Pharmacology and Toxicology: Pharmacology PhD

Doctor of Philosophy

Program Description

The objective of the PhD degree is to have students possess a comprehensive understanding of the general area of pharmacology, in addition to specific expertise in their particular area of interest. They build on their knowledge of pharmacology so that they are able to think critically about specific areas in pharmacology. They should be able to formulate and design, as well as carry out and interpret investigations. Their findings should be publishable. They should show capacity for continuing significant contributions in pharmacology and for conducting independent research.

Applicants may enter the PhD program via one of three routes: 1) following completion of an appropriate master’s degree; 2) transfer from the University of Toronto MSc program; or 3) direct entry following completion of an appropriate bachelor’s 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 Pharmacology and Toxicology's additional admission requirements stated below.

  • Appropriate master's degree from a recognized university with an average of at least a B+ in master's degree courses.

  • Applicants are normally required to have taken courses in physiology, biochemistry, or applied sciences sufficient to form a foundation for their work in pharmacology.

  • The department determines the eligibility of prospective students. The department assesses the student's ability for advanced study and independent research in pharmacology.

  • Students transferring from the master's program in Pharmacology to the PhD program may receive full credit for master's courses towards doctoral course requirements, with the department's permission.

  • Well-qualified students with excellent research potential holding an appropriate bachelor's degree from a recognized university may be considered for direct entry to the PhD program. These applicants must have achieved a minimum final-year average of A–.

  • Applicants admitted without prior screening (i.e., with MSc degrees from other departments or universities, and students admitted with a bachelor's degree) will have their research ability reviewed after completion of one year. Upon successful completion of a departmental seminar and recommendation from the student's advisory committee, the student will be permitted to proceed with the PhD program.

  • The department must be satisfied about the applicant's background, accomplishments, and financial support.

  • All successful applicants are responsible for obtaining research supervision and financial support before they are permitted to officially register in their program.

Program Requirements

  • Coursework. Students must complete 3.0 full-course equivalents (FCEs) as follows:

    • PCL1002Y Graduate Pharmacology (primary subject)

    • PCL1003Y0 Seminars in Pharmacology (Credit/No Credit)

    • 1.0 additional FCE (secondary subject)

    • Any other courses advised by the Graduate Education Committee. The student's advisory committee should help the student determine the secondary course.

  • Pharmacology graduate faculty members also offer a variety of laboratory-based and tutorial-based learning modules to provide breadth to the student's training experience beyond their particular areas of research focus. During their program, PhD students are required to choose four breadth modules from among available options. 0.5 FCE from outside the student's research area may substitute for one of the four breadth modules. The student's advisory committee will assist the student in choosing suitable modules.

  • As part of the course requirement for PCL1003Y0 Seminars in Pharmacology, the student must present thesis material in seminars to the department on two occasions, one of which will take place between two and six months prior to the departmental Final Oral Examination.

  • Each student will participate in a research program and present the results of the investigation as a written thesis. The thesis must be orally defended to the satisfaction of a thesis examination committee.

  • Minimum period of two full years of residence, during which time the student is required to be on campus full-time and consequently in such geographical proximity as to be able to participate fully in the department's activities associated with the program.

Program Length

4 years full-time; 5 years transfer-from-master's; 5 years direct-entry

Time Limit

6 years full-time; 7 years transfer-from-master's; 7 years direct-entry

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