Parasitology (Ph.D.)
Offered by: Parasitology (Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences)
Degree: Doctor of Philosophy
The Ph.D. in Parasitology is a research-intensive program dedicated to advancing scientific understanding of parasites and the complex biological systems they inhabit. The program provides rigorous training spanning molecular and cellular parasitology, host–pathogen immunology, parasite ecology and population biology, and the biochemical pharmacology of antiparasitic agents. Research in the program contributes to One Health approaches that bridge animal, human, and environmental health, addressing parasitic diseases of global significance.
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 2027 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 | Pathogen Control Strategies | 3 |
Pathogen Control Strategies Terms offered: Fall 2026 An overview of one health including how infectious diseases caused by parasitic, viral, and bacterial pathogens are controlled in human and animal populations. With strong emphasis on drug discovery, development, production, approval, and deployment, examination of classical and emerging strategies for developing therapeutics, vaccines, biologics, and RNA-based agents. Exploration of how these interventions are identified, optimized, evaluated in preclinical and clinical settings, and implemented in real-world contexts shaped by epidemiology, resistance, and global health needs. | ||
| PARA 701 | PhD Comprehensive Exam. | 0 |
PhD Comprehensive Exam. Terms offered: Fall 2026, Winter 2027 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 2026, Winter 2027 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 2026, Winter 2027 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.