Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Road, Guelph, ON, Canada, N1G 2W1
519.824.4120 x54401
©1998-2012 Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph
Degree Programs
Jeff Caswell (Room 3828, PAHL building, Ext 54555)
Dona Kangas (Room 3834, PAHL building, Ext. 54725)
The Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Immunology and the Department of Pathology merged into the new Department of Pathobiology on May 1, 1996. The new combined graduate training program in Veterinary Immunology, Microbiology, Parasitology and Pathology accomodates and integrates the established programs. Graduate students enrolled before Spring 1996 will continue in their programs according to the guidelines of their former departments.
There are four graduate degree programs. The department offers programs of study leading to MSc and PhD degrees and a Graduate Diploma. The department also participates in the inter-departmental Doctor of Veterinary Science (DVSc) program, and in the OVC proposed Master of Public Health (MPH) program.
The Department of Pathobiology provides graduate programs in the following fields (alphabetical list):
Comparative pathology
Immunology
Veterinary pathology
Veterinary Infectious Diseases
The DVSc is offered in applied areas of microbiology, immunology or pathology. The diploma program is offered in applied areas of pathology.
Assignment of Space: Administrative Assistant only Office space to Graduate students is provided by the Department but space is limited # of students per office: 4 Larger offices: 8, 12 & 21 Use of Space: Space is designed for quiet academic activity (please socialize elsewhere) Students will be grouped according to similar disciplines and location of Advisor.
The primary objective of the MSc program is to provide students with training in conceptual and laboratory aspects of research, combined with advanced training in a field of knowledge relating to manifestations, basic mechanisms and host resistance to diseases of vertebrates. DVM (or equivalent) graduates may obtain some of the practical experience required for specialty certification in veterinary anatomic pathology, clinical pathology, microbiology or parasitology.
MSc Admission Requirements
Applicants should have either a DVM (or equivalent) degree with at least a `B' average over the four years of the program, or an honours degree in biological sciences with at least a `B' average during the final 2 years. In either case, performance in relevant biomedical science courses, (e.g. microbiology, immunology, biochemistry, molecular biology, etc) at a level above the minimum `B' average is normally expected. Admission requires the prior identification of a faculty advisor and a source of financial support for the student. Supportive letters of reference, based on sound knowledge of the applicant, are essential. Applicants should submit a one-page statement of research interests and career goals in order to assist in the identification of a faculty advisor who has the facilities and funding necessary to support the thesis research, and who can provide a stipend if the student is not independently supported. Applications may be submitted at any time. Students may be admitted in the fall, winter or spring semesters, with a preference for the fall.
MSc Degree Requirements
Students must complete at least 1.5 credits of prescribed courses with at least a `B-' average, and must satisfactorily and defend a research thesis. Prescribed courses and additional courses are selected by the student in consultation with the advisor and advisory committee based on the student's background, research and career objectives. The departmental Graduate Seminar course is prescribed for all MSc students. The thesis research is planned by the student in consultation with the advisor. Research plans and progress must be approved by the advisory committee. The thesis defence includes a seminar presentation and a final oral examination by a committee of graduate faculty members.
(pending OCGS Approval)
Plans to participate in the proposed MPH Program, are currently under review by OCGS, please contact Dr. Scott McEwen, Department of Population Medicine, smcewen@uoguelph.ca, for more information.
The PhD program is designed primarily for students whose career aspirations are towards the independent research on the manifestations, basic mechanisms and host resistance to diseases of vertebrates. The primary objective is to provide advanced training in conceptual and laboratory aspects of independent research, combined with advanced training in one or more appropriate fields of knowledge. The major emphasis is on the generation and critical evaluation of scientific knowledge relating to the causes, mechanisms and/or consequences of diseases affecting a particular species, organ system or biological process or to the understanding of host resistance and basic mechanisms of health or disease in vertebrates. DVM (or equivalent) graduates may obtain some of the practical experience required for specialty certification in veterinary anatomic pathology, clinical pathology, microbiology or parasitology.
PhD Admission Requirements
The usual requirement for admission to the PhD program is the completion of an approved MSc degree with a minimum `B+' average and strong supportive letters from referees familiar with the background of the applicant. Performance in relevant biomedical science courses, (e.g. microbiology, immunology, biochemistry, molecular biology, etc) at a level above the `B+' average is normally expected. Students may apply for admission into the PhD program before completing the MSc program, providing that they have a minimum A average and a demonstrated capacity for independent research. Some students with demonstrated potential for independent research and a superior academic record during their baccalaureate or DVM programs may be admitted directly into the PhD program.
Admission requires the identification of a faculty advisor and a source of financial support for the student. If these have not been arranged by the applicant, a statement of the applicant's interests and objectives and supportive letters of reference are required to assist with the identification of an appropriate faculty advisor and potential sources of funds for research and student a stipend. Applications may be submitted at any time. Initial enrolment can be in the fall, winter or spring semesters, with a preference for the fall.
