Medical Biophysics: Medical Biophysics PhD

Doctor of Philosophy

Program Description

The objective of the PhD program is to prepare students for a career in biomedical research. It is designed to provide both a broad knowledge of biomedical science and advanced training in basic research at a subspecialty level. Thesis work may address fundamental and/or translational problems in the biology, diagnosis, and therapy of cancer, as well as areas of neuroscience and cardiovascular medicine. By the end of the program, graduates will have acquired the ability to conduct independent theoretical and/or experimental research which makes an original contribution to the field, prepare publications, and give public presentations of their work at national and international venues.

These objectives are met through a combination of coursework, teaching, and research seminars, mentored laboratory research, and preparation of manuscripts for publication. Graduates may attain professorial positions in academic research and teaching institutions, hospital laboratories, and in the medical device, pharmaceutical, and biomedical science and information industries, including startup companies which they have founded.

Applicants may enter the PhD program via one of three routes: 1) following completion of an MSc degree into the four-year full-time program; 2) transfer from the University of Toronto MSc program; or 3) direct entry following completion of a BSc degree.

 

PhD Program

Minimum Admission Requirements

  • Applicants are admitted under the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies. Applicants must also satisfy the Department of Medical Biophysics' additional admission requirements stated below.

  • Applicants may be admitted following completion of an MSc degree program in biological, physical, chemical, or medical sciences from a recognized Canadian university or equivalent.

  • Admission to the PhD program is highly selective and attainment of minimum admission requirements does not guarantee acceptance.

Program Requirements

  • All students, regardless of entry option, complete the same program requirements.

  • Considering the broad range of topics available for thesis research and the different backgrounds of students admitted, each student, in consultation with their supervisor, will plan a program of study that provides the appropriate background for the area of investigation.

  • All PhD students will participate in MBP1015Y0 Biophysics Seminar regardless of whether or not they have previously received credit for it.

  • Students who transfer/reclassify into the doctoral program will receive credit for all courses taken during their MSc program in Medical Biophysics.

  • Except by special arrangement, students are required to attend the research institute or campus laboratory and participate full-time until all program requirements are completed.

  • Coursework. Students must complete a total of 3.5 full-course equivalents (FCEs) as follows:

    • MBP1015Y0 Biophysics Seminar (1.0 FCE). Note that this is a continuous course which students must attend until their degree is completed.

    • MBP1200H Scientific Exposition and Ethics (0.25 FCE).

    • MBP1201H Biostatistics (0.25 FCE).

    • One of the following two options:

      • a biology-stream module (0.25 FCE) or

      • a graduate course (0.25 FCE) chosen in consultation with the department that provides a foundation in biology.

    • The balance of 1.75 FCE is chosen from any of the other course modules; or (with departmental approval) graduate courses in another department.

  • Students must complete all required coursework by the end of Year 3 in order to achieve candidacy. Upon achieving candidacy, completion is noted on the student's transcript.

  • Students must take a PhD Qualifying Examination in Year 2.

  • Successful completion of a Doctoral Final Oral Examination of the student's research thesis.

Program Length

4 years full-time

Time Limit

6 years full-time

0 Course that may continue over a program. The course is graded when completed.

 

PhD Program (Transfer)

Transfer Requirements

  • Applicants may be accepted into the PhD program via transfer from the University of Toronto Medical Biophysics MSc program with an A– average and by successfully defending a research proposal during a reclassification oral examination within 20 months in the program.

Program Requirements

  • All PhD students will participate in MBP1015Y0 Biophysics Seminar regardless of whether or not they have previously received credit for it.

  • Students who transfer/reclassify into the doctoral program will receive credit for all courses taken during their MSc program in Medical Biophysics. See the course requirements above for the PhD program. Students must have an A– average in these courses.

  • Students will defend a research thesis at the Doctoral Final Oral Examination conducted by Medical Biophysics and the School of Graduate Studies.

  • Except by special arrangement, students must attend the research institute or campus laboratory and participate full-time until all program requirements are completed.

  • Coursework. Students must complete a total of 3.5 full-course equivalents (FCEs) as follows:

    • MBP1015Y0 Biophysics Seminar (1.0 FCE). Note that this is a continuous course which students must attend until their degree is completed.

    • MBP1200H Scientific Exposition and Ethics (0.25 FCE).

    • MBP1201H Biostatistics (0.25 FCE).

    • One of the following two options:

      • a biology-stream module (0.25 FCE) or

      • a graduate course (0.25 FCE) chosen in consultation with the department that provides a foundation in biology.

    • The balance of 1.75 FCE is chosen from any of the other course modules; or (with departmental approval) graduate courses in another department.

    • Students must complete all required coursework by the end of Year 4 in order to achieve candidacy. Upon achieving candidacy, completion is noted on the student's transcript.

  • Successful completion of a Doctoral Final Oral Examination of the student's research thesis.

Program Length

5 years

Time Limit

7 years

0 Course that may continue over a program. The course is graded when completed.

 

PhD Program (Direct-Entry)

Minimum Admission Requirements

  • Applicants are admitted under the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies. Applicants must also satisfy the Department of Medical Biophysics' additional admission requirements stated below.

  • Outstanding students may be admitted directly to the PhD program following completion of a BSc degree with an A– average in biological, physical, chemical, or medical sciences from a recognized Canadian university or equivalent.

  • Applicants holding bachelor’s degrees from non-Canadian universities must provide Graduate Record Examination scores (General and Subject) with their application.

  • Admission to the PhD program is highly selective and attainment of minimum admission requirements does not guarantee acceptance.

Program Requirements

  • Students must successfully defend a research proposal during a qualifying oral examination within 18 months of entry into the program.

  • Students will defend a research thesis at the Doctoral Final Oral Examination conducted by the Department of Medical Biophysics and the School of Graduate Studies.

  • Except by special arrangement, students must attend the research institute or campus laboratory and participate full-time until all program requirements are completed.

  • Coursework. Students must complete a total of 3.5 full-course equivalents (FCEs) as follows:

    • MBP1015Y0 Biophysics Seminar (1.0 FCE). Note that this is a continuous course which students must attend until their degree is completed.

    • MBP1200H Scientific Exposition and Ethics (0.25 FCE).

    • MBP1201H Biostatistics (0.25 FCE).

    • One of the following two options:

      • a biology-stream module (0.25 FCE) or

      • a graduate course (0.25 FCE) chosen in consultation with the department that provides a foundation in biology.

    • The balance of 1.75 FCE is chosen from any of the other course modules; or (with departmental approval) graduate courses in another department.

    • Students must complete all required coursework by the end of Year 4 in order to achieve candidacy. Upon achieving candidacy, completion is noted on the student's transcript.

  • Students must take a PhD Qualifying Examination in Year 2.

  • Successful completion of a Doctoral Final Oral Examination of the student's research thesis.

Program Length

5 years

Time Limit

7 years

0 Course that may continue over a program. The course is graded when completed.