Image of PhD research

PhD Integrative Biology

The PhD in Integrative Biology at the University of Guelph provides research, training, and scholarship in both plant and animal sciences. Our graduate students study a wide variety of organisms, from microbes to plants and animals, at multiple levels of organizations, from molecules and cells to entire ecosystems. 

Graduate students’ programs are tailored depending on their interests and background.

Hannah Brazeau in the Phytotron

Degree Details

Most of PhD students' time will be devoted to research in fulfillment of the thesis requirement. Students can choose to pursue research in one of three areas:  

  • Ecology 

  • Evolutionary Biology 

  • Comparative Physiology 

The three areas of emphasis focus on (but are not restricted to), experimental approaches in field and laboratory settings and a strong linkage between theoretical and applied investigations. Learn about the program’s expected learning outcomes. The department encourages students to pursue interdisciplinary research and take advantage of faculty expertise from across campus.  

The department does not require that PhD students with an MSc degree take any courses. Students entering directly into the PhD program are required to take 1.0 course credits, which must include IBIO*6630: Scientific Communication in their first or second semester.  

The PhD program requires the successful completion of a qualifying exam and the completion and defence of a research-based thesis.

Collaborative Specialization

Collaborative Specializations

 A collaborative specialization is an intra-university graduate field of study that provides an additional multidisciplinary experience for students enrolled in and completing the degree requirements for an Integrative Biology graduate program. Opportunities for collaborative specializations are available in the areas of Neuroscience, Toxicology, and One Health.

Students doing research in mountains

Facilities and Fieldwork

The University of Guelph is home to diverse, state-of-the-art facilities that contribute to research and graduate training. Extensive freshwater and saltwater holding facilities are available in the Hagen Aqualab. The university is home to one of the largest herbariums in Canada and has a strong partnership with the Royal Botanical Gardens. The Biodiversity Institute for Conservation Synthesis provides first-class facilities to investigate the genetic diversity of organisms and the Limnotron enables experimental manipulation of aquatic food webs.

The department engages in fieldwork throughout the world, including local, Arctic, African, and tropical sites. The department has access to field sites, extensive greenhouse and plant growth facilities across campus. Graduate students have access to facilities in the Advanced Analysis Centre, including those for genomics, mass spectrometry, NMR, x-ray crystallography, and facilities for the growth of bacteria, yeast, mammalian, and plant cells.

Choosing an Advisor

Check out Before You Apply for helpful advice on identifying and reaching out to faculty members.

Contact Us

Dr. Cortland Griswold, Graduate Program Coordinator 
519-824-4120 ext. 56240 
cgriswol@uoguelph.ca  

Kate Artuso, Graduate Program Assistant 
519-824-4120 ext. 56097 
cbsib@uoguelph.ca 

Karen White, Graduate Admissions Assistant 
519-824-4120 ext. 52730 
white@uoguelph.ca