This program provides education in disciplines of the anatomical sciences (cell biology, developmental biology, and gross anatomy), physiology and pharmacology. These life science disciplines provide a comprehensive understanding of the functions and mechanisms of actions of the cells and major systems of the human body, and of the effects and mode of action of chemicals which modify the major systems of the body.

Options: Four-year or Honours degree

Please click here to view this program in the University Catalogue.

This program includes education in many of the major topics in neuroscience including molecular and cellular neuroscience, systems and sensory neuroscience, behavioural and cognitive neuroscience, neurophysiology and neuroanatomy.

Options: Four-year or Honours degree

Please click here to view this program in the University Catalogue.

This program which provides education in the areas the molecular and cellular approaches to the study of the life sciences including microbial physiology and pathogenesis, protein structure and function, molecular biology, microbial genetics, virology, tumour biology and cancer, immunology and immunopathogenesis.

Options: Four-year or Honours degree

Please click here to view this program in the University Catalogue.

The Departments of Anatomy, Physiology, and Pharmacology and Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Immunology offer this program that enables cutting-edge, multi-disciplinary training that positions graduates for careers in the biomedical sciences as well as health-related professions.

Options: Four-year or Honours degree

Please click here to view this program in the University Catalogue.

This program builds on the shared two-year biomedical sciences platform shared by all the biomedical science majors to provide students with a strong foundation of multi-disciplinary training while providing flexibility for initial specialization within a particular biomedical science. This program includes necessary courses for students prepared to enter into health-related professional schools not requiring a four-year degree such as Dentistry, Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy.

Options: Three-year degree

Please click here to view this program in the University Catalogue.

This degree program is flexible and allows you to explore a wide range of subject areas. Below is a suggested first-year course schedule to help guide your planning:

^a Required course for the M4 Core Requirement - priority 1st year course(s)
^b Course from the Cognate Requirement - priority 1st year course(s)
^c Or other course listed under the Indigenous Learning Requirement could be chosen 
^d Or other course listed under the English Language Writing Requirement could be chosen
^e Or other course listed under the Breadth or Elective Requirement could be chosen

 The Course and Program Catalogue has the complete and official listing of required classes and their descriptions for this program.

This degree program is flexible and allows you to explore a wide range of subject areas. Below is a suggested second-year course schedule to help guide your planning:

^a Required course for the M4 Core Requirement - priority courses to be eligible to apply to a major
^b Or other course listed under the Quantitive Reasoning Requirement chould be chosen
^c Or other course listed under the Cognate, Breadth or Elective Requirements chooud be chosen

The Course and Program Catalogue has the complete and official listing of required classes and their descriptions for this program.

The M4 Core Requirements must be finished before a student can apply for a BSc (BMSC) major. 

The M4 Core Requirements (24 credit units) consist of the following classes: 

• BMSC 200.3 Biomolecules
• BMSC 207.3 Human Body Systems I
• BMSC 208.3 Human Body Systems II
• BMSC 210.3 Microbiology
• BMSC 220.3 Cell Biology
• BMSC 230.3 Metabolism
• BMSC 240.3 Laboratory Techniques
• CHEM 250.3 Introduction to Organic Chemistry

These classes must be finished before a student can apply for a BSc (BMSC) major. 

Eligibility for Transfer into the BSc (BMSC) Program

Arts & Science students who wish to transfer into the Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences (BSc BMSC) program must meet the following requirements:

• A minimum grade of 50% in 3 credit units of 100-level or higher courses in each of the following subjects:
  • Biology (BIOL)
  • Chemistry (CHEM)
  • Physics (PHYS)
  • Mathematics (MATH)

If these university-level course requirements are not met at the time of transfer, students' high school grades will be considered. In that case, students must have a minimum average of 70% across the following high school courses:

• Biology 30
• Chemistry 30
• Physics 30
• Math Foundations 30

Arts and Science Biomedical Sciences Student Transfer form

Eligibility for a 3-year BSc (BMSC) Biomedical Foundations major (BMF)

To eligible for placement into the 3-year Biomedical Foundations (BMF) major, you must first be admitted into the BSc (BMSC) program. Upon admission, you will be automatically placed in the General major.

