University of Guelph Microbiology

Location

University of Guelph
50 Stone Road East
Guelph, Ontario, Canada
N1G 2W1

Office of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies (OGPS)
University Centre, 3rd Floor

Contacts

Website: http://www.uoguelph.ca/mcb/graduate/graduate.shtml
Phone: 519-824-4120 Ext. 56833
E-mail:

• General Inquiries: gradonln@uoguelph.ca
• Admissions Application Inquiries: gradapps@uoguelph.ca
• Thesis Inquiries: ethesis@uoguelph.ca
• Scholarships Inquiries: grschol@uoguelph.ca
• Postdoctoral Inquiries: postdoc@uoguelph.ca
• Graduation & Convocation Inquiries: gradconvocation@registrar.uoguelph.ca (Enrolment Services Office)

Graduate student applications are handled by the Office of the Associate Dean, Research (ADR)

• Prospective students may contact the CBS Graduate Admissions Assistant by emailing cbsgrad@uoguelph.ca

Program Information

• Microbiology
• Master of Science (MSc)
  • Students must complete a minimum of 2 courses (1.5 credits) at the graduate level
    • MCB*6500 MSc Research Topics in Molecular & Cellular Biology (1.0) is mandatory (2-semester course, should be completed in the first year of study and normally in the first two semesters)
    • Senior undergraduate courses may be taken on the recommendation of the Advisory Committee but these will not count towards the 1.5 credit requirement (an average of “B-minus” (70%) must be achieved in the prescribed courses)
  • MSc thesis research must involve original inquiry into a well-defined question in the molecular biosciences and should yield publishable data.
  • All students beyond year 1 must present annually in the CBS Graduate Student Symposium
• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
  • Students must complete MCB*7500 PhD Research Topics in Molecular & Cellular Biology (2-semester course, should be completed in the first year of study and normally within the first two semesters)
  • Students without an MSc degree in Molecular and Cellular Biology or equivalent must take one additional graduate course; other courses may be taken on the recommendation of the Advisory Committee
  • An average of “B-minus” (70%) must be achieved in the prescribed courses
  • To be a candidate for the PhD degree, each student must pass a PhD Qualifying Exam (before the end of the fifth semester (for students with an MSc) or the end of the seventh semester (for students without an MSc))
  • PhD thesis research must involve original inquiry into a well-defined question in the molecular biosciences and result in publication of 1 or more papers in high-quality peer-reviewed journals
  • All students beyond year 1 must present annually in the CBS Graduate Student Symposium

For more information, click here (MSc Program) and here (PhD Program).

Admission Requirements

Course and Degree Requirements

Master's Program

• Degree: Four-year Honours undergraduate science degree (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline, at a recognized post-secondary institution
• GPA: “B” (75%) average or higher during the last two years of full-time study
  • In exceptional circumstances, students with a “B-minus” average (70%) will be considered provided there is strong supporting evidence of research aptitude and potential

PhD Program There are three pathways for admission:

• Achievement of an “A-minus” (80%) average or higher during the last two years of full-time study while completing a four-year Honours BSc program (or its equivalent) & evidence of research aptitude and potential based on laboratory research experience
• An MSc student may apply to transfer before completing the MSc degree if:
  • The student has completed a high-quality undergraduate degree with a grade average of B+ or higher
  • Before applying for transfer students must complete MCB*6500 (MSc Research Topics in Molecular and Cellular Biology) plus an additional course with at least 0.5 graduate course credit, attaining an overall A minus average (at least 80%)
  • Applications for transfer must be approved by the end of the fourth semester in the MSc program.
• Completion of a recognized Masters degree in a relevant discipline with a minimum academic standing of “A-minus” (80%).

Supporting Documents

• Application through Ontario Universities Application Centre (OUAC) portal
• Other components of the application must be uploaded within two months after submission of application:
  • One official transcript of each previous undergraduate and graduate degree, including the date the degree was conferred, a grading scale, grades obtained, and courses taken
    • International applicants: notarized English translation of foreign transcripts along with a graduate certificate
  • Graduate certificate(s)
  • Standardized English language test results if your first language is not English
    • English as a Second Language tests are considered valid for a period of two years
    • Completion of the English language program for international applicants offered by the English as a Second Language Certificate at the University of Guelph will also satisfy the language requirement
    • For information about specific test scores, click here
  • Assessment forms - letters of recommendation, available from the online application, completed by 2-3 individuals who can provide comments on the applicant and their academic performance and abilities in comparison to his/her peers (academic references are preferred, but former employers are also acceptable referees)
  • A statement of interest outlining your major research interests and your objectives in undertaking graduate study
  • Name of faculty advisor (applicants must obtain the support of a faculty member willing to serve as their thesis advisor)

For more information, click here, or here for administrative information and support.

Other Requirements

• Recommended that potential graduate students contact faculty members who share their research interests BEFORE submitting an official application form
  • A list of graduate faculty in the department is available here
    • Include in your correspondence the following:
      • Courses completed (plus the mark received)
      • Relevant research and/or work experience, and with whom
      • Whether you have a scholarship
      • 2-3 academic or research references
      • The reason for contacting our particular faculty

Timeline

Admission may be granted for entry in September, January or May.
Completed applications should be uploaded at least one full semester (four months) before the expected date of admission (at least eight months for international students)

Tuition 2018-2019

Canadian Full-time Student Tuition and Fees (by semester)

• MSc: $3130.73 CAD
• PhD: $3078.69 CAD

For more information, click here.

International Full-time Student Tuition and Fees (by semester)

• MSc: $7127.42 CAD
• PhD: $6858.22 CAD

For more information, click here.

Other University Fees, total: $279.39 CAD
Student Organization Fees, total: $209.64 CAD
Dental Plan: annual fee of $112.50, see CSA or www.mystudentplan.ca
Student Health Plan: annual fee of $115.00

Funding

Made up of funding coming from up to 3 sources, including a Graduate Research Assistantship (GRA) paid by the advisor, a Graduate Teaching Assistantship (GTA) paid by the department, and scholarships

Master’s Program

• Minimum level of financial support (stipend): $21,259/year (Minimum guaranteed duration of support is 6 semesters, although many faculty support students beyond this period)

For more information, click here and here.

PhD Program

• Minimum stipend: $25,259/year (Minimum guaranteed duration: 12 semesters, or 9 semesters for students who transfer from the M.Sc. program)

For more information, click here.

For more information on Scholarships, Funding, and Awards, click here.