Temerty Faculty of Medicine
Search this site
Menu

IMS Student Handbook

2022-2023 Academic Year

Mingyao Liu

Welcome to the Institute of Medical Science

On behalf of the Institute of Medical Science (IMS), I would like to extend a warm welcome to you, whether you are enrolling for the first time or continuing your program with us. IMS recently launched our Strategic Plan 2021-2026: Community, Connections and Impact. The plan highlights our vision, mission and top three priorities: improving student-driven graduate training, connecting our IMS community of scholars, and attracting and engaging diverse and talented students and faculty. Despite all the uncertainty and challenges the global pandemic has brought, I am excited about the future and goals we have set. I encourage all of you to read the Strategic Plan.

The IMS provides graduate training for students from a wide range of academic and professional backgrounds. Students with Health Care Professional and/or Arts and Science degrees engage in research on the common theme of "health and disease". You will graduate with a Master of Science (M.Sc.) or Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree from the University of Toronto, School of Graduate Studies - Division IV, Life Sciences. The Student Handbook provides an overview of information important for both students and supervisors.

I hope this year will be productive and enjoyable for you. I look forward to meeting each of you throughout the year at the IMS academic and social functions. Please feel free to arrange a meeting with me to discuss any issues you may have with regards to your graduate training at IMS. This can be arranged through Alicia Sam, IMS Executive Assistant. You may also reach me directly by e-mail.

Sincerely,

Mingyao Liu MD, MSc
Director, Institute of Medical Science
Professor of Surgery, Medicine and Physiology
Temerty Faculty of Medicine
University of Toronto

We've moved our Student Handbook fully online.

Click the links below to find all the information you need to succeed as an IMS graduate student. 

IMS Community

The IMS is one of the largest graduate units at the University of Toronto with over 500 students and 600 faculty members. The IMS is run by a dedicated team of academic administrators and administrative staff and supported by a number of committees. There are also a number of fantastic student-led associations and groups that you can become involved in.
IMS Core Team
Leadership & Committees
Career Mentorship Program
IMS Students' Association (IMSSA)
IMS Magazine
Peer-to-Peer Mentorship Program
Raw Talk Podcast
UofT Talks
IMS International Community
Scientific Day
Ori Rotstein Lecture in Translational Research
Equity, Diversity & Inclusion

Staying Connected

The IMS Student Listserv includes all registered doctoral (MSc & PhD) students. It is updated at the beginning of each semester (September, January and May). The email address used is the one listed in your ACORN account. 
IMS News Stories
Weekly Digest
Temerty Medicine Connect
IMS YouTube Channel
Follow us on Twitter
Spotlight Videos
Health & Wellness
COVID-19 Updates

Student Services

UofT has many resources and supports available to you as a graduate student. Student Life has multiple departments designed to support students in finding a sense of belonging, realizing their potential and flourishing on their journey at the University of Toronto and beyond.
UofT Student Life
Family Care Office
Anti-Racism & Cultural Diversity Office
Sexual & Gender Diversity Office
Sexual Violence Prevention & Support Centre
Community Safety Office
Sport & Rec
SGS Grad Hub
Graduate Centre for Academic Communication
Centre for Graduate Professional Development
Centre for Graduate Mentorship & Supervision
Gradlife
UofT Graduate Students' Union
Health & Dental
International Student Resources
Safety Abroad

Graduate Program

The IMS aims to provide an enriched graduate culture with emphasis on scholarship in translational medical research, and advanced research training for both physician and non-physician graduate trainees leading to MSc and PhD degrees.
Registration
TCard
UTORid & ACORN
Supervisor and Student Responsibilities
Program Advisory Committee (PAC)
Forms
FAQs

Awards

You are strongly encouraged to apply for all awards for which you are eligible. There are dozens of awards, internal and external to the University. As award competitions become available, they will be announced to you and the faculty via email.
General Award Info
Current Award Competitions
Equity Enhancement Bursaries for Black and Indigenous Students
SGS Completion Awards
UofT Award Explorer
Student IMPACT Awards
Scientific Day Student Awards
Awards in Education
Jay Keystone Memorial Award

Fees & Funding

The University of Toronto requires that all new and continuing doctoral stream students receive an annual student stipend. A “stipend” refers to the funds a student receives during the program funding commitment period.
Statement of Agreement (GEMS)
Temerty Faculty of Medicine Harmonized Base Funding Agreement for 2022-2023
Fees Payment
Tuition Deferral

Graduate Courses

Completion of graduate course requirements is an essential part of ensuring that you have a working knowledge of the fundamentals in your chosen discipline, are adequately specialized in your field, and have a broad appreciation of modern health sciences.
MSC1010-1011H/Y
Course Enrollment
Timetables & Descriptions
Modular Courses
Course Selection
Collaborative Specializations
Graduate Department Academic Appeals Committee
Teaching Assistant Positions

Degree Completion

You will graduate from the University of Toronto, School of Graduate Studies - Division IV, Life Sciences with either a Master of Science (MSc) OR Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).  Eligible MSc students also have the option of transferring to the PhD, i.e. doctoral program, hence the term doctoral-stream programs.
Degree Requirements
Degree Completion Timeline
PhD Candidacy
Academic Standing & Progess
Leave of Absence
Examinations & Thesis Preparation (MSc, MSc-PhD Transfer, PhD Qualifying & PhD Final Oral Exam)
Transferring from MSc to PhD
Degree Program Extension
Student Evaluation of Graduate Program

Version

The Student Handbook was last updated on August 25, 2022.