Gastrointestinal Sciences

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Thesis-based program

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Doctoral students in the Gastrointestinal Sciences program gain a deep understanding of normal digestive function, including the mechanisms responsible for dysfunction and the development of disease. Students work with highly-skilled scientists on research into illnesses such as inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis/Crohn’s Disease), irritable bowel disease, and bacterial (such as clostridium difficile) or parasitic (helminthes and giardiasis) infections. The wide range of program specializations reflects the diversity of research interests and disciplinary strengths of our faculty and students.

Students participate in journal clubs, research groups, interdisciplinary training and professional development activities.

Completing this program

Courses: Topics may include gastrointestinal physiology and others.
Research Ethics: Students are required to attend Research Integrity Day sessions in the first year of their program.
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.
Candidacy: Students will complete both oral and written candidacy exams.
Seminar: Students will regularly attend the Snyder Graduate Program Seminar Series.
Research proposal: Students must defend a written research proposal to their supervisory committee.
Thesis: Students will be required to submit and defend an original research thesis.

Specializations

Physiology
Biochemistry
Molecular Biology
Pharmacology
Immunology
Immunopharmacology
Microbiology
Nutrition
Parasitology
Pathology
Epidemiology
Host-Pathogen Interactions

Outcomes

Pharmaceutical industry – researcher, project manager; academia, including post-doctoral research; government, consulting, public health.

A PhD in gastrointestinal sciences is usually considered a final degree; many graduates pursue post-doctoral research.

Thesis-based program

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

Courses

One course, depending on the student's background

Learn more about program requirements in the Academic Calendar

Classroom delivery

Time commitment

Four years full-time; six years maximum

Supervisor

A supervisor is required, and must agree to oversee the student's research before the student applies for admission

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 or equivalent from a recognized institution.

Work samples

None

Documents

C.V. and Confirmation of Funding from the proposed supervisor

Reference letters

Two

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 admission on May 1:

Canadians and permanent residents: Mar. 1 application deadline
International students: Dec. 1 application deadline

For admission on September 1:

Canadians and permanent residents: June 1 application deadline
International students: Apr. 1 application deadline

For admission on January 1:

Canadians and permanent residents: Oct. 1 application deadline
International students: Aug. 1 application deadline

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