Molecular structure

Cellular and molecular medicine

Why choose Cellular and Molecular Medicine

The Cellular and Molecular Medicine (CMM) graduate program prepares the next generation of biomedical researchers who discover, translate and disseminate knowledge to improve human health.  

As a CMM trainee, you will join a vibrant research community where you will gain expertise in areas such as regenerative medicine, brain and neuromuscular disorders, cancer and developmental biology, cardiovascular and kidney disease, and novel therapeutics.  

You will receive dedicated mentorship, and work with state‑of‑the‑art facilities. Our multidisciplinary, research‑intensive curriculum builds a strong foundation in biological sciences while equipping you with the critical thinking and hands‑on experimental skills needed to excel in modern biomedical research.

Through advanced coursework, seminars, and lab work, you will gain the expertise to investigate the developmental, physiological, pharmacological, cellular, and molecular mechanisms involved in organ function and disease. CMM graduates become leaders in academia, biotechnology and pharmaceutical industry, and the broader health research landscape. 

A message from one of our students

Sarah Isler

As a graduate student in the CMM program, I would highly recommend it to students who are motivated to engage in biomedical research. The wide range of research laboratories allowed me to find a laboratory environment that best fits my interests and goals. More importantly, I feel like the lab-based structure of the program really helped me develop a critical thinking approach as a researcher and a collaborative spirit. Finally, I think that the support from faculty, staff, and the Graduate Student Association contributes to making the overall experience both rewarding and enjoyable!

Sarah Isler, Graduate student in CMM 

Program highlights

  • Linked with the Canadian Stroke Network,Stem Cell network, Brain-Heart Axis, Women`s Health initiative.
  • Flexible pathways
  • Access to active research centres and modern core facilities.  
  • Bilingual environment. Most courses are offered in English, complete work in English or French.  
  • Collaborative specializations available. 

Career pathways

Graduates from the cellular and molecular program are well prepared for a diverse range of rewarding career opportunities. As a graduate, you can pursue roles in:

  • Academia
  • Biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries
  • Government
  • Health agencies 

Program options

Program options

Criteria

Master’s thesis 

Master’s research project

Doctorate

Program type

Research-intensive

Applied, non-thesis

Research-intensive

Duration

~2 years 

12 months

~4 years 

Thesis required

Yes

No

Yes

Research project

No

Yes

No

Concentrations available

Yes

  • Bioinformatics
  • Human and molecular genetics

No (general program only)

Yes

  • Bioinformatics
  • Human and molecular genetics

Ideal for students who...

Want to pursue a PhD, academic research, or specialized research careers 

Want to quickly enter the workforce or pursue alternative avenues in higher education ant to quickly enter the workforce 

 Wish to become leaders in academia, Industry, Health related fields. 

Language of study

English or French* 

English or French* 

English or French* 

*Note that most courses are offered in English only. 

Areas of research

  • Cancer

    Focused on breast, ovarian, prostate, lung, and brain as well as rare cancers caused by mutations/environment  to define new therapeutics and preventative measures

  • Cardiovascular Regulation  

    Studies on cardiac hypertrophy, dilated cardiomyopathy, vascular disease including stroke, atherosclerosis and hypertension using animal or human models

  • Digestive and Reproductive Systems

    Investigation using in vivo models and mechanisms of disease are being deciphered at the molecular and cellular level to develop novel interventions

  • Growth & Development

    Research in developmental biology is being conducted to define novel mechanisms that pattern the embryo and lead to formation of tissue and organs.

  • Kidney Diseases

    Studying kidney function and disease at the molecular and pathophysiological level to define new pharmacological treatments.

  • Neuro-Muscular Research

    Research on the architecture of junctions and muscle disease is being investigated with new tools to define novel mechanisms and therapeutics.

  • Obesity and Diabetes

    Research on animal models and human subjects to define interventions with diet, physical activity and novel therapeutics through defined targets

  • Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Biology

    Research program is focused on stem cell biology to develop new approaches to regenerate tissue and treat various diseases through cell-based and gene therapy. 

Concentration options

Person pressing enter key on a keyboard

Bioinformatics

Bioinformatics is an emerging and increasingly important scientific discipline dedicated to the pursuit of fundamental questions about the structure, function and evolution of biological entities through the design and application of computational approaches.

Fundamental research in these areas is expected to increase our understanding of human health and disease which translates into innovation in industry. Bioinformaticians today must be able to appreciate significant research in other fields and therefore require an understanding of the basic principles of other disciplines.

The degree awarded specifies the primary program and indicates "specialization in Bioinformatics. 

Molecular image

Human and molecular genetics

The Faculty of Medicine offers a collaborative program in Human and Molecular Genetics at the master's and doctoral levels. The primary graduate programs in Biochemistry (BCH), Cellular and Molecular Medicine (CMM) and Neuroscience (NSC) collaborate in offering the specialization. The degree awarded specifies the primary program and indicates "specialization in Human and Molecular Genetics."

Members of the program include scientists with interest and expertise in the following areas: developmental genetics, neuromuscular disease, microbial genetics, host resistance, cancer biology, aging, development of novel molecular therapeutics, gene therapy, growth and development, auto-immune diseases, molecular biology of viruses, bacteria and parasites, genetic epidemiology, retinal development and disease, animal models of human disease, molecular aspects of signal transduction. 

Research centers and institutes

  • Centre for Neural Dynamics
  • Centre for Research in Biopharmaceuticals and Biotechnology
  • Medical Devices Innovation Institute

Fast Track

Thinking about a PhD already? If your research is progressing exceptionally well, fast-tracking lets you move directly into the PhD and keep your momentum going, helping you focus on bigger research goals sooner.
This option is only available to students in the Master's with thesis option.

Take the next step

Start your journey with the essential information and resources to help you plan your academic path and achieve your goals.