Molecular Genetics

MSc Program

Minimum Admission Requirements

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

• A four-year undergraduate degree from a recognized university with a minimum B+ average, both cumulatively and in the upper years.

• Successful completion or proof of current enrolment of undergraduate courses at a recognized university in biology, molecular biology/genetics, biochemistry, embryology/animal developmental biology, statistics, and psychology.

• The development of strong interpersonal and communication skills, as evidenced by experience in a counselling setting (volunteer or paid).

• All applicants must register with the National Matching System (NMS); instructions are provided in the department's application procedures.

Completion Requirements

• Students must complete 13.0 full-course equivalents (FCEs) as follows:

  • 10.0 FCEs in coursework with a minimum B– standing. Lectures, meetings, and rounds must be attended at a minimum of 90% of scheduled occurrences.

  • MSC2010Y Molecular Medicine in Human Genetic Disease

  • MMG1120Y Clinical Rotations I

  • MMG1122Y Issues in Genetic Counselling I

  • MMG1124Y Principles of Effective Counselling

  • MMG1126Y Clinical Issues in Pregnancy and Child Development

  • MMG1128Y Risk Calculation and Research Methodology

  • MMG1130Y Tutorial in Molecular Genetics

  • MMG1132H Laboratory Skills

  • MMG1220Y Clinical Rotations II

  • MMG1222Y Issues in Genetic Counselling II

  • MMG1224Y Advanced Principles of Effective Counselling

  • MMG1226Y Concepts in Clinical Genetics

  • MMG1228Y Independent Research Project

  • MMG1230H Cancer Genetic Counselling.

  • 1.0 FCE independent research project. Students are expected to develop and implement a research study designed and carried out by them under the supervision of a faculty member. The independent research project must be relevant to the field of genetic counselling and/or clinical genetics. Students must present the independent research project both orally and in a written format suitable for publication.

  • 2.0 FCEs in clinical practicums.

• Students spend a minimum of 21 months over a two-year period in full-time attendance.

• Students are required to complete an intervening summer rotation (six weeks duration).

MHSc Program

Minimum Admission Requirements

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

• An appropriate BSc degree with high academic standing from a recognized university, with a B+ average or better. Applicants would normally possess an undergraduate degree displaying competence in genetics, molecular biology, or related fields.
  
  or
  
  An appropriate MD degree with high academic standing from a recognized university, with a B+ average or better.

• Applicants will complete an application package including:

  • all previous university transcripts

  • a transcript summary form for either the clinical or laboratory stream

  • curriculum vitae (CV)

  • statement of interest (one to two pages maximum), including how this program will have an impact on future career path

  • three letters of reference from professional, academic, or other qualified referees.

• Interview (15 minutes).

Completion Requirements

Students must complete a total of 9.0 full-course equivalents (FCEs) as follows:

• Year 1:

  • MMG3001Y Advanced Human Genetics (Fall and Winter)

  • MMG3002Y Biological Statistics (Fall)

  • MMG3003Y Genomics Methodologies (Winter and Summer).

• Year 2:

  • MMG3004Y Communication of Genetic Information (Fall)

  • MMG3005Y Ethical and Legal Implications of Genomics (Fall)

  • MMG3007Y Clinical Practicum in Medical Genomics, an elective for clinical-stream students and trainees in patient-facing medical fields (Winter)
    or
    MMG3008Y Practicum in Modern Genomics, an elective for laboratory professional-stream students in clinical/research science careers (Winter).

• Four elective modular courses from the following list (1.0 FCE):

  • MMG3201H Medical Genomics Graduate Professional Development (Summer)

  • MMG3202H Next-Generation Sequencing — Data Generation Laboratory (Summer)

  • MMG3203H Next-Generation Sequencing — Data Analysis and Interpretation (Summer)

  • MMG3204H Practical Applications of Genome Interpretation (Fall)

  • MMG3205H Research Topics in Medical Genomics (Fall).

MSc Program

Minimum Admission Requirements

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

• Normally, a BSc or MD degree or equivalent with excellent academic credentials in molecular biology, genetics, microbiology, and/or biochemistry. Applicants trained in other quantitative sciences (math, physics, chemistry, computer science, engineering, etc.) are also strongly encouraged to apply.

Completion Requirements

• Coursework. Successful completion of 1.5 full-course equivalents (FCEs) as follows:

  • MMG1001H Foundational Genetic Approaches I.

  • MMG1003H First Year Colloquium.

  • MMG1004H A Practical Course in Programming for Biologists.

  • MMG1113H MSc Presentation Skills.

  • MMG1114H MSc Presentation.

• Students must also attend each of the following graduate seminars two times:

  • MMG1111H Graduate Seminars I.

  • MMG1112H Graduate Seminars II.

• A thesis on a research project.

• Defence of the thesis at an oral examination.

• Residency. Students are required to spend 12 months in full-time attendance.

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 Molecular Genetics' additional admission requirements stated below.

• An MSc degree in Molecular Genetics, or equivalent, from the University of Toronto or another recognized university. As a condition of admission, applicants who have completed their MSc outside of the Department of Molecular Genetics may be required to complete additional course requirements.

