MSc in Medical Biophysics - Cancer Mechanisms and Models in Toronto Canada | University of Toronto

The Department of Medical Biophysics is a cross-disciplinary unit renowned for its longstanding tradition of groundbreaking work in cancer studies, therapies, and other medical fields. Based mainly at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Sunnybrook Research Institute, and SickKids Research Institute, it provides graduate research programs culminating in MSc and PhD degrees. This innovative curriculum in oncology and general biomedical science transcends traditional divisions between biology, physics, clinical applications, and engineering, offering cutting-edge education and top-tier research opportunities.
The graduate training initiative forms a cornerstone of the Department of Medical Biophysics, tracing its roots over five decades to early cancer investigations at the Ontario Cancer Institute. Students can pursue interdisciplinary graduate research through both MSc and PhD tracks, with the MSc serving as a typical starting point before progressing to the more intensive PhD program. Coursework is designed to expand students' knowledge base, particularly for those coming from life sciences or physical sciences backgrounds. Program durations average 2.5 years for MSc candidates and 5-6 years for PhD candidates.
This research domain focuses on examining the cellular processes that drive cancer formation and advancement. Department researchers employ advanced experimental models including primary cell cultures, organoids, patient-derived transplants, and genetically-modified mouse specimens to uncover new molecular understandings of cancer initiation, growth, and metastasis.