Graduate

From the Graduate Chair, Dr. Charles McKenzie:


Welcome to the Department of Medical Biophysics Graduate Program. Our program has a long and rich history of working with trainees who show great promise and aptitude for research.

Your undergraduate career, experience, and standing will factor in your potential for acceptance and your success in graduate studies. In addition to your undergraduate degree, your research experience and demonstrated experimental talents will be an asset. If you are a prospective graduate student, you will find all of the information you will need on applying to our program here. If you are a postgraduate MD/DDS/RN, please see this page for more information.

We understand that the challenges of modern science demand interdisciplinary skills and you are encouraged to apply if you have a diverse background. Most of our past applicants have completed undergraduate courses in calculus, physics, medical physics or an advanced quantitative science such as physical chemistry, computer science, and engineering.

Graduate course-work in Medical Biophysics will challenge you to think critically and laterally. You will be expected to possess a deep understanding of concepts and appreciate the opportunities offered through frequent and close faculty contact.

Your first year features formal lecture courses, intensive research in the laboratory in which your thesis will be completed, and a seminar course dedicated to the presentation of your research. As your first year draws to a close, you will have completed all non-elective coursework and a low-level examination. You will have assembled and discussed your work with a thesis committee of three to five faculty members. This will be the team that will provide you with advice throughout the period of your thesis research. Thesis research and publishing your results will be the focus of your remaining years.

Research training is the heart of our graduate program. As a Master’s degree candidate you can expect to take up to two years to complete your research, while PhD studies typically involve up to four years of research. A formal public dissertation and rigorous thesis defense are undertaken at the conclusion of your work.

Your application should include a strong undergraduate transcript from an accredited University. Additionally, and most importantly, strong letters of recommendation are required from faculty members who know you well, and have guided your previous research efforts. A complete application received by March 1, along with invited personal interviews with individual faculty supervisors will be reviewed by the Graduate Admissions Committee prior to acceptance in our program.

Each year, approximately 10-20 students are admitted and, typically, they enter the graduate program at the beginning of the fall term. Tuition and stipend support is offered for all students in good standing throughout their graduate career. You are also encouraged to apply for scholarship support from the National Science and Engineering Council (NSERC) and Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR).

A detailed description of our graduate program and curriculum may be found under Current Students. Our policies and guidelines, including student codes of conduct and the Medical Biophysics Statement on Professionalism, can be found on the Policies and Procedures page.

Sincerely,
Charles McKenzie, PhD
Professor and Graduate Chair
Department of Medical Biophysics, Western University