Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Ph.D.
Pathology
Head: Dr. Gabor Fischer
Campus Address/General Office: 401 Brodie Centre, 727 McDermot Avenue
Telephone: 204-789-3212
Fax: 204-789-3931
Email Address: pathology@umanitoba.ca
Website: umanitoba.ca/medicine/medicine/department-pathology
Academic Staff: Please refer to the Pathology website for Academic staff information.
Pathology Program Information
The Department of Pathology offers programs of study leading to a Master of Science or Doctor of Philosophy degree. The Ph.D. in Pathology and Laboratory Medicine program focuses on the research at the molecular, tissue, animal and clinical levels to understand the changes associated with diseases.
Admission Information
Admission to the Faculty of Graduate Studies
Application and Admission Procedures are found in the Academic Guide.
Admission requirements for doctoral students are found in the Doctor of Philosophy General Regulations section of the Guide.
Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Ph.D. Admission Requirements
Applicants must hold an M.Sc. degree in a related Biological Science or any related medical field discipline. The minimum standard for acceptance into the Department of Pathology is a 3.2 Grade Point Average (GPA) or equivalent in the last two previous years of full time university study (60 credit hours).
Application Information
Students should complete and submit their online application with supporting documentation by the date indicated on the Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Ph.D. program of study page.
Degree Requirements
The Ph.D. in Pathology and Laboratory Medicine program consists of a minimum 12 credit hours of coursework and a supervised research project to be presented as an acceptable thesis.
Students are required to take, and achieve a minimum grade of B in, IMED 7212 Introduction to Disease Mechanisms (3 CH), as well as 9 credit hours of 7000 or 8000 level courses. Course selection should be made in consultation with the student's advisor.
Additional requirements include attendance at the Annual Departmental Research Day and at least one Departmental presentation each year. Weekly Grand Round Seminar Series is optional but students are encouraged to attend whenever possible.
Expected Time to Graduate: 4 years
Progression Chart
| Year 1 | Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| GRAD 7500 | Academic Integrity Tutorial | 0 |
| GRAD 7300 | Research Integrity Tutorial | 0 |
| IMED 7212 | Introduction to the Mechanisms of Disease | 3 |
| Thesis proposal | ||
| Hours | 3 | |
| Years 1-2 | ||
| Electives at the 7000 or 8000 level | 9 | |
| Hours | 9 | |
| Year 3 | ||
| GRAD 8010 | Doctoral Candidacy Examination 1 | 0 |
| Hours | 0 | |
| Year 4 | ||
| GRAD 8000 | Doctoral Thesis | 0 |
| Hours | 0 | |
| Total Hours | 12 | |
- 1
The Ph.D. candidacy exam is normally initiated within 3 years of beginning Ph.D. studies. The written component of the exam is in the form of a grant proposal to a major funding agency.
Registration Information
Students should familiarize themselves with the Faculty of Graduate Studies ‘GRAD’ courses applicable to their program. If you have questions about which GRAD course(s) to register in, please consult your home department/unit.
Regulations
Students must meet the requirements as outlined in both Supplementary Regulation and BFAR documents as approved by Senate.
Supplementary Regulations
Individual units may require specific requirements above and beyond those of the Faculty of Graduate Studies, and students should consult unit supplementary regulations for these specific regulations.
Bona Fide Academic Requirements (BFAR)
Bona Fide Academic Requirements (BFAR) represent the core academic requirements a graduate student must acquire in order to gain, and demonstrate acquisition of, essential knowledge and skills.
All students must successfully complete:
- GRAD 7300 prior to applying to any ethics boards which are appropriate to the student’s research or within the student’s first year, whichever comes first; and
- GRAD 7500 within the first term of registration;
unless these courses have been completed previously, as per Mandatory Academic Integrity Course and Mandatory Research Integrity Online Course.
Students must also meet additional BFAR requirements that may be specified for their program.
General Regulations
All students must:
- maintain a minimum degree grade point average of 3.0 with no grade below C+,
- meet the minimum and not exceed the maximum course requirements, and
- meet the minimum and not exceed the maximum time requirements (in terms of time in program and lapse or expiration of credit of courses).