You can then apply to the BMF major at any time using the Arts & Science Student Inquiry Form.

Eligibility for a 4-Year BSc (BMSC) Major

To be eligible for placement into a 4-year major, you must complete the M4 Core Requirements (24 credit units) by April of the year you intend to enter the major. These courses are typically completed by the end of your second year.

M4 Core Courses:

• BMSC 200.3 – Biomolecules
• BMSC 207.3 – Human Body Systems I
• BMSC 208.3 – Human Body Systems II
• BMSC 210.3 – Microbiology
• BMSC 220.3 – Cell Biology
• BMSC 230.3 – Metabolism
• BMSC 240.3 – Laboratory Techniques
• CHEM 250.3 – Introduction to Organic Chemistry

Application Timeline

The application period runs annually from March 1 to April 30.
To apply for a major for the 2026–2027 academic year, you must submit your application by April 30, 2026.

After the deadline:

• Applications are reviewed for eligibility.
• If you apply to a major with limited capacity, your application will be ranked based on your average in the M4 Core courses.
• You will be notified of your placement in early May via your USask email.

The application for a major is currently closed. It will open next year from March 1st to April 30th, 2026.

How do I apply for the 3-year BSc (BMSC) Biomedical Foundations major (BMF)?

To apply to the 3-year Biomedical Foundations (BMF) major, you must first be admitted into the BSc (BMSC) program. Upon admission, you will be automatically placed in the General major.

You can then apply to the BMF major at any time using the Arts & Science Student Inquiry Form.

How do I apply for a 4-year BSc (BMSC) major?

To be eligible for placement into a 4-year major, you must complete the M4 Core Requirements (24 credit units) by April of the year you intend to enter the major. These courses are typically completed by the end of your second year.

M4 Core Courses:

• BMSC 200.3 – Biomolecules
• BMSC 207.3 – Human Body Systems I
• BMSC 208.3 – Human Body Systems II
• BMSC 210.3 – Microbiology
• BMSC 220.3 – Cell Biology
• BMSC 230.3 – Metabolism
• BMSC 240.3 – Laboratory Techniques
• CHEM 250.3 – Introduction to Organic Chemistry

Application Timeline

The application period runs annually from March 1 to April 30.
To apply for a major for the 2026–2027 academic year, you must submit your application by April 30, 2026.

After the deadline:

• Applications are reviewed for eligibility.
• If you apply to a major with limited capacity, your application will be ranked based on your average in the M4 Core courses.
• You will be notified of your placement in early May via your USask email.

What if I started my program before 2020?

If you’re currently declared in an older major (ACB, BIOC, MCIM, PHPY), you may continue in that major or apply for a new one under the current BSc (BMSC) program.

What if I don’t meet the requirements to choose a major?

You’re encouraged to apply for a BMSC major once you meet the eligibility criteria.

Are some majors limited in capacity?

Yes. The following majors have limited seats:

• Biomedical Neuroscience (BMNS) – 40 seats
• Interdisciplinary Biomedical Science (ID BMSC) – 40 seats

If demand exceeds capacity, eligible applicants will be ranked based on their average in the required courses. Top-ranked students will be placed in their first-choice major; others will be placed in their second choice.

Important: Do not register for third-year courses in BMNS or ID BMSC unless you’ve been officially accepted into the major.

Course Updates for 2025-2026  

(last updated June 11, 2025)

This section highlights key changes to BMSC courses and programs for the 2025–2026 academic year, designed to support students in planning and registration

CMPT 140.3: Introduction to Creative Computing

CMPT 140 has been added to the BMI major. Students can use either BINF 151, BINF 351, or CMPT 140 to fulfill the program requirements for the Bioinformatics portion of their BMI major.

CPPS 310.3: Basic Human Anatomy

This course will only be offered in Fall Term.

