PhD

Molecular Biology

Study mode:On campus Study type:Full-time Languages: English French
Local:$ 2.46 k / Year(s) Foreign:$ 14.8 k / Year(s) Deadline: Sep 15, 2024
StudyQA ranking:5412 Duration:5 years

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The PhD in Molecular Biology program is a multidisciplinary research program offered by the Faculty of Medicine in conjunction with the Faculty of Arts and Science and the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine. The PhD in Molecular Biology program has four options. The name of the option is given on the diploma.

General Option 

This option provides candidates with solid research training and helps students learn basic yet cutting-edge techniques and methods used to study biological macromolecules. This program delves into molecular genetics, gene activity regulation, tissue development, signalling pathways, nucleic acid and protein modifications, macromolecular chemistry, virology and biotechnology. 

Systems Biology Option 

In this option, students learn concepts and gain practice in the area of systems biology using high-throughput technologies such as genomics and proteomics. This training prepares students to meet the challenge of working across several complementary disciplines to study the complex problems posed by multigenic diseases such as cancer. 

Complex Human Diseases Option 

This option includes targeted studies that reflect research in molecular biology, genetics, signalling, and novel therapies in complex human diseases. 

Cellular and Molecular Medicine Option 

This option provides unique training in translational research with the goal of combining basic laboratory research with the needs of clinical practice. The focus is on the use of cutting-edge technology to study human diseases in order to develop novel diagnostic and therapeutic approaches that can be quickly incorporated into treatment for patients.

The doctorate program consists of 90 credits. This program has four options:

  • General Option (Segment 70)
  • Systems Biology Option (Segment 71)
  • Complex Human Diseases Option (Segment 72)
  • Cellular and Molecular Medicine Option (Segment 74)

Research must be done as a residency at either Université de Montréal or a research laboratory of an affiliated institute or hospital approved by the Advisory Board of the Faculty of Medicine.

Segment 70 General option

This option consists of 4 mandatory course credits and 86 credits for research and a thesis.

Block 70A:

  • Research Seminar 2 (1 credit)
  • Readings in Molecular Biology (3 credits)

Block 70B Research and thesis:

  • PhD Comprehensive Examination (0 credits)
  • Thesis (86 credits)

Segment 71 Systems Biology option

This option consists of 1 mandatory course credit, 3 optional course credits and 86 credits for research and a thesis.

Block 71A:

  • Research Seminar 2 (1 credit)

Block 71B:

  • Seminars in the Biology of Cancer 1 (1 credit)
  • Seminars in the Biology of Cancer 2 (1 credit)
  • Seminars in the Biology of Cancer 3 (1 credit)
  • Advanced Cellular Signalling (1 credit)
  • Advanced Cellular Signalling (1 credit)
  • Advanced Cellular Signalling (1 credit)

Block 71C Research and thesis:

  • PhD Comprehensive Examination (0 credits)
  • Thesis (86 credits)

Segment 72 Complex Human Diseases option

This option consists of 4 mandatory course credits and 86 credits for research and a thesis.

Block 72A:

  • Research Seminar 2 (1 credit)
  • Readings in Molecular Biology (3 credits)

Block 72B Research and thesis:

  • PhD Comprehensive Examination (0 credits)
  • Thesis (86 credits)

Segment 74 Cellular and Molecular Medicine option

This option consists of 4 mandatory course credits and 86 credits for research and a thesis.

Block 74A:

  • Research Seminar 2 (1 credit)
  • Readings in Molecular Biology (3 credits)

Block 74B Research and thesis:

  • PhD Comprehensive Examination (0 credits)
  • Thesis (86 credits)

1. Admission requirements

To be admitted as a regular student in the PhD (Molecular Biology) program, candidates must:

  • Meet the general admission requirements (section XX) of the “Règlement pédagogique de la Faculté des études supérieures et postdoctorales” (educational regulations of the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies).
  • Demonstrate good knowledge of French (learn more).
  • Demonstrate satisfactory knowledge of English before being accepted into the second year of the program.
  • Demonstrate sufficient knowledge of any other language deemed necessary for their research.

1.1 Admission requirements – Transfer to PhD from MSc

  • Have an MSc (Molecular Biology) or the equivalent.
  • Have obtained a grade-point average at the graduate level of at least 3.3 out of 4.3 or the equivalent.

Candidates who have an MSc from another university or in a discipline other than molecular biology must have completed the coursework specific to the MSc in Molecular Biology Option or the equivalent. If not, these courses will be added to the student's doctorate program as complementary courses.

1.2 Admission requirements – Direct entry to PhD from BSc 

  • Have a degree in medicine (MD), dental medicine (DMD) or veterinary medicine (DVM); a bachelor of science (BSc) in a relevant option; or a degree that is deemed equivalent.
  • Have obtained a grade-point average of at least 3.7 out of 4.3 or the equivalent at the undergraduate level, unless (upon approval from the Dean) the student has sufficient experience or education further to the undergraduate level demonstrating the skills required for a PhD program.

Candidates must complete all master's-level coursework that pertain to the PhD option they have enrolled in or the equivalent. These courses will be added to the student's doctorate program as complementary or preparatory courses.

1.3 Additional documents to submit with your application

  • Letter of intent or of interest
  • Curriculum vitae
  • Detailed description of research projects
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • Attestation of training, if applicable

2. Program Length

The maximum length is fifteen sessions (five years) for full-time students, excluding preparatory or “on leave” sessions. This deadline may be extended by one year with the permission of the Graduate Studies Committee.

3. Comprehensive exam

Students must take the written and oral components of the comprehensive exam by no later than the end of the sixth session of the program, and preparatory or “on leave” sessions are excluded in the calculation of this deadline. If the exam is deferred, the deadline will be extended by one session. The exam dates are set by the Program Director.

Each year, the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies (FESP) awards over $8 million in student financial support. The main FESP-managed scholarships include:

  • Doctoral scholarships
  • Special additional tuition waiver for foreign students
  • International students' scholarships
  • Maternity leave scholarships for doctoral students
  • Scholarships for end of Ph.D. studies
  • Merit scholarships from the FESP (Master’s and Ph.D.)

Integrated funding

Graduate students in many departments and faculties are eligible for integrated funding, which consists of basic financial assistance that generally lasts for a program's normal duration. This funding comes from multiple sources, such as internal and external scholarships or a position as a teaching assistant, research assistant or lecturer.

Jobs

Graduate students can work as teaching assistants, research assistants or lecturers. Get more information from your department, school or research unit or from your professors. Many on-campus jobs are also reserved for students. For a list of job openings, consult UdeM's employment services centre. International students can visit the foreign students office for job opportunities and information on any required documents they may need in order to work in Quebec.

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