Doctorate in Philosophy Biology 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 Biology program at the University of Ottawa offers a comprehensive and rigorous academic experience for students pursuing advanced studies in biology. This program is designed for those who wish to engage in high-level research and contribute to the field of biology through original research. The program is offered in English and is part of the Ottawa-Carleton Joint Program, which combines the strengths of the University of Ottawa and Carleton University. Students benefit from shared research facilities and access to a diverse range of professors and courses across both campuses. The program emphasizes a strong foundation in various biological disciplines, preparing graduates for impactful careers in academia, research, and industry.

Program structure

The Doctorate in Philosophy Biology program is structured to provide a thorough education in biological sciences, with a focus on research and practical application. The program is designed to be completed in 12 full-time terms, or 48 consecutive months. Key features of the program structure include:

Full-time registration status option
Thesis-based program with a strong emphasis on original research
Access to collaborative programs, including the Combined Program for Degrees in Medicine and Philosophy (MD/PhD)
Participation in the collaborative program in Chemical and Environmental Toxicology

Students are encouraged to engage with faculty members early in their studies to identify potential thesis supervisors, which is crucial for their academic journey. The program also allows for flexibility in research topics, enabling students to tailor their studies to their interests and career goals.

Featured Experiences

The Doctorate in Philosophy Biology program offers several unique experiences that enhance the educational journey of its students:

Access to state-of-the-art research facilities shared between the University of Ottawa and Carleton University
Opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration through the Ottawa-Carleton Institute of Biology
Participation in joint research projects and seminars with faculty and peers
Involvement in the collaborative program in Chemical and Environmental Toxicology
Potential for fieldwork and practical research experiences in various biological settings

These experiences not only enrich the academic environment but also prepare students for real-world applications of their research and knowledge in biology.

Career Options

Graduates of the Doctorate in Philosophy Biology program can pursue a variety of career paths in Canada, including:

Research Scientist: Conducts experiments and analyzes data to advance knowledge in biological sciences, often working in laboratories or research institutions.
University Professor: Teaches and mentors students at the university level while conducting independent research in their area of expertise.
Biotechnology Consultant: Provides expert advice to companies on the development and application of biotechnological products and processes.
Environmental Scientist: Studies ecosystems and environmental impacts, working to develop sustainable practices and policies.
Regulatory Affairs Specialist: Ensures that biological products comply with government regulations and standards, often working in pharmaceutical or agricultural industries.

These roles highlight the diverse opportunities available to graduates, allowing them to make significant contributions to science, education, and industry.

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

Biology, PhD

Degree Offered: PhD

Available Options for Program

Student status

Full-Time (English Program only):	Yes
Part-Time:	No

Language

English:	Yes
French:	No

Minimum Requirements

B+ in a master's degree in science

Average time to completion

12 full-time terms; 48 consecutive months

Area(s) of specialization

Cell and molecular biology
Ecology, behaviour and systematics
Physiology and biochemistry

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. Academic references preferred.
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 84/New TOEFL 4, 24 (Writing); 20 (Individual)/IELTS 6.5, 6.5 (Writing); 6 (Individual) (Internet-based)
Required document(s):	Resume A letter of intent outlining your career goals and proposed research area. We recommend that you contact potential thesis supervisors early. To register, you need to be accepted by a thesis supervisor. International students must show proof of funding in the form of a supervisor stipend and a combination of scholarships and/or in-trust accounts. A good knowledge of either English or French and good ability to write in english is required. 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

Language Requirements

Applicants must be able to understand and fluently speak the language of instruction (French or English) in the program to which they are applying. Proof of linguistic proficiency may be required.

Applicants whose first language is neither French nor English must provide proof of proficiency in the language of instruction.

Note: Candidates are responsible for any fees associated with the language tests.

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!