Faculty Affiliation

Medicine

Degree Programs

Laboratory Medicine

MHSc

• Fields:
  • Clinical Embryology;
  • Pathologists' Assistant

Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology

MSc and PhD

Translational Research in the Health Sciences

MHSc

Combined Degree Programs

MD / PhD

Collaborative Specializations

The following collaborative specializations are available to students in participating degree programs as listed below:

• Biomedical Engineering
  • Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, MSc, PhD
• Cardiovascular Sciences
  • Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, MSc, PhD
• Developmental Biology
  • Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, MSc, PhD
• Genome Biology and Bioinformatics
  • Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, PhD
• Musculoskeletal Sciences
  • Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, MSc, PhD
• Neuroscience
  • Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, MSc, PhD
• Resuscitation Sciences (admissions have been administratively suspended)
  • Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, MSc, PhD
• Toxicology
  • Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, MSc, PhD

Overview

As part of the Faculty of Medicine, the Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology offers unparalleled access to more than 350 expert faculty including basic scientists, pathobiologists, laboratory physicians, and scientists; outstanding case material; a stunning array of research opportunities; diverse training sites; engaging student-run organizations.

Research Foci

Antimicrobial Resistance: Surveillance and Mechanisms
Bone and Connective Tissue Diseases including Disorders of Mineral Metabolism
Cancer Pathogenesis and Prevention Cardiovascular Disease
Cell-Matrix Interactions
Development: Cell Cycle, Differentiation, Signalling Diabetes
Endocrine and Neuroendocrine Disorders
Hematopathology and Transfusion Medicine
Immunopathology and Transplantation
Inflammatory Disorders
Lipid Disorders
Lymphatic Pathobiology
Microbial Pathogenesis
Molecular Biomarkers
Neurodegenerative Disorders
Proteomics and Bioinformatics
Protein Structure and Function
Toxicology
Translational Research
Vascular Cell Biology
Viral Diseases

For details, consult the departmental website.

Contact and Address

Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology Program

Web: www.lmp.utoronto.ca
Email: lmp.grad@utoronto.ca
Telephone: (416) 978-2663
Fax: (416) 978-7361

Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology
University of Toronto
Medical Sciences Building
Room 6209, 1 King's College Circle
Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A8
Canada

Translational Research in the Health Sciences Program

Web: trp.utoronto.ca
Email: trp@utoronto.ca
Telephone: (416) 978-4474

University of Toronto
Old Administration Building
263 McCaul, Room 120
Toronto, ON, M5T 1W7
Canada

Master of Health Science

Program Description

The Master of Health Science (MHSc) in Laboratory Medicine is a two-year professional (coursework and practicum) master’s degree designed to educate and train highly skilled health laboratory scientists in one of two fields: Pathologists’ Assistant (PA) or Clinical Embryology (CE). The program imparts general core knowledge and skills and the specific basic and applied principles of anatomic pathology or of assisted reproductive technology (ART) required to work as laboratory scientists. These principles are the foundation upon which PAs or CEs develop fundamental applied and practical knowledge and skills to function as competent, high-quality clinical scientists.

The nature of this graduate program equips trainees to apply their knowledge to complex decision making, to serious ethical issues, and to develop a strong sense of personal accountability and intellectual rigour and independence.

Minimum Admission Requirements

• 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.

• Admission is based on demonstrated exceptional scholarly achievement, using the following criteria:

  • One-page statement summarizing how this program will contribute to the advancement of the applicant's professional goals, identifying their field of preference.

  • Curriculum vitae (CV).

  • Two letters of reference, one of which should be familiar with the applicant’s scholarly activities.

• Applicants must have an appropriate four-year BSc degree in the life sciences or equivalent from a recognized university, with an average of at least B+ in the last two years of full-time study. Applicants must have a demonstrated interest in human biological and life sciences, preferably with a major or specialist program in the life sciences. Applicants must have completed at least one university-level course in each of the following disciplines: human physiology, human biology, mathematics, and chemistry. Courses in human anatomy, biostatistics, and biomedical research are desirable but not mandatory. (See amendment made on October 6, 2023.)

  • All potential students will be interviewed prior to final acceptance into the program. The initial selection of students will be based on a combination of their academic record, individual statement, and letters of reference. These students will be asked to participate in an interview with the program coordinator to determine the fit with the program and student’s goals.

• Applicants who were educated outside Canada, whose primary language is not English and who graduated from a university where the language of instruction and examination was not English, must demonstrate proficiency in the English language through the successful completion of the following tests:

  • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) with the following minimum required scores: Internet-based TOEFL: 100/120 and 22/30 on the writing and speaking sections.

  • International English Language Testing Systems (IELTS) required score: 8.0 (Academic) with at least 6.5 for each component.

  • Certificate of English Proficiency (COPE) with the following minimum required scores: 86 total with 22 on the listening component, 22 on the reading component, and 32 on the writing component.

  • School of Continuing Studies, University of Toronto, Academic English course. Required score: a final grade of B in Level 60 (Advanced).

