Doctorate in Philosophy Biochemistry

Summary

• Degrees offered: Doctorate in Philosophy
• Registration status option: Full-time
• Language of instruction: English
• Program option (expected duration of the program):
  • with thesis (16 full-time terms; 64 consecutive months)
• Academic units: Faculty of Medicine, Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology.

Program Description

The programs prepare candidates for a variety of careers in teaching and research both within and outside of academia.

Graduate students are actively involved in laboratory research, course work, and presentation of research seminars. Thus, they acquire autonomy in conducting research and in preparing publications.

The programs create a stimulating and challenging environment which will allow students to achieve excellence in research. Graduates of the programs must demonstrate research skills and credibility as professionals in their area of research.

The Department is a participating unit in the following collaborative programs: the Bioinformatics program (at the masters level), the Human and Molecular Genetics program (at the masters and doctoral levels), and the Pathology and Experimental Medicine program (at the master's and doctoral levels).

The doctoral program participates in the Combined MD / PhD Program, which allows students to graduate with both a PhD in Biochemistry and an MD. For more information please see the website of the Faculty of Medicine.

Main Areas of Research

• General biochemistry
• Molecular biology
• Nutrition and metabolism

Other Programs Offered Within the Same Discipline or in a Related Area

• Master of Science Biochemistry (MSc)
• Master of Science Biochemistry Specialization in Human and Molecular Genetics (MSc)
• Master of Science Biochemistry Specialization in Bioinformatics (MSc)
• Master of Science Biochemistry Specialization in Pathology and Experimental Medicine (MSc)
• Doctorate in Philosophy Biochemistry Specialization in Human and Molecular Genetics (PhD)
• Doctorate in Philosophy Biochemistry Specialization in Pathology and Experimental Medicine (PhD)

Fees and Funding

• Program fees:

The estimated amount for university fees associated with this program are available under the section Finance your studies.

International students enrolled in a French-language program of study may be eligible for a differential tuition fee exemption.

• To learn about possibilities for financing your graduate studies, consult the Awards and financial support section.

Notes

• Programs are governed by the general regulations in effect for graduate studies.
• In accordance with the University of Ottawa regulation, students have the right to complete their assignments, examinations, research papers, and theses in French or in English.

Program Contact Information

For the most accurate and up to date information on application deadlines, language tests and other admission requirements, please visit the specific requirements webpage.

To be eligible, candidates must:

• Have a master's degree in science (or equivalent) with a minimum average of 75% (B+).

Note: International candidates must check the admission equivalencies for the diploma they received in their country of origin.

• Demonstrate a good academic performance in previous studies as shown by official transcripts, research reports, abstracts or any other documents demonstrating research skills.
• Identify at least one professor who is willing to supervise your research and thesis.
  • We recommend that you contact potential thesis supervisors as soon as possible.
  • To register, you need to have been accepted by a thesis supervisor.
  • The supervisor’s name is required at the time of application.

Language Requirements

Applicants must be able to understand and fluently speak the language of instruction in the program to which they are applying. Proof of linguistic proficiency may be required.

Applicants whose first language is neither French nor English must provide proof of proficiency in the language of instruction.

Note: Candidates are responsible for any fees associated with the language tests.

Notes

• The admission requirements listed above are minimum requirements and do not guarantee admission to the program.
• Admissions are governed by the general regulations in effect for graduate studies.
• Research activities can be conducted either in English, French or both, depending on the language used by the professor and the members of his or her research group.

Fast-Track from Master’s to PhD

Students enrolled in the master’s program in Biochemistry at the University of Ottawa may be eligible to fast-track directly into the doctoral program without writing a master’s thesis, provided the following conditions are met:

• Maintain an A- average during their graduate studies and in the last two years of undergraduate studies.
• Complete all the core courses required for the M.Sc.
• Demonstrate a satisfactory progress in the research program.
• Provide a written recommendation by the thesis supervisor.
• Provide a written recommendation by the Departmental Graduate Studies Committee.

Note: The transfer must take place within sixteen months of initial enrollment in the master’s. Please note that the minimal admission average requirements for the doctoral program must also be met. Following transfer, all of the requirements of the doctoral program must be met.

• Apply online through the Ontario Universities’ Application Centre (OUAC), by completing form 105.
• Declare all your current and previous postsecondary studies, completed or not, even if they are not related to your application. Failure to do so may lead to the cancellation of your application or the withdrawal of your offer of admission at any time.
• Enter your email address, making sure it is accurate. We will use this address to communicate with you for all matters. Also, check your inbox (and junk mail folder) regularly for messages from the University of Ottawa.
• Pay the application fees for all your admission applications. Applications are forwarded to the University of Ottawa only after fees are paid in full and the payment has cleared. Learn more about application fees.
• Note that OUAC is not part of the University of Ottawa. It handles applications to all Ontario universities and is responsible for transferring your application to our admission office.