Molecular Genetics

The MSc and PhD graduate programs in the Department of Molecular Genetics draw students from across Canada and around the world. A central feature of our program is our rotation system, which allows newly admitted students to experience three different labs before deciding on a "best fit" thesis lab. We are the first and remain among the few programs in Canada to offer such a matching system. To support our

students throughout their degrees, as part of the Temerty Faculty of Medicine, we also offer the largest stipend in Canada of all comparable degrees in medical science research.

Recruiting students from a variety of backgrounds, we provide a first-year core curriculum to impart essential foundational knowledge in genetics, genomics, proteomics, and computational biology.

Additionally, our dynamic student seminar course engages the entire department and leading invited scientists from around the globe to train our students to become exceptional scientific communicators, by building skills in public speaking and scientific reasoning. Our community is diverse and collegial, offering students the opportunity to interact with leading experts, while developing close relationships with their fellow class members.

Our Programs

Master of Science (MSc)

In addition to completing a thesis, students take 1.5 FCE*:

MMG 1001H (Foundational Genetic Approaches I, 0.5 FCE),
MMG 1003H (First Year Colloquium, 0.25 FCE)
MMG 1104H (A Practical Course in Programming for Biologists, 0.25 FCE)
MMG 1113H (MSc Presentation Skills, 0.25 FCE) and
MMG 1114H (MSc Presentation, 0.25 FCE).

Students successfully finish this program in 2 years.

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

In addition to completing their theisis and the course requirements for the MSc, students complace 1.0 FCE:

MMG 1115H (PhD Presentation, 0.5 FCE) and
Elective coureses (0.5 FCE)

Typically, students successfully complete this program in 6 years.

Alumni Profile

Nicole Park, PhD

After completing my PhD, I began working in genome analysis.

I'm currently an Annotation Specialist at the University Health Network, where I contribute to the analysis and interpretation of cancer genomes. I report on genetic findings that are relevant to patient management.

As a fellow with the Canadian College of Medical Geneticists, I am now on the path to leading and directing a genome diagnostics lab.

My advice to incoming students is to find a lab that aligns well with your research interests and personality. The rotation system is unique to molecular genetics – it’s a privilege to sample different labs and also experience first-hand the breadth of research happening in this program.

Potential Career Paths

In 2022, the School of Graduate Studies (SGS) tracked the career outcomes of 5,128 PhD students who graduated from the University of Toronto between 2016 to 2021. The data below is from 139 molecular genetics PhD graduates.

Positions

Some examples of the positions our molecular genetics graduates held included:

Postdoctoral fellowships
Hospital-based jobs
Biotechnology and pharmaceutical jobs

Employers

Some examples of employers for whom our molecular genetics graduates worked included:

The University of Toronto

The chart below shows a percentage breakdown of the various sectors in which our molecular genetics PhD graduates worked at the time the survey occurred.

Main Employment Sectors of Molecular Genetics PhD Graduates

Chart data

Post-Secondary Education	Private Sector	Public Sector	Charitable Sector	Individual Sector	Info Not Public/Other
30.9	40.3	11.5	2.2	1.4	13.7

By the Numbers

423

Number of current MSc & PhD students.

100+

Number of graduate faculty.

*Full course equivalent. A typical 0.5 FCE is over one term (13 weeks), meeting 1-2 times per week. A typical 1.0 FCE is over two terms (26 weeks), meeting 1-2 times per week.