Immunology
Program Overview
The Department of Immunology offers graduate programs leading to the Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degrees in a wide range of immunological disciplines. These disciplines include molecular mechanisms of lymphocyte development and selection, T-cell and B-cell receptors, cell interactions, growth factor receptors, cytokine networks, antigen processing and presentation, signal transduction in lymphocytes, V(D)J recombination, anergy, apoptosis, transgenic and knock-out models, immuno-targeting and vaccine design, autoimmunity, AIDS, diabetes, and transplantation.
The department provides a common forum for investigators in many areas of U of T and an interdisciplinary research experience in immunology. Members and students in the department are located at the Medical Sciences Building, at the Ontario Cancer Institute, and at the Research Institutes of Mt. Sinai Hospital, Toronto General Hospital, Toronto Western Hospital, The Hospital for Sick Children, and Sunnybrook Hospital.
The purpose of the MSc in the field of Applied Immunology is to provide advanced training in designing, implementing, and evaluating immunological techniques that measure immune responses. To qualify for the degree, each student must complete specified coursework and a Major Research Project. Performed in a host laboratory, the Major Research Project will comprise original research that will be summarized in a proposal document, a report document, and an oral presentation.
Students may also be interested in the combined degree program in Medicine, Doctor of / Doctor of Philosophy (MD/PhD).
Quick Facts
| Domestic | International | |
|---|---|---|
| Application deadline | PhD: Fall 2025 entry 15-Jan-2025 MSc: Fall 2025 entry 15-Jan-2025 | PhD: Fall 2025 entry 15-Jan-2025
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| Minimum admission average | PhD: B+ average in MSc degree; A- average in the final two years of study (for direct entry PhD) MSc: B+ average in final two years of study | PhD: B+ average in MSc degree; A- average in the final two years of study (for direct entry PhD)
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| Direct entry option from bachelor's to PhD? | PhD: Yes MSc:N/A | PhD: Yes |
| Is a supervisor identified before or after admission? | MSc: After PhD:After | PhD: After |
| If a supervisor is identified after admission (as per question above), is admission conditional upon securing a supervisor? | MSc: Yes PhD:Yes | PhD: Yes |
| Is a supervisor assigned by the graduate unit or secured by the applicant? | PhD: Applicant MSc:Applicant | PhD: Applicant |
| Are any standardized tests required/recommended? | MSc: English proficiency test scores required for applicants from universities outside Canada where English is not the primary language of instruction PhD:English proficiency test scores required for applicants from universities outside Canada where English is not the primary language of instruction | PhD: English proficiency test scores required for applicants from universities outside Canada where English is not the primary language of instruction |
“The array of knowledge and expertise available to the graduate student is staggering.”
- Yuriy Baglaenko
- Alumnus, PhD (2017), Immunology