Contribute to the advancement of knowledge in the field of molecular biology through this doctorate program that focuses on general research, systems biology and cellular and molecular medicine.
With this molecular biology research doctorate program, you will benefit from in-depth theoretical and practical training based on leading multidisciplinary learning, as well as experimental practice in academic research settings. Apply cutting-edge techniques and methods in biotechologies, genomics and proteomics, while developing your analytical skills and critical thinking. You will also build your cross-functional skill set, such as work processes, communication, integrity, ethics, as well as equity, diversity, and inclusion values. Writing and defending a thesis is required in all options.
Interdisciplinary, multidisciplinary program offered by the Faculty of Medicine jointly with the Faculty of Arts and Sciences and the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine
Faculty from various departments working to develop centres and programs in basic, translational and applied research
Training in theory and practice in a variety of sectors
Options
Benefit from this unique translational research training opportunity combining basic laboratory research with the needs of clinical practice. The focus is on using cutting-edge technologies to study human diseases to develop novel diagnostic and therapeutic approaches that can be made rapidly available to patients.
Receive comprehensive research training and learn basic cutting-edge techniques and methods used to study biological macromolecules. Choose from an impressive range of courses to ultimately concentrate on a field of research. Areas include molecular genetics, gene activity regulation, tissue development, signalling pathways, nucleic acid and protein modifications, macromolecular chemistry, virology and biotechnology.
Learn concepts and gain practical experience in systems biology using high-throughput technologies such as genomics and proteomics. You will be prepared to meet the challenge of working across several complementary disciplines to study complex problems related to multigenic diseases, such as cancer.
Note that the option you are interested in may not be offered during the session for which you wish to apply.
Advantages of studying molecular biology at UdeM Graduate study programs centred on excellence and innovation
Experience university research settings at the forefront of advances in knowledge and emerging technologies
Discover the UdeM Faculty of Medicine, an international and national leader in research
Benefit from the expertise and international reputation of faculty members
Carry out your work in state-of-the art laboratories
Belong to a large community of Quebec and international students
Admission requirements
You are eligible only if a faculty member has agreed to supervise your research project or work prior to submitting your admission application.
Admission requirements
You studied
and have, or will obtain, a diploma from the following program or province:
and have, or will obtain, a diploma from the following program or country:
Be sure to select your choices to display the eligibility conditions that apply to you.
Additional documents to provide
Letter of intent or of interest
Curriculum vitae
Detailed description of research projects
Two letters of recommendation
Attestation of training, if applicable
Acceptance letter from a research director identified
Education
The maximum length is fifteen sessions (five years) for full-time students, excluding preparatory or “on leave” sessions. This deadline may be extended by one year with the permission of the Graduate Studies Committee.
Note that the quantitative criteria indicated above does not replace a qualitative review of your application. These criteria are provided for information purposes only. Eligibility for a study program does not guarantee an offer of admission. Information on this page may change without notice.
These amounts are estimates and do not account for other expenses, such as costs for insurance, residence, transportation, manuals, etc.
These estimates cannot at any time subsitute for an invoice or be used as proof for any reason whatsoever. These calculations are based on the 2023-2024 academic year. Information updated: May 19, 2023
Canadian non-Quebec resident
*Total for a full-time session of 15 credits
$2,022.23
Tuition fees:
$1,440.45
Other fees:
$581.78
These amounts are estimates and do not account for other expenses, such as costs for insurance, residence, transportation, manuals, etc.
These estimates cannot at any time subsitute for an invoice or be used as proof for any reason whatsoever. These calculations are based on the 2023-2024 academic year. Information updated: May 19, 2023
International student
*Total for a full-time session of 15 credits
$9,435.98
Tuition fees:
$8,854.20
Other fees:
$581.78
These amounts are estimates and do not account for other expenses, such as costs for insurance, residence, transportation, manuals, etc.
Good news! You may be able to lower this amount!
