Doctor of Philosophy in Fundamental Immunology - Immunodeficiency

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.
Immunodeficiency diseases are characterized by an undue susceptibility to infection and/or development of tumours. Immunodeficiency can affect one or more components of the immune system, including T-, B-, and natural killer (NK)-lymphocytes, as well as phaogocytic cells and complement proteins. Immunodeficiency can be reflecting an inherent defect in immune cells and these are usually congenital (genetically transmitted) or secondary, which is an usually acquired defect. An example of a primary immune deficiency is Severe Combined Immunodeficiency (SCID) characterized by impairment of both B and T cell function, due to mutations in the RAG-1 or RAG-2 genes, in which affected individuals rarely survive beyond 1 year of life without treatment. The best known secondary immunodeficiency is AIDS, which is due to infection by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and is characterized by severe depletion of CD4 T cells.

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