Doctorate in Philosophy Neuroscience Specialization in Human and Molecular Genetics

Summary

• Degree offered: Doctorate in Philosophy (PhD)
• Registration status option: Full-time
• Language of instruction:
  • French
  • English

Note: Most of the courses in this program are offered in English.

• Primary program: PhD in Neuroscience
• Collaborative specialization: Human and Molecular Genetics
• Program option (expected duration of the program):
  • with thesis (16 full-time terms; 64 consecutive months)
• Academic units: Faculty of Medicine, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine.

Program Description

The Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine is located in the Faculty of Medicine and offers graduate programs leading to the degrees of Master of Science (MSc) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Neuroscience.

The programs help students develop their theoretical knowledge as well as their capacity for critical analysis. This is achieved through reading and critiquing the scientific literature, conducting experiments in the laboratory, analyzing the data and results generated, and presenting their results in the form of research seminars or posters. The programs prepare candidates for a variety of careers in teaching and research both within and outside of academia.

Graduates of the program will acquire autonomy in conducting research and in preparing scholarly publications and grant applications. A comprehensive set of courses, state-of-the-art research facilities and outstanding research opportunities ensure a career in neuroscience.

The Department is a participating unit in the collaborative program in Human and Molecular Genetics and in Pathology and Experimental Medicine 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 Neuroscience and an MD. For more information please see the website of the Faculty of Medicine.

Collaborative Program Description

The Faculty of Medicine offers a collaborative program in Human and Molecular Genetics at the master's and doctoral levels. The primary graduate programs in Biochemistry (BCH), Cellular and Molecular Medicine (CMM) and Neuroscience (NSC) collaborate in offering the specialization. The degree awarded specifies the primary program and indicates

Members of the program include scientists with interest and expertise in the following areas: developmental genetics, neuromuscular disease, microbial genetics, host resistance, cancer biology, aging, development of novel molecular therapeutics, gene therapy, growth and development, auto-immune diseases, molecular biology of viruses, bacteria and parasites, genetic epidemiology, retinal development and disease, animal models of human disease, molecular aspects of signal transduction.

Main Areas of Research

The Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine is located at the Health Sciences Center of the University of Ottawa. Through its cross-appointed and adjunct members, the Department has research affiliations with the following institutes: the Ottawa Hospital Research Institute (OHRI), the University of Ottawa Heart Institutes at the Ottawa Hospital (Civic Campus), the Institute of Mental Health Research (IMHR) at the Royal Ottawa Hospital, the Childrens Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO) Research Institute, Elizabeth Bruyere Hospital, and the National Research Council.

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

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

Language Requirements

Applicants must be able to understand and fluently speak the language of instruction (French or 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 Neuroscience that they wish to be accepted into the collaborative specialization in Human and Molecular Genetics. 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.

Fast-Track from Master’s to PhD

Students enrolled in the master’s program in Neuroscience 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:

• Satisfactory progress in the research program.
• Written recommendation by the supervisor and the advisory committee.
• Approval by the graduate studies committee.

Notes:

• The transfer exam must be successfully completed before the end of the 5th term.
• Following transfer, all the requirements of the HMG doctoral program must be met: six units of courses including three HMG units, the seminar in the primary program, comprehensive exam, presentation of one research seminar, and the thesis.

• 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.