CPPS 498.3: Everything Changed When They Wrote Science as Story– New Course*   Fall Term

This unconventional hands-on hybrid seminar course formally applies the irrefutable power of storytelling to science writing so that you can have the impact you want and need on your readers and your research field. Regular in-class writing exercises and discussions aim to catalyze learner self-discovery and empowerment with narrative writing skills. Students will read, reflect and write a lot in ways they may not have before, consciously harness their creativity and critical thought, and incorporate a story-based toolkit into their work processes.

Prerequisite(s): Registered in BMSC and passed four 300-level CPPS course.

Note: No previous science writing experience or training is required.

This course is not listed in the course list for CPPS programs.

CPPS majors: this course can be used under the M5 Major Requirements: ‘choose 6 credit units’ in the 4Y program and honours program. 

CPPS 498.3: Integrative Physiology, Metabolism, and Metabolic Diseases – New Course*   Fall Term

The focus of this course is to provide a detailed review of integrative physiology, metabolism, and metabolic diseases. We will use primary research literature in the field to advance our understanding of metabolic regulation in health, pathophysiology of metabolic diseases, and recent developments in therapies. This course aims to equip students with advanced knowledge and prepare students for more advanced courses or a senior research thesis in areas of physiology, metabolism, and pharmacology.

Prerequisite(s): CPPS 303 or permission of course coordinator.

This course is not listed in the course list for CPPS programs.

CPPS majors: this course can be used under the M5 Major Requirements: ‘choose 6 credit units’ in the 4Y program and honours program. 

BMIS 325.3: Fundamentals of Bacteriology

This course has been moved to Fall Term.

BMIS 405.3: Structure and Function of Biomolecules

This course has been renamed and renumbered to BMIS 455.3: Mechanisms of Protein Function.

BMIS 412.3: Protein Structure Function and Engineering

This course has been renamed to Methods for Engineering Designer Proteins 

BMIS 420.3: Antimicrobial Resistance of One Health Pathogens – New Course*  Winter Term - previously known as BMIS 498.3

Themes related to antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in the USask signature area of One Health will be introduced through formal introductory lectures, followed by presentation and discussion and critique of primary research articles. Students are required to study all the manuscripts ahead of time and are encouraged to actively participate in the in-class discussions and activities. Graduate students are expected to take a more engaged, leadership role in class discussions. An emphasis will be placed on the critical analysis of the research articles discussed. Methods generally applicable and of interest to the field will also be discussed. Topics to be addressed include but are not limited to defining AMR, AMR in a historical context, canonical mechanisms of resistance in One Health pathogens, surveillance and transmission of AMR in the environment, emerging and novel mechanisms of resistance, and treatment strategies for extensively drug-resistant pathogens.

Prerequisite(s): BMIS 325.3 or permission of the course coordinator.  

Note: Students with credit for BMIS 498.3 Advances in Antimicrobial Resistance of One Health Pathogens cannot take BMIS 420 for credit. Students who have taken BMIS 420.3 as an undergraduate student are ineligible to take BMIS 820.3 as a graduate student.

This course is not listed in the course list for the BMIS programs.

BMI majors: BMIS 420.3 can be used under the M5 Major Requirements: ‘choose 9 credit units’ 4Y program and ‘choose 15 credit units’ honours program to be included in “Any BMSC, BMIS, BIOC or MCIM course at the 300 or 400 level” note for that section.

BMIS 423.3: Immunopathogenesis

This course has been renamed to Advanced Immunology and has been moved to Fall Term.  

BMIS 425.3: Molecular Basis of Microbial Pathogenesis

This course will only be offered in Winter Term.

BMIS 450.3 Molecular Basis of Symbiosis and Microbiomes – New Course*  Fall Term - previously known as BMIS 498.3

Course Description: An introduction to the molecular bases of multiorganismal interactions from theory to well-established models involving microbes. This course emphasizes the importance of functional biological units and methods to study interactions between organisms. After an introduction to the field, students will read and present relevant literature.    