Courses
IMED 7004 Human Brain Imaging Methods 1.5 cr
The role of in vivo brain imaging (e.g., CT, MRI, PET, SPECT) have been rapidly increasing in the multiple disciplines that investigate the human brain in both clinical and nonclinical domains. The basic concepts, mechanisms and analytical techniques will be introduced for different imaging methods. Students will gain knowledge about what can be done and what cannot be done with each modality.
IMED 7092 Cell Biology A Introductory 3 cr
Lecture, seminar, tutorial and/or demonstration course devoted to basic structure and molecular functions of the different parts of the cell, beginning with the nucleus and concluding with the cell membrane. Topics include basic genetic inheritance principles, chromosomes and gene regulation, protein synthesis and sorting, mitochondrial functions and genetics, biochemical and electrical properties of cell membrane functions.
IMED 7094 Cell Biology B Special Topics 3 cr
Lecture, seminar, tutorial and/or demonstration course devoted to the coordination and integration of cellular functions in complex multicellular organisms. Topics include functional interactions between extracellular matrix, cytoskeletons and membranes, cell and extracellular matrix interactions, cell-to-cell communication including signal transduction mechanisms, concepts in the regulation of cell growth and cell death and pluripotent stem cells, and their relevance to normal organ/body
development and malignancy.
IMED 7096 Stem Cell Biology: Introduction to the Principles of Regenerative Medicine 1.5 cr
"Stem CellBiology" focuses on current knowledge of stem cell biology and regenerative medicine. We will discuss different conceptual aspects of stem cell properties and potency with a solid coverage of fundamental concepts including stem cell niches and microenvironment. We will further highlight the importance of stem cells in relation to human diseases including cancer (cancer stem cells), spinal cord injury, stem cell modeling of neurological disorders, and transplantation. Finally, this course will have an informative session on important ethical issues surrounding embryonic stem cells. This course is suitable for a broad range of graduate students with relevant research interests in stem cell biology and regenerative medicine.
PR/CR: A minimum grade of C is required unless otherwise indicated.
Prerequisite: A basic course in Biology or consent of the instructor(s).
Prerequisite: A basic course in Biology or consent of the instructor(s).
IMED 7098 Cancer Stem Cell Concepts and Therapeutic Applications 1.5 cr
This course will introduce normal and cancer stem cell concepts, with an emphasis on the hierarchical of tumours and the diverse roles of tissue microenvironment in sculpting tumour cell phenotypes. Also, targeting of putative cancer stem cells will be discussed in the context of developing novel treatment strategies.
PR/CR: A minimum grade of C is required unless otherwise indicated.
Prerequisite: Undergraduate course in cell biology or consent of instructor(s).
Prerequisite: Undergraduate course in cell biology or consent of instructor(s).
IMED 7100 Fundamentals of Neuroscience 6 cr
An interdepartmental multidisciplinary course providing a comprehensive overview of cellular, molecular, developmental and systems neuroscience, as well as the neurobiology of disease. Emphasis will be placed on the application of the fundamental principles of neuroscience to contemporary lab research. ANAT 7270 will provide instruction in neuroanatomy and structure-function in the nervous system.
PR/CR: A minimum grade of C is required unless otherwise indicated.
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.
IMED 7104 Neural Stem Cells: Biology and Regenerative Medicine Applications 1.5 cr
This course will discuss current concepts in Neural Stem Cells from basic neurobiology (development, fate specification and maintenance) to their potential clinical applications in treating a broad range of neurological disorders through cell transplantation as well as gene and drug delivery. Neural stem cells play critical roles in the nervous system and the course is developed to build the necessary knowledge for graduate students and residents within all disciplines in neurosciences.
PR/CR: A minimum grade of C is required unless otherwise indicated.
Prerequisite: By instructor approval only.
Prerequisite: By instructor approval only.
IMED 7106 Stem Cell Therapy and Tissue Engineering 1.5 cr
Stem cell therapy opens up new avenues and has the potential to provide permanent solutions to many irreversible disorders in the body. This course will discuss different aspects of stem cell mediated repair and challenges involved in taking stem cells to the clinical applications. This course will further discuss the use of biomaterials based approaches to enhance homing and engraftment of transplanted stem cells in different organs. The course will also provide an overview of current status of stem based clinical trials, regulatory requirements in clinical practice, and ethical issues that arise.
