Program Overview

The Doctorate in Philosophy Microbiology and Immunology with Specialization in Bioinformatics is a comprehensive program designed to refine critical and scholarly skills in fields and areas of specialization. The program prepares students for a variety of careers in teaching and research, both within and outside of academia.

Program Description

The program is tailored to prepare students for careers in governmental, clinical, or industrial settings. Graduates are expected to have acquired autonomy in conducting research, preparing scholarly publications, and participating in independent research leading to a thesis.

Academic Units

The program is offered by the Faculty of Medicine, Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology.

Degrees Offered

• Doctorate in Philosophy (PhD)

Registration Status Option

• Full-time

Language of Instruction

• English

Program Option

• With thesis (12 full-time terms; 48 consecutive months)

Admission Requirements

• Master's degree in microbiology or immunology (or equivalent) with a minimum average of B+ (75%)
• Demonstrate good academic performance in previous studies
• Identify at least one professor willing to supervise research and thesis

Language Requirements

Applicants must be able to understand and fluently speak the language of instruction in the program. Proof of linguistic proficiency may be required for applicants whose first language is neither French nor English.

Program Requirements

Compulsory Courses

1. MED 8166: Professionalism and Professional Skills
2. 3 optional course units in microbiology and immunology (MIC) at the graduate level
3. 3 optional course units in microbiology and immunology (MIC) at the 8000 level
4. MIC 8366: PhD Seminar
5. BNF 8166: Seminar in Bioinformatics
6. MIC 9998: Comprehensive Examination
7. THD 9999: Doctoral Thesis

Research Areas

• Microbiology
• Host Biology

Fees and Funding

Program fees are estimated and available under the section Finance your studies. International students may be eligible for a differential tuition fee exemption.

Notes

• Programs are governed by the academic regulations in effect for graduate studies.
• Students have the right to complete their assignments, examinations, research papers, and theses in French or in English.

Fast-Track from Masters to PhD

Students enrolled in the masters program in Microbiology and Immunology at the University of Ottawa may be eligible to fast-track directly into the doctoral program without writing a masters thesis, provided certain conditions are met.

Research at the University of Ottawa

The University of Ottawa is among Canadas top 10 research universities, with research focused on excellence, relevance, and impact. Research areas include creating a sustainable environment, advancing just societies, shaping the digital world, and enabling lifelong health and wellness.

Research at the Faculty of Medicine

The Faculty of Medicine has a long history of conducting high-quality research, with many projects conducted in partnership with affiliated teaching hospitals and research institutes. This leads to biomedical discoveries with significant impacts on healthcare and educates the next generation of Canadian scientists.

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

• Centre for Neural Dynamics
• University of Ottawa Centre for Neuromuscular Disease
• Centre for Research in Biopharmaceuticals and Biotechnology
• Canadian Partnership for Stroke Recovery
• Kidney Research Centre
• University of Ottawa Skills and Simulation Centre
• Medical Devices Innovation Institute
• Ottawa Institute of Systems Biology
• University of Ottawa Brain and Mind Research Institute

Course List

A variety of courses are offered, including but not limited to:

• BNF 5106: Bioinformatics
• BNF 5107: Applied Bioinformatics
• MIC 5100: Pathogen Interactions and Host
• MIC 5366: MSc Seminar
• 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 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 Eukaryotic and Prokaryotic Genomes
• MIC 8700: Biology and Pathogenesis of HIV Infection
• MIC 9998: Comprehensive Examination

Other Programs Offered

• Doctorate in Philosophy Microbiology and Immunology (PhD)
• Doctorate in Philosophy Microbiology and Immunology Specialization in Pathology and Experimental Medicine (PhD)

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Overview:

The University of Ottawa is a public research university located in Ottawa, Canada. It is one of Canada's top 10 research universities, known for its commitment to excellence, relevance, and impact in research. The university is also recognized for its bilingual nature, offering programs in both English and French.

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Services Offered:

The University of Ottawa provides a wide range of services to its students, including:

Academic Support:

Academic writing help, tutoring, and support from faculty members.

Bilingual Studies and Language Learning:

French and English immersion streams, as well as intensive language programs.

Campus Life:

Housing options, dining services, recreation facilities, student clubs and organizations, and health and wellness services.

Career Development:

Career counselling, job search assistance, and internship opportunities.

Financial Support:

Scholarships, bursaries, and financial aid programs.

International Students:

Support for international students, including visa assistance, language programs, and cultural adjustment services.

Mentoring and Peer Support:

Mentoring programs and peer support networks.

Research and Innovation:

Research centers and institutes, core facilities, and resources for researchers.

Safety and Security:

Security services, harassment and discrimination prevention programs, and self-defense courses.

Sustainability:

Sustainability initiatives, programs, and activities.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

Students at the University of Ottawa can expect a vibrant and diverse campus experience. The university offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, including student clubs and organizations, sports teams, and cultural events. The campus is located in the heart of Ottawa, providing easy access to the city's many attractions and amenities.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Bilingual Environment:

The university is a leading bilingual institution, offering programs in both English and French.

Research Excellence:

The University of Ottawa is a top research university, providing students with opportunities to engage in cutting-edge research.

Diverse and Inclusive Community:

The university is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive community, welcoming students from all backgrounds.

Strong Academic Programs:

The university offers a wide range of academic programs, including undergraduate and graduate degrees in various fields.

Location in the Capital City:

The university's location in Ottawa provides students with access to government institutions, cultural attractions, and employment opportunities.

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Academic Programs:

The University of Ottawa has 10 faculties, offering a wide range of academic programs, including:

Faculty of Arts:

Humanities, social sciences, and fine arts.

Faculty of Education:

Teacher education and educational research.

Faculty of Engineering:

Engineering disciplines, including civil, mechanical, and electrical engineering.

Faculty of Health Sciences:

Health sciences, including medicine, nursing, and pharmacy.

Faculty of Law:

Civil law and common law.

Faculty of Medicine:

Medical education and research.

Faculty of Science:

Science disciplines, including biology, chemistry, and physics.

Faculty of Social Sciences:

Social sciences, including economics, psychology, and sociology.

Telfer School of Management:

Business administration and management.