Prerequisite(s): BMIS 325.3

Note: Students with credit for BMIS 498.3 Molecular Basis of Symbiosis and Microbiomes may not have credit for this course.

This course is not listed in the course list for the BMIS programs.

This course is not listed in the course list for BMIS programs. BMIS majors: BMIS 498.3 can be used in the M5 ‘choose 9cu’ 4-year and ‘choose 15cu’ honours to be included in “Any BMSC, BMIS, BIOC or MCIM course at the 300 or 400 level” note for that section.

MCIM 223.3: Principles of Microbiology and Immunology for Nursing

This course has been moved to Winter Term.

PSY 448.3: Advanced Seminar in Neuroscience – Prerequisite change

BMNS students who were planning to take PSY 448, please note that the prerequisites have changed:

Prerequisite(s): 3 credit units from PSY 252.3, PSY 246.3, or PSY 242.3; and 3 credit units of 300-level Psychology. Restricted to Honours students in Health Studies and Psychology.

The Department of Psychology is willing to review NEUR 301, NEUR 334 or NEUR 350 in place of the 300 level Psychology requirements if seats are available in PSY 448. Please submit a prerequisite override indicating the courses you have taken and ask permission to enroll in the class.

*Note: Please add the course coordinator as the approver of this ticket.

Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology (BMI) Announcements for 2025-2026  

(last updated June 4, 2025)

CMPT 140.3: Introduction to Creative Computing

CMPT 140 has been added to the BMI major. Students can use either BINF 151, BINF 351, or CMPT 140 to fulfill the program requirements for the Bioinformatics portion of their BMI major.

BMIS 325.3: Fundamentals of Bacteriology

This course has been moved to Fall Term.

BMIS 405.3: Structure and Function of Biomolecules

This course has been renamed and renumbered to BMIS 455.3: Mechanisms of Protein Function.

BMIS 412.3: Protein Structure Function and Engineering

This course has been renamed to Methods for Engineering Designer Proteins 

BMIS 420.3: Antimicrobial Resistance of One Health Pathogens – New Course*  Winter Term - previously known as BMIS 498.3

Themes related to antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in the USask signature area of One Health will be introduced through formal introductory lectures, followed by presentation and discussion and critique of primary research articles. Students are required to study all the manuscripts ahead of time and are encouraged to actively participate in the in-class discussions and activities. Graduate students are expected to take a more engaged, leadership role in class discussions. An emphasis will be placed on the critical analysis of the research articles discussed. Methods generally applicable and of interest to the field will also be discussed. Topics to be addressed include but are not limited to defining AMR, AMR in a historical context, canonical mechanisms of resistance in One Health pathogens, surveillance and transmission of AMR in the environment, emerging and novel mechanisms of resistance, and treatment strategies for extensively drug-resistant pathogens.

Prerequisite(s): BMIS 325.3 or permission of the course coordinator.  

Note: Students with credit for BMIS 498.3 Advances in Antimicrobial Resistance of One Health Pathogens cannot take BMIS 420 for credit. Students who have taken BMIS 420.3 as an undergraduate student are ineligible to take BMIS 820.3 as a graduate student.

This course is not listed in the course list for the BMIS programs.

BMI majors: BMIS 420.3 can be used under the M5 Major Requirements: ‘choose 9 credit units’ 4Y program and ‘choose 15 credit units’ honours program to be included in “Any BMSC, BMIS, BIOC or MCIM course at the 300 or 400 level” note for that section.

BMIS 423.3: Immunopathogenesis

This course has been renamed to Advanced Immunology and has been moved to Fall Term.  

BMIS 425.3: Molecular Basis of Microbial Pathogenesis

This course will only be offered in Winter Term.

BMIS 450.3 Molecular Basis of Symbiosis and Microbiomes – New Course*  Fall Term - previously known as BMIS 498.3

Course Description: An introduction to the molecular bases of multiorganismal interactions from theory to well-established models involving microbes. This course emphasizes the importance of functional biological units and methods to study interactions between organisms. After an introduction to the field, students will read and present relevant literature.    

