Doctorate in Philosophy Microbiology and Immunology Specialization in Pathology and Experimental Medicine

This program is currently under revision. At this time, we are not accepting applications.

Summary

• Degree offered: Doctorate in Philosophy (PhD)
• Registration status option: Full-time
• Language of instruction: English
• Primary program: PhD in Microbiology and Immunology
• Collaborative specialization: Pathology and Experimental Medicine
• 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 refine critical and scholarly skills in fields and areas of specialization and prepare students for a variety of careers in teaching and research both within and outside of academia, including in a governmental, clinical, or industrial setting. Graduates are expected to have acquired autonomy in conducting research, in preparing scholarly publications, through a training that includes course work, research seminars, and independent research leading to a thesis.

The Department is a participating unit in the following collaborative programs: the Bioinformatics program (at the masters level) 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 Microbiology and Immunology and an MD. For more information please see the website of the Faculty of Medicine.

Collaborative Program Description

The objective of the Pathology and Experimental Medicine collaborative program is to provide graduate students with the knowledge and skills to examine the basic mechanisms of disease pathology, and to develop new strategies for prevention and treatment. The degree awarded specifies the primary program and indicates specialization in Pathology and Experimental Medicine.”

Main Areas of Research

• Microbiology
• Host biology

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

• Master of Science Microbiology and Immunology (MSc)
• Master of Science Microbiology and Immunology Specialization in Bioinformatics (MSc)
• Master of Science Microbiology and Immunology Specialization in Pathology and Experimental Medicine (MSc)
• Doctorate in Philosophy Microbiology and Immunology (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. 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.

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 microbiology or immunology (or equivalent) with a minimum average of B+ (75%).

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.
  • The thesis director must be a member of the collaborative program.
• Be sponsored into the collaborative program by a faculty member, normally the thesis supervisor, who must be a member of the Pathology and Experimental Medicine program.

Language Requirements

Applicants must be able to understand, write and fluently speak the language of instruction (English) 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.
• Candidates must apply to the primary program and indicate in their application for admission to the PhD program in Microbiology and Immunology that they wish to be accepted into the collaborative specialization in Pathology and Experimental Medicine. Students are normally informed about their acceptance into the collaborative program at the same time as being informed about their admission into the primary program. To be admitted to the collaborative program, candidates must also be accepted in the primary program.

Documents Required for Admission

In addition to the documents required for graduate and postdoctoral studies, candidates must submit the following documents:

• A resume
• A statement of purpose

Letter outlining your professional goals and proposed research area.

• Three confidential letters of recommendation
  • Two from professors who have known you and are familiar with your work.
  • One from a professor who is willing and available to act as thesis supervisor.

You are strongly encouraged to contact your referee(s) prior to submitting your application in order to confirm their email address and their availability to complete your letter of recommendation.

• Transcripts from all universities attended:
  • You must submit official transcripts from all the universities you have attended.
    This applies to all courses and programs at any university you attended, including regular programs (completed or not), exchanges, letters of permission, online or correspondence courses, courses taken as a special student or visiting student, etc.
  • If the transcript and degree certificate are not in English or French, a certified translation (signed and stamped/sealed) must be submitted.

Note: Documents that are not required for admission will not be consulted, conserved or returned to the student. These documents will be destroyed according to our administrative procedures.

Fast-Track from Master’s to PhD

Students enrolled in the master’s program in Microbiology and Immunology 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:

• Successful completion of the seminar and all the core courses required for the master's program.
• Satisfactory progress in the research program.
• Written recommendation by the supervisor and the advisory committee.
• Approval by the graduate studies committee.

Notes:

• The transfer must take place within sixteen months of initial enrollment in the master’s.
• The minimal admission average requirements for the doctoral program must also 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.