Science Teaching Complex (STC) and Quantum-Nano Centre (QNC) Buildings Located on Waterloo's Campus.
Do you have a keen interest in research and teaching? Conduct research and generate new knowledge with the PhD in Biology program.
You’ll understand life and biological systems on a fundamental level to inspire scientific discovery that empowers humanity to transcend global challenges
Carry out cutting-edge research while also taking courses from exceptional faculty members who are global leaders in their fields. Research areas include Bioinformatics; Systematic and Evolution; Ecology and Environmental Biology; Microbiology; Molecular Genetics; Physiology and Cell and Developmental Biology.
Design a Biology PhD degree that’s aligned with your interests and vision for your future with the option to take elective courses from other departments. With these electives you can customize your degree, helping you stand out among your peers.
Research areas
- Bioinformatics, Systematics and Evolution
- Ecology and Environmental Biology
- Microbiology
- Molecular Genetics
- Physiology, Cell and Developmental Biology
Program overview
Department/School: Biology
Faculty: Faculty of Science
Admit term(s): Fall (September - December), Winter (January - April), Spring (May - August)
Delivery mode: On-campus
Program type: Doctoral, Research
Length of program: 48 months (full-time)
Registration option(s): Full-time, Part-time
Study option(s): Thesis
Application deadlines
- February 1 (for admission in September)
- July 1 (for admission in January of the following year)
- October 1 (for admission in May of the following year)
Key contacts
April Wettig at awettig@uwaterloo.ca
Supervisors
- Review finding a supervisor resources to learn how to reach out to potential supervisors.
- Before applying to the program, students are strongly advised to establish contact with potential supervisors. It is a good strategy to identify whether the potential supervisors that students would like to undertake research with have available positions and funding.
Admission requirements
- A 75% overall standing, or equivalent in a Master of Science (MSc) degree in a relevant field.
- There is also an option of transferring from the Master's program to the Doctoral program. This is not a routine option, but can be approved on a case-by-case basis for suitably qualified individuals. Further information is available from the Department Graduate Officer.
Degree requirements
- Review the degree requirements in the Graduate Studies Academic Calendar, including the courses that you can anticipate taking as part of completing the degree
- Check out Waterloo's institutional thesis repository - UWspace to see recent submissions from the department of Biology graduate students
Application materials
- Resume
- Supplementary information form (SIF)
The SIF contains questions specific to your program, typically about why you want to enrol and your experience in that field. Review the application documents web page for more information about this requirement
If a statement or letter is required by your program, review the writing your personal statement resources for helpful tips and tricks on completion - Transcript(s)
- References
Three references are required; academic or professional sources - Proof of English language proficiency, if applicable
TOEFL 90 (writing 25, speaking 25), IELTS 7.0 (writing 6.5, speaking 6.5)
Tuition and fees
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Visit the graduate program tuition page on the Finance website to determine the tuition and incidental fees per term for your program
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Review living costs and housing
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Review the funding graduate school resources for graduate students