Deadline: January 15, 2020
Applications for the McGill University PhD Program in Quantitative Life Sciences 2020 are now open. This is an interfaculty, interdepartmental and interdisciplinary graduate program that allows PhD students to address the most important and challenging problems in life sciences fields such as biology, medicine, and the environment, and help solve them by building and implementing the latest mathematical, statistical, computational and/or quantitative approaches. This program brings together students and researchers across all scientific disciplines and university faculties.
Quantitative Life Sciences is the broad application of mathematical, computational and other quantitative methods to study biological systems at all scales – from single molecules to the environment. It is part of a rapidly expanding field that includes such specializations as systems biology, bioinformatics, biophysics, medical informatics, computational biology, computational pharmacology, computational neuroscience and mathematical biology.
Eligibility
- Applicants are expected to hold an undergraduate degree in one of the following areas (or equivalent): Biology, chemistry, physiology, genetics, engineering, computer science, mathematics, statistics, or physics.
- Applicants must have a strong quantitative background. Such a background may be obtained by having at least the equivalent of a minor in computer science, mathematics, statistics, physics, chemistry or engineering.
- Applicants who do not have a formal education in life sciences need to have a demonstrated interest for that field, for example in the form of an undergraduate research project or the completion of life-science courses.
- Applicants are expected to have attained a high scholastic standing equal to, or greater than, the minimum Cumulative Grade Point Average of 3.3 (out of 4.0 at McGill University) in ALL levels of study.
Selection Criteria
Applications are selected on the basis of the following criteria:
- Superior academic performance
- Level of relevant research experience
- Motivation for graduate study
- Demonstration of a high interest in interdisciplinary research, and
- Awards received for scholarly excellence.
- Strong letters of support attesting the applicant’s aptitude in conducting research are closely considered.
Application
Applicants must provide the following additional documents as part of their submission:
- Curriculum Vitae: an overview of the applicant’s experience and other qualifications, including employment, academic credentials, publications, contributions, and significant achievements.
- Personal Statement: an essay in which the applicant describes their reasons for applying to graduate studies and indicating qualifications, qualities, or circumstances the applicant feels to be significant; usually provides information about educational and professional goals and discusses the applicant’s interest in the desired field of study (2 page max).
- Research Statement: a one page description of the applicant’s research interests and their past research related accomplishments.
- Two letters of reference: letters should attest to the candidate’s strong aptitude for research, quantitative skills and interest in quantitative life sciences
- Proof of English Proficiency: International applicants who do not have English as their first language or have not gone to an English University must submit a Proof of English Proficiency.
- Official Copies of Transcripts: A record of study is required from each university-level institution you have attended (Cegep not required). Upload an unofficial copy of your complete university-level academic record to date through your applicant page. If the transcript does not indicate that a degree has been conferred, a copy of the degree certificate (diploma) will also need to be uploaded. If you receive an offer of admission you will be required to make arrangements for an official copy of each transcript to be sent to McGill University Enrolment Services. Proof of the awarding of degrees is required by the University and should be indicated on the student’s transcript. International Students require a certified copy of their graduation certificate.
For more information, visit McGill University.
