Doctorate in Philosophy Microbiology and Immunology 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 Microbiology and Immunology and Specialization Bioinformatics at the University of Ottawa is designed to refine critical and scholarly skills in microbiology and immunology. This program prepares students for diverse careers in teaching and research, both in academia and in governmental, clinical, or industrial settings. Graduates will gain autonomy in conducting research and preparing scholarly publications, culminating in a thesis. The program is offered in English and is part of the Faculty of Medicine, specifically within the Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Immunology.

Program structure

The Doctorate program is structured to provide a comprehensive educational experience over a period of 48 consecutive months, which equates to 12 full-time terms. The program includes:

Coursework that enhances research skills and knowledge in microbiology and immunology.
Research seminars that foster academic discourse and collaboration.
Independent research leading to a doctoral thesis.

Additionally, students have the opportunity to participate in collaborative programs, such as the Combined MD/PhD Program, allowing them to earn both a PhD and an MD. The program also offers options for students to engage in collaborative specializations, enhancing their academic and professional profiles.

Featured Experiences

Participation in the Combined MD/PhD Program, which allows students to earn both degrees.
Engagement in collaborative programs with a focus on Bioinformatics and Pathology.
Opportunities for independent research that contribute to significant advancements in the field.
Access to a vibrant research community within the Faculty of Medicine, known for its high-quality basic and clinical research.
Involvement in seminars and symposia that promote knowledge sharing and networking with experts in the field.

Career Options

Research Scientist: Conducts experiments and analyzes data to advance knowledge in microbiology and immunology.
Clinical Microbiologist: Works in laboratories to diagnose and treat infectious diseases through the study of microorganisms.
Bioinformatics Specialist: Utilizes computational tools to analyze biological data, particularly in genomics and proteomics.
University Professor: Teaches and mentors students while conducting research in academic institutions.
Regulatory Affairs Specialist: Ensures compliance with regulations in the development and marketing of medical products related to microbiology and immunology.

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

Microbiology and Immunology 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) The Department may require students to take additional courses. 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!