The PhD program emphasizes the development of analytical technologies, the application of basic research techniques in biochemistry, cell biology, clinical biochemistry, experimental pathology, genetics, immunology, and molecular biology to the study of mechanisms of cell and tissue injury and the pathogenesis of disease. The program also emphasizes the nature, mechanisms, therapy, and prevention of microbial diseases in humans, as well as the processes by which pathogenic microbes are spread.
Applicants may enter the PhD program via one of three routes: 1) following completion of an MSc degree; 2) transfer from the University of Toronto MSc program; or 3) direct entry following completion of a BSc degree.
A limited number of selected students may enter the combined degree program in Medicine, Doctor of /Doctor of Philosophy (MD/PhD) subject to admission into both the departmental PhD program and the MD program.
PhD Program
Minimum Admission Requirements
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Applicants are admitted under the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies. Applicants must also satisfy the Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology's additional admission requirements stated below.
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Research experience evidenced by peer-reviewed publications, abstracts, or presentations is normally required.
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Three strong letters of recommendation from faculty members familiar with the applicant's academic work. Normally, one of the referees should be the applicant's research supervisor.
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A detailed curriculum vitae (CV).
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Statement of intent (approximately 250 words).
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Applicants are selected by the departmental admissions committee on the basis of academic excellence. Admission to the program is finalized when a graduate faculty member agrees to supervise the student's research and guarantees a full stipend for the student.
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A limited number of selected students may enter the MD/PhD combined degree program subject to admission into both the departmental PhD program and the MD program.
Completion Requirements
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Coursework. Students must complete 1.0 full-course equivalent (FCE) as follows:
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LMP1003H Student Seminar III
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an additional 0.5 elective FCE
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The PhD thesis is completed under the direction of the candidate's supervisor, assisted by the advisory committee. The PhD thesis must demonstrate a substantial contribution to laboratory medicine and pathobiology, involving a systematic investigation of disease-related hypotheses. The emphasis is on quality of the science and its presentation. The PhD thesis is normally expected to yield the equivalent of three publications in refereed scientific journals.
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Residence. Students must be on campus and participating for the duration of their registration in the program.
Program Length: 4 years full-time (typical registration sequence: Continuous)
Time Limit: 6 years full-time
PhD Program (Transfer)
Transfer Requirements
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Be enrolled in the MSc program in Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology. Excellent students with high academic standing (normally a minimum A- average on MSc courses) who have clearly demonstrated the ability to do research at the doctoral level may be considered for transfer to the PhD program. Recommendation of the advisory committee is required.
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Successfully complete a reclassification transfer exam within 24 months of starting the MSc Program.
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Successfully complete LMP1001H Student Seminar I and LMP1005H Fundamentals of Research Practice at the master's level.
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Be concurrently enrolled in LMP1002H Student Seminar II at the time of writing the reclassification exam.
Completion Requirements
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Coursework. Students must complete 2.5 full-course equivalents (FCEs) as follows:
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The PhD thesis is completed under the direction of the candidate's supervisor, assisted by the advisory committee. The candidate normally defends the thesis before a departmental committee, and subsequently before a committee approved by the School of Graduate Studies. Candidates may, with the recommendation of their advisory committee, request a waiver of the departmental defence, subject to approval by the Graduate Coordinator.
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The PhD thesis must demonstrate a substantial contribution to laboratory medicine and pathobiology, involving a systematic investigation of disease-related hypotheses. The emphasis is on quality of the science and its presentation. The PhD thesis is normally expected to yield the equivalent of three publications in refereed scientific journals.
-
Residence. Students must be on campus and participating for the duration of their registration in the program.
Program Length: 5 years full-time (typical registration sequence: Continuous)
Time Limit: 7 years full-time
PhD Program (Direct-Entry)
Minimum Admission Requirements
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Direct entry is available for highly qualified BSc graduates who have completed the Pathobiology Specialist program or an appropriate undergraduate program in the life sciences from a recognized university with a minimum A average in the final two years and relevant research experience.
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Applicants are admitted under the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies. Applicants must also satisfy the Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology's additional admission requirements stated below.
-
Research experience evidenced by peer-reviewed publications, abstracts, or presentations is normally required.
-
Three strong letters of recommendation from faculty members familiar with the applicant's academic work. Normally, one of the referees should be the applicant's research supervisor.
-
A detailed curriculum vitae (CV).
-
Statement of intent (approximately 250 words).
-
Applicants are selected by the departmental admissions committee on the basis of academic excellence. Admission to the program is finalized when a graduate faculty member agrees to supervise the student's research and guarantees a full stipend for the student.
Completion Requirements
-
Coursework. Students must complete 2.5 full-course equivalents (FCEs) as follows:
-
The PhD thesis is completed under the direction of the candidate's supervisor, assisted by the advisory committee. The candidate normally defends the thesis before a departmental committee, and subsequently before a committee approved by the School of Graduate Studies. Candidates may, with the recommendation of their advisory committee, request a waiver of the departmental defence, subject to approval by the Graduate Coordinator.
-
The PhD thesis must demonstrate a substantial contribution to laboratory medicine and pathobiology, involving a systematic investigation of disease-related hypotheses. The emphasis is on quality of the science and its presentation. The PhD thesis is normally expected to yield the equivalent of three publications in refereed scientific journals.
-
Residence. Students must be on campus and participating for the duration of their registration in the program.
Program Length: 5 years full-time (typical registration sequence: Continuous)
Time Limit: 7 years full-time