The programs prepare candidates for a variety of careers in teaching and research both within and outside of academia. During training, the student will develop a critical approach to published work and to his own work. Graduates acquire an excellent knowledge of their chosen field and a general understanding of the areas related to their own particular research project. They must demonstrate research skills and credibility as professionals in their area of research.

The Department is a participating unit in the collaborative programs in Bioinformatics (at the master’s level), in Human and Molecular Genetics (at the master’s and doctoral levels), and in Pathology and Experimental Medicine (at the master's and doctoral levels).

Collaborative Program Description

Bioinformatics is an emerging and increasingly important scientific discipline dedicated to the pursuit of fundamental questions about the structure, function and evolution of biological entities through the design and application of computational approaches. Fundamental research in these areas is expected to increase our understanding of human health and disease which translates into innovation in industry.

Bioinformaticians today must be able to appreciate significant research in other fields and therefore require an understanding of the basic principles of other disciplines. The degree awarded specifies the primary program and indicates "specialization in Bioinformatics."

Main Areas of Research

Most research groups in the Department are part of a research centre. These centres include the Centre for Neuromuscular Disease, the Kidney Research Centre, and the Centre for Research in Biopharmaceuticals. Members of the Department are involved in three main research fields:

Growth and development
Pharmacology
Physiology