Parasitology

About Parasitology

The Institute of Parasitology offers M.Sc. and Ph.D. thesis research degrees in Parasitology and a non-thesis M.Sc. (Applied) degree in Biotechnology (Information on the Biotechnology programs is found in the Biotechnology section).

The Institute of Parasitology teaches and researches the phenomenon of parasitism in humans, livestock, and other animals, and the control of parasitic diseases. Additionally, it examines the interactions between parasitism, immunity, and nutrition within the context of the host-parasite relationship. Current research involves:

• molecular biology;
• molecular genetics;
• biochemistry;
• bioinformatics;
• pharmacology;
• control and drug resistance;
• immunology;
• epidemiology;
• biology;
• neurobiology;
• drug discovery; and
• the ecology of parasitic organisms—such as helminths and protozoa, viruses, and cancer cells.

The non-thesis program in Biotechnology offers course-based curricula with practical training in laboratory courses and internships.

The Institute is housed in its own building adjacent to the Macdonald Campus Library and has well-equipped modern laboratories with excellent facilities for molecular research and includes a confocal suite. Small and large animal facilities are available on the Macdonald Campus. The Institute is affiliated with the J.D. MacLean Centre for Tropical Diseases at the McGill University Health Centre (MUHC).

Graduates typically go on to academic and research careers; enter private industry in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical sectors in research, management, technical services, and sales; or accept positions in the health, agriculture, food safety, and other government sectors.

Parasitology Admission Requirements and Application Procedures

Admission Requirements

Candidates for either the M.Sc. or the Ph.D. thesis research degree should possess a bachelor's degree in biological or medical sciences with a minimum cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 3.2/4.0 (second class–upper division). High grades are expected in courses considered by the academic unit to be preparatory to the graduate program. Previous experience in parasitology is not essential.

Qualifying Students

Some applicants whose academic degrees and Standing entitle them to serious consideration for admission to graduate studies, but who are considered inadequately prepared in the subject selected, may be admitted to a Qualifying program if they have met the Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies minimum CGPA of 3.0/4.0. The course(s) to be taken in a Qualifying program will be prescribed by the academic unit concerned. Qualifying students are registered in graduate studies, but not as candidates for a degree. Only one Qualifying year is permitted. Successful completion of a Qualifying program does not guarantee admission to a degree program.

Financial Support

Graduate students pursuing thesis-based programs within the Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (AES) benefit from diverse funding sources throughout their studies at McGill University. Financial support may come from a combination of guaranteed funding, prospective funding, and employment salary.

Upon admission to a thesis-based program in the Institute of Parasitology, a student will be offered a funding package which will include a certain amount of guaranteed funding and may include additional prospective funding. The proposed funding arrangement will be outlined in a departmental funding letter addressed to the student, in supplement to the offer of admission from the University.

It is suggested that students give serious consideration to their financial planning before submitting an application. Academic units cannot guarantee financial support via teaching assistantships. For information on awards and funding opportunities, see:

• mcgill.ca/gradapplicants/funding;
• mcgill.ca/parasitology/graduatestudies/admissions;
• mcgill.ca/macdonald/graduate-studies/funding;
• mcgill.ca/internalawards/faculty/agricultural-and-environmental-sciences.

English Language Proficiency

For graduate applicants whose mother tongue is not English, and who have not completed an undergraduate or graduate degree from a recognized Canadian or American (English or French) institution or from a recognized foreign institution where English is the language of instruction, documented proof of English proficiency is required prior to admission. For a list of acceptable test scores and minimum requirements, visit https://www.mcgill.ca/gradapplicants/international/proficiency

Application Procedures

McGill’s online application form for graduate program candidates is available at mcgill.ca/gradapplicants/how-apply.

See University Regulations & Resources > Graduate > Graduate Admissions and Application Procedures > Application Procedures for detailed application procedures.

Additional Requirements

The items and clarifications below are additional requirements set by this department:

• Acceptance to all thesis research programs depends on a staff member agreeing to serve as the student’s supervisor.
• International students are strongly encouraged to secure funding from their home country or international agencies.
• Other documents may be required for the admission process. Please consult the Parasitology website for full details.

Application Dates and Deadlines

Application opening dates are set by Enrolment Services in consultation with Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies (GPS), while application deadlines are set by the Institute of Parasitology and may be revised at any time. Applicants must verify all deadlines and documentation requirements well in advance on the appropriate McGill departmental website; please consult the list at mcgill.ca/gps/contact/graduate-program.

Information on application deadlines is available at mcgill.ca/gradapplicants/how-apply/application-steps/application-deadlines.

Admission to graduate studies is competitive; accordingly, late and/or incomplete applications are considered only as time and space permit.

Available Programs

Location