Prerequisite(s): BMIS 325.3

Note: Students with credit for BMIS 498.3 Molecular Basis of Symbiosis and Microbiomes may not have credit for this course.

This course is not listed in the course list for the BMIS programs.

This course is not listed in the course list for BMIS programs. BMIS majors: BMIS 498.3 can be used in the M5 ‘choose 9cu’ 4-year and ‘choose 15cu’ honours to be included in “Any BMSC, BMIS, BIOC or MCIM course at the 300 or 400 level” note for that section.

Biomedical Neuroscience (BMNS) Announcements 
for 2025-2026  

*These announcements are for students who have been officially accepted into the BMNS major only. 

(last updated May 20, 2025)

PSY 448.3: Advanced Seminar in Neuroscience – Prerequisite change

BMNS students who were planning to take PSY 448, please note that the prerequisites have changed:

Prerequisite(s): 3 credit units from PSY 252.3, PSY 246.3, or PSY 242.3; and 3 credit units of 300-level Psychology. Restricted to Honours students in Health Studies and Psychology.

The Department of Psychology is willing to review NEUR 301, NEUR 334 or NEUR 350 in place of the 300 level Psychology requirements if seats are available in PSY 448. Please submit a prerequisite override indicating the courses you have taken and ask permission to enroll in the class.

*Note: Please add the course coordinator as the approver of this ticket.

Changes to the BMNS major in the 2023-2024 calendar    
Learn about the differences in the 2022-2023 academic year and the 2023-2024 academic year as well as current program catalogues.     

What is the program catalogue?    
    
The program catalogue displays the most current calendar requirements in a degree. In March each year the newest catalogue is released for the next academic year. 

Which BMNS calendar year should I follow?    
    
All current BMNS students are encouraged to switch to the 2022-2023 or 2023-2024/Current calendar because new courses have been added, providing more flexibility.       

Differences between the calendars:     

How do I switch calendar years? 

Once you are officially accepted in BMNS major, you can switch calendar years by submitting a request through an ‘A&S Student Inquiry’ form.    

Cellular Physiological and Pharmacological (CPPS) Announcements 2025-2026  

(last updated June 11, 2025)

CPPS 310.3: Basic Human Anatomy

This course will only be offered in Fall Term.

CPPS 498.3: Everything Changed When They Wrote Science as Story– New Course*   Fall Term

This unconventional hands-on hybrid seminar course formally applies the irrefutable power of storytelling to science writing so that you can have the impact you want and need on your readers and your research field. Regular in-class writing exercises and discussions aim to catalyze learner self-discovery and empowerment with narrative writing skills. Students will read, reflect and write a lot in ways they may not have before, consciously harness their creativity and critical thought, and incorporate a story-based toolkit into their work processes.

Prerequisite(s): Registered in BMSC and passed four 300-level CPPS course.

Note: No previous science writing experience or training is required.

This course is not listed in the course list for CPPS programs.

CPPS majors: this course can be used under the M5 Major Requirements: ‘choose 6 credit units’ in the 4Y program and honours program. 

CPPS 498.3: Integrative Physiology, Metabolism, and Metabolic Diseases – New Course*   Fall Term

The focus of this course is to provide a detailed review of integrative physiology, metabolism, and metabolic diseases. We will use primary research literature in the field to advance our understanding of metabolic regulation in health, pathophysiology of metabolic diseases, and recent developments in therapies. This course aims to equip students with advanced knowledge and prepare students for more advanced courses or a senior research thesis in areas of physiology, metabolism, and pharmacology.

Prerequisite(s): CPPS 303 or permission of course coordinator.

This course is not listed in the course list for CPPS programs.

CPPS majors: this course can be used under the M5 Major Requirements: ‘choose 6 credit units’ in the 4Y program and honours program.

CPPS Course and Program changes for 2024-25 academic year:

Interdisciplinary Biomedical Sciences (ID BMSC) Announcements for 2025-2026  

*These announcements are for students who have been officially accepted into the ID BMSC major only.

