Program details
The Faculty of Graduate Studies and the Max Rady College of Medicine offer a four-year program of study leading to a Doctor of Philosophy in Physiology and Pathophysiology.
Expected duration: 4-6 years
Tuition and fees: Tuition fees are charged for terms one, two, four, and five. A continuing fee applies for term three, term six, and each term after that. (Refer to Graduate tuition and fees for details.)
In addition to the minimum course requirements of the Faculty of Graduate Studies, listed in the Graduate Studies Regulations, you must:
- Complete a thesis proposal and undergo annual evaluations of competency in your area of study until you successfully complete the candidacy examination.
- Conduct research and defend a research thesis that demonstrates the application of the scientific method in generating new knowledge, typically of publication quality.
If you enter the program directly from a master’s degree, you need to complete a minimum of 9 credit hours. If you transfer from our master’s program, you must complete at least 6 additional credit hours beyond the MSc requirements, totaling a minimum of 15 credit hours.
These courses are usually chosen from 7000-level courses that support your research project.
Sample course offerings
- PHGY 7010: Readings in Physiology
- PHGY 7030: Special Physiology
- PHGY 7170: Endocrine and Metabolic Physiology
- PHGY 7190: Research Topics in Physiology
- PHGY 7260: Advanced Neurological Sciences
- PHGY 7300: Molecular Endocrinology
- PHGY 7330: Physiology of Smooth Muscle
For full course descriptions, please visit the Academic Calendar.
Admission requirements
The following are minimum requirements to be considered for entry into the Physiology and Pathophysiology (PhD) program. Meeting these requirements does not guarantee acceptance into the program.
Direct entry
To be considered for direct entry to the Physiology and Pathophysiology (PhD) program, you must:
- Have a master’s degree (or equivalent) from a recognized university
- Have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 in the last two years of study
- Show evidence of personal, intellectual and professional attributes that would predict success as an independent investigator
- Provisional acceptance of a qualified graduate advisor
In addition to the admission requirements described here, all applicants must meet the minimum admission and English language proficiency requirements of the Faculty of Graduate Studies.
Transfer from a master's program
If you are a master’s student, you can apply to transfer to the PhD program after completing three terms in the master’s program, provided the department recommends it.
The transfer must be completed within a total of four terms (one year) from when you entered the master’s program.
After discussing with your advisor, you can request to enter the PhD program if you meet the requirements listed in the Supplementary Regulations (transfer from the master’s to the PhD program).
This includes a written statement from your prospective PhD advisor(s) (who may be your current advisor) confirming that there are sufficient funds available to provide at least the minimum level and duration of financial support approved by the Department Council for PhD students. Currently, this is $20,000 per year for two years.
To confirm the current support level and duration, please contact us.
Graduate advisors
To join this program, you need provisional acceptance from a qualified graduate advisor.
Your advisor must confirm they can provide at least the minimum financial support approved by the Department Council. Currently, this support is $20,000 per year for four years.
To verify the current amount and duration of support, please contact us.
How to apply
The Physiology and Pathophysiology (PhD) program accepts applications for Fall, Winter and Summer entry. Applications must be completed online and include several parts:
- Application fee (non-refundable)
- Unofficial copies of transcripts and degree certificates
- Two letters of recommendation (must be requested from within the application)
- Proof of English language proficiency, if required
Application deadlines
Learn more
Contact us
Admission and application inquiries
Faculty of Graduate Studies
Room 500 UMSU University Centre
65 Chancellors Circle
University of Manitoba (Fort Garry campus)
Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2 Canada
graduate.admissions@umanitoba.ca
Phone: 204-474-9377
Monday to Friday
8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Program inquiries
Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology
Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences
433 Basic Medical Sciences Building, 745 Bannatyne Ave
University of Manitoba
Winnipeg, MB R3E 0J9
physiology@umanitoba.ca
Phone: 204-789-3696
Fax: 204-789-3934