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Parasitology

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Parasitology

Location

Location

  • Institute of Parasitology
  • Macdonald Campus
  • 21,111 Lakeshore Road
  • Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue QC H9X 3V9
  • Canada
  • Telephone: 514-398-7838
  • Email: gradstudies.macdonald [at] mcgill.ca
  • Website: www.mcgill.ca/parasitology

About Parasitology

About Parasitology

The Institute of Parasitology offers M.Sc. and Ph.D. thesis research degrees in Parasitology and a non-thesis M.Sc. (Applied) degree in Biotechnology (Information on the Biotechnology programs is found in the Biotechnology section). For the Ph.D. program, it is possible to add a Bioinformatics or Environment option.

The Institute of Parasitology teaches and researches the phenomenon of parasitism in humans, livestock, and other animals, and the control of parasitic diseases. The interface of parasitism/immunity/nutrition is also examined in the context of the host-parasite interaction. Current research involves:

  • molecular biology;
  • molecular genetics;
  • biochemistry;
  • bioinformatics;
  • pharmacology;
  • control and drug resistance;
  • immunology;
  • epidemiology;
  • biology;
  • neurobiology;
  • drug discovery;
  • the ecology of parasitic organisms, such as helminths and protozoa, viruses, and cancer cells.

The non-thesis program in Biotechnology offers course-based curricula with practical training in laboratory courses and internships.

The Institute is housed in its own building adjacent to the Macdonald Campus Library and has well-equipped modern laboratories with excellent facilities for molecular research, and includes a confocal suite. Small and large animal facilities are available on the Macdonald campus. The Institute is affiliated with the J.D. MacLean Centre for Tropical Diseases at the º£ÍâÖ±²¥bÕ¾ Health Centre (MUHC).

Graduates typically go on to academic and research careers; enter private industry in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical sectors in research, management, technical services, and sales; or accept positions in the health, agriculture, food safety, and other government sectors.

Parasitology Programs

Master of Science (M.Sc.) Parasitology (Thesis) (45 credits)

A research project is undertaken in an area of parasitology under the direction of a supervisor, and a thesis is produced. Coursework is minimal. Graduates have gone on to medical school, to teaching positions, or have found employment in scientific fields.

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) Parasitology

An advanced, original research project is undertaken in an area of parasitology supervised by faculty staff. Coursework is minimal. Graduates are well suited for teaching positions in academia or scientific careers in a university, private industry, or government.

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) Parasitology: Bioinformatics

An advanced, original research project in an area of parasitology is undertaken supervised by faculty staff, and a thesis is produced. Additional coursework in the field of bioinformatics is required for this option. Graduates are well suited for a teaching or research career, especially where there is particular emphasis on the science of bioinformatics.

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) Parasitology: Environment

An advanced, original research project in an area of parasitology is undertaken supervised by faculty staff, and a thesis is produced. There is additional coursework on environmental topics for this option. Graduates are prepared for careers in academia, industry, or government, especially where the focus is on environmental protection or the management of valuable natural resources, such as water.

Programs, Courses and University Regulations—2019-2020 (last updated Aug. 13, 2019) (disclaimer)

Parasitology Admission Requirements and Application Procedures

Parasitology Admission Requirements and Application Procedures

Admission Requirements

Admission Requirements

Candidates for either the M.Sc. or the Ph.D. thesis research degree should possess a bachelor's degree in the biological or medical sciences with a minimum cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 3.2/4.0 (second class–upper division). High grades are expected in courses considered by the academic unit to be preparatory to the graduate program. Previous experience in parasitology is not essential.

Qualifying Students

Some applicants whose academic degrees and standing entitle them to serious consideration for admission to graduate studies, but who are considered inadequately prepared in the subject selected, may be admitted to a Qualifying program if they have met the Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies minimum CGPA of 3.0/4.0. The course(s) to be taken in a Qualifying program will be prescribed by the academic unit concerned. Qualifying students are registered in graduate studies, but not as candidates for a degree. Only one Qualifying year is permitted. Successful completion of a Qualifying program does not guarantee admission to a degree program.

Financial Support

Financial support is very limited and highly competitive. It is suggested that students give serious consideration to their financial planning before submitting an application. Normally, a student will not be accepted unless adequate financial support can be provided by the student and/or the student’s supervisor. Academic units cannot guarantee financial support via teaching assistantships or other funds. For information on awards and funding opportunities, see:

Application Procedures

Application Procedures

º£ÍâÖ±²¥bվ’s online application form for graduate program candidates is available at www.mcgill.ca/gradapplicants/apply.

See University Regulations & Resources > Graduate > Graduate Admissions and Application Procedures > Application Procedures for detailed application procedures.

Additional Requirements

Additional Requirements

The items and clarifications below are additional requirements set by this department:

  • Acceptance to all thesis research programs depends on a staff member agreeing to serve as the student’s supervisor and the student obtaining financial support.
  • International students are strongly encouraged to secure funding from their home country or international agencies.
  • Other documents may be required for the admission process. Please consult the Parasitology website at www.mcgill.ca/parasitology/graduatestudies/admission for full details.

Application Dates and Deadlines

Application Dates and Deadlines

Application opening dates are set by Enrolment Services in consultation with Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies (GPS), while application deadlines are set by the Institute of Parasitology and may be revised at any time. Applicants must verify all deadlines and documentation requirements well in advance on the appropriate º£ÍâÖ±²¥bÕ¾ departmental website; please consult the list at www.mcgill.ca/gps/contact/graduate-program.