There are no announcements for this major.

This information will help you choose the correct courses for your program requirements. The following new courses are accepted as equivalents to the past courses. Always read individual course details to note equivalencies and registration notes in the USASK catalogue.

Anatomy and Cell Biology (ACB) Announcements
for 2025-2026  

The following notice is for students who are following the BSc Anatomy and Cell Biology (ACB) program. The BSc in ACB is only available to students who started their program prior to 2020 and are currently declared in the ACB major.       

CPPS 405 seats are limited  

If you require CPPS 405: Current Topics in Cellular Physiological and Pharmacological Sciences to complete your ACB degree please contact bmscadvising@usask.ca as soon as possible to secure a seat.

Biochemistry (BIOC) Announcements for 2025-2026 

The following notice is for students who are following the BSc Biochemistry (BIOC) program. The BSc in BIOC is only available to students who started their program prior to 2020 and are currently declared in the BIOC major.   

Bioinformatics Options    

The BIOC major requires BINF 200 or BINF 210 in the area of major. Please note the following course code changes and course additions for 2022-2023 moving forward. Students can take one of the following options to complete this requirement.

BINF 151.3 (formerly BINF 210 in the program)   
BINF 351.3 (formerly BINF 200 in the program)   
CMPT 140.3 Introduction to Creative Computing

This change is not reflected in the course catalogue but 3 credit units from this list will be accepted. 

Microbiology and Immunology (MCIM)
Announcements for 2025-2026  

The following notice is for students who are following the BSc Microbiology and Immunology (MCIM) program. The BSc in MCIM is only available to students who started their program prior to 2020 and are currently declared in the MCIM major.    

MCIM 416     

This course is no longer offered; this change is not reflected in the program catalogue or DegreeWorks.   
If you have not completed MCIM 416, any 300 level MCIM course that is not already required for the degree will be accepted in its place. Current options include: BMIS 308.3 (formerly MCIM 308.3, 309.3, either will be accepted), or BMIS 380.3 (formerly MCIM 398.3), or BMIS 425.3 (formerly MCIM 425.3)  
  

CHEP 350.3 Course Inclusion   

MCIM majors can use CHEP 350.3 (formerly BMSC 350.3) as a C6 restricted elective option in area of major   
*This course is currently not accepted as a replacement for MCIM 416.3   
      

Bioinformatics Options    

Please note the following course code changes and course additions for 2022-2023 moving forward. Students can take one of the following options to complete this requirement.

BINF 151.3 (formerly BINF 210 in the program)   
BINF 351.3 (formerly BINF 200 in the program)   
CMPT 140.3 Introduction to Creative Computing

This change is not reflected in the course catalogue but 3 credit units from this list will be accepted. 

Physiology & Pharmacology (PHPY)
Announcements for 2025-2026  

The following notice is for students who are following the BSc Physiology and Pharmacology (PHPY) program. The BSc in PHPY is only available to students who started their program prior to 2020 and are currently declared in the PHPY major.    
     

Students who have not yet completed CPPS 310 can request a prerequisite override to register for CPPS 400 before or alongside CPPS 310. The course will cover all related anatomy content needed in the course. This course is intended for 3rd and 4th year students.  

CPPS 400: Clinical and Biomedical Imaging
Prerequisite(s): PHYS 115.3, PHYS 117.3 (or PHYS 125.3); and CPPS 310.3. 

Please add the course coordinator as the approver of this ticket and indicate that you are a PHPY major.

PHPY 490.0 Process

PHPY majors are required to complete the seminar course: PHPY 490.0, for the major requirement in their final year. Students completing PHPY 490.0 will register for the course and receive an automatic pass for the course. Students will receive notifications for departmental seminars, but attendance is not mandatory and there will not be any scheduled content or coursework associated with the course. If you have any time conflicts with PHPY 490.0, ensure you register in the conflicting class first, then request the time conflict override to PHPY 490.0.    

