Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Vision Science

The program information below was valid for the fall 2023 term (September 1, 2023 - December 31, 2023). This is the archived version; the most up-to-date program information is available through the current Graduate Studies Academic Calendar.

The Graduate Studies Academic Calendar is updated 3 times per year, at the start of each academic term (January 1, May 1, September 1). Graduate Studies Academic Calendars from previous terms can be found in the archives.

• Admit term(s) 
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Spring
• Delivery mode 
  • On-campus
• Length of program 
  • The minimum number of terms during which a student must register full-time is four (from a Master of Science (MSc) degree). The terms of full-time registration do not have to be consecutive.
• Program type 
  • Doctoral
  • Research
• Registration option(s) 
  • Full-time
  • Part-time
• Study option(s) 
  • Thesis

• Minimum requirements 
  • The program is open to students holding an MSc degree (or equivalent), which included a substantial research thesis in an area relevant to the proposed program in Vision Science.
• Application materials 
  • Résumé
  • Supplementary information form
  • Transcript(s)
• References 
  • Number of references:  3
  • Type of references: 

    academic

• English language proficiency (ELP) (if applicable)

Thesis option:

Graduate Academic Integrity Module (Graduate AIM)

Courses 

• Course requirements are tailored to meet the needs and backgrounds of individual students.
• Students must complete a minimum of 2 one-term graduate courses (0.50 unit weight) (or equivalent):
  • 1 course must be selected from Core Stream A – Scientific Methods (OPTOM 650 - OPTOM 669) and 1 course from Core Stream B – Vision Science (OPTOM 670 - OPTOM 689).
• In cases where doctoral students have already completed courses equivalent to the core courses, they may apply to the Graduate Officer for substitution to the core stream requirements.

Link(s) to courses

• Optometry (OPTOM) courses

PhD Seminar

• Seminar requirements are tailored to meet the needs and backgrounds of individual students.
• Students must present at least 2 talks on their current research during their degree program as well as attend a minimum of 10 research seminars and a one day research symposium throughout each year of enrolment. The seminar requirement can be fulfilled by attending the School’s annual program. Consideration will be given (in special cases) to attend an alternate symposium if it is not possible to attend the School’s annual program.

PhD Thesis Proposal

• By the end of the fourth term of enrollment (sixth term for part-time students) in the program students must make a formal presentation of their proposed thesis research to their Advisory Committee.

PhD Comprehensive Examination

• Students are required to meet the University-level PhD Comprehensive Examination minimum requirements outlined in the “Minimum requirements for the PhD degree” section of the Graduate Studies Academic Calendar (GSAC).

• In addition to the University-level PhD Comprehensive Examination minimum requirements, students in the PhD in Vision Science program are also required to meet the following requirements:
  • The PhD Comprehensive Examination shall be completed within 16 months of beginning studies.

PhD Thesis

• A primary requirement for the awarding of the PhD is the successful completion and defense of a thesis which contributes to knowledge about some aspect of vision and demonstrates proficiency in original and independent research.