PhD in Biological Sciences
Become an independent scientist by earning your PhD in Biological Sciences! Prove your ability to develop unique knowledge in a field of your choice.
At the doctoral level, you will prepare a thesis making a significant, original and high-quality scientific contribution. This work must also lead to scientific publications in peer-reviewed journals.
You will develop and carry out your own original research projects! This will prepare you for a cutting-edge research career in academia, government or industry.
- Daytime classes
- Full-time
- 90 credits (6 for courses, 84 for research)
General Option
The General Option of the Ph.D. program is intended for students who hold a Master’s degree in Science (or an equivalent degree) and who wish to pursue research in one of the subfields of biology:
- Molecular and Cellular Biology
- Physiology
- Biodiversity, Ecology, and Evolution
- Microbiology and Immunology
Explore recent theses and dissertations (in French) submitted to the Department to discover the richness and diversity of biological sciences. What themes will you choose to help advance the field?
Museology Option
Students who hold both a graduate degree in Museology (or a related discipline) and an undergraduate degree in Biological Sciences can deepen and consolidate their knowledge through the Ph.D. in Biological Sciences – Museology Option.
This option is designed to provide training that is well aligned with today’s museum realities. Graduates of this program may aspire to leadership roles in the museum sector that require hybrid expertise.
In addition to their thesis work, doctoral students from various disciplines will take part in the Integrative Museology Seminar (in French), to share critical perspectives, theories, and museological concepts. This intensive seminar, offered in collaboration with worldwide partners, takes the form of an International Summer Doctoral School.
Questions about this program?
Tiana Alexander, Student File Management Technician: 514 343-6111, ext. 1205
Sophie Breton, Program Supervisor: 514 343-2286
All about this program (in French)
Internships (in French)
International (in French)
Financial support
Job outlook
International (in French)
Financial support
Job outlook
Job outlook
The + of studying biological sciences at the Université de Montréal!
- Laboratories equipped with the most sophisticated instruments.
- The Biodiversity Centre, housing the Ouellet-Robert Entomology Collection and the Marie Victorin Herbarium, among other valuable collections.
- The Institut de recherche en biologie végétale (IRBV): an exceptional site for basic and applied research, located in the Montréal Botanical Garden, staffed by renowned professors and researchers.
- The Groupe de recherche interuniversitaire en limnologie (GRIL): the only group studying eastern Canadian freshwater ecology.
- The new Mine of Knowledge training program funded by NSERC, providing stipends for students to conduct research on the sustainable development of the mining sector.
- The Station de biologie des Laurentides: a true natural laboratory in a protected setting.
- The Symposium: an annual assembly focusing on the work of graduate student researchers.
- Weekly seminars (in French) given by internationally reputed guest scientists.
- According to US News, the Université de Montréal is ranked among the best global university for molecular biology and genetics.