Location:

Winnipeg, Canada

Program Type:

Full Degree

Degree Level:

Master

Specialty:

Biomedical Science

Program Overview

Program Description:

The Department of Medical Microbiology offers programs of study leading to M.Sc. and Ph.D. degrees with research and academic experience suitable for a career in Basic Microbiology or Infectious Diseases. Both program streams involve coursework and original research. The coursework requirement is determined on an individual basis, but a minimum of 12 credit hours are required for the M.Sc. Half (six) of these credit hours are earned in Microbial Pathogenicity, the department’s only required course. The student and advisor arrange the other six credit hours. The coursework requirement for the Ph.D. degree is a minimum of six credit hours beyond the M.Sc. requirement. In addition, all students are expected to participate in a seminar program that is composed of journal clubs and research seminars presented by students, the faculty, and visiting scientists. Each graduate program is arranged by, and overseen by, the major professor and an advisory committee. Research normally culminates in the generation and presentation of a Thesis, and two publications are expected from Ph.D. projects. Scientific interests of the faculty are broad, and research projects range from the basic understanding of gene regulation and molecular basis of cellular functions to the development of vaccines and diagnostics for human health and veterinary diseases. The Department has active research programs in: Cell and molecular biology Immunology Virology Bacterial genetics Microbial pathogenicity Antimicrobial resistance Clinical microbiology Many research projects are oriented to human diseases and many are carried out in collaboration with physicians who have access to patients. The department has nationally recognized strengths in several areas, including antivirals, antibiotic resistance and emerging pathogens. It also enjoys extensive collaborative projects with both the University of Kenya in Nairobi, Kenya, and with the Public Health Agency of Canada’s National Microbiology Laboratory. Numerous opportunities for collaborative work with members of other departments as well as with various affiliated research organizations exist. Recent graduates of the program have been highly successful in academia, industrial, medical, and veterinary careers. The Medical Microbiology Department occupies the 5th Floor of the Basic Medical Sciences Building on the Health Sciences Campus of the University of Manitoba. The Department’s equipment, much of which is shared, supports research ranging from molecular biology to clinical microbiology.

Additional Program Information

Accreditation:

no accreditation exists for this program

Financial Aid:

Yes

Requirements:

Graduates in Honours or Major in Science, Medicine, Dentistry, Veterinary Medicine with at least 12 credit hours of microbiology coursework may apply for entry into the program with a minimum GPA equivalent of no less than 3.0 in the final two years of undergraduate studies. See the Department website for full admission requirements. All applicants must also meet the minimum admission requirements of the Faculty of Graduate Studies. Possible Start Dates September, January