 Please add the course coordinator as the approver of this ticket. 

Eligibility:

To be eligible for admission to the Honours Program, students must meet the following requirements:

• Have completed a minimum of 60 credit units.
• Have an overall Cumulative Weighted Average (CWA) of at least 70%.
• Maintain a minimum average of 70% in their Honours subject area (M4 and M5 courses).

When to Apply:

• Students can apply after the above eligibility requirements are met.
• At the latest, students planning to take the Undergraduate Research course (CPPS 432.6, NEUR 432.6, or BMIS 489.6) must apply to the Honours Program by May 1st of the same year they intend to enroll in the course.

Admission Process:

• All Honours Program applications are processed by the Undergraduate Student Office in the College of Arts and Science.
• Students will be notified of their application status via their Usask email, typically by late June, prior to enrollment in the research course.

Course Registration:

• Students do not register for the Undergraduate Research course (CPPS 432.6, NEUR 432.6, or BMIS 489.6) during their regular registration window. Students will receive permission to register in the Undergraduate Research course (CPPS 432.6, NEUR 432.6, or BMIS 489.6) once admission to the Honours Program is confirmed and the BMSC Academic Advisor has been notified of their desired supervisor.
• Permissions are typically granted in July and August by the BSMC Academic Advisor.

Deadline:

• The deadline to apply to the Honours Program is May 1st: A&S Honours Application

Students planning to complete an Honours Program must independently secure a faculty supervisor to enroll in the Undergraduate Research course, which is typically completed in the final year of study.

Getting Started:

• Start early: Finding a supervisor can be competitive. Begin your search the year before you plan to take the course. The list of potential approved supervisors for each program is updated annually by October 15th. 
• Clarify your interests: Identify your research interests and explore the work of potential supervisors in your major.
• Use available resources: Refer to the Tips for Securing a Supervisor document for guidance on writing emails to potential supervisors.
• Interdisciplinary Biomedical Sciences (ID BMSC) students can choose between CPPS 432.6, NEUR 432.6 or BMIS 489.6.

After Securing a Supervisor:  

• For CPPS, BMNS, or ID BMSC students enrolling in CPPS 432.6 or NEUR 432.6:
  Email the BMSC Academic Advisor at bmscadvising@usask.ca to confirm your supervisor from the approved list.
• For BMIS or ID BMSC students enrolling in BMIS 489.6:
  Email the BMIS 489.6 course coordinator to supervisor approval. Once approved, the coordinator will notify the BMSC Academic Advisor.

The BMSC Academic Advisor will confirm supervisor approval, verify Honours Program acceptance, and grant registration permission for the research course. Permissions are typically issued in July and August.

Important Deadline:

Deadline to secure a supervisor for the 2026–2027 academic year: August 15, 2026

Before you start

Do your research. You should know:

1. What area of research do you want to pursue? Are there professors doing research in the area of interest to you? *Please note that this search function is designed for grad student searches and results may not reflect professors taking on honours students. It is still a great tool to help get started in your search.
   
2. You should identify one or two professors who are doing research in an area closely related to what you are interested in.

Preparation

The more specific you can be in your first email the better success you will have.

You should:

• Read the Professor's webpage;
• Check out any online publications that are available and read them;
• Inform yourself about the specifics of the program to which you want to apply. 

Writing Tips

Professors get dozens of emails from potential students. If you want to get your email noticed, you must give the professor the information they need, quickly, clearly, and professionally.

• Use proper titles – Dr. Smith;
• Keep your email short, just three paragraphs, no more than 250 words;
• Use complete sentences;
• Use spell check.

Key Parts

Introduce yourself: Tell the professor in two or three sentences who you are. State your degree level and your research area. Give a clear statement indicating that you meet the honours admission requirements which includes your average.

Example:

Dear Dr. Smith,
My name is XX XX and I am from the BMSC program. I am in my final year of my BMSC degree in XXXX with focus on intracellular sulfur transport system research. My GPA/average is 86%.