PR/CR: A minimum grade of C is required unless otherwise indicated.
Prerequisite: by instructor approval only.
Prerequisite: by instructor approval only.
IMED 7112 Fundamental Cellular Neurobiology 1.5 cr
This lecture-based course covers the fundamentals of cellular/molecular neurobiology of the nervous system. It will normally be offered on a two year cycle, and students interested in registering should contact the Course Director.
IMED 7114 Fundamental Neural Development and Plasticity 1.5 cr
This lecture-based course covers the fundamentals of development and plasticity of the nervous system. It will normally be offered on a two year cycle, and students interested in registering should contact the Course Director.
IMED 7116 Fundamental Systems Neuroscience 1.5 cr
This lecture-based course covers the fundamentals of systems based neuroscience. It will normally be offered on a two year cycle, and students interested in registering should contact the Course Director.
IMED 7118 Fundamental Neurobiology of Disease 1.5 cr
This lecture-based course covers the fundamental neurobiology of diseases of the nervous system. It will normally be offered on a two year cycle, and students interested in registering should contact the Course Director.
IMED 7120 Medical Biochemistry 3 cr
Biochemistry of carbohydrates, lipids, proteins and nucleic acids focused on those areas relevant to structure and function of the human body and disease processes. All students are expected to hace completed an introductory biochemistry course. The course will consist of lectures, tutorials, and assigned studies.
IMED 7130 Foundations in Human Population and Evolutionary Genetics 1.5 cr
This course will examine how human evolutionary history and sociogenetic processes have shaped contemporary patterns of genetic variation, how we can use these patterns to understand the histories and relationships of contemporary human populations, and appropriate methods to assay and interpret these genetic variation patterns.
PR/CR: A minimum grade of C is required unless otherwise indicated.
Prerequisite: Incoming students must have passed the graduate Medical Genetics (IMED 7170) course or its undergraduate equivalent, Introduction to Human Genetics (BGEN 3020), or equivalent course prior to taking this course.
Prerequisite: Incoming students must have passed the graduate Medical Genetics (IMED 7170) course or its undergraduate equivalent, Introduction to Human Genetics (BGEN 3020), or equivalent course prior to taking this course.
IMED 7140 Advanced Topics in Human Population and Evolutionary Genetics 1.5 cr
This course will examine the latest genetic evidence on the origins and evolution of anatomically modern humans and their peopling of the world, the coevolution of genes and culture, and the emergence and dispersal of genetic risk factors for Mendelian and complex diseases and traits that afflict contemporary human populations.
PR/CR: A minimum grade of C is required unless otherwise indicated.
Prerequisite: Incoming students must have passed the Foundations in Human Population and Evolutionary Genetics (IMED 7130) or an equivalent course prior to taking this course.
Prerequisite: Incoming students must have passed the Foundations in Human Population and Evolutionary Genetics (IMED 7130) or an equivalent course prior to taking this course.
IMED 7170 Medical Genetics 3 cr
Designed to introduce graduate students to the field of human genetics. Both basic science and clinical issues will be discussed in this course.
IMED 7190 Medical Immunology 3 cr
This interdisciplinary courses deals with the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying immunologically mediated human diseases.
PR/CR: A minimum grade of C is required unless otherwise indicated.
Prerequisites: IMMU 7070 plus cognate courses in human biology or by consent of instructors.
Prerequisites: IMMU 7070 plus cognate courses in human biology or by consent of instructors.
IMED 7200 Cancer Biology 3 cr
Biology of cancer including genetics, biochemistry, diagnostics and therapeutics with a focus on fundamental, translational and clinical application.
PR/CR: A minimum grade of C is required unless otherwise indicated.
Prerequisite: All students are expected to have completed an introductory biochemistry, cell biology or genetics course and will require consent of instructor.
Prerequisite: All students are expected to have completed an introductory biochemistry, cell biology or genetics course and will require consent of instructor.
