Biomedical Physiology and Kinesiology
DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY
The PhD graduate program in the Department of Biomedical Physiology and Kinesiology uses multidisciplinary approaches to investigate fundamental properties of human structure and function that relate to health, movement, and physiology. The PhD program offers opportunity for trainees to engage in detailed and in-depth examination of novel lines of investigation in the fields of Biomedical Physiology and Kinesiology.
Note that official degree program requirements are listed in the SFU Calendar. If there is a discrepancy between what is written here and what is written in the SFU Calendar, the SFU Calendar should be taken as the most accurate and up to date requirements.
Admission requirements
Transfer from the MSc to the PhD Program
Students currently in the Biomedical Physiology and Kinesiology Master's program may be considered for a transfer to the PhD program. Normally, only students enrolled in their third through sixth terms may apply to transfer to the PhD program. The graduate program committee (GPC) reviews such applications, and the GPC chair forwards a recommendation to the Dean of Graduate Studies. The decision is made by the Dean of Graduate Studies.
In addition to Graduate General Regulations 1.3.4, eligibility and the decision regarding transfer to the PhD in BPK will include the following criteria:
- strong support letters from the senior supervisor and supervisory committee members;
- excellent academic performance (e.g. minimum GPA of 3.67);
- strong background in research design and statistics or modelling as appropriate to the area
- completion of 3 of the 4 courses required by the MSc program, which must include BPK 801 and STAT 603;
- evidence that the student is capable of completing and disseminating research. Such capability will be judged by research to date, publications, and letters from referees.
Direct Admission to the PhD Program with a Bachelor's Degree
In exceptional cases, students may be admitted to the PhD program direct from completion of a Bachelor's degree.
Program Requirements
Students must complete:
- BPK 896 - PhD Comprehensive Examination (0)
- BPK 897 - PhD Seminar (0) [regular seminar]
- BPK 897 - PhD Seminar (0) [Exit seminar to be completed just prior to defense)
- BPK 899 - PhD Thesis (18)
Students must register in BPK 899 every semester they are in the program. This thesis will be completed and defended at the end of your program.
To register for BPK 896 or BPK 897, complete and submit the enrollment forms availble on the Forms and Resources page.
Optional specialization in translational and integrative neuroscience (TRAIN)
Application to TRAIN is through the TRAIN steering committee. Students must fulfill all Departmental requirements for the MSc. To receive TRAIN specialization, students must complete both NEUR courses with a grade of B+ or higher.
For more information on TRAIN, please see the Calendar description of the Translational and Integrative Neuroscience program or a more detailed description at SFU's Institute for Neuroscience and Neurotechnology.
Optional specialization in interdisciplinary oncology
This specialization within the BPK PhD Program is for students who are interested in gaining exposure to diverse facets of cancer-related research. Application to the Interdisciplinary Oncology Graduate Specialization (IOGS) is through the interdisciplinary oncology steering committee. Students must fulfill all Departmental requirements for the MSc. For more information, please see Interdisciplinary Oncology Graduate Specialization requirements.
Program length
Students are expected to complete the program requirements within fifteen terms from first enrollment, including students who have transferred from the MSc program. Time limits for program completion are governed by Graduate General Regulations 1.12.
Academic requirements within the graduate general regulations
All graduate students must satisfy the academic requirements that are specified in the Graduate General Regulations, as well as the specific requirements for the program in which they are enrolled.