Program Overview

Introduction to the Master's Program in Microbiology and Immunology

The Master's program in Microbiology and Immunology at the University of Ottawa is designed to refine critical and intellectual skills in specific areas and fields of specialization, preparing candidates for a variety of teaching and research careers both within and outside the academic world.

Program Overview

• Degree Offered: Master of Science (M.Sc.)
• Registration Option: Full-time
• Language of Instruction: English
• Study Option (Expected Duration of Program):
  • With thesis (6 full-time terms, equivalent to 24 consecutive months)
  • With research project option (3 full-time terms, equivalent to 12 consecutive months)
• Academic Units: Faculty of Medicine, Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Immunology

Program Description

The program is geared towards acquiring autonomy in research and scientific article writing through specialized courses, research seminars, and independent research leading to a thesis or a research project. The Department participates in interdisciplinary programs in bioinformatics (at the master's level) and in pathology and experimental medicine (at both the master's and doctoral levels).

Main Research Areas

• Microbiology
• Host Biology

Other Programs Offered in the Same Discipline or Related Fields

• Master of Science in Microbiology and Immunology (M.Sc.)
• Master of Science in Microbiology and Immunology with Specialization in Bioinformatics (M.Sc.)
• Master of Science in Microbiology and Immunology with Specialization in Pathology and Experimental Medicine (M.Sc.)
• Doctor of Philosophy in Microbiology and Immunology (Ph.D.)
• Doctor of Philosophy in Microbiology and Immunology with Specialization in Pathology and Experimental Medicine (Ph.D.)

Tuition Fees and Funding

• Tuition Fees: The estimated tuition fees for this program are available under the section "Fund Your Studies."
• International Students: May be eligible for a partial exemption of tuition fees if enrolled in a French-language program.
• Funding Opportunities: For information on funding your graduate studies, please consult the "Scholarships and Financial Aid" section.

Admission Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree: Holders of a specialized or major bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in biochemistry, biology, or microbiology with a minimum average of 75% (B+).
• International Candidates: Must verify admission equivalencies for the degree obtained in their country of origin.
• Academic Performance and Research Experience: Demonstrated by official transcripts, research reports, abstracts, or other supporting documents.
• Supervising Professor: Identification of at least one professor willing to supervise the research and thesis is required.

Language Requirements

Candidates must be fluent in the language of instruction of the program they wish to enroll in. Proof of language proficiency may be required.

Program Requirements

Master's with Thesis

• Course Requirements:
  • MED 8566: Attitude and Professional Competencies
  • MIC 5100: Pathogen Interactions and Host
  • 3 credits of graduate-level courses in chemistry (CHM) or microbiology and immunology (MIC)
  • MIC 5366: MSc Seminar 1
• Thesis:
  • THM 7999: Master's Thesis

Master's with Research Project

• Course Requirements:
  • MED 8566: Attitude and Professional Competencies
  • 6 credits of graduate-level courses in microbiology and immunology (MIC)
  • 6 credits of graduate-level courses in biochemistry (BCH), chemistry (CHM), cellular and molecular medicine (CMM), microbiology and immunology (MIC), or neuroscience (NSC)
  • MED 5301: Seminar
  • MED 5900: Research Project
• Research Project:
  • Presentation and successful defense of a research project

Minimum Requirements

• The passing grade in all courses is C+.
• Students who fail 6 credits must withdraw from the program.

Research at the University of Ottawa

Located in the heart of Canada's capital, just a few steps from Parliament Hill, the University of Ottawa ranks among the top 10 research universities in Canada. Our research is founded on excellence, relevance, and impact, and is conducted in an environment of equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Research at the Faculty of Medicine

"The Faculty of Medicine has a long history of cutting-edge fundamental and clinical research. Many of our large-scale research projects are conducted in partnership with our affiliated teaching hospitals and research institutes. These collaborations lead to biomedical discoveries that have a significant impact on healthcare. At the same time, they enable us to train the next generation of Canadian scientists. Our research work also attracts significant investments that stimulate Ottawa's economy."

Research Facilities, Centers, and Institutes at the Faculty of Medicine

• Center for Neurodynamic
• University of Ottawa Center for Neuromuscular Disease
• Biopharmaceutical and Biotechnology Research Center
• Canadian Partnership for Stroke Recovery
• Kidney Research Center
• University of Ottawa Skills and Simulation Center
• Medical Device Innovation Institute
• Ottawa Institute for Systems Biology
• Brain and Mind Research Institute

Courses

MIC 5100 Pathogen Interactions and Host

This course examines current issues in microbiology/immunology, focusing on host-pathogen interactions at the molecular level.

MIC 5366 MSc Seminar

Attendance at departmental seminars, including the presentation of a seminar and attendance at approved seminar series.

Other Courses

• MIC 8120: Advanced Topics in Immunometabolism
• MIC 8122: Advanced Topics in Immunology
• MIC 8124: Advanced Topics in Cell Death
• MIC 8125: Special Topics in Microbiology and Immunology
• MIC 8126: Immunochemistry
• MIC 8129: Current Topics in Haematopoietic Stem Cells and Immune Development
• MIC 8134: Structure and Expression of Eukaryotic and Prokaryotic Genomes
• MIC 8236: Advanced Topics in Virology
• MIC 8238: Advanced Topics in Bacteriology - Mechanisms of Pathogenesis
• MIC 8241S: Seminars II
• MIC 8242S: Seminars III
• MIC 8243S: Seminars IV
• MIC 8244S: Seminars V
• MIC 8366: PhD Seminar
• MIC 8401: Advanced Topics in Bacterial Genetics
• MIC 8500: Special Topics in Health-Related Environmental Microbiology
• MIC 8534: Structure and Expression of Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Genomes
• MIC 8700: Biology and Pathogenesis of HIV Infection
• MIC 9998: Comprehensive Examination