The Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology implemented a Ph.D. Program in 1998/1999. The attractive features of our Ph.D program are:

· a solid training during the first year in one of our Human Anatomy core courses
· a multidisciplinary research laboratory techniques course
· a rotation in one other laboratory (basic or clinical) after the second year
· training in teaching skills
· guaranteed stipends for the duration of the program

This program is designed to take 4-5 years for applicants with a Bachelor's (Honors) or equivalent degree in the biological sciences or an M.Sc. Degree in another field or an M.D. degree. During the first year, students start research in their supervisor's laboratory and are required to take one of the anatomical core courses (Human Gross Anatomy, Human Histology, Human Neuroanatomy) and a newly designed Research Laboratory Techniques course. This core year will provide students with a solid theoretical background, knowledge of a major anatomical discipline, exposure to various laboratory techniques and a network of contacts in the department. Students may elect to take additional graduate courses that are offered by Anatomy and Neurobiology or other departments, preferable during the first two years. The 3 to 4 years following the first core year will be devoted to research, including a 4-6 month rotation in another laboratory which may include clinical or research. The acquisition of teaching skills is viewed as an important part of the program as is a preparation for a career in an academic institution. Therefore, students are required to assist in laboratory teaching for up to 40 hours a year from year 2 onwards and deliver 2-4 hours of lectures to undergraduate classes. The progress of the students is evaluated by a Research Proposal written 6 months after the start of the program, a Qualifying Exam after the second year (written research report and an oral defence) and a Preliminary Exam at the end of their third year, but at least one year before their Ph.D. thesis defence.

Students entering with a master's degree in the biological sciences will not necessarily be required to follow the first year program or the rotation but can elect to take courses and the research rotation. Unless these students have completed a similar course at the graduate level, they are required to take one of the anatomical core courses.

As described in the information package, supervisors have to agree to sponsor a student before they are accepted. Once accepted, students will automatically receive a minimum stipend of CDN $18,000 per year. External scholarships may provide a greater level of support. Students with external funding are also strongly encouraged to apply.