Doctorate in Philosophy Biology and Specialization Chemical and Environmental Toxicology 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 with a specialization in Chemical and Environmental Toxicology is a comprehensive program designed for students aiming to delve deep into the effects of toxic substances on living systems. Offered by the University of Ottawa in collaboration with Carleton University, this program combines the strengths of both institutions, providing students with access to a wide range of research facilities and expertise. The program emphasizes a collaborative approach to research, allowing students to engage in interdisciplinary studies that address critical environmental issues. With a focus on both theoretical and practical aspects of toxicology, graduates will be well-prepared to contribute to advancements in the field.

Program structure

The Doctorate in Philosophy Biology with a specialization in Chemical and Environmental Toxicology is structured to provide a robust academic and research experience. The program is designed for full-time students and has an expected duration of 12 full-time terms, or 48 consecutive months. Key features of the program structure include:

Collaborative specialization in Chemical and Environmental Toxicology
Access to research facilities at both the University of Ottawa and Carleton University
Participation in the Combined Program for Degrees in Medicine and Philosophy (MD/PhD)
Thesis-based research component

Students are encouraged to engage in various research activities and may have opportunities for internships or co-op placements, enhancing their practical experience in the field. The program is designed to adapt to the evolving landscape of biological research, ensuring that students are equipped with the latest knowledge and skills.

Featured Experiences

The Doctorate in Philosophy Biology with a specialization in Chemical and Environmental Toxicology offers several unique experiences that enhance the educational journey:

Access to the Ottawa-Carleton Institute of Biology, which fosters collaboration between two leading universities.
Opportunities for interdisciplinary research, allowing students to explore various aspects of toxicology.
Participation in seminars and workshops that focus on current topics in toxicology.
Engagement in hands-on research projects that address real-world environmental challenges.
Potential for joint research initiatives with industry partners and governmental organizations.

These experiences are designed to provide students with a well-rounded education, preparing them for successful careers in academia, industry, or government.

Career Options

Graduates of the Doctorate in Philosophy Biology with a specialization in Chemical and Environmental Toxicology can pursue a variety of career paths in Canada. Some potential job options include:

Environmental Toxicologist: Conduct research on the effects of chemicals on ecosystems and develop strategies to mitigate environmental risks.
Regulatory Affairs Specialist: Work with government agencies to ensure compliance with environmental regulations and policies related to toxic substances.
Research Scientist: Engage in academic or industrial research, focusing on the development of new methods for assessing chemical safety and environmental impact.
Public Health Advisor: Analyze data related to environmental health risks and provide recommendations to protect public health from toxic exposures.
Consultant: Offer expertise to organizations on environmental assessments, risk management, and compliance with environmental laws.

These roles highlight the diverse opportunities available to graduates, allowing them to make significant contributions to environmental science and public health.

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

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Last updated on 2026-10-05

Program overview

Admission Requirements

Biology and Specialization Chemical and Environmental Toxicology, 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 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:	French Program: TOEFL 84/New TOEFL 4, 24 (Writing); 20 (Individual)/IELTS 6.5, 6.5 (Writing); 6 (Individual) (Internet-based) English Program: 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!