General Information

Research in Anatomy, Physiology, and Pharmacology (APP) spans the breadth of biomedically-relevant subjects, from molecular genetics to cellular neuroscience to microanatomical imaging and beyond. Across our campus, there are specialized research facilities such as the Canadian Light Source, Canada's only synchrotron, and the Cameco MS Neuroscience Research Center. The APP MSc and PhD programs enable life-long careers in basic or clinical realms of the biomedical sciences.

Prospective Students

All information for students interested in the Anatomy Physiology and Pharmacology Program can be found on the admission website for the College of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies.

Program Details

Program Objectives

The primary responsibility of the Anatomy Physiology and Pharmacology graduate program toward its graduate students is the provision of an environment that provides advanced training, fosters scholarly development, involves the student in current research, and develops skills in scientific communication, including teaching. A primary goal of the program is to provide an educational experience that will enable its graduates to continue training at a more advanced stage, or to obtain employment. Additionally, the program has the responsibility of ensuring that its graduates will reflect credit upon the program, the department, and on the University.

Program Overview

Our department has specializations in the following fields:

  • Molecular, cellular, and tissue biology
  • Developmental biology
  • Neurobiology
  • Functional anatomy
  • Advanced anatomical imaging

More information can be found here.

  • 2 Years
  • Students must maintain continuous registration in the APPY 994.0 course.
  • GPS 960.0
  • GPS 961.0 if research involves human subjects
  • GPS 962.0 if research involves animal subjects
  • APPY 990.0 seminar
  • a minimum of 9 credit units at the 800-level
  • M.Sc. thesis defence

See here for more information on the MSc program.

  • 4 Years
  • Students must maintain continuous registration in the APPY 996.0 course.
  • GPS 960.0
  • GPS 961.0 if research involves human subjects
  • GPS 962.0 if research involves animal subjects
  • APPY 990.0 seminar
  • Direct Entry PhD Program: at least 12 credit units of course work at the 800-level, Non-Direct PhD Program: a minimum of 3 credit units
  • Comprehensive Examination
  • P.hD. thesis defence

See here for more information on Direct Entry PhD program.

See here for more information on Non-Direct Entry PhD program.

Transfer from a Master’s program to a Ph.D. program shall take place after the end of the first year and no later than the end of the second year in the program. Recommendation for the transfer must be initiated through a formal meeting of the student's Research Advisory Committee, which shall forward its recommendation to the APP Graduate Administrator.

The following conditions must be met:

  1. The student shows great promise both in terms of academic accomplishments and in potential for research.
  2. The student has completed at least 9 credit units at the 800-level, and has achieved a minimum average of 80% and no grade below 70%. 
  3. There is evidence of good writing and oral communication ability.
  4. There is evidence the student has requisite research skills and knowledge to be able to successfully complete a Ph.D. dissertation.
  5. The student has successfully completed the Ph.D. Qualifying Examination prior to being recommended for transfer. This examination for the purposes of transfer can only be taken once. A student failing the Qualifying Examination or any part thereof cannot be recommended for transfer.
  • Students must maintain continuous registration in the APPY 994.0 course until the transfer is successful and complete, after which they will register in the APPY 996.0 course.
  • GPS 960.0
  • GPS 961.0 if research involves human subjects
  • GPS 962.0 if research involves animal subjects
  • APPY 990.0 seminar
  • a minimum of 12 credit units at the 800-level
  • Qualifying Examination
  • Comprehensive Examination
  • P.hD. thesis defence

See here for more information on the PhD Transfer program.

Contact

Anatomy, Physiology, and Pharmacology Graduate Program
GA20 Health Sciences Building, 107 Wiggins Road
University of Saskatchewan
Saskatoon, SK S7N 5E5

Interim Department Head:
Dr. Thomas Fisher

Grad Co-Chairs:
Dr. Brian Eames
Dr. Scott Widenmaier

Grad Administrator:
Melissa Teed