Biotechnology
Biotechnology is a field of study that uses living organisms or cellular and bio-molecular processes to make new products, solve problems, or provide new methods of production.
Scientific and technological advances have transformed biotechnology techniques, which have opened the door to a variety of applications in areas such as health care, the environment, forestry, and industrial processes. Lakehead is a comprehensive university with a reputation for innovative programs and cutting-edge research. The Ph.D. in Biotechnology at Lakehead is a research-based, interdisciplinary graduate program focused on the professional development of scientists in two areas of specialization:
- Medical biotechnology
- Environmental biotechnology with a focus on toxicology, waste, and emissions
The structure of the program allows you to choose your area of focus, and to tailor your research and coursework to meet your career goals. With faculty members from a wide range of backgrounds in both academic and industry settings, you will have the opportunity to choose from a great diversity of subjects in which to train.
Graduates of the Ph.D. in Biotechnology will have career opportunities at universities, research institutes, and the biotechnology industry in Canada and abroad.
NOTE: Students in this program are expected to complete all requirements within a minimum of nine terms (3 years) to a maximum of twelve terms (4 years) of continuous full-time registration. Candidates must meet a minimum residency of three terms, two of which must be consecutive.
More information is available on the Biotechnology Program pages
Admission Requirements for PhD
Applicants for admission must be graduates of a recognized university and show evidence of scholarly achievement. Except where otherwise stated in the Admission Requirements of a particular program, students must have a Masters degree or its equivalent with an academic average as specified by the academic unit. An applicant holding a degree other than one in the discipline area to which admission is sought will be considered on the basis of Master's courses taken and academic standing.
Meeting the minimum requirements does not necessarily guarantee admission. No candidate will be admitted unless the academic unit recommends admission. All applicants will be advised in writing by the Office of Graduate Studies of their admission status.
Program Specific Requirements
In addition to the general admission requirements for PhD programs, the following requirements also apply:
- Admission will be subject to the availability of a Supervisory Committee for the student
- Normally, an applicant to the Program would be expected to have completed a Master's Degree in science, engineering, or an allied discipline. The academic program for each PhD candidate will be developed by the Supervisory Committee in consultation with the student.
- Students in the first year of a Master's degree may apply for transfer into the PhD in Biotechnology provided that they have successfully completed one FCE (view definition of FCE) of course work and have had their research proposal approved by their thesis committee.
Academic Fees and Important Payment Information
Graduate Funding
At Lakehead University, we realize the importance of financial support for graduate students.
Therefore, financial assistance opportunities are available in several forms and are generally awarded to students by individual programs on the basis of academic promise and financial need.
The different funding options available include:
For your convenience, a searchable database of graduate scholarships, bursaries, and awards is provided below. Award eligibility, criteria, and application procedures for graduate funding is indicated for each award. Please use the general search tool to find available funding by program. Alternatively, you may also click the advanced search link to specify available funding by program level, award category and/or award amount.
Although financial support cannot be guaranteed to all graduate students in all programs, we encourage you to inquire about financial assistance with your Graduate Coordinator in your program of study. You may also contact the Graduate Funding Officer in the Faculty of Graduate Studies to learn more about your graduate funding options.
Conditions of Graduate Awards
Graduate scholarships are based on academic merit. Graduate bursaries are based on financial need, although there may be a merit component to the bursary. Where the award designates that an application is required, only those students who have submitted the specified application by the deadline will be considered for those awards. Late and/or incomplete applications will not be considered. Only successful applicants will be notified.
Recipients of scholarships, awards and bursaries must be registered in order to receive funding. Graduate awards are applied to any outstanding balance on the student's account. Students are entitled to their awards only after their fees are paid in full. Only students with credit account balances will be refunded the balance of the overpayment. Overpayment refunds of these awards will be issued at the end of September, January and May each year.
The University reserves the right to make changes without prior notice to the terms, conditions and award values listed in this section and in the University Calendar.
The most up-to-date internal awards and applications are on our new award system MyAwards
Graduate Studies Funding Database
Required Application Documents
Applicants for admission must be graduates of an accredited university, college, or institute as well as show evidence of scholarly achievement. Except where otherwise stated in the admission requirements of a particular program, domestic degree students must have a four year bachelor's degree or its equivalent with at least (B) based on their last 20 half courses or equivalent. We recommend that International applicants have an overall standing of Second Class - Upper Division or higher.
Meeting the minimum application requirements does not guarantee admission. The Faculty of Graduate Studies will advise all applicants in writing of admission decisions once they are received from the program. Applicants are encouraged to regularly monitor their Lakehead University email and application portal for the most current information.
The first step in the application process is to complete the online graduate studies application form.
After you have submitted the online form along with the required $125 CAD application fee, you will be provided with an online account where you can complete the remaining steps of the application process which include uploading the required supporting documents and monitoring the status of your application.
Click here to Apply to Graduate Studies
After you have applied
After you have submitted the online application form, you can access your account here. Any change in your application status will be reflected in this portal.
- An electronic reference form will be automatically sent by email to the references you identify on the graduate studies application form
- This form is requested in support of the applicant's ability to undertake advanced study and research
- For a list of program specific documents, please see this program's Additional Application Information section (if required, see above)
- For information about English test results, please see our Academic Calendar
Additional Application Information
- One page outlining your interest