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 and two and terms four and five. A continuing fee is paid for term three, term six and each subsequent term. (Refer to Graduate tuition and fees.)
In addition to the minimum course requirements of the Faculty of Graduate Studies, found in the Graduate Studies Regulations Section, students must complete a thesis proposal and annual evaluations of competency in the student’s area of study until a candidacy examination is successfully completed, as well as research and approval and defense of a research thesis demonstrating the application of scientific method in the generation of new knowledge, normally of publication quality and quantity.
In addition, the program requires a minimum of 9 credit hours where admission is directly from a master's degree. In the case of a transfer following acceptance into our master’s program, a minimum of six (6) credit hours beyond the requirements for the MSc degree (9 credit hours) must be completed for a minimum total of fifteen (15) credit hours.
These courses would normally be selected from available 7000 level courses in support of the student 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
Master’s students may apply for transfer to the PhD degree program after completing three terms in a master’s program upon the recommendation of the department.
Transfer must occur within a total of four terms (equivalent to one year) from the time of entry into the master’s program.
Specifically, following consultation and agreement of both the interested student and their advisor, the request for entry to the PhD program will be considered provided the requirements listed in the Supplementary Regulations (transfer from the master’s to the PhD program) are met.
This includes written indication from their prospective PhD advisor(s) (may be current) stating that sufficient funds are available to provide at least the minimum level and duration of financial support most recently approved by majority vote at Department Council for a PhD student after transfer.
Currently, this is $20,000 per year for two years but please contact us to confirm approved level and duration of support.
Graduate advisors
To enter this program, you must have the provisional acceptance of a qualified graduate advisor.
As part of the department’s graduate student approval process, an advisor must indicate that they are able to provide at least the minimum level and duration of financial support most recently approved by a majority vote of Department Council members for an MSc.
Currently, this is $20,000 per year for four years, but please contact us to confirm approved level and duration of support.
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:
- $100 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