I got into Honours Bio Core and i was wondering whether it was difficult to transfer into another program (i was thinking biopsych or molecular biology and genetics) if i were to do bio core for second year.

I was also wondering if its better to specialize in something if youre planning on doing a masters after undergrad. What do you guys think?

Thanks in advance for your help

Originally Posted by rexelle

I got into Honours Bio Core and i was wondering whether it was difficult to transfer into another program (i was thinking biopsych or molecular biology and genetics) if i were to do bio core for second year.

I was also wondering if its better to specialize in something if youre planning on doing a masters after undergrad. What do you guys think?

Thanks in advance for your help

Most of the specialization courses are capped, so getting in could be quite challenging. However, the best person to answer this question (they can give you actual knowledge, rather than assumed knowledge) is an academic adviser.

Masters programs are pretty much useless, FYI. Canada graduates way to many PhD students for the amount of tenured or tenure-track positions available each year. So...they don't help you get a job.

Originally Posted by rexelle

I got into Honours Bio Core and i was wondering whether it was difficult to transfer into another program (i was thinking biopsych or molecular biology and genetics) if i were to do bio core for second year.

I was also wondering if its better to specialize in something if youre planning on doing a masters after undergrad. What do you guys think?

Thanks in advance for your help

What was your average to get into honours biology? I didn't get in with a CA of 7.4

i had a CA of 8.3

about the masters though, could i do one if i just do bio core as an undergrad? or do i have to have a more specialized area of study?

Originally Posted by rexelle

i had a CA of 8.3

about the masters though, could i do one if i just do bio core as an undergrad? or do i have to have a more specialized area of study?

When you apply to a Masters it is in a specific research area within a department. So, you would need to demonstrate previous knowledge of a topic area before you could be accepted.

Bio core will be fine. You will have knowledge in a variety of sub-disciplines within Bio based on the course list. I'd assume you'd need to do a thesis though, in order to have your application be deemed competitive. BUT. These are questions for profs or academic advisors, since they are more in-tune with how acceptances are awarded than students.

I was in molecular biology and genetics this past year and most of my courses were identical to my housemates in biology core. However, there are a few more required courses such as Bio 2EE3 (Microbiology). I dont think it would be too difficult for you to transfer into the specialization if it is really what you want to do. In terms of graduate school from what I have heard you require some previous knowledge as was said. i really think being in bio is sufficient because you have so much more room for electives so you can truly see what you like and then perhaps do a masters in something like that.

Originally Posted by rexelle

i had a CA of 8.3

about the masters though, could i do one if i just do bio core as an undergrad? or do i have to have a more specialized area of study?

The quick and easy answer is yes, it's been done before.