PhD Degree Requirements
Students must have completed the department's graduate seminar course, and have obtained at least a B-' average in all courses prescribed by the advisory committee. There are no other specific course requirements. Prescribed courses and additional courses are selected by the student in consultation with the advisor and advisory committee based on the student's background, and research and career objectives.
Students are required to satisfactorily complete a qualifying examination before the end of the fifth semester if they possess an MSc degree, or before the end of the seventh semester if they possess only an honours baccalaureate or DVM degree. The qualifying examination is conducted by a committee of graduate faculty members with expertise in the areas of study, and includes written and oral components. The qualifying examination covers a breadth of knowledge of topics related to the student's research area, and depth of knowledge within this research area. To successfully complete the examination, students must have a broad general understanding of one of the departmental fields of study, and a current and in-depth understanding of one or two additional areas. The advisory committee identifies selected areas of study by the end of the second semester. In addition, the advisory committee is required to confirm that the student has demonstrated both ability and promise in research. This is based on performance on the research project, and on the writing of a research proposal on a subject proposed by the student and approved by the advisory committee.
The thesis research is planned by the student in consultation with the advisor. Research plans and progress must be approved by the advisory committee. The program is completed with the satisfactory presentation and defence of a thesis, which includes a seminar presentation and a final oral examination by a committee that includes an external examiner and several members of the graduate faculty.
The Department of Pathobiology participates in the DVSc program which provides a balance of advanced training in a discipline in veterinary medicine, combined with a thesis-research project. The program emphasizes diagnostic and health management aspects of veterinary anatomic pathology, veterinary clinical pathology, veterinary clinical microbiology, clinical immunology, laboratory animal science, wildlife and zoo animal pathology, avian medicine and pathology, and fish pathology. The research project addresses an applied aspect of a significant disease problem in vertebrates. The program provides practical training towards specialty certification in veterinary anatomic pathology, clinical pathology, veterinary clinical microbiology or veterinary parasitology.
DVSc Admission Requirements
Applicants require a DVM (or equivalent) degree with high academic standing from a program that provides eligibility for the practice of veterinary medicine in Ontario. Alternatively, applicants with a DVM (or equivalent) degree can be admitted after completion of an acceptable graduate diploma, MSc, or PhD degree with an upper `B' average. Admission requires the identification of a faculty advisor and a source of personal support for the student. If these have not been arranged by the applicant, a statement of the applicant's interests and objectives and supportive letters of reference are required to assist with the identification of an appropriate faculty advisor and potential sources of funds for research and student stipend. Several stipends for DVSc candidates are available intermittently for training in some disciplines serving the Teaching Hospital. As these funds become available, stipends are awarded to the most qualified applicant(s) based on completed applications for admission to the DVSc program. Applications may be submitted at any time. Initial enrolment can be in the fall, winter or spring semesters.
DVSc Degree Requirements
The degree requires a minimum of nine semesters of full-time study; completion of department's graduate seminar course, the completion of at least 2.5 credits in other courses prescribed by the student's advisory committee with an overall average of at least `B-', and satisfactory completions of a qualifying examination, thesis and final oral examination.
The Department of Pathobiology participates in the DVSc program which provides a balance of advanced training in a discipline in veterinary medicine, combined with a thesis-research project. The program emphasizes diagnostic and health management aspects of veterinary anatomic pathology, veterinary clinical pathology, veterinary clinical microbiology, clinical immunology, laboratory animal science, wildlife and zoo animal pathology, avian medicine and pathology, and fish pathology. The research project addresses an applied aspect of a significant disease problem in vertebrates. The program provides practical training towards specialty certification in veterinary anatomic pathology, clinical pathology, veterinary clinical microbiology or veterinary parasitology.
The objective of the diploma program is to provide advanced practical training in a field of veterinary pathology to veterinarians working in industry, government or in private practice. The program emphasizes practical and course-based applied training in anatomic pathology, clinical pathology, avian medicine and pathology, laboratory animal science, or wildlife and zoo animal pathology.
Graduate Diploma Admission Requirements
Applicants require a DVM (or equivalent) degree with acceptable academic standing. Admission requires the prior identification of a faculty advisor and a source of personal support for the student.
Graduate Diploma Degree Requirements
The diploma requires three semesters of full-time study, and satisfactory completion of at least 1.5 credits in applied pathology courses and 0.5 credits in other graduate courses, including the graduate seminar course. The remaining credits may be in the defined area of study, as prescribed by the faculty advisor. Diploma students must satisfactorily pass a final oral comprehensive examination on general knowledge in the field of study. It will be conducted by faculty members in the Department of Pathobiology. There is no thesis, but students are required to write a paper that the advisor considers ready for submission to a peer-reviewed scientific journal.
For more information on our graduate programs:
Graduate studies at University of Guelph:
Learn about Guelph
Veterinary licensing in Ontario
Opportunities and funding