Pathology

Dalhousie University’s Department of Pathology offers a comprehensive two-year Master of Science program in Pathology, ideal for students with Bachelor of Science degrees (BSc) who are looking to train for a career in medical research or future studies at the doctoral level. Pathologists are involved in the research and diagnosis of a broad range of diseases and disorders.

Located within Dalhousie University ’s Medical School, the Department of Pathology provides a range of exceptional educational opportunities, including a comprehensive two-year Master of Science in Pathology program, where you will study the essential nature of disease while also learning to take a wide variety of approaches to discover the mechanisms responsible for disease.

Pathology examines how cells, tissues, and organs respond to various stimuli, focusing on understanding inflammation, new or abnormal tissue growth, and fluid and hemodynamic issues such as edema, embolism, and shock. Pathology draws from the basic sciences of anatomy, developmental and cancer biology, cell physiology, human genetics, immunology, neurobiology, and virology to inform the different branches of clinical medicine.

In the simplest terms, this medical specialty provides the scientific basis for clinical medicine and the clinical purpose for research in the basic sciences. As a discipline, pathology also makes use of a number of technologies for diagnostic purposes, including microscopy, histology, high-throughput flow cytometry and chemical assays and, more recently, molecular diagnostic approaches including DNA and RNA sequencing.

As a student, you’ll benefit from the varied educational and research backgrounds of internationally respected faculty and staff.

Typically, pathologists are busy behind the scenes, studying body fluids and tissues and providing the information your doctor needs to make accurate diagnoses, monitor the progression of existing medical conditions and provide the best patient care possible.

Careers

Graduates are well-prepared to pursue a doctoral (PhD) degree or career in academics or as an industry research assistant.

Please note: This program is not intended to prepare you for a specific clinical laboratory function.

program options

• Thesis: Pursue independent and original research guided by a supervisor to develop and defend your thesis.

The School is accredited by CACUP-ASLP which establishes standards for the education of speech-language pathologists and ensures graduates achieve national, entry-level competencies for clinical practice in Canada.

Core research focus areas include:

• Pathobiology of Cancer

• Hematological Pathology

• Human Genomics

• Pathology of the Eye and Nervous System

• Pathology of Infectious Disease and the Immune System

• Molecular Diagnostics and Biomarkers

• Tumour and Other Sample Banking