Astrobiology (Collaborative Program) (PhD)

The Astrobiology Collaborative Program PhD at McMaster is delivered jointly by the Faculties of Science and Health Sciences under the Origins Institute, combining doctoral training in a student's home department with thesis and research work in astrobiology. Students take part in program courses, seminars, and research meetings with faculty and visiting scientists while completing a dissertation addressing one of three areas: astrophysical aspects, such as characterizing terrestrial and exoplanetary systems, planetary habitability, and the origins of water and biomolecules; geochemical and geological aspects, such as the early evolution of Earth and Mars and analogue sites for extreme life; and biological and biochemical aspects, such as prebiotic chemistry, extreme ecosystems, the RNA world, and phylogenomics. The program is listed as a four-year doctoral option pursued on a part-time basis alongside a participating home graduate program, with astrobiology designated as the student's specialization.