Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology

Program Overview

The graduate program in Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology provides a curriculum of courses and a broad-based multidisciplinary approach to research in mechanisms of human disease leading to Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degrees. The program emphasizes:

• Bone and Matrix Pathobiology
• Cancer
• Vascular and Cardiovascular Pathobiology
• Immunopathology, Lymphatics, and Transplantation
• Neuropathobiology and Endocrine Disorders
• Microbiology and Infectious Disease
• Computational Medicine

The Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology offers excellent research training programs that address the nature and molecular mechanisms of human disease. Over 130 faculty members—on campus and at university teaching hospitals—conduct studies and teach courses related to pathobiology and supervise students in the PhD and MSc programs. The department provides a unique academic research environment that encourages interaction among clinicians, scientists, and student trainees. Students can gain an excellent understanding of how discoveries in basic and clinical research settings lead to more effective strategies in the treatment of human illness.

Research foci include:

• Antimicrobial Resistance: Surveillance and Mechanisms
• Bone and Connective Tissue Diseases including Disorders of Mineral Metabolism
• Cancer Pathogenesis and Prevention
• Cardiovascular Disease
• Cell-Matrix Interactions
• Development: Cell Cycle, Differentiation, Signalling
• Diabetes
• Endocrine and Neuroendocrine Disorders
• Hematopathology and Transfusion Medicine
• Immunopathology and Transplantation
• Inflammatory Disorders
• Lipid Disorders
• Lymphatic Pathobiology
• Microbial Pathogenesis
• Molecular Biomarkers
• Neurodegenerative Disorders
• Proteomics and Bioinformatics
• Protein Structure and Function
• Toxicology
• Translational Research
• Vascular Cell Biology
• Viral Diseases

Students may also be interested in the combined degree program in Medicine, Doctor of / Doctor of Philosophy (MD/PhD).​

See video: Explore Graduate Programs at the Faculty of Medicine.

Quick Facts

Master of Science

Program Description

The MSc program emphasizes the development of analytical technologies, the application of basic research techniques in biochemistry, cell biology, clinical biochemistry, experimental pathology, genetics, immunology, and molecular biology to the study of mechanisms of cell and tissue injury and the pathogenesis of disease. The program also emphasizes the nature, mechanisms, therapy, and prevention of microbial diseases in humans, as well as the processes by which pathogenic microbes are spread.

Minimum Admission Requirements

• Applicants are admitted under the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies. Applicants must also satisfy the Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology's additional admission requirements stated below.

• Applicants must have completed, or be about to complete, one of the following:

  • Pathobiology Specialist program

  • an appropriate bachelor's degree in life sciences from a recognized university

  • professional degree (for example, MD, DDS, DVM, or equivalent).

• A minimum A– average over the final two years of undergraduate study.

• Two strong letters of recommendation from faculty members familiar with the applicant's academic work.

• Detailed curriculum vitae (CV).

• Statement of intent (approximately 250 words).

• Research experience evidenced by publications, abstracts, or presentations is an asset.

• Successful applicants are selected by the departmental admissions committee on the basis of academic excellence.

• Admission is finalized when a graduate faculty member agrees to supervise the student's research and guarantees a full stipend for the student.

Program Requirements

• Coursework. Students must complete 1.5 full-course equivalents (FCEs) as follows:

  • LMP1005H Fundamentals of Research Practice (0.5 FCE)

  • LMP1001H Student Seminar I (0.5 FCE; Credit/No Credit) and LMP1002H Student Seminar II (0.5 FCE; Credit/No Credit).

• Completion of a thesis (RST9999Y) under the direction of the student's supervisor, assisted by the advisory committee.

• The research content of the MSc thesis is expected to generate the equivalent of one paper published in a peer-reviewed scientific journal.

• Residence. Students must be on campus and participating for the duration of their registration in the program.

Program Length

5 sessions (2 years) full-time (typical registration sequence: F/W/S/F/W)

Time Limit

3 years full-time

Doctor of Philosophy

Program Description

The PhD program emphasizes the development of analytical technologies, the application of basic research techniques in biochemistry, cell biology, clinical biochemistry, experimental pathology, genetics, immunology, and molecular biology to the study of mechanisms of cell and tissue injury and the pathogenesis of disease. The program also emphasizes the nature, mechanisms, therapy, and prevention of microbial diseases in humans, as well as the processes by which pathogenic microbes are spread.

Applicants may enter the PhD program via one of three routes: 1) following completion of an MSc degree; 2) transfer from the University of Toronto MSc program; or 3) direct entry following completion of a BSc degree.

A limited number of selected students may enter the combined degree program in Medicine, Doctor of /Doctor of Philosophy (MD/PhD) subject to admission into both the departmental PhD program and the MD program.

PhD Program

Minimum Admission Requirements

• Applicants are admitted under the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies. Applicants must also satisfy the Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology's additional admission requirements stated below.

• Research experience evidenced by peer-reviewed publications, abstracts, or presentations is normally required.

• Three strong letters of recommendation from faculty members familiar with the applicant's academic work. Normally, one of the referees should be the applicant's research supervisor.

• A detailed curriculum vitae (CV).

• Statement of intent (approximately 250 words).

