Computational Biology in Molecular Genetics (CBMG) PhD Track

Data and technology increasingly drive molecular genetics, creating a high demand for researchers with advanced computational skills and a strong grasp of molecular biology. Computational biologists use physics, math, or computer science methods to model biological processes or analyze genomic or high-throughput data, for example. Machine learning, deep learning and artificial intelligence (AI) have emerged as powerful techniques to study biological questions and are employed in many of the department’s labs.

The CBMG track aims to provide students with an immersive computational biology education, including in AI applications in biology. Students are admitted to the Molecular Genetics PhD program and are provided opportunities and courses specific to their discipline to maximize their training potential.

CBMG Co-ordinators:

Director: Dr. Gary Bader, Rm 602, Donnelly Centre

Associate Director: Dr. Hannes Rӧst, Rm 604, Donnelly Centre

CBMG Curriculum

Guided reading: During the summer before the official start of graduate studies, we may provide you with useful reading and study material to complement your undergraduate education as needed.

Rotations: In the fall of the 1st year, you'll take three five-week rotations before joining your thesis lab.

Genetics, Genomics, and Proteomics: In the fall of the 1st year, we will teach you about diverse current research topics relevant to computational biology as part of our PhD Core Curriculum.

Graduate Computational Biology: In the winter of the 1st year, you will take intensive hands-on courses in a range of computational biology, statistics, machine learning and AI fundamentals and application topics (Foundational Computational Biology I and II). 

Department Courses: A diverse range of additional courses are available for CBMG students in topics such as: Human Genome Analysis, Gene and Protein Evolution, Advanced 'omics Methods, Paired Analysis Principles, and their Applications, Functional Genomics, and Advanced Cancer Proteomics.

Optional Course Options: Molecular Genetics graduate students may also take any available undergraduate or graduate course offered at the University of Toronto without extra cost, including any computer science course or computational biology course.  A personalized recommendation of additional suggested courses to take will be made for each student as needed based on their research interests.

Thesis topic: You may choose any topic within the many fields of study represented in the department. Most labs rely on genomic and computational technologies in some way, and for many, it is their primary focus.

Socializing: Annual retreats and other social & scientific events to help you meet and network with other Molecular Genetics and CBMG students at all stages of their PhDs.

Admissions Process*

Given the more specific curriculum, CBMG students may only join the Molecular Genetics program for September entry (not January). All successful CBMG applicants will be admitted directly into the PhD Program. Admissions require:

• A Bachelor’s degree in life sciences or quantitative disciplines (physics, math/stats, computer science, chemistry or engineering).

• An undergraduate average of A- or higher (or equivalent).

• Evidence of comfort and ease with computer programming, e.g. academic excellence in multiple computer courses, computational research, programming through employment or extracurricular activities.

• Academic excellence in two or more quantitative subjects: calculus, linear algebra,
  probability/statistics or other math or quantitative courses.

• Research experience outside the classroom — wet or dry, biological or non-biological.This includes summer studentships, a lab job that involves working on scientific problems and most fourth-year honours projects.

• At least two letters of reference.

• A letter of intent - be sure to explain your interest in the CBMG PhD track.

• A successful interview.

* Please note CBMG requirements are in addition to, and not in place of the standard Molecular Genetics Graduate Academic Requirements. See the Graduate Admissions for full details on deadlines and admission procedures.

*International applicants may need to submit additional materials in their application package. See International Students for details.

We provide a welcoming environment for students and support them with the tools and mentorship needed to succeed in fast-paced, cutting-edge interdisciplinary fields.