General Regulations

The Department accepts applicants with degrees in physiology, biology, (bio)physics, chemistry, and related biomedical sciences. Applicants with an average GPA of > 3.7 over the last 60 credit hours of study will be considered for admission. Applicants with a GPA <3.7 may be considered in some circumstances. Entering graduate students are expected to acquire a firm understanding of the basic principles of physiology at the systems, cellular and molecular levels that will provide a solid foundation for career development. Students who have not completed advanced undergraduate or graduate level courses in these subjects may be required to take appropriate courses. Advanced knowledge within a specialty is developed by formal courses and/or guided study via directed reading courses arranged for each student through consultation with a supervisory committee. Thesis supervisory committees consisting of the research supervisor/co-supervisor and at least two members of the Faculty of Graduate Studies knowledgeable in the field are appointed to guide course selection and to oversee the research of graduate candidates. Qualified MSc students may elect to transfer to the PhD program after 12 to 18 months of study, pending approval of the supervisory committee. Entering PhD candidates must have demonstrated the ability to carry out research of high quality. A Comprehensive Examination in areas relevant to the general field of the thesis research (see Faculty of Graduate Studies regulations and the Physiology and Biophysics Graduate Handbook) is required in the PhD program. All graduate students participate in the Physiology seminar series each year (PHYL 5517.03). There may also be opportunities to give lectures and to supervise laboratory components of non-medical undergraduate courses.