Undergraduate-level
PATH 300 Human Disease (3 credits)
Offered to undergraduate students ONLY.
Provides a fundamental understanding of the diseases prevalent in North America, for upper level students in the biological sciences. Includes: general responses of cells and organ systems to injury; assessment of individual diseases by relating the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and prevention to the primary biological abnormalities in each disorder.
PATH 396 Undergraduate Research Project in Pathology (3 credits)
This course allows a qualified McGill undergraduate student to join a research laboratory for the selected term (including summer). For a duration of 12-13 weeks (about 120 hours in total), gaining experience from literature review through hypothesis-testing to writing up the final report, the student will access an invaluable experience in biomedical research, get to know one or more professors, and enjoy the dynamics of being in a research team. The goal of this course is to expose an enthusiastic undergraduate student to research and the scientific method. More information can be found on our research webpage.
Graduate-level
PATH 504 Disease in Depth (3 credits)
Professor Carlos Telleria
PATH 504 offers an in-depth examination of current knowledge on the fundamental abnormalities that cause disease. It is focused on mechanisms controlling the cellular life cycle and how these mechanisms are altered in common diseases, including cancer, infections, cardiovascular, neurodegenerative and immune disorders. Among the cell fate paradigms addressed are cell mass, growth, lineage, differentiation, the division cycle, stem cells and the stem cell niche, cellular senescence, cell death modalities, and the cancer cell. Basic understanding of present knowledge is complemented by an explanation of current research techniques and what we might expect in the near future. The course is oriented toward graduate students and undergraduates who are interested in biomedical research.
PATH 607 Biochemical Pathology (3 credits)
Professor Maziar Divangahi
Immuno-Pathogenesis of Human Disease: Lectures and seminars covering a range of topics in the field of cytokine biology, the role of cytokines in disease pathogenesis and advanced molecular techniques in the expression and regulation of cytokines. The course will address the critical role of immune-regulatory mechanisms (cellular/molecular) for maintaining the balance between immune-protective and immune-driven pathology as well as its potential consequences on systemic pathology (tissue and organ damage/functional alterations). This course will emphasize the etiology, immunity, and pathology of several major infectious diseases causes by bacteria (e.g. Tuberculosis), viruses (e.g. AIDS), parasites (e.g. Malaria), as well as non-infectious driven diseases (e.g. Asthma). The overall aim of the course is to provide the student an integrative systematic approach for understanding disease and rationale for designing an effective therapeutic approach.
PATH 652 Molecular Biology of Disease (3 credits)
Professor Carolyn Baglole
Environmental toxicants: Seminars and discussions led by experts in their respective fields will focus on cellular mechanisms by which environmental toxicants contribute to human diseases. The molecular biology of cardiovascular, respiratory, immunological and other disorders as well as various cancers will be examined in relation to toxicant exposures such as air pollution, endocrine disruptors, chlorine, dioxins, phthalates, arsenic and cigarette smoke. Mechanisms of action will be related to the broader impact of environmental exposures on humans.
PATH 620 Research Seminar 1 (3 credits)
Dr. Mauro Saieg
This graduate-level course explores the essential role of pathology in both clinical diagnosis and modern medical research. It highlights the relationship between pathology, personalized medicine, and the integration of advanced technologies like biomarkers, molecular diagnostics, and artificial intelligence (AI). Students will learn how pathologists influence patient management, drug development, and clinical outcomes. Emphasis will be placed on cutting-edge advancements such as AI-driven biomarker assessment, immunohistochemistry, and personalized therapeutic strategies. By the end of the course, students will be able to critically analyze the intersection of pathology with research and clinical care, and present novel ideas for its future application in research.
PATH 622 Research Seminar 2 (3 credits)
The course begins with an introduction to the seminar structure, outlining objectives, expectations, and evaluation criteria, along with a focus on the formats for research presentations and study pitches. Each week, students will take turns to present their current research project, followed by a Q&A session that emphasizes critical analysis, feedback, and discussion of research methods and findings. These sessions will be delivered by students during the first half of the semester. Additionally, a student will pitch novel research studies, receiving peer feedback on the design, innovation, and feasibility of their proposals. Since these presentations are accompanied with a written report and in-depth topic research, they will be given by students in the second half of the semester.
PATH 701 Comprehensive Examination - Ph.D. Candidates ONLY
The examination is a mandatory component of doctoral studies at McGill. It is conducted to verify that the Ph.D. candidate can achieve the three major goals of the graduate studies training program, namely the ability to carry out independent research, the acquisition of a sufficient base of fundamental knowledge, and the ability to effectively communicate. As an academic requirement, the outcome (S/U) will be reflected on the student’s transcript. Comprehensives must be completed (i.e., passed) by the end of PhD3.
For those admitted to the PhD program BEFORE Fall 2024:
An abstract not exceeding two (2) single-spaced pages in length must be sent to all members of the Exam Committee at least one (1) week in advance of the scheduled oral examination. The abstract text should provide an overview of the research being conducted towards the doctoral thesis, including pertinent background information, specific hypotheses and aims, brief methodology, key results to date, and conclusions. The student gives a formal presentation of 30 minutes describing their PhD thesis project(s), showcasing knowledge of the field/literature and research productivity to date. The format resembles a PhD defence more than a seminar. The presentation is not to be interrupted with questions. The three (3) official examiners (two from AC and one external) ask questions based on the written abstract and oral presentation over 2 to 3 rounds, mimicking the oral defence proceedings.
The composition of the Examination Committee is as follows: the Supervisor and Co-Supervisor (if applicable), the two (2) regular Advisory Committee members, and one (1) External member. Therefore, there are three (3) voting examiners in total.
Formal instructions can be downloaded on the 'Guidelines and Milestones' webpage.
For those admitted to the PhD program AS OF Fall 2024:
A written research proposal (10 pages double-spaced, excluding figures and references) must be sent to all members of the Exam Committee two (2) weeks in advance of the oral exam. The purpose of the research proposal is to expose the student to grant-type writing, hone effective scientific communication skills, and help orient the eventual writing of the doctoral thesis. Supervisors are encouraged to provide feedback during the writing process. The student gives a formal presentation of 30 minutes describing their PhD thesis project(s), showcasing knowledge of the field/literature and research productivity to date. The format resembles a PhD defence more than a seminar. The presentation is not to be interrupted with questions. The three (3) official examiners (two from AC and one external) ask questions based on the written abstract and oral presentation over 2 to 3 rounds, mimicking the oral defence proceedings.
The composition of the Examination Committee is as follows: the Supervisor and Co-Supervisor (if applicable), the two (2) regular Advisory Committee members, and one (1) External member. Therefore, there are three (3) voting examiners in total.
Formal instructions can be downloaded on the 'Guidelines and Milestones' webpage.