Program
There are no application deadlines for this program. Students are accepted for the beginning of each Academic Term.
| Program | Expected Length | Project and/or thesis | Course based |
|---|---|---|---|
| M.Sc. | 2 years | ||
| Ph.D. | 4 years |
The Department of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences has an active program of research from whole animal investigations to cellular and molecular research. Faculty interests include studies in:
- Cardiovascular physiology
- Stress physiology
- Gastrointestinal biochemistry
- Toxicology
- Pulmonary pathobiology
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
- Reproductive physiology
- Endocrinology
- Biotechnology
Research interests cover basic, applied and clinical aspects. As well, the department's research program involves a diverse range of species including domestic and specialized livestock, laboratory animals, wild fowl, fish, zoo and other exotic animals.
Research supervisors
We recommend that you contact the faculty that are doing research in an area that interests you before beginning a formal application.
| Name | Research areas |
|---|---|
| Reproductive physiology/endocrinology; Ultrasonography; Medical imaging | |
| Pesticide exposure, Cholinesterase inhibition in birds, Immunotoxicology, Diagnostic veterinary toxicology | |
| Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics | |
| Pharmacokinetics, Drug Residues | |
| Behavioural and evolutionary ecology of predator-prey interactions, and adaptations to environmental stressors. | |
| Reproductive biology | |
| Interactions between physiological control and environmental alteration of developmental and reproductive processes in vertebrates. | |
| Molecular Mechanisms of Neural Circuit Development | |
| Investigations of the mechanism and effects of calcium activated chloride channels as they modulate human and animal diseases. | |
| Causes, mechanisms and consequences of stress in wildlife. Pain and Analgesia in non-mammalian species. Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectrometry | |
| Integrin-mediated signaling in placental development. Role of small stress proteins in uterine muscle function during pregnancy. | |
| Immunochemistry; Retrograde tract-tracing; Neuroanatomical measurement and dendritic arborization | |
| Identify & characterize pathological features of vascular disease that contribute to metabolic and cognitive dysfunction and ... | |
| Biology of pulmonary intravascular macrophages; Environmental pulmonary toxicology; Cell and molecular biology of lung inflammation focusing on mechanisms of neutrophil and monocyte migration into inflamed lungs | |
| Ultrasonographic; Morphologic and biochemical kinetics of ovarian follicles to refine the bovine model | |
| Comparative Endocrinology, Metabolism, Reproduction, Diabetes, Obesity | |
| Tobacco smoke and air pollution effects on cardiovascular disease; pathophysiological mechanisms, animal models, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons | |
| Environmental toxicology, molecular genetics, stress biology aging. |
Tuition and funding
Funding
The University of Saskatchewan faculty supervisor must have funding for the student’s proposed project. Either the student or the USask faculty supervisor must have additional funding for the student’s stipend.
Graduate students at USask can receive funding from a variety of sources to support their graduate education.
Tuition
Thesis or project-based master's program
Graduate students in a thesis or project-based program pay tuition three times a year for as long as they are enrolled in their program.
| Term | Canadian students | International students |
|---|---|---|
| September 1 - December 31, 2024 | ||
| January 1 - April 30, 2025 | ||
| May 1 - August 31, 2025 | ||
| Total per academic year |
Doctoral program
Doctoral students pay tuition three times a year for as long as they are enrolled in their program. Both international and domestic Ph.D. students pay the same rate.
| Term | |
|---|---|
| January 1 - April 30, 2025 | $1,726.00 CAD |
| May 1 - August 31, 2025 | $1,726.00 CAD |
| September 1 - December 31, 2024 | $1,726.00 CAD |
| Total per academic year | $5,178.00 CAD |
Student fees
In addition to tuition above, students also pay fees for programs like health and dental insurance, a bus pass, and other campus services. The amount you need to pay depends on if you are taking classes full time or part time, and if you are on campus or not. The table below assumes you are on campus full-time.
| Fall 2024 | Winter 2025 | Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Student fees | $504.45 CAD | $666.08 CAD | $35.00 CAD | $35.00 CAD |
Tuition information is accurate for the current academic year and does not include student fees. For detailed tuition and fees information, visit the official tuition website.