Ìý Application Opening Dates Application Deadlines
Ìý All Applicants Non-Canadian citizens (incl. Special, Visiting & Exchange) Canadian citizens/Perm. residents of Canada (incl. Special, Visiting & Exchange) Current º£ÍâÖ±²¥bÕ¾ Students (any citizenship)
Fall Term: Sept. 15 March 15 May 31 May 31
Winter Term: Feb. 15 Aug. 31 Oct. 15 Oct. 15
Summer Term: N/A N/A N/A N/A

Admission to graduate studies is competitive; accordingly, late and/or incomplete applications are considered only as time and space permit.

International applicants are advised to apply well in advance of these dates because immigration procedures may be lengthy.

Programs, Courses and University Regulations—2019-2020 (last updated Aug. 13, 2019) (disclaimer)

Parasitology Faculty

Parasitology Faculty

Director
Armando Jardim
Professors
Timothy G. Geary; B.Sc.(Notre Dame), Ph.D.(Mich.) (Canada Research Chair in Parasite Biotechnology)
Roger Prichard; B.Sc., Ph.D.(NSW) (James º£ÍâÖ±²¥bÕ¾ Professor)
Marilyn Scott; B.Sc.(New Br.), Ph.D.(McG.)
Associate Professors
Robin N. Beech; B.Sc.(Nott.), Ph.D.(Edin.)
Elias Georges; B.Sc., Ph.D.(McG.) (Canadian Pacific Chair in Biotechnology)
Armando Jardim; B.Sc., Ph.D.(Vic., BC)
Petra Rohrbach; B.Sc.(McG.), Ph.D.(Heidel.)
Reza Salavati; B.A., M.A.(Calif. St.), Ph.D.(Wesl.)
Assistant Professors
Igor Cestari; B.Sc.(UFPE, Brazil), M.Sc., Ph.D.(FIOCRUZ, Brazil)
Fernando Lopes; B.Sc.(UniBH, Brazil), M.Sc., Ph.D.(UFMG, Brazil)
Jianguo Xia; B.Sc.(Peking), M.Sc., Ph.D.(Alta.) (Canada Research Chair in Bioinformatics and Big Data Analytics)
Associate Members
Gregory J. Matlashewski; B.Sc.(C'dia), Ph.D.(Ott.)
Momar Ndao; B.Sc., DVM(Dakar), M.Sc., Ph.D.(IMFA, Belgium)
Martin Olivier; B.Sc., M.Sc.(Montr.), Ph.D.(McG.)
Mary Stevenson; B.A.(Hood Coll.), M.Sc., Ph.D.(CUA)
Brian Ward; M.Sc.(Oxf.), M.D.,C.M.(McG.), DTM&H(Lond.)
Adjunct Professors
Boakye Boatin; M.D.(Ghana), M.Sc.(Liv.), M.Phil.(Lond.)
Tatiana Scorza Dagert; B.Sc.(Los Andes, Venezuela), M.Sc., Ph.D.(Vrije, Belgium)
Traian Sulea; M.Sc.(Polytechnic, TimiÅŸoara), Ph.D.(West, TimiÅŸoara)
Karine Thivierge; B.Sc.(Laval), M.Sc., Ph.D.(McG.)
Programs, Courses and University Regulations—2019-2020 (last updated Aug. 13, 2019) (disclaimer)

Master of Science (M.Sc.) Parasitology (Thesis) (45 credits)

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) Parasitology

For more information, see Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) Parasitology.

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) Parasitology: Bioinformatics

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) Parasitology: Environment

Thesis

A thesis for the doctoral degree must constitute original scholarship and must be a distinct contribution to knowledge. It must show familiarity with previous work in the field and must demonstrate ability to plan and carry out research, organize results, and defend the approach and conclusions in a scholarly manner. The research presented must meet current standards of the discipline; as well, the thesis must clearly demonstrate how the research advances knowledge in the field. Finally, the thesis must be written in compliance with norms for academic and scholarly expression and for publication in the public domain.

Required Courses (14 credits)

ENVR 610 (3) Foundations of Environmental Policy
ENVR 650 (1) Environmental Seminar 1
ENVR 651 (1) Environmental Seminar 2
ENVR 652 (1) Environmental Seminar 3
PARA 701 (0) PhD Comprehensive Exam
PARA 710 (2) Parasitology Ph.D. Seminar 1
PARA 711 (2) Parasitology Ph.D. Seminar 2

Complementary Courses (6 credits)

One of the following courses:

PARA 635 (3) Cell Biology and Infection
PARA 655 (3) Host-Parasite Interactions

One course chosen from the following:

ENVR 519 (3) Global Environmental Politics
ENVR 544 (3) Environmental Measurement and Modelling
ENVR 620 (3) Environment and Health of Species
ENVR 622 (3) Sustainable Landscapes
ENVR 630 (3) Civilization and Environment
ENVR 680 (3) Topics in Environment 4

Or another graduate course recommended by the Advisory Committee and approved by the Environment Option Committee.

Programs, Courses and University Regulations—2019-2020 (last updated Aug. 20, 2019) (disclaimer)
Faculty of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences—2019-2020 (last updated Aug. 13, 2019) (disclaimer)
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