Future Students
Welcome to Graduate Studies in Physiology and Pharmacology
The goals of the graduate programs are to expand and disseminate scientific knowledge and to train professional physiologists, pharmacologists, and toxicologists who have the potential to make significant contributions to the advancement of science in these disciplines.
Graduates of the Master's program will be capable of active participation in a research program, and of teaching the discipline as well as applying physiological, pharmacological and/or toxicological principles in industrial and professional contexts. Graduation from the Doctoral program is an essential step towards a career as an independent researcher.
Application Deadlines
Graduate studies application deadlines
- November 1 (for January start)
- February 1 (first round considerations for September start, the program will accept complete applications up to July 31)
- March 1 (for May start)
The above dates are an approximation and may change. Applicants should realize that applications received on or after the deadline may not be approved in time for the desired start date. International applicants should also allow time for visa processing.
To apply visit the Western Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies page (SGPS) and follow the instructions.
SGPS Resources
Phone line to assist applicants - 519.850.2341
Application related inquiries - gradapps@uwo.ca
Admission Requirements
The Department of Physiology and Pharmacology offers MSc and PhD degrees in Physiology and Pharmacology. Both MSc and PhD degrees require the completion of a research-intensive thesis, course work and participation in our Department's weekly seminar program.
Our Department cannot pre-evaluate copies of transcripts to ascertain if you should apply to our program. A complete application must be submitted for review.
Degree Requirements
Applicants must have obtained a 4 year degree (or its equivalent) with a Major or Honours in physiology, pharmacology, toxicology, biology or a related discipline prior to enrollment. A minimum academic average of 80% during the final two years of the undergraduate program is required. Applicants with an MSc degree in one of the named disciplines, or an MD or DDS degree, will be considered for entry to the PhD program, and under exceptional circumstances direct entry to the PhD program will be considered for applicants holding an Honours degree. Meeting the minimum admission requirements does not guarantee acceptance to the program.
Original TOEFL/IELTS score
If your first language is not English please arrange to have an original score sent directly to the University from the issuing office. Western's TOEFL ID is 0984. Please note that the Physiology and Pharmacology Graduate Program minimal acceptable scores are: TOEFL - 100, IELTS - 7.0 with no individual score less than 6.0. Test results must be dated no longer than one year prior to application.
Landing Papers
For permanent residents of Canada only, please include a photocopy of both sides of your Permanent Resident Card or a photocopy of your Record of Landing.
Application Review Process
Completed applications are reviewed by the Graduate Studies Committee in The Department of Physiology and Pharmcology. Successful applicants are encouraged to browse the research interests of faculty members and contact those who work in an area in which you have interest. Alternatively, we encourage students to visit our Department and talk with faculty members and graduate students.
Financial Assistance
All students in the Department of Physiology and Pharmacology are eligible for a stipend. Visit the Graduate Stipends and Financial Assistance page for details.
Further Information
If you have questions about Graduate Studies in Physiology and Pharmacolog at Western please contact:
Graduate Studies Committee Chair
Dr. John Di Guglielmo
Department of Physiology and Pharmacology
Office: Medical Sciences Building 228
t. 519.661.2111 x. 80042
e. john.diguglielmo@schulich.uwo.ca
Graduate Program Administrator
Ms. Olga Krougly
Department of Physiology and Pharmacology
Office: Medical Sciences Building, Room 216
t. 519.661.6111 x. 83460
f. 519.661.3827
e. okrougly@uwo.ca
International Students
Students who are not Canadian residents and whose native language is not English are required to take the TOEFL examination. A score of 100 (internet based) or higher is required to be considered for admission.
Photocopies of TOEFL scores are not acceptable. When submitting an application, please arrange to have an original score sent to the University, directly from the issuing office. For those wishing to enter the PhD program, it is our Department policy that International students who have obtained a MSc degree from an international institution normally enter the MSc graduate program to start. After one year, research progress is assessed by the student's advisory committee and he/she may be transferred to the PhD program.
