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Biological Psychiatry
Website: Department of Psychiatry
Extensive facilities exist to support basic and clinical research in
psychiatric and neurological disorders. The current research includes:
study of the mechanisms of and potential treatments for psychiatric and
neurodegenerative disorders such as Schizophrenia, Parkinson's and
Alzheimer's Diseases, and acute neurological conditions such as stroke
and ischemia; search for neurotrophic factors involved in neuronal
protection, survival and rescue; molecular biological studies on
neurotrophic factors, enzymes and receptors; gene regulation of
monoamine synthesizing and catabolizing enzymes; investigations on
biological markers and of the correlations between mood or behavior and
the levels of neurochemicals in body fluids; clinical studies on the
effects of psychiatric drugs on neurotransmitters and metabolites;
studies of the uptake, release, binding and signal transduction
mechanisms of a variety of CNS transmitters and modulators, drugs and
ligand binding; studies of the enzymes involved in synthesis and
catabolism of neuroactive compounds; role of alcohol-metabolizing
enzymes in the development of alcoholism; cell-cell interactions;
cerebrovascular functions.
Master of Science (M.Sc.)
Admission Requirements
- Bachelor of Science Four-year (B.Sc. Four-year)
- a minimum 70% average or Honours
- if needed, TOEFL scores (minimum 550 paper-based, 213 computer-based)
Degree Requirements
Students must maintain continuous registration in the 994 course.
- GSR 960.0
- GSR 961.0 if research involves human subjects
- GSR 962.0 if research involves animals subjects
- a minimum of 9 credit units
- PSIA 990.0
- PSIA 994.0
- PSIA 851.3
- a residency requirement of 12 months
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) - Direct Entry
Admission Requirements
With the recommendation of the unit, direct entry Ph.D. admission is available to exceptionally strong students, who show great promise in terms of academic accomplishments and potential for research.
- A four-year honours bachelor of science degree, or equivalent.
- A cumulative weighted average of at least 80% in the last two years of undergraduate study (i.e. 60 credit units of course work).
- Demonstrated ability for independent thought, advanced study, and independent research.
- Evidence of English proficiency.
Degree Requirements
Students must maintain continuous registration in the 996 course.
- At least 9 credit units of course work at the graduate level must be successfully completed in the first year of the program.
- Within the first year of the program, successfully complete a Ph.D. Qualifying Examination that is at least as rigorous as the defence for a Master’s thesis in the program area.
- GSR 960.0
- GSR 961.0 if research involves human subjects
- GSR 962.0 if research involves animal subjects
- A minimum of 15 credit units
- PSIA 851.3
- PSIA 990.0
- PSIA 996.0
- Pass a comprehensive examination, after completing the required course work, and prior to focusing on their research and doctoral thesis.
- Write and successfully defend a thesis based on original investigation.
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) - Non-Direct Entry
Admission Requirements
- Master of Science (M.Sc.)
- Evidence of English proficiency
Degree Requirements
Students must maintain continuous registration in the 996 course.
- GSR 960.0
- GSR 961.0 if research involves human subjects
- GSR 962.0 if research involves animal subjects
- a minimum of 6 credit units
- PSIA 851.3
- PSIA 990.0
- PSIA 996.0
- comprehensive examination
- a residency requirement of 24 months
Transfer from Master's to Ph.D.
Degree Requirements
Students must maintain continuous registration in the 996 course.
- GSR 960.0
- GSR 961.0 if research involves human subjects
- GSR 962.0 if research involves animal subjects
- a minimum of 15 credit units at the 800-level
- PSIA 851.3
- PSIA 996.0
- qualifying examination
- comprehensive examination
