Graduate Application FAQ

Unlike many Graduate Programs, incoming students will select supervisors only after completing three research rotations.  For domestic students, there is therefore no requirement to discuss working with a specific supervisor prior to applying. If offered acceptance into the program, applicants will have the opportunity to visit the department and meet faculty. They will indicate their top five preferences for rotations as part of accepting their offer.

There are two instances where applicants must contact potential supervisors in advance of submitting their application:

Case 1: International Students
While International Students also have the opportunity to indicate their rotation preferences and select their supervisor after the three rotations, they must obtain a Faculty Sponsor prior to acceptance in the program. This Sponsor agrees to supervise the student in the case that an alternate supervisor is not selected after the rotation period. Students should begin to contact potential sponsoring supervisors in advance of submitting their application materials.

Case 2: PhD applicants with Prior Masters who wish to opt out of the Rotation Period
PhD applicants who will receive their MSc before starting their graduate program in Biochemistry have the option of forgoing rotations and directly joining a lab. To be eligible for opting out of rotations, the applicant must arrange a prospective supervisor as part of their application package. An email from both the applicant and the prospective supervisor stating that both are willing to forgo the rotation process should be emailed to the Graduate Coordinator and Graduate Program Coordinator when the survey for first rotations is sent out. 

Supporting Documents can be uploaded to the Application Portal after the Application Fee is paid and processed.