate to establish contact with potential supervisors prior to application for admission. Areas in which students can conduct research include cell and molecular biology, microbiology, ecology and evolution, organismal biology, genetics and epigenetics, environmental science, toxicology, physiology, development, and various aspects of applied biology (e.g., agriculture and conservation).

Hold an undergraduate degree in a related discipline; Have a minimum grade point average of 3.00 (based on the uLethbridge 4.00 scale) on the last 20 graded university-level term courses; Demonstrate English Language Proficiency (ELP) for graduate student; Secure a potential supervisor. Because the capacity of the program is limited, not all students who meet the minimum admission requirements can be admitted. Criteria used for admission include: Your record and letters of recommendation; Your proposed supervisor’s record of scholarship, completed and current, especially in relation to your proposed work; The feasibility of your project in the light of available resources; Your financial support.