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Parasitology

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: 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 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; and
  • 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 ¿´Æ¬ÊÓƵ University 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

**This program is currently not being offered**

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.

Programs, Courses and University Regulations—2023-2024 (last updated Mar. 29, 2023) (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 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 aid is available but 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 through a scholarship/award and/or by the student's supervisor. Academic units cannot guarantee financial support via teaching assistantships. For information on awards and funding opportunities, see:

English Language Proficiency

For graduate applicants whose mother tongue is not English, and who have not completed an undergraduate or graduate degree from a recognized Canadian or American (English or French) institution or from a recognized foreign institution where English is the language of instruction, documented proof of English proficiency is required prior to admission. For a list of acceptable test scores and minimum requirements, visit mcgill.ca/gradapplicants/international/proficiency.

Application Procedures

Application Procedures

¿´Æ¬ÊÓƵ’s online application form for graduate program candidates is available at mcgill.ca/gradapplicants/apply.

See University Regulations & Resources > Graduate > Graduate ¿´Æ¬ÊÓƵ 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's 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 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 ¿´Æ¬ÊÓƵ departmental website; please consult the list at mcgill.ca/gps/contact/graduate-program.

Information on application deadlines is available at mcgill.ca/gradapplicants/how-apply/application-steps/application-deadlines.

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

Programs, Courses and University Regulations—2023-2024 (last updated Mar. 29, 2023) (disclaimer)

Parasitology Faculty

Parasitology Faculty

Director
Reza Salavati
Emeritus Professor
Timothy G. Geary
Professors
Roger Prichard; Reza Salavati
Associate Professors
Robin N. Beech; Elias Georges; Petra Rohrbach; Jianguo (Jeff) Xia
Assistant Professors
Igor Cestari; Qian (Vivian) Liu; Thavy Long
Associate Members
Gregory J. Matlashewski; Momar Ndao; Martin Olivier; Mary Stevenson
Adjunct Professors
Traian Sulea; Karine Thivierge; Fernando Lopes
Programs, Courses and University Regulations—2023-2024 (last updated Mar. 29, 2023) (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

Faculty of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences—2023-2024 (last updated Mar. 29, 2023) (disclaimer)
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