• Applicants are selected by the departmental admissions committee on the basis of academic excellence. Admission to the program is finalized when a graduate faculty member agrees to supervise the student's research and guarantees a full stipend for the student.

• A limited number of selected students may enter the MD/PhD program subject to admission into both the departmental PhD program and the MD program.

Program Requirements

• Coursework. Students must complete 1.0 full-course equivalent (FCE) as follows:

  • LMP1003H⁰ Student Seminar III (0.5 FCE; Credit/No Credit)

  • an additional 0.5 elective FCE.

• The PhD thesis (RST9999Y) is completed under the direction of the candidate's supervisor, assisted by the advisory committee. The PhD thesis must demonstrate a substantial contribution to laboratory medicine and pathobiology, involving a systematic investigation of disease-related hypotheses. The emphasis is on quality of the science and its presentation. The PhD thesis is normally expected to yield the equivalent of three publications in refereed scientific journals.

• Residence. Students must be on campus and participating for the duration of their registration in the program.

Program Length

4 years

Time Limit

6 years

⁰ Course that may continue over a program. Credit is given when the course is completed.

PhD Program (Transfer)

Transfer Requirements

Transfer applicants must:

• Be enrolled in the MSc program in Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology. Excellent students with high academic standing (normally a minimum A– average on MSc courses) who have clearly demonstrated the ability to do research at the doctoral level may be considered for transfer to the PhD program. Recommendation of the advisory committee is required.

• Successfully complete a reclassification transfer exam within 24 months of starting the MSc Program.

• Successfully complete LMP1001H Student Seminar I and LMP1005H Fundamentals of Research Practice at the master’s level.

• Be concurrently enrolled in LMP1002H Student Seminar II at the time of writing the reclassification exam.

Program Requirements

• Coursework. Students must complete 2.5 full-course equivalents (FCEs) as follows:

  • LMP1005H Fundamentals of Research Practice (0.5 FCE; Credit/No Credit)

  • LMP1001H Student Seminar I (0.5 FCE; Credit/No Credit)

  • LMP1002H Student Seminar II (0.5 FCE; Credit/No Credit)

  • LMP1003H⁰ Student Seminar III (0.5 FCE; Credit/No Credit)

  • an additional 0.5 elective FCE.

• The PhD thesis (RST9999Y) is completed under the direction of the candidate's supervisor, assisted by the advisory committee. The candidate normally defends the thesis before a departmental committee, and subsequently before a committee approved by the School of Graduate Studies. Candidates may, with the recommendation of their advisory committee, request a waiver of the departmental defence, subject to approval by the Graduate Coordinator.

• The PhD thesis must demonstrate a substantial contribution to laboratory medicine and pathobiology, involving a systematic investigation of disease-related hypotheses. The emphasis is on quality of the science and its presentation. The PhD thesis is normally expected to yield the equivalent of three publications in refereed scientific journals.

• Residence. Students must be on campus and participating for the duration of their registration in the program.

Program Length

5 years

Time Limit

7 years

⁰ Course that may continue over a program. Credit is given when the course is completed.

PhD Program (Direct-Entry)

Minimum Admission Requirements

• Direct entry is available for highly qualified BSc graduates who have completed the Pathobiology Specialist program or an appropriate undergraduate program in the life sciences from a recognized university with a minimum A average in the final two years and relevant research experience.

• Applicants are admitted under the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies. Applicants must also satisfy the Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology's additional admission requirements stated below.

• Research experience evidenced by peer-reviewed publications, abstracts, or presentations is normally required.

• Three strong letters of recommendation from faculty members familiar with the applicant's academic work. Normally, one of the referees should be the applicant's research supervisor.

• A detailed curriculum vitae (CV).

• Statement of intent (approximately 250 words).

• Applicants are selected by the departmental admissions committee on the basis of academic excellence. Admission to the program is finalized when a graduate faculty member agrees to supervise the student's research and guarantees a full stipend for the student.

Program Requirements

• Coursework. Students must complete 2.5 full-course equivalents (FCEs) as follows:

  • LMP1005H Fundamentals of Research Practice (0.5 FCE; Credit/No Credit)

  • LMP1001H Student Seminar I (0.5 FCE; Credit/No Credit)

  • LMP1002H Student Seminar II (0.5 FCE; Credit/No Credit)

  • LMP1003H⁰ Student Seminar III (0.5 FCE; Credit/No Credit)

  • an additional 0.5 elective FCE.

• The PhD thesis (RST9999Y) is completed under the direction of the candidate's supervisor, assisted by the advisory committee. The candidate normally defends the thesis before a departmental committee, and subsequently before a committee approved by the School of Graduate Studies. Candidates may, with the recommendation of their advisory committee, request a waiver of the departmental defence, subject to approval by the Graduate Coordinator.

• The PhD thesis must demonstrate a substantial contribution to laboratory medicine and pathobiology, involving a systematic investigation of disease-related hypotheses. The emphasis is on quality of the science and its presentation. The PhD thesis is normally expected to yield the equivalent of three publications in refereed scientific journals.

• Residence. Students must be on campus and participating for the duration of their registration in the program.

Program Length

5 years

Time Limit

7 years

⁰ Course that may continue over a program. Credit is given when the course is completed.