Biochemistry & Molecular Biology Master's (MSc), Doctorate (PhD)

Why do your PhD in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at Dal?

Learn more about

Apply now

Conduct important research

PhD in Biochemistry & Molecular Biology

Enroll in Dalhousie’s PhD in Biochemistry & Molecular Biology for excellent training opportunities, as well as the chance to conduct important research alongside internationally respected faculty members.

In addition to exploring theories, methodological concepts and substantive knowledge related to the field, this full-time PhD program will also help you develop deep expertise in areas like:

  • molecular evolution
  • cell signaling
  • gene expression
  • protein chemistry

By the time you've completed your degree, you'll be ready for a career in an academic, medical or industrial setting.

Program Details

PhD in Biochemistry & Molecular Biology

Program structure

This is a full-time program. Students admitted from the MSc program may take three years to finish. Many students can take additional time to complete their required thesis, which will be facilitated by a thesis supervisory committee.

Admission requirements

For the PhD in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, you'll need:

  • a thesis-based Master's degree or its equivalent
  • a TOEFL score of at least 600 (paper-based) or 100 (Internet) or an IELTS score of at least 7.5 for those whose first language is not English

Degree requirements

To complete the PhD in Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, you’ll need to:

  • complete 5000-level courses as required by the Graduate Advisory Committee after consulting with you and your supervisor
  • spend at least two terms as a laboratory demonstrator
  • take BIOC 5914.03 and BIOC 5914.03, unless you are entering from an MSc program that contained a significant seminar component
  • complete a PhD Comprehensive Exam
  • present two or three department seminars
  • complete and defend a thesis
  • prepare a grant proposal on a topic related to, but separate from, your research

Choosing a research supervisor

Before you begin, you’ll need to find a supervisor who is able to support your research interests and has the capacity to take on the added responsibility. This individual will be an important part of your supervisory committee. Start by checking out our faculty profiles, then get in touch with them directly.

Thesis

When designing your thesis, you should keep in mind that to be successful, it must describe an original contribution to knowledge made while you attended Dalhousie University. It also needs to be valuable enough to merit publication in a reputable scientific journal with a system of external review.

Research for your thesis is conducted under the guidance of your research supervisor, in whose laboratory you work. A Thesis Supervisory Committee for each student provides additional expertise and advice to facilitate the research and the preparation of the thesis.

Important application deadlines

June 1 (for September start) is the deadline for Canadian applicants.

April 1 (for September start) is the deadline for non-Canadian applicants. If you think your visa processing will take some time, please apply by March 1.

Contact information

 

Roisin McDevitt, graduate administrator
Email: roisin.mcdevitt@dal.ca
Phone: 902-494-2306    

Dr. Jan Rainey, graduate coordinator
Email: jan.rainey@dal.ca

Dr. Barbara Karen, associate graduate coordinator
Email: bkarten@dal.ca

Next: View the courses