From as early as the 1960s, the
Department of Medical Biophysics has run a Summer Student programme for undergraduate
students in the physical and biological sciences interested in interdisciplinary
medical research. This program provides an opportunity for students to
gain experience in medical research. For the Department of Medical Biophysics,
the programme functions as an important mechanism for recruiting incoming
graduate students. Students who are chosen to participate in the programme
are highly motivated to return to Medical Biophysics for graduate studies
and serve as ambassadors who advertise the Medical Biophysics graduate
programme to their peers.
The Summer Student programme is
open to all university students in their second or third year of undergraduate
study. Successful applicants have a strong record of academic achievement
and have a demonstrated interest for scientific research. The minimum requirements
are at least a B+ (Medical Physics stream) or A- (Biology stream) average
in the last 2 years of study.
However, only the most talented and promising students are selected for interviews
with prospective supervisors, and approximately 50 students are admitted
in the programme each summer.
The programme runs from the second
week of May to the end of August. A half-day orientation meeting for all
Medical Biophysics Summer Students is held at the beginning of the programme
to introduce students to each other and to provide an overview of the various
research interests within both the Cancer Biology and Medical Physics streams
of research within the Department of Medical Biophysics.
Throughout the summer, students
will be involved in a research project and as well as attend weekly
lunchtime seminars. At the end of the summer, students are required to
present their work in the form of a poster at the Summer Student Poster
Day. All staff, postdoctoral fellows, graduate students and summer students
are invited to participate in these presentations. This public forum has
traditionally been extremely well attended, and has allowed the students
to gain valuable experience in presenting their work to others, and in
developing their skills in engaging in vibrant scientific interchange.
Dr. Elisabeth Tillier
Summer Student Program Coordinator
Frequently
Asked Questions (FAQ's) - Summer Student Programme 2013
What
is Medical Biophysics?
Medical Biophysics is an interdisciplinary medical research programme. The
programme focuses on both basic and applied research related to cancer offering
opportunities for investigation in a wide variety of projects. This often
cuts across the conventional boundaries of biology, medicine, chemistry,
physics, and engineering.
What
are some of the research foci offered at your Department?
Biological Science: Cellular & Molecular Biology; Molecular & Structural
Biology; Experimental Therapeutics; Epidemiology & Statistics; Cancer
Biology; Cancer & Bioinformatics
Medical Imaging & Physics: Clinical Physics; Thermal and Photodynamic
Therapy; Laser Biophysics; Ultrasound; X-Ray Detector Physics; Digital Radiography;
Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Electron Microscopy; Image Guided Therapy
Who
may apply for this programme?
Students currently enrolled in their 1st, 2nd or 3rd year, both at the University
of Toronto and elsewhere, are eligible. Co-op students in their 4th (out
of 5) years are also encouraged to apply.
Can I apply if I am a VISA/International
student?
Yes, if you are currently attending the University of Toronto. Otherwise
you are required to obtain a Work/Employment Authorization to work in Canada.
Check the rules and regulations concerning your authorization.
May
I apply if I'm in my FINAL year of undergraduate studies?
We do not consider applications from students in their final year, but you may apply to our graduate program
instead.
What is the minimum cumulative GPA required for the
Summer Student Program?
All applicants for the Physics stream must have a cumulative GPA of at least a mid-B (>75%). Those applying for the Biology stream must have a GPA of at least
A- (>80%) (Biology) average in their two most recent years of studies completed. Your cumulative GPA is the average of all university courses you have completed to date.
How will my application be assessed?
Applications are evaluated based on academic record as well as research
interest.
How
does the selection process work?
Your application will be reviewed by faculty members who will then chose
potential students and contact them for interviews. Do not contact faculty
members yourself. You will be informed whether or not you have been accepted
into the programme by the end of March.
Do I need to have a supervisor when I apply?
You do not need to have a supervisor when you apply. Faculty members who are hiring summer students will log into the database and review the applications. If a faculty member is interested in your application, they will contact you for an interview. The application allows you to list which members of our faculty you would be interested in working with - faculty members you have listed will be directed to your application when they log in.
What
is the length of the program?
The programme runs for a minimum of 12 weeks, but may continue for the whole
summer. The official start date of our programme is typically in early May.
What
is the typical work schedule?
Typically, you would work 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Monday to Friday. This is
flexible, however, you would need to discuss a different work schedule with
your supervisor. Please note, that if you do not work all the working days
of the month, you will not be paid the full salary amount.
What
is the deadline for submitting my complete application?
All complete applications (online application form, cover letter, resume/CV, 2 online references,
and transcript(s) for the summer of 2013 must be received by
noon, Monday, March 4, 2013.
Do I need to ask my referees for a letter?
Once you have submitted your referees' contact information, the system will automatically send them a request for a reference. They will be directed to a link where they will be asked to answer a few questions. They will also be asked to either provide additional comments or upload a reference letter. When they have submitted the reference, it will be added to your application. Before submitting a referee's contact information, you should ask them if it is ok to do so and verify their e-mail address.
