Doctor of Philosophy in Fundamental Immunology - Cancer Immunology

The Department of Immunology offers graduate programs leading to the Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degrees in a wide range of immunological disciplines. These disciplines include molecular mechanisms of lymphocyte development and selection, T-cell and B-cell receptors, cell interactions, growth factor receptors, cytokine networks, antigen processing and presentation, signal transduction in lymphocytes, V(D)J recombination, anergy, apoptosis, transgenic and knock-out models, immuno-targeting and vaccine design, autoimmunity, AIDS, diabetes, and transplantation.
The department provides a common forum for investigators in many areas of U of T and an interdisciplinary research experience in immunology. Members and students in the department are located at the Medical Sciences Building, at the Ontario Cancer Institute, and at the Research Institutes of Mt. Sinai Hospital, Toronto General Hospital, Toronto Western Hospital, The Hospital for Sick Children, and Sunnybrook Hospital. The PhD degree is an advanced research degree intended to reflect a level of training consistent with the ability of the candidate to function as an independent research scientist. This involves successful completion of course work reflecting a knowledge of modern immunology, as well as a demonstrated ability to carry out research of publishable quality.
Cancer cells start out as normal body cells, but they begin to grow out of control usually because of abnormal gene expression. Cells of the immune system are also susceptible to becoming different types of cancer cells such as leukemias and lymphomas. The immune system plays a major role in limiting the development of cancer cells, often before these cells have a chance to grow. Since the immune system responds to the environmental factors it encounters on the basis of discrimination between self and non-self, some cancer cells escape the immune system's surveillance mechanism because the cells outer appearance (proteins and other molecules expressed on their surface) look normal, even though profound changes have occurred on the inside. In this way, these abnormal cells grow and multiply without triggering an immune response.
Scientists have begun to explore novel therapies to combat the different types of cancers that arise. Many of these experimental therapies are termed Immunotherapy which is based upon the idea of stimulating the patient's immune system to attack the malignant tumor cells that are responsible for the disease. In spite of the fact that many cancer cells look normal to the immune system, many kinds of cancer cells display unusual antigens that are either inappropriate for the cell type and/or its environment, or are only normally present during the organisms' development. The strategy used by scientists is to first identify these abnormal antigens expressed on cancer cells, and then trick the immune system into killing any cell that expresses these antigens.

Applicants must have completed (or be in the final year of completing) an appropriate 4 year bachelor's degree, or its equivalent from a recognized university, with an average of at least a B+ (minimum GPA of 3.3) in their final two years.
Applicants holding a BSc degree with an average of A- in the final two years of undergraduate study are encouraged to apply for direct entry into the PhD program.
Applicants to the PhD holding an MSc degree must have an average of at least B+ in that degree.

Minimum Requirements plus: MSc in Applied Immunology (Advanced Standing Entry)
basic understanding of immunology and immunological concepts
completion of the equivalent of the University of Toronto undergraduate courses IMM450Y1 and 2 of the following: IMM428H1, IMM429H1, IMM430H1, IMM431H1, or MIJ485H1
must already have a research supervisor who is a Faculty Member in the Department of Immunology

Minimum Requirements plus: MSc in Applied Immunology (Standard Entry)
basic understanding of immunology and immunological concepts
some research experience (i.e. via summer project or lab courses)

Curriculum Vitae
Letter of Intent
Three letters of reference
Unofficial transcripts issued by your university are acceptable
GRE scores are NOT required

IELTS - Minimum required score 7.0 (Academic) with at least 6.5 for each component.
TOEFL IBT - Overall Score - 93, Writing and Speaking- 22, TOEFL Paper-based Test - Overall Score 580 TWE 5