IMED 7210 Epigenetics in Development and Human Diseases 1.5 cr
Emphasis on current understanding about the dynamic mechanisms that instruct when and where genomic DNA is turned on or off. We will discuss the epigenetic mechanisms that control differentiation of specialized cell types during development. Additionally, this course will highlight recent advancements on the impact of epigenetics in neurodevelopmental diseases with regards to the etiology, progression, diagnosis and treatment. In this respect, application of stem cell biologyin regenerative medicine, genome-wide genetic-epigentic strategies and gene therapy approaches will be discussed.
PR/CR: A minimum grade of C is required unless otherwise indicated.
Prerequisite: A basic course in biology, or consent of instructor.
Prerequisite: A basic course in biology, or consent of instructor.
IMED 7212 Introduction to the Mechanisms of Disease 3 cr
(Formerly: PATH 7020) This course introduces the student to the basic principles of disease processes, with use of case models to illustrate mechanisms. An assigned review, in conjunction with an essay and power point presentation will form part of the course. There are no course prerequisites.
IMED 7280 Medical Computational Biology 3 cr
“Medical Computational Biology” provides the basic knowledge necessary for students to pursue research in the use of computational methods in biomedical research. The course will focus on concepts necessary for applying computation to genomics, transcriptomics and proteomics experimental data and their application to topics relevant to human health. This course is suitable for a broad range of students with interest in large scale biomedical research.
PR/CR: A minimum grade of C is required unless otherwise indicated.
Prerequisites: a basic course in biology and mathematics or the consent of the instructor(s).
Prerequisites: a basic course in biology and mathematics or the consent of the instructor(s).
IMED 7290 Developmental Biology 3 cr
Emphasizes current principles of organ system development and its application to transgenic approaches to gene function in the context of a whole, developing organism.
PR/CR: A minimum grade of C is required unless otherwise indicated.
Prerequisites: IMED 7090 or consent of instructor.
Prerequisites: IMED 7090 or consent of instructor.
IMED 7300 Microscopy, Optics, Imaging and Analysis in Health Research 3 cr
Theory and practice of modern microscopy, optics, molecular imaging, and analyses used in health research. Participants will gain in depth knowledge through seminars by local and external experts in the field and by hands-on laboratory work in preparing samples for imaging and analyses. Images will be acquired using equipment at the Genomic Centre for Cancer Research and Diagnosis at the Manitoba Institute of Cell Biology. Students will also participate in interactive tutorials and journal club.
IMED 7302 Advanced Molecular Imaging 3 cr
Seminar course in which students will learn about innovative methods and advanced analyses of molecular imaging in biomedical research including 2-dimentional and 3-dimensional fluorescent in situ hybridization, live-cell imaging, spectral imaging, and multi-colour imaging. Students will participate in hands-on laboratory exercises, interactive tutorials and journal club.
IMED 7304 Functional Genomics and Whole Genome Analyses 3 cr
Seminar course in which students will learn about functional genomics and approaches to whole genome analyses using array technologies. Course content will be delivered by local and external experts in the field. Students will participate in hands-on laboratory exercises with micro-array platforms and computer-based data analyses, interactive tutorials and journal club.
IMED 7410 Biomedical Trainee Skills 3 cr
A course theoretical and practical instruction in scientific investigation, including research ethics, research design, data evaluation and presentation, as well as critical reviewing and preparation of applications for research funding.
PATH 7010 Investigative Pathology 6 cr
The student will complete a supervised project in the field of anatomic and/or clinical pathology, the results to be submitted in an acceptable report. The student will be examined on his/her knowledge in the field relating to his project.
PR/CR: A minimum grade of C is required unless otherwise indicated.
Prerequisite: PATH 7020 or departmental consent.
Prerequisite: PATH 7020 or departmental consent.
PATH 7032 Pathologists Assistant Field Practicum I 4 cr
(Formerly PATH 7030) The course wiil follow a format of lectures, webinars, discussions, assignments, and hands-on practical experience. The course will include rotations in the various medical laboratories associated with Pathology, which will include a one week Histopathology rotation, and two 3 month Autopsy rotations. The remainder of the time will see the student in clinical rotations in Surgical Pathology. During the rotations the student will attend various rounds and lectures associated with the departments. Course graded Pass/Fail.