• Normally, an MSc degree or equivalent with wet or dry lab experience related to molecular biology, genetics, microbiology, and/or biochemistry is required. Applicants trained in other quantitative sciences (math, physics, chemistry, computer science, engineering, etc.) are also strongly encouraged to apply.

• Attainment of minimum admission standards does not guarantee acceptance into the PhD program.

Completion Requirements

• Coursework. Students must successfully complete a total of 1.0 full-course equivalent (FCEs) as follows:

  • MMG1115H PhD Presentation.

  • Two modular courses (0.25 FCE each), which must be taken after successfully completing the qualifying examination prior to the Summer session of Year 4. If a program extension is granted beyond Year 4, students have until the Summer session of Year 5 to complete.

• Students must also attend each of the following graduate seminars four times:

  • MMG1111H Graduate Seminars I.

  • MMG1112H Graduate Seminars II.

• A thesis on a research project.

• Successful completion of a qualification examination in Year 2. The qualifying exam consists of the submission of a written proposal and an oral examination. If a student is unsuccessful at the first attempt at the qualifying exam, there are three possible outcomes:

  • The student may retake the oral exam within four to eight weeks without revision of the written proposal; or

  • The student may submit a revised written proposal and retake the oral exam within four to eight weeks; or

  • The student may withdraw from the program after consultation with the Graduate Coordinator. In cases where the student does not have an MSc in Molecular Genetics, the Exam Committee may recommend the student reclassify into the MSc program.

• Residency. Students who enter the doctoral program after completing a master's program must spend a minimum of two sessions in full-time attendance.

PhD Program (Transfer)

Transfer Requirements

• Transfer applicants must be enrolled in the Department of Molecular Genetics MSc program.

• Students must have successfully completed the following:

• MMG1001H Foundational Genetic Approaches I.

• MMG1003H First Year Colloquium.

• MMG1004H A Practical Course in Programming for Biologists.

• MMG1113H MSc Presentation Skills.

• MMG1114H MSc Presentation.

• Students must be enrolled in MMG1111H and MMG1112H in order to qualify to transfer to the PhD program.

• Transfer applicants must successfully complete a reclassification transfer exam within the first 24 months of registration in the MSc program.

Completion Requirements

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

  • MMG1115H PhD Presentation.

  • Two modular courses (0.25 FCE each), which must be taken after successfully completing the transfer examination and prior to the Summer session of Year 5.

• Students must also attend any remaining graduate seminar sessions not completed prior to transferring. Students must attend each graduate seminar four times:

  • MMG1111H Graduate Seminars I.

  • MMG1112H Graduate Seminars II.

• A thesis on a research project.

• Successful completion of a transfer examination in Year 2. The transfer exam consists of the submission of a written proposal and an oral examination. If a student is unsuccessful at the first attempt at the transfer exam, there are four possible outcomes:

  • The student may retake the oral exam within four to eight weeks without revision of the written proposal; or

  • The student may submit a revised written proposal and retake the oral exam within four to eight weeks; or

  • The student is asked to complete and defend an MSc thesis; or

  • The student may withdraw from the program after consultation with the Graduate Coordinator.

• Residency. Students who enter the doctoral program after completing a master's program must spend a minimum of two sessions in full-time attendance.

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 Molecular Genetics' additional admission requirements stated below.

• Students with a BSc degree, an MD degree, or equivalent may be accepted directly into the PhD program.

• Normally, a BSc degree or equivalent with academic credentials and wet or dry lab experience related to molecular biology, genetics, microbiology, and/or biochemistry is required. Applicants trained in other quantitative sciences (math, physics, chemistry, computer science, engineering, etc.) are also strongly encouraged to apply.

• Attainment of minimum admission standards does not guarantee acceptance into the PhD program.

Completion Requirements

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

  • MMG1001H Foundational Genetic Approaches I.

  • MMG1003H First Year Colloquium.

  • MMG1004H A Practical Course in Programming for Biologists.

  • MMG1113H MSc Presentation Skills.

  • MMG1114H MSc Presentation.

  • MMG1115H PhD Presentation.

  • Two modular courses (0.25 FCE each), which must be taken after successfully completing the qualifying examination and prior to the Summer session of Year 5.

• Students must also attend each of the following graduate seminars four times:

  • MMG1111H Graduate Seminars I.

  • MMG1112H Graduate Seminars II.

• A thesis on a research project.

• Successful completion of a qualification examination in Year 2. The qualifying exam consists of the submission of a written proposal and an oral examination. If a student is unsuccessful at the first attempt at the qualifying exam, there are four possible outcomes:

  • The student may retake the oral exam within four to eight weeks without revision of the written proposal; or

  • The student may submit a revised written proposal and retake the oral exam within four to eight weeks; or

  • The student may choose to reclassify in the MSc program; or

  • The student may withdraw from the program after consultation with the Graduate Coordinator.

• Residency. Students who enter the doctoral program after completing a master's program must spend a minimum of two sessions in full-time attendance.