Admission requirements
- Language Proficiency Requirements: Proof of English proficiency may be required for international applicants and for applicants whose first language is not English
- A cumulative weighted average of at least a 70% (USask grade system equivalent) in the last two years of study (i.e. 60 credit units)
- A four-year honours degree, or equivalent, from a recognized college or university in an academic discipline relevant to the proposed field of study
- Language Proficiency Requirements: Proof of English proficiency may be required for international applicants and for applicants whose first language is not English.
- Master’s degree, or equivalent, from a recognized university in a relevant academic discipline
- A cumulative weighted average of at least a 70% (USask grade system equivalent) in the last two years of study (i.e. coursework required in master’s program)
Application process
Find a supervisor
Using the faculty list above, find a potential supervisor, read about the work they are currently doing and their past publications. If you think you'd like to work with them, email them and describe your research interests and past academic experience. Interested faculty will return the email if there are any openings for new students.
Submit an online application
Before beginning your online application, be sure that you have carefully reviewed all program information and admission requirements on this page.
During the application, you'll be asked for:
- Personal information such as your name, address, etc.
- Contact information of your three referees
- For your letters of recommendation, two of your referees must be academic contacts, and the third may be academic or professional
- Your complete academic history from all previous post-secondary institutions
The application takes about 30 minutes to complete. You may save your application and return to it later.
At the end of the application, you will need to pay a non-refundable $120 application fee. Your application will not be processed until payment is received.
Submit required documents
Once you've submitted your online application, you will have access to upload your required documents, and provide the contact information for your references. To do this, go to the "Supplemental Items & Documents" tab in your application, and upload the documents outlined below.
Preliminary Statement of Marks
- Once you have submitted your application for admission and paid the application fee, you will be required to upload unofficial PDF copies of your academic transcript(s) from each post-secondary institution attended. This requirement will appear as Preliminary Statement of Marks or Additional Prelim. Statement under admission requirements on your Application Summary when you check your application status.
- The uploaded transcript can be an unofficial copy of the transcript issued by the university or college, and must include a grading key/legend.
- All pages of a transcript must be uploaded as a single PDF document.
- Uploaded transcripts will be considered unofficial or preliminary. Official copies of your transcripts will be required only for applicants offered admission. This requirement will appear as Post-secondary Transcript under admission requirements on your Application Summary when you check your application status.
Post-secondary Transcripts
If you receive an offer of admission, you will then be required to have your official post-secondary transcripts sent (by mail in a sealed envelope directly from the institution) to the address below. Please do not send official documents until we request them.
College of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies
Room 116 Thorvaldson Building, 110 Science Place
Saskatoon, SK CANADA S7N 5C9
- Transcripts usually indicate the institution’s name, grading scheme (typically on back of transcript), your name, course names, numbers, credits, and the grades you have received. Depending on the country or institution, some features may not be available.
- Transcripts in languages other than English must be accompanied by a certified translation.
- If you are a current University of Saskatchewan student completing your undergraduate program then a letter of completion of degree requirements will be required from your college.
Proof of English language proficiency may be required for international applicants and for applicants whose first language is not English.
For students who are required to provide proof of English proficiency:
- It is your responsibility to have completed an official and approved test with the appropriate score before the application deadline.
- Tests are valid for 24 months after the testing date and must be valid at the beginning of the student's first term of registration in the graduate program.
- Applicants will be required to upload a PDF copy of any required language test score. Uploaded test scores will be considered unofficial or preliminary.
If you receive an Offer of Admission you may be required to have your official language test scores sent to the address below. Please do not send official documents until we request them.
College of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies
Room 116 Thorvaldson Building - 110 Science Place
Saskatoon, SK CANADA S7N 5C9
- A curriculum vitae or resume
Contact
Department of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences
Rm 1301
Western College of Veterinary Medicine
University of Saskatchewan
Saskatoon, SK S7N 5B4
Graduate Co-Chair
Dr. Maud Ferrari
Email: maud.ferrari@usask.ca
Administrative Assistant
Cheryl Hack
Email: cheryl.hack@usask.ca
Graduate Administrator
Stacy Trainor
Email: stacy.trainor@usask.ca
Graduate Co-Chair
Dr. Adelaine Leung
Email: adelaine.leung@usask.ca
- Department of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences
Learn more about the academic unit offering this program - Program and Course Catalogue
To view official admission and program requirements