PATH 7034 Pathologists Assistant Field Practicum II 4 cr
The course will follow a format of lectures, webinars, discussions, assignments, and hands-on practical experience. The course will include rotations in the various medical laboratories associated with Pathology, which will include a one week Histopathology rotation, and two 3 month Autopsy rotations. The remainder of the time will see the student in clinical rotations in Surgical Pathology. During the rotations the student will attend various rounds and lectures associated with the departments. Course graded Pass/Fail.
PR/CR: A minimum grade of C is required unless otherwise indicated.
Prerequisite: PATH 7032.
Prerequisite: PATH 7032.
PATH 7036 Pathologists Assistant Field Practicum III 4 cr
The course will follow a format of lectures, webinars, discussions, assignments, and hands-on practical experience. The course will include rotations in the various medical laboratories associated with Pathology, which will include a one week Histopathology rotation, and two 3 month Autopsy rotations. The remainder of the time will see the student in clinical rotations in Surgical Pathology. During the rotations the student will attend various rounds and lectures associated with the departments. Course graded Pass/Fail.
PR/CR: A minimum grade of C is required unless otherwise indicated.
Prerequisite: PATH 7034.
Prerequisite: PATH 7034.
PATH 7038 Pathologists Assistant Filed Practicum IV 4 cr
The course will follow a format of lectures, webinars, discussions, assignments, and hands-on practical experience. The course will include rotations in the various medical laboratories associated with Pathology, which will include a one week Histopathology rotation, and two 3 month Autopsy rotations. The remainder of the time will see the student in clinical rotations in Surgical Pathology. During the rotations the student will attend various rounds and lectures associated with the departments. Course graded Pass/Fail.
PR/CR: A minimum grade of C is required unless otherwise indicated.
Prerequisite: PATH 7036.
Prerequisite: PATH 7036.
PATH 7042 Pathologists Assistant Field Practicum V 4 cr
The course will follow a format of lectures, webinars, discussions, assignments, and hands-on practical experience. The course will include rotations in the various medical laboratories associated with Pathology, which will include a one week Histopathology rotation, and two 3 month Autopsy rotations. The remainder of the time will see the student in clinical rotations in Surgical Pathology. During the rotations the student will attend various rounds and lectures associated with the departments. Course graded Pass/Fail.
PR/CR: A minimum grade of C is required unless otherwise indicated.
Prerequisite: PATH 7038.
Prerequisite: PATH 7038.
PATH 7120 Diseases of Human Organ Systems 1.5 cr
(Formerly PATH 7020) The course introduces the student to the pathology of major organ systems of the human body via lectures, assigned readings and discussion, and oral presentations. The course will provide coverage of disease mechanisms and the pathology of specific organ systems including: gastrointestinal, genitourinary, reproductive, breast, hematolymphoid, cardiovascular and respiratory systems.
PR/CR: A minimum grade of C is required unless otherwise indicated.
Prerequisite: IMED 7212.
Prerequisite: IMED 7212.
PATH 7130 Clinical Pathological Correlations 1 1.5 cr
(Formerly: PATH 7020) The course provides an opportunity to synthesize clinical skills and theoretical knowledge in the identification, classification, and staging of cancer with emphasis on Primary Tumor (T); Regional Lymph Nodes (N); Distant Metastasis (M) TNM staging. Course graded pass/fail.
PR/CR: A minimum grade of C is required unless otherwise indicated.
Prerequisites: IMED 7212.
Prerequisites: IMED 7212.
PATH 7140 Clinical Pathological Correlations 2 1.5 cr
The course provides an opportunity to synthesize clinical skills and theoretical knowledge in the identification, classification, and staging of cancer with emphasis on Primary Tumor (T); Regional Lymph Nodes (N); Distant Metastasis (M) TNM staging. Course graded pass/fail.
PR/CR: A minimum grade of C is required unless otherwise indicated.
Prerequisite: PATH 7130.
Prerequisite: PATH 7130.