University of Saskatchewan Applied Microbiology

Contacts

Website: http://www.medicine.usask.ca/microbiologyandimmunology/
Phone: (306)966-4306
Admissions e-mail: anat.micro.physiology@usask.ca

Program Information

• Microbiology & Immunology
• Master of Science (MSc)
  • Require B.Sc (Honours)
  • 9 credits
  • Thesis Defense
  • For more information, click here
• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
  • Require M.Sc
  • 3 credits
  • Comprehensive examination
  • Thesis Defense
  • For more information, click here
• Areas of research:
  • Molecular Genetics/Microbial Physiology
  • Immunology/Virology
  • Pathogenesis/Infectious Diseases/Epidemiology
  • Tumour Biology/Immunology

Admission Requirements

Course and Degree Requirements

Master’s Program

• Degree: Honours Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university in a related domain and applicants must show that they have the aptitude for advanced studies and research.

PhD Program

• Degree: Master’s degree from an accredited university in a related domain and applicants must show that they have the aptitude for advanced studies and research.
• Required Courses
  • An additional 6 credits from the Master’s program
  • Micro990

International Students

• Degree: Honours Bachelor’s degree from a college or university of acceptable standing that is considered equivalent of one from the University of Saskatchewan.
  • Candidates with an Honours Bachelor’s of 4 years may apply to the University if they only need 18 credits or less of courses to meet the level of specialization required.
• Required Courses: Applicants need to have proper preparation to undertake graduate studies. If this is not the case, applicants must take courses before or while pursuing their graduate studies.

For more information on the Master’s and PhD programs, click here
For more information on the Master’s program required courses, click here (Section 10A)
For more information on International Students, click here
For a list of accepted International degrees, click here

GPA

Master’s Program

• Minimum: 70% average during the last two years of study

PhD Program

• Minimum: 70% average during the last two years of the Master’s degree
  • Students transferring from the MSc program to the PhD program need a minimum average of 80%.

For more information, click here and here (Section 9 at the end)

GRE

• International students that have done the GRE should sent their scores to the University.

For more information, click here (Section 3B)

Supporting Documents

All Applicants

• Application form (GSR 100 Application for Admission)
• 3 letters of reference in a sealed envelope
• Official copy of all transcripts
• C.V.
• Statement (handwritten) describing current interests in research and any experience in the latter

PhD Program (going from MSc to PhD)

• A qualifying oral examination that covers 2 of the 5 following topics:

1. Bacterial genetics and physiology
2. Eukaryotic molecular and cellular biology
3. Immunology
4. Medical bacteriology and Infectious diseases
5. Virology

• The thesis examination may be accepted instead of the qualifying oral examination.
• A PhD proposal
• Approval of the PhD proposal by the PhD Advisory Committee

International Students

• GRE scores, if available
• If applicable (as it depends on the research being done), a signed agreement to not divulge any classified information regarding the research.
• A Student Authorization
• For a visa application:
  • A letter of acceptance from the University
  • A letter from the Graduate Department indicating that the applicant has received financial aid to cover educational and living costs.

For more information for general application documents, click here (at the very bottom of the page)
For more information regarding the PhD program requirements, click here (Section 9)
For more information regarding International student requirements, click here and here(Section 3B)

Other Requirements

• Students before entering their first year should consult with University staff members to discover research projects that are happening in the Department and must select a potential thesis advisor and have their advisor selected by the application deadline.
• Proof of English proficiency if the applicant’s mother tongue is not English. The applicant will need the following minimum scores:
  • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL):
    • Paper-based test: 550
    • Computer-based test: 213
    • Internet-based test: 80 total with a minimum of 20 on each skill area (reading, writing, listening and speaking)
  • Michigan English Language Assessment Battery (MELAB): 85
  • International English Language Testing System: 6.5
  • Canadian Academic English Language (CAEL) Assessment: 60
  • Advanced Level (UPrep2) of the University of Regina’s Intensive English as a Second Language program with completion of Academic Writing Elective A: 60%
  • CanTEST: 4.5
  • University of Saskatchewan Learning Centre: UPrep II
  • Regina Test of English Proficiency (RTEP): 77%
  • University of Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE): C

For more information regarding choosing a supervisor, click here (Section 3A)
For more information on the English proficiency requirement, click here and here

Timeline

• March 1, 2009: Application deadline for Fall semester entry
• April, 2009: The University informs students’ application as acceptable for the Fall semester
  • Students can start either during the Fall or Winter semester

For more information, click here (Section 3A)

Tuition 2009-2010

• First year tuition: $ 3,090
• Application feel $ 75
• Fee estimates:
  • Student fees: $ 611
  • Books: $ 1,350
  • Accommodation/Food: $ 8,151
  • Clothing: $ 1,050
  • Transportation: $ 531
• Personal needs: $ 900
• Typing/Duplicating: $ 150

For more information on tuition and fees, click here and here
For information on scholarships and financial aid, click here
For information on governmental aid (Saskatchewan), click here
For employment services, click here
For information on housing and residence, click here

Funding

Master’s Program

• Minimum: $ 15,000/year

PhD Program

• Minimum: $ 18,000/year

For more information, click here (Section 4)