Parasitology (Ph.D.)
Offered by: Parasitology (Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences)
Degree: Doctor of Philosophy
Note: For information about Fall 2025 and Winter 2026 course offerings, please check back on May 8, 2025. Until then, the "Terms offered" field will appear blank for most courses while the class schedule is being finalized.
Thesis
A thesis for the doctoral degree must constitute original scholarship and must be a distinct contribution to knowledge. It must show familiarity with previous work in the field and must demonstrate ability to plan and carry out research, organize results, and defend the approach and conclusions in a scholarly manner. The research presented must meet current standards of the discipline; as well, the thesis must clearly demonstrate how the research advances knowledge in the field. Finally, the thesis must be written in compliance with norms for academic and scholarly expression and for publication in the public domain.
Required Courses (10 credits)
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| PARA 635 | Cell Biology and Infection. | 3 |
Cell Biology and Infection. Terms offered: Winter 2026 Research articles will be the primary source of information. This course will cover new principles in cell biology. In particular, the mechanisms by which gene expression is regulated through signal transduction pathways initiated at the cell surface will be presented. | ||
| PARA 655 | Host-Parasite Interactions. | 3 |
Host-Parasite Interactions. Terms offered: Fall 2025 Lectures, tutorials and laboratory demonstrations of the principal factors which affect levels of parasite infection and treatment of infections in humans and animals. The integration and management of the host-parasite relationship in terms of transmission, population dynamics, environmental management, behaviour, immune responses, pathology, and pharmacology to decrease parasitic disease. | ||
| PARA 701 | PhD Comprehensive Exam. | 0 |
PhD Comprehensive Exam. Terms offered: Fall 2025, Winter 2026 Consists of a written proposal outlining the research planned and an oral examination. | ||
| PARA 710 | Parasitology Ph.D. Seminar 1. | 2 |
Parasitology Ph.D. Seminar 1. Terms offered: Fall 2025, Winter 2026 This first seminar is a review of the scientific literature in the topic area of the thesis research. | ||
| PARA 711 | Parasitology Ph.D. Seminar 2. | 2 |
Parasitology Ph.D. Seminar 2. Terms offered: Fall 2025, Winter 2026 A seminar series in which students present seminars covering topics in parasitology in areas relevant to their research interests. Attendance and participation are compulsory. | ||
* Note: In the first year of the doctoral program, the candidates must successfully complete a written thesis proposal and make an oral presentation on their proposed research to fulfil PARA 700 , the comprehensive component.
Depending upon the candidate's background, other course work may be required.