Program Pathways

picture of Dr. Don Spratt working at a computer

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Duration

  • Twelve terms (four years)
    -    PhD (learners entering with master’s degree)

  • Fifteen terms (five years)
    -Direct entry PhD (learners entering without master’s degree); Transfer MSc to PhD

Degree Requirements

  • Thesis: A research thesis, which in the opinion of the Advisory Committee, would form a paper acceptable to a refereed journal. The thesis must also be successfully defended in an oral examination.

  • Coursework: must complete a total of 1.25 credits. Courses should normally be from the 9000 level. (If student is transferring into the PhD program, they may include any courses taken while in the MSc). 

  • Graduate Seminar Participation: Mandatory attendance at weekly departmental seminars. Year 1 students will present a research poster at the annual Harold Stewart Research Showcase in January. Year 2 students will present a formal seminar talk at a weekly seminar.

Admission Requirements

  • BSc in biochemistry, biology, genetics, chemistry, cell biology, microbiology, physiology, or closely related disciplines.

  • Minimum 78% average in the undergraduate degree or master's degree.

  • English Language Proficiency (if your first language is not English).

  • Secure the support of a thesis supervisor: Applications will first be reviewed for academic eligibility. An eligible applicant will not be admitted into the program unless a supervisor agrees to accept them. An applicant is not required to have a supervisor to apply, but it is encouraged. It is the applicant’s responsibility to contact faculty members whose research areas are of interest to them with a copy of your transcript and CV.

Funding

  • Annual base stipend (domestic): $28,796.92 + TA opportunity
  • Annual base stipend (international): $30,143.52
  • Internal and external scholarships
  • Teaching assistantships (option to apply)

Direct-entry PhD

This program offers students the most comprehensive research experience under the direction of a faculty member. It is designed for students who have not yet completed a master’s degree. Students are required to complete an independent, comprehensive research project and defend their work in a thesis. The program also provides students with valuable teaching opportunities.

While research experience is not considered an asset for admission to this program, applicants are expected to be competitive for national and provincial scholarships at the graduate level. Degree and admission requirements remain the same.

Master of Science (MSc)

Duration

  • Six terms (2 years)
    -With advisory committee approval, students have the option to complete the Transfer Exam prior to completion of a 5th term in order to transfer into the PhD program.

  • Six terms (2 years) - accelerated MSc*
    *If you're an undergraduate student who's completed the 4985E and 4999E project, you'll have an extra 0.5 credit available to be applied to graduate course requirements. Your research experience can also be used to contribute to your MSc thesis.

Degree Requirements

  • Thesis: A research thesis, which in the opinion of the Advisory Committee, would form a paper acceptable to a refereed journal. The thesis must also be successfully defended in an oral examination.

  • Coursework: must complete a total of 0.75 credits. Courses should normally be from the 9000 level. (If student is transferring into the PhD program, they may include any courses taken while in the MSc).

  • Graduate Seminar Participation: Mandatory attendance at weekly departmental seminars. Year 1 students will present a research poster at the annual Harold Stewart Research Showcase in January. Year 2 students will present a formal seminar talk at a weekly seminar.

Admission Requirements

  • BSc in biochemistry, biology, genetics, chemistry, cell biology, microbiology, physiology, or closely related disciplines.

  • Minimum 78% GPA in undergraduate degree.

  • English Language Proficiency (if your first language is not English).

  • Secure the support of a thesis supervisor: Applications will first be reviewed for academic eligibility. An eligible applicant will not be admitted into the program unless a supervisor agrees to accept them. An applicant is not required to have a supervisor to apply, but it is encouraged. It is the applicant’s responsibility to contact faculty members whose research areas are of interest to them with a copy of your transcript and CV.

Funding

  • Annual base stipend (domestic): minimum $20,960, up to $27,360.
  • Annual base stipend (international): minimum $33,784.19
  • Internal and external scholarships
  • Teaching assistantships (not guaranteed funding for MSc students)

Accelerated MSc

The Accelerated MSc makes use of the research experience and results obtained in the Advanced Research Project to facilitate early registration in the MSc program and an anticipated early completion of the MSc. Degree and admission requirements remain the same.