Make a connection and provide reasons to be considered: Use specific references to make a connection between the work that you have been doing and the research projects that the professor is working on. Important points to include:

• Papers, journal articles, either published, accepted or submitted.
• Conference papers given;
• Scholarships won

Example:

My current research interest is in host-pathogen interactions, and I have just submitted a co-authored article which was accepted by XXX. I have attached a brief research interest statement with more details. I was reading about recent work in structure and function of protein complexes on the website and it looks very interesting. I am interested in building upon my undergraduate experience and expanding my research into related areas. I have attached a copy of my C.V. for your review.

State your request; tell the professor what you are looking for.

Example:

I wish to begin the undergraduate research class (XXXX.6) in September YYYY and would be very interested in working under your supervision. I would appreciate if you could review the attached documents and let me know what the possibilities might be.  

*This information was taken and altered from: https://grad.usask.ca/admissions/tips-for-finding-a-supervisor.php

CPPS 432.6 Approved Supervisors for 2026-2027

Additional Approved Supervisors for CPPS 432.6

Working with a Supervisor Not on the Approved List
If a student wishes to work with a supervisor who is not listed on the Approved Supervisor List, the following conditions must be met:

1. A primary supervisor from the Approved Supervisor List must be secured to work alongside the unlisted supervisor.
2. Approval must be obtained from the course coordinator(s) to proceed with both supervisors.

Action Required:

To request approval, students must email the course coordinator(s) with:

• the names of both proposed supervisors
• a brief project description

Be sure to cc both supervisors in the email.

NEUR 432.6 Approved Supervisors for 2026-2027

BMIS 489.6 Approved Supervisors for 2026-2027

Subject to the nature of the proposed research project, supervisors listed under the Adjunct and Associate Faculty may be approved by the course coordinator(s). Additionally, supervisors external to the BMI Department may be considered, contingent upon the approval of the research project.

What the Biomedical Sciences Advisor Can Help With:

• Major-specific questions or concerns (M4 and M5 requirements)
• Navigating the Course and Program Catalogue
• Confirming program and degree requirements
• Understanding the application process for a major
• Choosing a major and selecting appropriate courses
• Planning course sequencing for competitive majors
• Navigating university policies and procedures
• Connecting you with educational supports
• Answering any other academic questions you may have

• Advising appointments are available in-person or remotely
• Appointments are bookable Wednesday to Friday
• Each appointment is 30 minutes long, which is typically sufficient for most concerns
• If you have multiple topics to discuss, please book two back-to-back 30-minute slots (for a total of 60 minutes)

• Book an Academic Advising Appointment

What Arts and Science Advisors Can Help With:

• Questions or concerns outside of your major (M1, M2, M3, and M6 requirements)
• Navigating the Course and Program Catalogue
• Exploring majors, minors, and certificates
• Confirming program and degree requirements
• Attending group advising sessions on various academic topics
• Clarifying academic policies and procedures
• Submitting academic requests such as:
  • Appeals
  • Deferred exam requests
  • Visiting student requests
  • Second degree requirements
• Understanding faculty actions (e.g., required to discontinue, probation status)
• Creating plans for academic success, including course retake strategies
• Answering any other academic questions you may have

Booking an Appointment

• The Undergraduate Student Office (UGSO) offers in-person and remote advising appointments.
• To book, log into PAWS, go to Arts and Science Students, and click on Advising Appointments.
• Appointments can be scheduled up to 7 days in advance during regular office hours: Monday to Friday
• Evening appointments are available on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM (CST)

Office Hours (UGSO)

• Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM (CST)
• Wednesday: 9:30 AM – 4:00 PM (CST)

Drop-In Advising (Arts 265)

Available on a first-come, first-served basis:

• Monday, Wednesday, Friday from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm
• Tuesdays & Thursdayfrom 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm

Quick Questions?

If you’re unable to visit Arts 265:

• Call UGSO: 306-966-4231 (Toll-free: 1-844-966-4231)
• Or submit a ticket to the online service desk