Doctor in Philosophy Cellular and Molecular Medecine and Specialization Bioinformatics at University of Ottawa - Program overview

Program overview

Admission Requirements

Intakes

Last updated on 2026-10-05

Program overview

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Program overview

The Doctorate in Philosophy Cellular and Molecular Medicine with a Specialization in Bioinformatics is designed to prepare candidates for diverse careers in teaching and research, both within academia and industry. This program emphasizes the development of critical thinking skills, enabling students to analyze published work and their own research effectively. Graduates will gain a comprehensive understanding of their chosen field and the ability to conduct credible research. The program is offered in English and is housed within the Faculty of Medicine, specifically the Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, ensuring a robust academic environment for aspiring bioinformaticians.

Program structure

The Doctorate in Philosophy Cellular and Molecular Medicine with a Specialization in Bioinformatics has a structured program length of 12 full-time terms, equating to 48 consecutive months. This program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive education in cellular and molecular medicine while integrating bioinformatics into their research. Key features of the program structure include:

Full-time registration status option
Thesis-based program
Collaborative specialization in Bioinformatics
Compulsory seminars and comprehensive examinations

Students are encouraged to engage in collaborative research projects and may have opportunities for internships or co-op placements, enhancing their practical experience in the field. The program is rigorous and aims to equip students with the necessary skills to excel in their future careers.

Featured Experiences

The Doctorate in Philosophy Cellular and Molecular Medicine with a Specialization in Bioinformatics offers several unique experiences that enhance the educational journey of its students:

Participation in collaborative research projects with various research centers, including the Centre for Neuromuscular Disease and the Kidney Research Centre.
Opportunities to engage in seminars that focus on current research topics in bioinformatics.
Access to state-of-the-art facilities and resources at the University of Ottawa, fostering an environment of innovation and discovery.
Involvement in interdisciplinary research that bridges cellular and molecular medicine with computational approaches.
Potential for fast-tracking from a master’s program to the doctoral program, allowing for a seamless transition for eligible students.

Career Options

Graduates of the Doctorate in Philosophy Cellular and Molecular Medicine with a Specialization in Bioinformatics can pursue a variety of career paths in Canada, including:

Bioinformatician: Utilize computational tools to analyze biological data, contributing to advancements in genomics and personalized medicine.
Research Scientist: Conduct research in academic or industry settings, focusing on cellular and molecular biology, and developing new therapeutic strategies.
Data Analyst: Analyze complex biological datasets to derive insights that inform research and clinical practices.
Clinical Research Coordinator: Oversee clinical trials and research studies, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and facilitating data collection.
University Professor: Teach and mentor students in higher education, while conducting independent research in cellular and molecular medicine.

These career options reflect the diverse opportunities available to graduates, allowing them to make significant contributions to the fields of medicine and biotechnology.

DISCLAIMER: The information above is subject to change. For the latest updates, please contact LOA Portal's advisors.

Visit University of Ottawa official website

Last updated on 2026-10-05

Program overview

Admission Requirements

Cellular and Molecular Medice and Specialization Bioformatics, PhD

Degree Offered: PhD

Available Options for Program

Student status

Full-Time:	Yes
Part-Time:	No

Language

English:	Yes
French:	No

Minimum Requirements

B+ in a related master's degree

Average time to completion

16 terms

Area(s) of specialization

Bioinformatics

Your complete admission package must include

Application Fee:	CA$125.00 (non-refundable)
Recommendation letter(s):	2 It is highly recommended that you contact your referee prior to submitting your application to confirm their email address and their availability to complete your letter of recommendation.
Transcript(s):	1 You must upload copies of all transcripts from universities you have attended by using the uoDoc application. Transcripts must cover all courses and programs at any university you have attended, including regular programs (whether completed or not), exchanges, letters of permission, online or correspondence courses, courses taken as a non-degree student or visiting students, etc. If your transcript and degree certificate are not in English or French, you must submit a copy of a certified translation. Once you've received your offer of admission, if the offer contains any conditions for submitting official documents, you will need to upload them to uoDoc. Some exceptions apply. Previous or current Ottawa students do not need to submit a transcript of their studies at the University of Ottawa. Professional programs in rehabilitation require all transcripts, including those from uOttawa.
Language requirements (if applicable) Language proficiency test scores equivalencies:	TOEFL 100 / New TOEFL 5 / IELTS Overall 7.0 - Individual 7.0 (Paper-based) TOEFL 100 / New TOEFL 5 / IELTS Overall 7.0 - Individual 7.0 (Internet-based)
Required document(s):	Resume Letter of intent (max. 3 pages) We recommend that you contact potential thesis supervisors early. To register, you need to be accepted by a thesis supervisor. Please note that non required admission documents will not be consulted, conserved or returned to the student. These documents will be destroyed according to our administrative procedures.

Language Requirements

Program-Specific English Requirements

TOEFL 100 / New TOEFL 5 / IELTS Overall 7.0 - Individual 7.0 (Paper-based)
TOEFL 100 / New TOEFL 5 / IELTS Overall 7.0 - Individual 7.0 (Internet-based)

General Graduate English Requirements

English proficiency test chart

Test	Minimum Required Score
TOEFL iBT Internet-based/Home Edition/Paper (for tests taken before January 21, 2026)*	84 (overall); 24 (writing); no partial score below 20
TOEFL iBT Internet-based / Home Edition/ Paper (for tests taken after January 21, 2026)*	4.5 or 86 (overall); 4.5 or 21 (writing); 4.5 or 22 (reading); 4.5 or 20 (listening); 4 or 20 (speaking)
IELTS Academic/ IELTS Academic One Skill Retake	6.5 (overall); 6.5 (writing); no partial score below 6
Cambridge English Proficiency Tests (B2 First, C1 Advanced, C2 Proficiency)	170 (overall); no partial score below 160
PTE (Pearson Test of English)	60 (overall); no partial score below 59
CAEL (Canadian Academic English Language Test)	70 (overall); no partial score below 60

* Effective January 21, 2026, TOEFL is changing its grading system to a 1-6 band scale instead of a 1-120 band scale. Score reports will include results on both scales for the next two years.

The University of Ottawa accepts TOEFL MyBest^®scores for the TOEFL iBT test.

French proficiency test chart

Test	Minimum Required Score
DALF (Diplôme approfondi de langue française)	C1/C2
TCF (Test de connaissance du français)	B2 (overall); no partial score below B2
TEF Canada (Test d’évaluation de français)	B2 (overall); no partial score below B2

Where the program-specific and general graduate requirements above differ, whichever score is higher (stricter) applies.

DISCLAIMER: The information above is subject to change. For the latest updates, please contact LOA Portal's advisors. The listed minimum requirements are a guideline and do not guarantee admission. Do not worry, we will notify you of any changes during the application process.

Not meeting the minimum language requirements?

You may still be able to apply!