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Program details
The Department of Biological Sciences offers a program of study leading to a PhD in Biological Sciences.
Expected duration: 4 years
The PhD program consists of a combination of coursework and a substantial thesis component.
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 minimum of 6 credit hours of graded coursework at the 7000 level (including BIOL 7220)
- Present and pass a thesis proposal
- Complete a candidacy exam
- Present at least one public seminar on their thesis
- Complete and successfully defend a research-based thesis
Thesis proposal
Sample course offerings
- BIOL 7100: Core Skills in Biological Sciences Research
- BIOL 7140: Advanced Physiology
- BIOL 7220: Critical Thinking in Biological Sciences
- BIOL 7230: Advanced Topics in Zoology
- BIOL 7240: Wetland Ecology
- BIOL 7360: Problems in Biological Statistics
- BIOL 7450: Methods and Approaches to the Analysis of Biological Data Part 2
- BIOL 7502: Cell and Developmental Biology
- BIOL 7554: Molecular Biology of Eukaryotes (DNA)
- BIOL 7880: Ecology Project Course
For a full list of courses and descriptions of each, please visit the Academic Calendar.
Admission requirements
The following are minimum requirements to be considered for entry into the program. Meeting these requirements does not guarantee acceptance into the program.
Admission decisions are based on the qualifications of the applicant as well as the ability of the Department of Biological Sciences and the University of Manitoba to serve the applicant’s intended program of study and area of specialization.
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.
To be considered for admission to the PhD in Biological Sciences program, you must have a minimum of a Master of Science (MSc) degree; however, under certain circumstances transfer from a MSc to PhD program and entry into the PhD without a MSc is possible. Individual qualifications other than these will be considered.
How to apply
The Biological Sciences (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
- CV/resumé
- Statement of intent
- Supervisor support
- Two letters of recommendation (must be requested from within the application)
- Proof of English language proficiency, if required
Please read the Faculty of Graduate Studies online application instructions before beginning your application.
Choose a supervisor before you apply
The Biological Science MSc and PhD programs are research-intensive and because of this, applicants are required to select one of our faculty members to be their supervisor and preside over an applicant’s program before they are accepted for admission. See Applying for graduate studies for full details.
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 Biological Sciences
212B Biological Sciences Building
50 Sifton Road
University of Manitoba
Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3T 2N2 Canada