Program Overview

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Biological Sciences

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Biological Sciences is a thesis-based program that places students at the forefront of discovery. This program allows doctoral students to design, conduct, and analyze original research, developing rigorous expertise in foundational theory, the study of evolution, and cutting-edge research methodologies. The program investigates a broad range of biological problems, from the molecular level to the biosphere, and degrees are offered in four integrated areas: biochemistry, ecology and evolutionary biology, integrative cell biology, and microbiology.

Program Overview

The program takes four to five years to complete, with funding available through sources such as scholarships, teaching assistantships, research assistantships, and supervisor's research grants.

Completing the Program

To complete the program, students must:

• Research Seminar: Related to supervisor interest, and may include biochemistry, cell biology, ecology and evolutionary biology, or microbiology.
• Candidacy: Students will prepare a research proposal or essay, followed by an oral exam in their field of research expertise.
• Additional Courses: Topics may cover biology of laboratory animals, theory and lab methods, statistical methods, recent advances, and Darwin.
• Thesis: Students will propose, write, and successfully defend a research thesis.

Specializations

The program offers specializations in:

• Biochemistry
• Biophysical Chemistry
• Cell Biology
• Developmental Biology
• Ecology
• Environmental Biology
• Evolutionary Biology
• Molecular Microbiology
• Physiology
• Structural Biology
• Host-Pathogen Interactions
• Energy and Environmental Systems

Outcomes

Graduates of the PhD in Biological Sciences can pursue careers as professors, biologists, teachers, consultants, scientists (agricultural/forestry breeding, process development, environmental), data analysts, biotechnologists, genetic counsellors, managers (lab, project, clinic, territory, resource), science writers, and research technicians.

Thesis-Based Program

Students are required to prepare a thesis and successfully defend it in an open oral defense.

Courses

The program requires a minimum of two courses, with additional seminar courses.

Classroom Delivery

The program is delivered in a classroom setting.

Time Commitment

The program requires a full-time commitment of four years, with a maximum of six years.

Supervisor

A supervisor is required, and must agree to oversee the student's research before admission will be granted.

Fees and Funding

Information on fees and fee regulations, as well as awards and financial assistance, can be found in the Graduate Calendar.

Admission Requirements

GPA

A minimum GPA of 3.2 on a 4.0 point system, over the past two years of full-time study (a minimum of 10 full-course equivalents or 60 units) of the undergraduate degree.

Minimum Education

Completion of a Master of Science program recognized by the Faculty of Graduate Studies. Exceptional students may apply to a PhD program without a Master of Science recognized by the Faculty of Graduate Studies.

Work Samples

None required.

Documents

A concise statement outlining the applicant's research interests and reasons for wishing to attend the University of Calgary.

Reference Letters

Three academic reference letters, along with the required reference form.

Test Scores

None required.

English Language Proficiency

An applicant whose primary language is not English may fulfill the English language proficiency requirement in one of the following ways:

• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL ibt) score of 105.
• International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score of 7.5 (minimum of 6.0 in each section).
• Pearson Test of English (PTE) score of 75, or higher (Academic version).
• Canadian Academic English Language test (CAEL) score of 70 (minimum 70 in each section).
• Academic Communication Certificate (ACC) score of A- in each course.
• Cambridge C1 Advanced or Cambridge C2 Proficiency minimum score of 200.
• Duolingo English Test and obtaining a minimum score of 145* (with no sub-score below 125*).

Deadlines

• For admission on September 1: Canadian and permanent resident students with Canadian or U.S. transcripts must apply by June 1, while international students with international transcripts must apply by May 1.
• For admission on January 1: Canadian and permanent resident students with Canadian or U.S. transcripts must apply by October 1, while international students with international transcripts must apply by September 1.
• For admission on May 1: Canadian and permanent resident students with Canadian or U.S. transcripts must apply by March 1, while international students with international transcripts must apply by January 1.

Related Programs

If you're interested in this program, you might want to explore other UCalgary programs, such as:

• Biological Sciences (Thesis-based MSc)
• Anthropology (Thesis-based MA, Thesis-based PhD)
• Archaeology (Thesis-based MA, PhD)
• Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (Thesis-based MSc, PhD)
• Immunology (Thesis-based MSc, PhD)
• Medical Science (Thesis-based MSc, PhD)
• Microbiology and Infectious Disease (Thesis-based MSc, PhD)
• Veterinary Medicine (Thesis-based MSc, Thesis-based PhD)