Program Requirements

Field: Clinical Embryology

• Coursework. Students must successfully complete a total of 9.5 full-course equivalents (FCEs) as follows:

  • 3.5 FCEs taken by all students:

    • LMP2000H Cell and Molecular Biology (0.5 FCE)

    • LMP2001H Biomedical Research Methods (0.5 FCE)

    • LMP2002H Clinical Laboratory Management (0.5 FCE)

    • LMP2003H Biomedical Ethics (0.5 FCE)

    • LMP2004H Biostatistics (0.5 FCE)

    • LMP2005Y⁰ Capstone Project in Laboratory Medicine (1.0 FCE)

  • 4.0 FCEs specific to this field:

    • LMP2100H Advanced Reproductive Physiology and Pathology (0.5 FCE)

    • LMP2102H Foundations in ART (Assisted Reproductive Technology) (0.5 FCE)

    • LMP2103H Reproductive Genetics (0.5 FCE)

    • LMP2104H Applied Methods in ART (0.5 FCE)

    • LMP2105H Innovations in ART (0.5 FCE)

    • LMP2106H Current Topics in Causes and Treatment of Infertility (0.5 FCE)

    • LMP2107H Applied ART Laboratory Decision Making (0.5 FCE)

    • MSC1008H Advanced Human Embryology and Teratology (0.5 FCE)

  • 1.5 FCEs of practicum courses

    • LMP2108H CE Lab Simulation I (0.5 FCE)

    • LMP2109H CE Lab Simulation II (0.5 FCE)

    • LMP2110H ART Lab Rotations (0.5 FCE)

  • 0.5 elective FCE chosen from a course offered in LMP or any other graduate department, with approval of the field director.

• Students who fail a course will be offered remediation in the form of additional readings and assignments by the course director. If a student fails two courses or the offered remediation, they will be required to repeat the year.

Field: Pathologists' Assistant

• Coursework. Students must successfully complete a total of 9.5 full-course equivalents (FCEs) as follows:

  • 3.5 FCEs taken by all students:

    • LMP2000H Cell and Molecular Biology (0.5 FCE)

    • LMP2001H Biomedical Research Methods (0.5 FCE)

    • LMP2002H Clinical Laboratory Management (0.5 FCE)

    • LMP2003H Biomedical Ethics (0.5 FCE)

    • LMP2004H Biostatistics (0.5 FCE)

    • LMP2005Y⁰ Capstone Project in Laboratory Medicine (1.0 FCE)

  • 2.0 FCEs specific to this field:

    • LMP2200H Basic Principles in Human Pathobiology and Pathophysiology (0.5 FCE)

    • LMP2201H Anatomy and Pathology of Organ Systems (0.5 FCE)

    • LMP2208H Biobanking for Research (0.5 FCE)

    • LMP2211H Advanced Anatomy Dissection (0.5 FCE)

  • 4.0 FCEs of practicum courses

    • LMP2202H Practicum in Surgical Pathology I (0.5 FCE)

    • LMP2203H Practicum in Surgical Pathology II (0.5 FCE)

    • LMP2204H Practicum in Surgical Pathology III (0.5 FCE)

    • LMP2205H Practicum in Surgical Pathology IV (0.5 FCE)

    • LMP2206H Practicum in Autopsy Pathology (0.5 FCE)

    • LMP2207H Practicum in Forensic Pathology I (0.5 FCE)

    • LMP2209H Practicum in Surgical Pathology V (0.5 FCE)

    • LMP2210H Practicum in Surgical Pathology VI (0.5 FCE).

• Students who fail a course will be offered remediation in the form of additional readings and assignments by the course director. If a student fails two courses or the offered remediation, they will be required to repeat the year.

Program Length

6 sessions full-time (typical registration sequence: F/W/S/F/W/S)

Time Limit

3 years full-time

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

Not all courses are offered every year. Please check the departmental website for course availability.

Core Courses

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

Clinical Embryology Courses

Pathologists' Assistant Courses

Master of Science

Program Description

The MSc 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.

Minimum Admission Requirements

• 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.

• Applicants must have completed, or be about to complete, one of the following:

  • Pathobiology Specialist program

  • an appropriate bachelor's degree in life sciences from a recognized university

  • professional degree (for example, MD, DDS, DVM, or equivalent).

• A minimum A– average over the final two years of undergraduate study.

• Two strong letters of recommendation from faculty members familiar with the applicant's academic work.

• Detailed curriculum vitae (CV).

• Statement of intent (approximately 250 words).

• Research experience evidenced by publications, abstracts, or presentations is an asset.

• Successful applicants are selected by the departmental admissions committee on the basis of academic excellence.

• Admission is finalized when a graduate faculty member agrees to supervise the student's research and guarantees a full stipend for the student.

Program Requirements

• Coursework. Students must complete 1.5 full-course equivalents (FCEs) as follows:

  • LMP1005H Fundamentals of Research Practice (0.5 FCE)

  • LMP1001H Student Seminar I (0.5 FCE; Credit/No Credit) and LMP1002H Student Seminar II (0.5 FCE; Credit/No Credit).

• Completion of a thesis (RST9999Y) under the direction of the student's supervisor, assisted by the advisory committee.

