University of California-Berkeley: Molecular and Cell Biology

This program sounds intimidating to me, perhaps because I have no background in molecular or cellular biology but also because of the entrance requirements. It is a top school, so it would stand to reason that it would have more rigorous admissions policies. For all science programs at Berkeley, it seems you can only earn a doctorate. While they encourage students from all science disciplines to apply, strong applicants are those who have not only 2 semesters of calculus and 2-3 of chemistry, but also have lots of advanced coursework in genetics, biochem, and other aspects of cell and molecular biology. Plus, to get admitted, the subject GRE is strongly recommended, and the lowest score they tend to accept for the general is the 80th percentile! The costs of attendance are also high, especially for out-of-state students, and although they claim to fully-fund their students, I find it hard to believe that they would provide the full $46,000 for the first year. With such high standards, the program itself is probably highly demanding and terrifying as well, but if you have the background, go for it. I don't think I would unless I first had a master's in cellular and molecular biology, so if you're like me, you might want to find an easier program.

Areas of Emphasis: Neurobiology; Genetics, Genomics, & Development; Cell & Developmental Biology; Immunology & Pathogenesis; Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Degrees offered: PhD only
min. GPA: 3.0
min. GRE: 80th percentile overall or in all subjects (they don't specify)
Subject GRE: Not required, but strongly recommended
Appealing Courses: Microbial Diversity Workshop, Advanced Stem Cell and Developmental Biology, other stem cell courses, Cancer and Immunobiology, Principles of Neuroscience, Molecular Biology of Animal Viruses Workshop, Dietary Determinants of Cancer, Heart Disease, and Ageing
Total In-state Costs: $31,702
Total Out-of-state Costs: $46,708
Financial Aid: All students receive full funding for 5.5 yrs, after which time you can apply for another semester of funding. This includes health insurance and out-of-state tuition and fees, and averages at around $27,000 a year. However, funding is competitive. NIH Training Grants are available as are fellowships. They expect students to gain residency as quickly as possible.
TAing Requirement: Yes. I can't find any information on getting the requirement waived.
US News & World Report Ranking: 2/152

Pre-requisites:

• 1 yr. Calculus
• 1 yr. Physics
• 1 yr. General Biology
• 2-3 semesters of chemistry, including general, organic, and physical
• Advanced coursework in such areas as: Biochemistry, Biophysics, Cell Biology, Genetics, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Immunology, Neurobiology.

They don't call these pre-requisites. However, they say that a strong application will contain these components.

University of Alberta-Biology

The University of Alberta doesn't sound like it's a bad place to attend school. There are many options of where to go in biology, and it also sounds like if you want, you can take a more interdisciplinary approach without specializing in one aspect of biology. TA'ing, while not required, is a common source of funding, so it may be necessary. International students pay significantly more than Canadian students, so this is a major drawback for non-Canadians.

They have a higher GPA requirement than other schools, suggesting a more rigorous program. One thing that is really nice is that the GRE isn't required, though it is preferred. The number and variety of courses is amazing. This is my favourite thing about this school. Most courses are for undergrads, but I don't see why graduate students couldn't take them, especially if you need to make up deficiencies. I don't like that they don't list pre-reqs anywhere. They also seem to have lots of research areas nearby, such as a mycology herbarium at the Botanic Gardens. Overall, I recommend this school for those interested in any aspect of biology.

Areas of Emphasis: Ecology, Microbiology & Biotechnology, Molecular Biology and Genetics, Physiology and Cell Biology, Plant Biology, Systematics & Evolution

Degrees Offered: MSc, PhD Students typically must have a master's before going for the doctorate. However, exceptional students can get admitted, and after beginning the master's one can get admitted for the doctorate.

Appealing Courses: Advanced Mycology; Advanced Comparative Immunology; Environmental Microbiology, Advanced Parasitology; Advanced Molecular Plant Physiology; Wetland Ecology & Management; Global Biogeochemistry; Conservation Biology; People, Pollution, and the Environment; The Ecology of Below-Ground Communities; Experimental Parasitology, Wildlife Disease; Microbial Physiology; Marine Phycology; Basic Virology; Plant Genetics; Medical and Veterinary Entomology; Lake and Peatland Development; Plant Biochemistry; Biology of Bryophytes; and many, many more.

NOTE: All costs are in Canadian Dollars.

Canadian Students Total Costs: $14, 037
International Students Total Costs: $26, 170

Financial Aid: Students going for their MSc get $22,686/yr. with a TAship; PhD students get $23,332/yr. with a TAship. (First year students only get about $15,000/yr for TA'ing.) International students also receive $3590/yr. to help pay for the international student fee. There is also a $500 TA scholarship available that covers one year. About half of students get funding via a TAship. Other awards and scholarships require TA'ing. There are also Research Assistantships available. Support is provided for 2.6 yrs for MSc students, and 5 yrs for PhD students.

TA'ing required: No
Pre-requisites: None specified
min. GPA: 3.3; may be higher, depending on what other applicants have
min. GRE: The General test is preferred, but not required.
Subject GRE required: No