1. Biochemistry Graduate Program
Dr. Matthew S Miller
Assistant Dean – Biochemistry Graduate Program
Associate Chair (Graduate Education) – Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences
Office: MDCL 2324
@MacBiochemGrad

2. Program Quick FAQs Approximately 130 students (~75% PhD, 25% MSc)
53 world-class faculty members
Our students are awarded over $1 million in external scholarships annually
Typically publish ~60 papers per year in top scientific journals
Research-intensive focus
State-of-the-art facilities
Personalized, student-centred training

3. Admissions Requirements
MSc Program (2 years)
Minimum B+ average (8.5/12) in final 2 years (most students receiving offers have A or A+)
Statement of interest. Why do you want to pursue a graduate degree? Be genuine
2 reference letters. Choose faculty who know you well and can tell the committee more than what they can gather from your transcript and CV
*Prior research experience a major asset
Option to transfer into PhD program (typically between 12 and 18 months after admission)
Meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee offer of admission
PhD Program (4 years)
Same as above + MSc degree
Exceptional applicants (A average + extensive research experience and accomplishments) may be considered for direct entry PhD
MD/PhD Program (7 years – 3 MD + 4 PhD)
Fulfill entry requirements for PhD program
MCAT + CASPer. Minimum MCAT score of 127 on critical analysis and reasoning
Apply directly to MD/PhD program:

4. ~Students may enter the graduate program in January, May or September~
Admissions Deadlines
~Students may enter the graduate program in January, May or September~
May 2019 Deadlines
Early deadline (Domestic applicants): February 1st, 2019
Final deadline (Domestic applicants): March 1st, 2019
Final deadline (International applicants): January 18th
September 2019 Deadlines
Early deadline (Domestic applicants): February 1, 2019
Final deadline (Domestic applications): June 30, 2019
January 2020 Deadlines
Final deadline (Domestic applications): September 14, 2019

5. Admissions FAQs
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis – applicants informed of decision via
Initial offers are “conditional” – must find a supervisor who will support your studies
*It is strongly recommended that your contact potential supervisors PRIOR to submitting your application

6. Stipends MSc minimum: $23, 581 PhD minimum: $25, 708
MD/PhD minimum: $27, 077
*Minimum support is higher for students who hold major external awards (e.g. CIHR, NSERC, OGS)
Many merit-based internal scholarships offered on an annual basis

7. Program Structure MSc PhD Duration: 2 years
2 courses (3 unit) required. One must be from BIOCHEM course offerings
Typically no TA responsibilities
Thesis + Defense
PhD
Duration: 4 years
No course requirements
Guaranteed TA
Qualification exam (12 months)
Comprehensive exam (18 months)
Thesis + Defense

8. Resources
Biochemistry Graduate Program Website:
Health Sciences Graduate Studies Website:
McMaster School of Graduate Studies Website:
Graduate Officer: Ms. Lisa Kush Graduate Assistant: Ms. Allison Taylor

9. Questions?