Department of Anatomy, Physiology, & Pharmacology

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 Ph.D. programs enable life-long careers in basic or clinical realms of the biomedical sciences. More detailed information on specific APP research areas and program admission goals and requirements can be found on the APP graduate program website.

Anatomy and Cell Biology (ACB) is the study of the structure, function, and development of organisms at the molecular, subcellular, cellular, tissue, and organ levels. Areas of specialization for research training include: molecular, cellular, and tissue biology, developmental biology, neurobiology, functional anatomy, and advanced anatomical imaging.

The ACB graduate program is associated with the Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Pharmacology within the College of Medicine, and offers a graduate program leading to either a M.Sc. and/or Ph.D. degree. Please see the ACB graduate program website for more information.

Pharmacology (PCOL) is concerned with the properties of chemical compounds, in relation to their interactions with living organisms. It provides the basis for the discovery and study of drug actions, either as therapeutic agents or as tools in physiological research. Areas of specialization for research training include cancer, molecular biology and chemotherapy, cardiovascular and endocrine pharmacology, clinical pharmacology, neurochemistry, neuropharmacology, and psychopharmacology.

The PCOL graduate program is associated with the Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Pharmacology within the College of Medicine, and offers a graduate program leading to either a M.Sc. and/or Ph.D. degree. Please see the PCOL graduate program website for more information.

Physiology (PHSI) is the study of life and how living cells and tissues function, enabling organisms to live and interact with their environment. It provides the basis for the discovery and study of drug actions, either as therapeutic agents or as tools in physiological research. Areas of specialization for research training include comparative respiratory and cardiovascular physiology, neurophysiology, vascular function, ion channels and endogenous gases, calcium channels and neuroendocrine secretion, hemoxygenase system, and cardiovascular pathology.

The PHSI graduate program is associated with the Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Pharmacology within the College of Medicine, and offers a graduate program leading to either a M.Sc. and/or Ph.D. degree. Please see the PHSI graduate program website for more information.

Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology, & Immunology

Research in Biochemistry, Microbiology & Immunology (BMI) spans a wide breadth of subjects, from determining how collections of inanimate objects interact with each other to maintain and perpetuate life, to analyzing the nature of microbes and host-microbe interactions.  Areas of specialization of research training include: analytical biochemistry, cell biochemistry, cell biology and cancer, enzymes and metabolism, nucleic acids and gene expression, plant biochemistry, protein structure and molecular mechanism, cellular and molecular biology of eukaryotes, microbial genetics and molecular biology, immunology, medical microbiology, microbial physiology, and virology.

The department of BMI offers graduate programs leading to either a M.Sc. and/or Ph.D. degree. Please see the BMI graduate program website for more information.

Department of Community Health and Epidemiology

The Department of Community Health and Epidemiology within the College of Medicine offers Community and Population Health Sciences MSc and PhD programs.   These programs prepare students for academic careers or to work in a variety of health and policy related workplaces. Students prepare a research thesis or dissertation. Course work and seminars develop skills in community engagement, epidemiology, biostatistics, research methods, health promotion, and evaluation. These skills can be applied to various areas including population and health studies, evaluation of health services and delivery, and health policy. 

Please see the Department of Community Health and Epidemiology website or the graduate program website for more information.

Health Sciences Graduate Program

The Health Sciences (HSC) Graduate Program is a unique research based program open to all departments within the College of Medicine. The areas of study encompassed by the program are extensive including, but not limited to, translational and/or clinical aspects of human disease, healthy living, social accountability, and biomedical research projects with clinical translation. The flexible nature of a research-based program allows students to develop a more profound respect for all aspects of the research process, and refine their professional skills for future applications.

The HSC graduate program is associated with all departments, divisions, and schools within the College of Medicine, and offers a graduate program leading to either a M.Sc. and/or Ph.D. degree. Please see the HSC graduate program website for more information.

Physicians Assistant Studies

The Master of Physician Assistant Studies program (MPAS) is a new training program open to individuals with a four-year undergraduate degree, or equivalent.

Physician Assistants (PAs) are healthcare professionals that work under the supervision of licensed physicians, but have autonomy to perform a wide range of clinical tasks and procedures. This two-year training program includes didactic sessions (year one), clinical placements (year 2) and a research capstone project. The MPAS program will prepare professionals to become key contributors to healthcare teams in any clinical setting.

Applications intake occurs from September to November 2024, with the program set to start in fall of 2025. Please see the MPAS program website for more information.