Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Degree Program

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Degree Program

Program requirements comprise: participation in BIOC 5914 and BIOC 5915 in Year 1 (unless waived by Graduate Coordinator); additional graduate coursework at the discretion of supervisor and Graduate Coordinator; attendance at Departmental seminars; Departmental seminar presentations every two years, starting in Year 2; a Grant Proposal in Year 3; two Terms of service as a Teaching Assistant; biannual supervisory committee meetings; and, as the major requirement, the preparation, presentation and oral defence of a thesis describing an extensive original investigation carried out by the candidate. A Thesis Supervisory Committee consisting of the research supervisor and three others is appointed to facilitate the research. For students admitted directly into the PhD program, and for those requesting transfer from the MSc to the PhD program, the Comprehensive Examination around the subject area of the thesis is required, usually in the second year of study. Typically, this follows completion of required coursework; however, exceptions may be made in order to ensure a timely Comprehensive Examination. The minimum residence requirements for the PhD are two years from the MSc and three years from the BSc (see the Faculty of Graduate Studies regulations). Most students take an additional three years to complete the thesis.