As an international student, you have access to exemption scholarships granted by UdeM throughout your university program. Note that for ungraduated programs, you must be enrolled as a full-time student for two sessions and reside in Quebec in the case of exclusively online study programs. Find out more
These estimates cannot at any time subsitute for an invoice or be used as proof for any reason whatsoever. These calculations are based on the 2023-2024 academic year. Information updated: May 19, 2023
Francophone student from France or Belgium
*Total for a full-time session of 15 credits
$2,022.23
Tuition fees:
$1,440.45
Other fees:
$581.78
These amounts are estimates and do not account for other expenses, such as costs for insurance, residence, transportation, manuals, etc.
These estimates cannot at any time subsitute for an invoice or be used as proof for any reason whatsoever. These calculations are based on the 2023-2024 academic year. Information updated: May 19, 2023
Available financial assistance
Molecular biology program scholarships:
Scholarships offered annually to students with excellent academic records
Graduate and postgraduate scholarships:
Funding offered to students, all programs combined
Postgraduate scholarships:
Funding offered for doctoral programs
Exemption scholarship for international students:
Scholarship program for exemption from additional tuition fees for international students
Funding for Mobility:
Scholarships and mobility funding programs offered to students from the Université de Montréal who wish to study abroad
Future prospects
Pursue a career in research, or opt for a career in clinical research assessment, teaching, scientific communication, project management, or drug development.
Program structure
(3-466-1-0)
The doctorate program consists of 90 credits. This program has four options:
General Option (Segment 70)
Systems Biology Option (Segment 71)
Complex Human Diseases Option (Segment 72)
Cellular and Molecular Medicine Option (Segment 74)
Research must be done as a residency at either Université de Montréal or a research laboratory of an affiliated institute or hospital approved by the Advisory Board of the Faculty of Medicine.
Studies in this program are governed by the educational regulations of the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies and the following provisions:
1. Admission requirements
To be admitted as a regular student in the PhD (Molecular Biology) program, candidates must:
Meet the general admission requirements (section XX) of the “Règlement pédagogique de la Faculté des études supérieures et postdoctorales” (educational regulations of the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies).
Demonstrate good knowledge of French (learn more).
Demonstrate satisfactory knowledge of English before being accepted into the second year of the program.
Demonstrate sufficient knowledge of any other language deemed necessary for their research.
1.1 Admission requirements – Transfer to PhD from MSc
Have an MSc (Molecular Biology) or the equivalent.
Have obtained a grade-point average at the graduate level of at least 3.3 out of 4.3 or the equivalent.
Candidates who have an MSc from another university or in a discipline other than molecular biology must have completed the coursework specific to the MSc in Molecular Biology Option or the equivalent. If not, these courses will be added to the student's doctorate program as complementary courses.
1.2 Admission requirements – Direct entry to PhD from BSc
Have a degree in medicine (MD), dental medicine (DMD) or veterinary medicine (DVM); a bachelor of science (BSc) in a relevant option; or a degree that is deemed equivalent.
Have obtained a grade-point average of at least 3.7 out of 4.3 or the equivalent at the undergraduate level, unless (upon approval from the Dean) the student has sufficient experience or education further to the undergraduate level demonstrating the skills required for a PhD program.
Candidates must complete all master's-level coursework that pertain to the PhD option they have enrolled in or the equivalent. These courses will be added to the student's doctorate program as complementary or preparatory courses.
1.3 Additional documents to submit with your application
Letter of intent or of interest
Curriculum vitae
Detailed description of research projects
Two letters of recommendation
Attestation of training, if applicable
Acceptance letter from a research director identified
2. Program Length
The maximum length is fifteen sessions (five years) for full-time students, excluding preparatory or “on leave” sessions. This deadline may be extended by one year with the permission of the Graduate Studies Committee.
3. Comprehensive exam
Students must take the written and oral components of the comprehensive exam by no later than the end of the sixth session of the program, and preparatory or “on leave” sessions are excluded in the calculation of this deadline. If the exam is deferred, the deadline will be extended by one session. The exam dates are set by the Program Director.