Pathology

Student working in lab

Graduate training leading to MSc and PhD degrees in experimental pathology is available to students interested in understanding the pathogenesis of diseases. Although there are no set course prerequisites for entry into the program, courses in anatomy, biochemistry, histology and/or molecular biology are strongly recommended. 

A thesis, which is defended at an oral examination, is required for both the MSc and PhD degrees. PhD students are required to take a comprehensive examination at the end of the first year.

Students admitted into the MSc or PhD program are assigned to a thesis supervisor. The supervisor, together with the student, sets up a thesis Advisory Committee and determines a research project for the student. Training of students in research methods and techniques, necessary for their research work, takes place in the supervisor's laboratory or research facility. The supervisor and the Advisory Committee monitor student’s progress in mastering the required research skills.

All students in our program take an introductory course in Pathology (Pathology 9240) to gain a basic understanding of their selected field of study, a research methodology/biostatistics course to understand research design and statistical analysis of data, and weekly Scientific Communication and Critical Thinking sessions. Students in the Pathology field also take a scientific writing course (Pathology 9687).

Our Pathology graduates have gone on to receive positions in academia, industry and government. See our career page for more information.

Part-time MSc and PhD

The Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine offers a part-time option for MSc and PhD students. Adjudication for our part-time program is different than our full-time program; for more details, please contact pathgrad@uwo.ca.

The part-time program considers two terms of part-time study to be equivalent to one term of full-time registration. Similar to the full-time program in Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, to be considered for admission, the applicant must have an undergraduate degree in science (or equivalent), or a professional degree such as an MD or a DVM degree from an accredited institution. The minimum average for acceptance is 80%. 

How to Apply click here.