Cell and Systems Biology

Cell and Systems Biology at the University of Toronto offers an innovative and comprehensive program designed to provide students with a deep understanding of the fundamental principles governing cellular functions and complex biological systems. This interdisciplinary program combines coursework in molecular biology, genetics, biochemistry, and systems biology to prepare students for careers in biomedical research, healthcare, biotechnology, and academia. Throughout the program, students engage in laboratory-based learning, including hands-on experiments and research projects, to develop practical skills essential for modern biological investigations. The curriculum emphasizes the integration of cellular processes with system-level functions, enabling students to analyze how cells communicate, adapt, and influence the overall functioning of living organisms. Students also have opportunities to participate in cutting-edge research alongside faculty who are leaders in their fields, fostering a collaborative environment conducive to innovation and discovery. The program prepares graduates to pursue advanced studies, including graduate research and professional schools, or to enter the biotechnology and healthcare industries where they can contribute to developing new diagnostic tools, treatments, and technologies. With a strong foundation in both theoretical knowledge and practical application, the Cell and Systems Biology program at the University of Toronto is ideal for students passionate about understanding life at the molecular and systemic levels, and eager to contribute to advancements in biomedical sciences and related fields.

• CSB1020H/F, LEC 0108 – Molecular Biology of Gene Expression
• CSB1020H/F, LEC 0124 – Current Techniques in Neuroscience
• CSB1472H/S, LEC 0101 – Computational Genomics and Bioinformatics
• CSB1025H/S, LEC 0101 – Methods in Genomics and Proteomics
• CSB1020H/S, LEC 0123 – Neuroscience of Behavioural State Control
• CSB1020H/S, LEC 0109 – Molecular Biology of Cancer
• CSB1020H/S, LEC 0105 – Evolutionary Genetic Analyses using PAML
• CSB1020H/F, LEC 0125 – Cell Signaling in Health and Disease (Summer 2017 offering cannot be requested on ROSI/ACORN until March 20, 2017)
• CSB1020H/F, LEC 0107 – Cell Biology of Gastrulation (Summer 2017 offering cannot be requested on ROSI/ACORN until March 20, 2017)
• CSB1020H/F, LEC 0116 – Interpreting Microscopy in Cell Biology (Summer 2017 offering cannot be requested on ROSI/ACORN until March 20, 2017)
• CSB1020H/F, LEC 0101 – Integrative Physiology of Stress (Summer 2017 offering cannot be requested on ROSI/ACORN until March 20, 2017)
• CSB1018H/F, LEC 0101 – Advanced Microscopy and Imaging (Summer 2017 offering cannot be requested on ROSI/ACORN until March 20, 2017)

• A one-page statement describing your interest in Cell and Systems Biology, your goals, and your reasons for choosing this department for graduate studies. Include a list of names of potential supervisors and areas of research in which you are interested.
• A current copy of your résumé or CV.
• Three letters of reference are required. These letters should be submitted electrically by the referees, who will automatically be emailed instructions when the student sumibts an online application and has paid the application fee.  Reference letters can be mailed to the department; however, we strongly recommend that referees submit the letters online.
• Scanned copies of academic transcripts form each university attended.
• GRE scores are required for applicants without a degree from a Canadian university.  International applicants should submit GRE scores from the General Test and the subject test in Biology.  *Note that GRE scores will not be required in 2017.
• International applicants whose language of instruction at their previous university was not English must submit an official English Language Facility Test (e.g. TOEFL).  
• Official transcripts of your academic record (from each university attended) sealed in an envelope and signed by the issuing institution. Transcripts received unsealed or unsigned are not acceptable. Current or former University of Toronto students do NOT have to provide a transcript from the University of Toronto.

Financial Support

Departmental Support

All CSB graduate students, whether domestic or international, in the first year of an M.Sc. program or the first four years of a PhD program (first five years if entering directly from a bachelor’s) are in the University’s “funded cohort”. This means they are provided an annual stipend, which for the 2016-2017 academic year is $18,000 (M.Sc.) or $18,500 (Ph.D.) plus tuition and fees.  Domestic students receive a total of approximately $26,492 (M.Sc.) or $26,992 (Ph.D.) and international students receive approximately $40,604 (M.Sc.) or $41,104 (Ph.D.) because of higher tuition fees.

This stipend covers tuition fees, incidental fees and living costs. The stipend consists of a University of Toronto Fellowship (UTF), a contribution from the thesis supervisor’s grants, and a required 140 hours as an undergraduate teaching assistant.  Students will receive a document outlining details of their annual stipend in August, prior to their arrival.

External Scholarships

Students holding major external scholarships from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC), the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) or the Ontario Graduate Scholarship program (OGS) receive the annual stipend plus a “top-up” of $1,500 (provided the student is in the funded cohort) or $2,500 for those holding a NSERC CGSM, NSERC PGSD, or CIHR CGSM.  Stipends will be even higher for students holding scholarships of higher values such as the NSERC Canada Graduate Scholarships (CGSD).

* Note that the online application for NSERC/CIHR CGSM scholarships must be completed by December 1st.

Admission Awards

CSB endeavours to attract the most outstanding graduate students possible in a very competitive market. To achieve this the Department awards a limited number of admission scholarships to graduate applicants judged to be exceptional by the Graduate Admissions Committee. Criteria include academic performance, research accomplishments and potential, and receipt of major scholarships (NSERC, CIHR, OGS). These awards are valued at $3,000, and are in addition to the stipend that students would otherwise receive. No application is necessary as every applicant offered admission is automatically considered.

The Cell and Systems Biology program at the University of Toronto offers students an in-depth understanding of the fundamental biological processes that govern cellular function and systemic organization within living organisms. This interdisciplinary program combines coursework and research opportunities across molecular biology, genetics, physiology, and biochemistry, enabling students to explore the complexities of cellular mechanisms and how they contribute to the functioning of entire systems. The curriculum is designed to prepare students for careers in research, healthcare, biotechnology, and academia by providing rigorous training in experimental techniques, data analysis, and scientific communication. Students have access to state-of-the-art laboratories and collaborate with leading experts in the field through research projects, internships, and seminars. The program emphasizes both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, fostering a comprehensive understanding of topics such as gene regulation, signal transduction, developmental biology, and systems biology. Graduates of the program are well-equipped to pursue advanced study or careers in areas like biomedical research, pharmaceuticals, clinical sciences, or science policy. The program also encourages undergraduate students to engage in research early in their academic careers, often through partnerships with hospitals, research institutes, and industry partners. Overall, the Cell and Systems Biology program at the University of Toronto aims to cultivate innovative scientists capable of addressing major biological questions and contributing to advancements in health, medicine, and biotechnology.