Biology (Water) - Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Science Buildings

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 while discovering innovative ways to tackle global water challenges with the PhD in Biology Collaborative Water 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. Along with developing expertise in your area of research, two interdisciplinary water courses will capture both theoretical and practical components, including in-class lectures, fieldwork, interdisciplinary group work, and individual research seminars.

You’ll emerge from the program as a future water leader able to communicate across disciplines and within interdisciplinary teams in the water sector.

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: Collaborative, 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

Jersey Frontz

Being a part of the Collaborative Water Program has helped me meet graduate students who aren’t in my lab or program. It’s been a great exposure to different disciplines, industries and ways of thinking.

Jersey Fontz, Biology (Water), PhD

Supervisors

  • Review the finding a supervisor resources
  • 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

Application materials

  • Resume
  • Supplementary information form (SIF)
    The SIF contains questions specific to your program, typically about why you want to enroll 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