Biological Sciences
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
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Program overview
Graduate study in Biological Sciences puts students on the front lines of discovery. Doctoral students design, conduct and analyze original research; they develop rigorous expertise in everything from foundational theory and the study of evolution to cutting-edge research methodologies as they investigate a broad range of biological problems ranging from the molecular level to the biosphere. Degrees are offered in four integrated areas: biochemistry; ecology and evolutionary biology; integrative cell biology; and microbiology. The program takes four to five years, with funding available through sources such as scholarships, teaching assistantships, research assistantships, and supervisor's research grants.
Specializations
- 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 and next steps
Professor, biologist, teacher, consultant, scientist (agricultural/forestry breeding, process development, environmental), data analyst, biotechnologist, genetic counsellor, manager (lab, project, clinic, territory, resource), science writer, research technician, bioscience/biotechnology business.
A PhD in biological sciences is usually considered a final degree.
Degree at a glance
Completion requirements
Thesis-based
Courses
Minimum of two courses, with additional seminar courses
Program requirements
Class delivery
Classroom
Commitment
Four years full-time; six years maximum
Supervisor
A supervisor is required, and must agree to oversee the student's research before admission will be granted
Fees and funding
Flat annual fee; guaranteed funding
Related programs
If you're interested in this program, you might want to explore other UCalgary programs.
Supervisors
A supervisor is required for this program. The supervisor must agree to oversee the student's research prior to admission.
Showing 6 of 31
Antoine Dufour
- Proteomics, proteases, systems biology, inflammation, immunity
accepting inquiries
Carrie Shemanko
- Mammary Gland Development
- Breast Cancer and Bone Metastasis
accepting inquiries
Constance Finney
- Infectious Disease Immunology
accepting inquiries
Dae-Kyun Ro
- General statement
- 1. Chemical diversity and evolution of sesquiterpene lactone in lettuce, sunflower, and related plants in Asteraceae family.
- 2. Molecular genetics and biochemistry of natural rubber in lettuce.
- 3. Proanthocyaninin biochemistry in pea
- 4. Synthetic Biosystems for the Production of High Value Plant Metabolites
accepting inquiries
Dave Hansen
- Stem Cells
- microRNA level control
seeking students
Douglas Muench
- Characterization and engineering of proteins that regulate post-transcriptional gene expression
- Molecular and cellular approaches to oil sands tailings remediation and biosensing
seeking students
Additional supervisors may be available. Contact the Faculty of Graduate Studies for more information.
Completion requirements
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.
Admission requirements and information
Requirements for the Biological Sciences Program
GPA
A minimum of 3.3 GPA 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
NoneDocuments
- A concise statement outlining the applicant's research interests and reasons for wishing to attend the University of Calgary
Reference letter
Three academic reference letters along with the required reference form.Test scores
NoneEnglish language proficiency
An applicant whose primary language is not English may fulfill the English language proficiency requirement in one of the following ways:
- TOEFL score of at least 105 (Internet-based). Our institution code is 0813
- IELTS score of 7.5 (Academic version)
- PTE score of 75, or higher (Academic version)
- Tier 3 of the International Foundations Program with minimum grades of A,A,A (Writing & Grammar, Reading Comprehension, Listening Comprehension & Oral Fluency)
Deadlines
For admission on September 1
Canadian and permanent residentJune 1 Application deadline (students with Canadian or U.S. transcripts)
InternationalMay 1 Application deadline (students with international transcripts)
For admission on January 1
Canadian and permanent residentOct. 1 Application deadline (students with Canadian or U.S. transcripts)
InternationalSept. 1 Application deadline (students with international transcripts)
For admission on May 1
Canadian and permanent residentMarch 1 Application deadline (students with Canadian or U.S. transcripts)
InternationalJan. 1 Application deadline (students with international transcripts)
If you’re not a Canadian or permanent resident make sure to read and learn about international specific requirements
Tuition fees and funding
All graduate students must pay general fees each year, as well as program fees.
Fees
Estimate for full-time students
Canadian and
permanent resident
International
student
General fees
12 months of study
$1,843 CAD
$1,843 CAD
Program fees
First 12 months of study
$5,594 CAD
$12,696 CAD
Total fees
For first year of studies
$7,437 CAD
$14,539 CAD
What are annual continuing fees?
Domestic Continuing Fees: $1,627 CAD
International Continuing Fees: $3,693 CAD
Continuing fees apply in the first term following completion of candidacy requirments.
Funding availability
All students admitted to the Department of Biological Sciences, who do not hold a major scholarship, will be funded to a minimum of $23,000 per year.
Fees listed here are estimates only, and have been rounded to the nearest dollar. These amounts should not be considered accurate. All amounts are in Canadian Dollars.
Fees are subject to change.
For more details and the most accurate information go to the Academic Calendar
For more general information, see our Fees and Funding Guide
Highlights of the Biological Sciences Program
Drought-tolerant Canadian Canola
A discovery by UCalgary biologists may lead to new ways to improve crop yield under water-stressed conditions
Unlocking the protein that controls canola seed production
Marcus Samuel leads research that could lead to more effective control of canola reproduction
Understanding how lodgepole pine and interior spruce adapt
Sam Yeaman is part of a study showing that the two trees use the same suite of 47 genes for local adaptation to low temperatures
Learn more about this program
Faculty of Science
Biological Sciences, Room 540
2500 University Drive NW
Calgary, ABT2N 1N4
403.220.8600
Biological Sciences - Graduate Studies
Biological Sciences Building 186
2500 University Drive NW
Calgary, ABT2N 1N4
403-220-6623
Go to our contact page and connect with the right person to answer any questions you might have
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