Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

*All graduate students are required to take MICI 5400.03: Host Pathogen Interactions and Human Disease in their first year. Students and supervisors may request a one year deferral under special circumstances, for example, students required to upgrade their academic background.

For the minimum time required to complete this program, see the Faculty of Graduate Studies Regulations. Students typically finish in 5-6 years. Participation in seminars and advanced topic courses (journal clubs) is required. The course requirements for each PhD candidate normally consist of 9 - 12 credit hours. Specific courses outside the required courses are determined by the supervisory committee, normally in consultation with the student. The program must be approved by the departmental Graduate Studies Committee. Comprehensive knowledge of the area of specialization must be demonstrated and will be assessed by a written and oral examination.

Research of a high calibre is required, the results of which must be embodied in a thesis that makes a significant contribution to knowledge in the chosen field. An oral defence of the thesis before the committee and an external examiner is required.