• The research content of the MSc thesis is expected to generate the equivalent of one paper published in a peer-reviewed scientific journal.

• Residence. Students must be on campus and participating for the duration of their registration in the program.

Program Length

5 sessions (2 years) full-time (typical registration sequence: F/W/S/F/W)

Time Limit

3 years full-time

Doctor of Philosophy

Program Description

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

• 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.

• A limited number of selected students may enter the MD/PhD program subject to admission into both the departmental PhD program and the MD program.

Program Requirements

• Coursework. Students must complete 1.0 full-course equivalent (FCE) as follows:

  • LMP1003H⁰ Student Seminar III (0.5 FCE; Credit/No Credit)

  • an additional 0.5 elective FCE.

• The PhD thesis (RST9999Y) 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.

• Residence. Students must be on campus and participating for the duration of their registration in the program.

Program Length

4 years

Time Limit

6 years

⁰ Course that may continue over a program. Credit is given when the course is completed.

PhD Program (Transfer)

Transfer Requirements

Transfer applicants must:

• 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.

• Successfully complete a reclassification transfer exam within 24 months of starting the MSc Program.

• Successfully complete LMP1001H Student Seminar I and LMP1005H Fundamentals of Research Practice at the master’s level.

• Be concurrently enrolled in LMP1002H Student Seminar II at the time of writing the reclassification exam.

Program Requirements

• Coursework. Students must complete 2.5 full-course equivalents (FCEs) as follows:

  • LMP1005H Fundamentals of Research Practice (0.5 FCE; Credit/No Credit)

  • LMP1001H Student Seminar I (0.5 FCE; Credit/No Credit)

  • LMP1002H Student Seminar II (0.5 FCE; Credit/No Credit)

  • LMP1003H⁰ Student Seminar III (0.5 FCE; Credit/No Credit)

  • an additional 0.5 elective FCE.

• The PhD thesis (RST9999Y) 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

Time Limit

7 years

⁰ Course that may continue over a program. Credit is given when the course is completed.

PhD Program (Direct-Entry)

Minimum Admission Requirements

• 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.

• 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.

Program Requirements

• Coursework. Students must complete 2.5 full-course equivalents (FCEs) as follows:

  • LMP1005H Fundamentals of Research Practice (0.5 FCE; Credit/No Credit)

  • LMP1001H Student Seminar I (0.5 FCE; Credit/No Credit)

  • LMP1002H Student Seminar II (0.5 FCE; Credit/No Credit)

  • LMP1003H⁰ Student Seminar III (0.5 FCE; Credit/No Credit)

  • an additional 0.5 elective FCE.

• The PhD thesis (RST9999Y) 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

Time Limit

7 years

⁰ Course that may continue over a program. Credit is given when the course is completed.

Not all courses are offered every year. Please check the departmental website for course availability.

⁰ Course that may continue over a program. The course is graded when completed, or credit is given when the course is completed.

Master of Health Science

Program Description

This two-year, course-based program is designed for interprofessional students from diverse backgrounds (such as medicine, life sciences, social sciences, engineering, design, and communications) who want to learn creative problem-solving skills, strategies, and competencies to translate (scientific) knowledge into innovations that improve medicine, health, and care.

Through flexible coursework, team-based, real-world translational challenges, and extensive mentorship and networking, the department facilitates self-directed collaborative “learning by doing”: students gain experience, expertise, and practical insights into development and design processes, regulatory frameworks, and translational networks and strategies to develop, lead, test, and implement innovations. The program’s mission is to challenge students to think differently so that they learn to champion change in their communities and contexts.

This cohort-based program commences in September.

Minimum Admission Requirements

• Deadline for receipt of applications is May 1 for international students and June 1 for domestic students. Admission spots are limited; not all applicants who meet the prerequisites will be admitted. Applicants are screened for eligibility and short-listed applicants will be interviewed.

Program Requirements

• Within this two-year, five-session program, students must complete a total of 8.0 full-course equivalents (FCEs) as follows:

  • Year 1:

    • LMP2300Y Foundations in Translational Research (1.0 FCE, Fall and Winter)

    • LMP2320H Overview of Methods in Practices and Contexts (0.5 FCE; Winter)

    • LMP2322H Information, Media, and Communication Literacy for the Sciences (0.5 FCE, Fall)

    • LMP2301Y Projects in Translational Research (1.0 FCE, Fall and Winter)

    • LMP2330Y⁺ Capstone Project in Translational Research (2.0 FCEs, Summer).

  • Years 1 and 2:

    • 2.0 FCEs: eight modular courses (0.25 FCE each).

  • Year 2:

    • LMP2330Y⁺ Capstone Project in Translational Research (Fall and Winter)

    • 1.0 elective FCE with approval from the Program Director.

Program Length

5 sessions full-time (F/W/S/F/W)

Time Limit

3 years

⁺ Extended course. For academic reasons, coursework is extended into session following academic session in which course is offered.

Required Courses

⁺ Extended course. For academic reasons, coursework is extended into session following academic session in which course is offered.

Modular Courses (Credit/No Credit; 0.25 FCE each)