medication in blister packs.

What we offer

The Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics at the University of Manitoba offers MSc and PhD graduate degrees in pharmacology and therapeutics—both programs consist of course work and research.

In addition to training students with the skills required in medical research, there is a strong emphasis on developing oral communication and presentation skills.

Securing a potential supervisor for your training

To ensure the highest likelihood of obtaining a supervisor's support for your training, please initiate meaningful communication with them.

Clearly highlight why you believe you are a good fit for their research group based on your past training and future career goals in a succinct manner.

In addition to this cover letter, including important information such as a current CV and unofficial transcripts is also recommended.

Avoid sending out generic messages to multiple research groups. Tailoring your communication to each potential supervisor demonstrates your genuine interest, increasing the likelihood of securing their support for your training.

Postdoctoral fellow positions

Several of our research groups are actively recruiting postdoctoral fellows.

These individuals receive valuable training for diverse career paths, not just in academia. With hands-on research experience, skill development, and personalized communication with supervisors, individuals enhance their competitiveness in various job markets.

Our story

Awards and scholarships

The University of Manitoba issues more than $17 million to students each year through scholarships and bursaries. The Department of Pharmacology has several awards to reward our talented trainees and recognize them for their achievements. Find out how you can access funding so you can focus on your studies.

Dr. Mark Nickerson Graduate Entrance Scholarship in Pharmacology and Therapeutics

Background

Dr. Mark Nickerson, a world-renowned pharmacologist, joined the University of Manitoba in 1954 and was appointed the first professor and head of the Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics. He developed a modern course in pharmacology and therapeutics and established it as an important discipline in the undergraduate medical curriculum. Dr. Nickerson recruited several world-class pharmacologists over a short period of time to establish the department as a leader both nationally and internationally in the field of pharmacology and therapeutics.  

He was the primary driving force in the design and construction of a new building for pharmacology, the Chown building, which opened in 1965 and remains the home of the department. The department has trained many pharmacologists who have continued onto successful careers in government, private industry, and academia and have provided leadership in the field of pharmacology and therapeutics worldwide.

Pharmacology and Therapeutics established an endowment fund as a lasting tribute to Dr. Mark Nickerson’s energy and vision in developing the discipline of pharmacology in Canada. Pharmacology encompasses the interactions between drugs and biological systems and includes pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics and pharmacogenomics.

Eligibility

To qualify for the Dr. Mark Nickerson Graduate Entrance Scholarship in Pharmacology and Therapeutics, candidates must:

  • Be enrolled full-time in a master’s or doctoral program specializing in pharmacology within the Max Rady College of Medicine at the University Of Manitoba.
  • Demonstrate academic excellence with a minimum GPA of 3.75 (or equivalent) from the previous 60 credit hours of study.

Requirements

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

  • enrolled full-time in the Faculty of Graduate Studies in a master’s or doctoral program specializing in pharmacology at the Max Rady College of Medicine at the University of Manitoba;

  • have achieved the highest entering degree grade point average, minimum 3.75 (or equivalent), based on the previous 60 credit hours of study.

Selection process

The Dean of the Faculty of Graduate Studies (or designate) will ask the Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics graduate studies committee to name the selection committee for this award.

Dr. Ian R. Innes Memorial Award

Background

In honor of Dr. Ian R. Innes, an endowment fund has been established at the University Of Manitoba by his family, friends, and colleagues. Dr. Innes, who served in the Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics from 1958 to 1989, made significant contributions during his tenure, including serving as department head from 1967 to 1982. His research focused on autonomic pharmacology, and he dedicated himself to postgraduate education.

Eligibility

The award is designated for a senior graduate student in the Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics who has progressed beyond the second year of the training program.

Requirements

To be considered for the award, candidates must:

  • Be enrolled in the Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics' postgraduate training program.
  • Have completed at least two years of the training program.
  • Deliver an outstanding research presentation during the year-end evaluation of students in the training program.

Selection Process

The selection committee comprises the department’s academic staff who actively participate in the annual evaluation process of graduate students in the postgraduate training program.

Clive Greenway Award

Background

Dr. Clive Greenway served as head of the Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics from 1982 to 1989 and again from 1994 to 1996.

Eligibility

With the addition of the Dr. Ian R. Innes Memorial Award in 2002, eligibility for the Clive Greenway Award has been focused on graduate students (MSc and PhD) who have been in less than a total of two years in any graduate program in the Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics.

A student may not be awarded this award and the Dr. Ian R. Innes Memorial Award in the same year. 

Requirements

To qualify for the award, candidates must:

  • Demonstrate outstanding performance during the department’s annual graduate student presentations.
  • Not have received both the Clive Greenway Award and the Dr. Ian R. Innes Memorial Award in the same year.

Selection Process

The selection committee will be the department’s academic staff who participate in the annual evaluation process of graduate students in the postgraduate training program.

Deepak and Ratna Bose Prize

Background

The award is in recognition of the contributions of Drs. Deepak and Ratna Bose to the discipline of pharmacology. In addition to distinguished research careers, Drs. Deepak and Ratna Bose modeled a commitment to teaching and education excellence at the University of Manitoba in programs including medicine, pharmacy and graduate studies. 

The purpose of this award is to recognize and support the professional development of a graduate student who demonstrates critical thinking and self-directed learning (for example, by asking questions and citing scientific literature) during discussions on the discipline of pharmacology as well as topics in biomedical research. 

Eligibility

The award aims to support the professional growth of a graduate student who exhibits critical thinking and self-directed learning. This includes active engagement in discussions related to pharmacology and biomedical research, demonstrated through questioning and referencing scientific literature.

Requirements

To be eligible for the award, candidates must:

  • Be a graduate student enrolled in a program related to pharmacology or biomedical research.
  • Demonstrate critical thinking skills and a proactive approach to self-directed learning during discussions in the field of pharmacology and related topics.

Selection Process

The selection committee will evaluate candidates based on their demonstrated engagement in discussions and their ability to apply critical thinking and self-directed learning principles.

department Research

Research in the Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics encompasses various sub-disciplines, including cancer pharmacology, cardiovascular pharmacology, clinical pharmacology, neuropharmacology, pediatric pharmacology and pharmacogenomics.

Our faculty, staff and trainees are dedicated to advancing knowledge in these areas.

Our researchers

 Explore the links below to learn more about our department's scientists.

Student working with a test-tube.

Undergraduate Research Awards

Each year, the University of Manitoba provides a multitude of unique learning opportunities through the undergraduate research awards. This program allows undergraduate students to interact with the best minds and research leaders in their fields. This experience opens them up to new possibilities for a research career in either government, academic or industry sectors.

Faculty and staff

Contact us

Pharmacology and Therapeutics
Max Rady College of Medicine
A205 Chown Bldg., 753 McDermot Avenue
University of Manitoba (Bannatyne campus)
Winnipeg, MB R3E 0T6 Canada

204-789-3553