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Faculty of Health Sciences

Biochemistry Graduate Program

Doctoral (PhD) Program

Tailored to maximize research productivity, inspire knowledge mobilization and develop specialized experts.

Overview

The department provides guaranteed financial support for candidates accepted into the PhD program for four years from the time of initial registration. Our base PhD stipend for the 2023-24 academic year is $36,552.07/year (inclusive of guaranteed TA income) for Canadian students and $37,308.07/year (inclusive of guaranteed TA income and UHIP) for International students.

Our PhD program is tailored to maximize student productivity and learning through basic research. Our philosophy is that the most important goal of a higher degree is to become an expert in a specific field while maintaining sufficient breadth of knowledge to succeed after leaving graduate school. This includes publication in respected peer-reviewed journals, applications for study scholarships, oral and written presentation skills.

PhD candidates must:

  • Present a thesis that embodies original research and high scholarship. This dissertation must be defended in an oral examination in compliance with the regulations of the School of Graduate Studies.
  • Pass a PhD Candidacy Examination, typically scheduled at 12 months after initial registration with an upper limit of 20 months. This examination is designed to test students for breadth of knowledge and the ability to integrate ideas.
  • Meet six months after initial registration in the program with their supervisory committee, followed by subsequent annual meetings.
  • Present two public seminars in the departmental seminar program.
Please note:
  • There are no formal course requirements for the completion of the PhD degree, unless the student’s supervisory committee has made a specific recommendation for additional course work to supplement the student’s knowledge in their area of research.

Financial Information:

  • For 2023/2024, the teacher assistantship (TA) payment is $6,453.16 (inclusive of PhD base stipend). TAs must complete 130 hours of work plus three hours of orientation and health and safety training.
  • If you’re attending McMaster University as an international or incoming exchange student, you have access to insurance through the University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP). UHIP is currently $756 for the year (prorated based on term start date).
  • For further details, please refer to our financial support page.