Cardiovascular and Respiratory Sciences

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Thesis-based program

Start your application

The graduate program in Cardiovascular and Respiratory Sciences engages students in advanced research through the Cardiovascular Group, the Smooth Muscle Research Group and the Airways Inflammation Research Group. Students' individual research programs are supported by multidisciplinary, laboratory environments that encourage collaboration and exposure to new techniques and model systems.

Students gain a foundation in molecular biology, organ and vascular systems, cardiovascular and respiratory physiology and pharmacology. The program is supported by state-of-the-art facilities and direct contact with patient-oriented research. Students typically advance to careers in health care-focused professions, as well as research opportunities in academia and industry.

Completing this program

Courses: The amount of required course work is determined by the student's supervisory committee.
Research Ethics: Students are required to attend Research Integrity Day sessions in the first year of their program. Additional Research Ethics requirements may apply, depending on the type of research being done.
Sex & Gender Module: Students are required to complete one of the CIHR sex and gender online training modules found at discoversexandgender.ca in the first year of their program.
Thesis: Students will be required to submit and defend an original research thesis.
Seminars: Student participate in a journal club and work-in-progress seminars for their research group, and will present one seminar per year.
Candidacy: Students will complete both oral and written candidacy exams.

Outcomes

Researchers at academic institutions, education, medicine, government agencies, health organizations, private sector/industry, biotechnology start-up companies, clinical trials coordinators, research-oriented positions in pharmaceutical/biotech companies and Fortune 500 businesses.

A PhD in cardiovascular and respiratory sciences is usually considered a final degree; graduates may go on to pursue post-doctoral research.

Thesis-based program

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

Courses

Three courses, depending on academic background

Learn more about program requirements in the Academic Calendar

Classroom delivery

Time commitment

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

See the Graduate Calendar for information on fees and fee regulations, and for information on awards and financial assistance.

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

An MSc degree or equivalent.

Work samples

None

Documents

Official transcripts are required.

Reference letters

Three

Test scores

None

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 7.0 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*). (temporary until Fall 2024 intake)

Deadlines

For January Admission

International application deadline: August 1

Domestic application deadline: October 1

For May Admission

International application deadline: December 1

Domestic application deadline: March 1

For September Admission

International application deadline: April 1

Domestic application deadline: June 1

If you're not a Canadian or permanent resident, or if you have international credentials, make sure to learn about international requirements