Mar 28, 2024  
University of Alberta Calendar 2016-2017 
    
University of Alberta Calendar 2016-2017 [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Admission and Academic Regulations


Return to: Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry  

 

Admission

See Admission to Undergraduate Programs  and General Admission Requirements  for general admission requirements to the University. See Admission Requirements by Faculty  for specific admission information for the DDS, Dental Hygiene, MD, BSc in Medical Laboratory Science and BSc in Radiation Therapy programs.

Combined Program for the Degrees of MD and PhD

Highly qualified students wanting to pursue a career of teaching and research in basic medical science or clinical medicine may enrol in a program of approximately six to eight years leading to the acquisition of both an MD and a PhD degree.

Students in the first year of the MD program may apply to the Combined Program. If acceptable to the appropriate department, to the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, and to the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research, the student is admitted to the PhD program. Normally, on completion of two years of the MD program, the student registers in the PhD program. The time needed to complete the requirements for the PhD depends on the applicant’s previous training and the nature of the research. On completion of the PhD program, the student reenters the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry and completes the requirements for the MD degree.

Students interested in such a program may obtain further information from the Office of Research, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, 2-13 Heritage Medical Research Centre.

Combined Program for the Degrees of MD/MBA

The Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry and the Faculty of Business offer a program of combined study which permits highly qualified students to earn both the MD and MBA degrees in five years.

Each student must apply separately to the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry (for admission into the MD program) and at any time in the first two years of the MD program, may apply to the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research (for admission into the MBA program).

Academic Standing and Graduation

DDS Degree

The program leading to the DDS degree is conducted in four years (1, 2, 3 and 4) under the direction of the Faculty committees (see DDS Degree ).

  1. No credit will be granted for courses completed in preprofessional years and no course exemptions will be allowed.
  2. The Dean, or Supervisor acting on behalf of the Dean, may immediately deny assignment of a student to, withdraw a student from, or vary terms, conditions or site of practicum/clinical placement if the Dean or Supervisor has reasonable grounds to believe that this is necessary in order to protect the Public Interest. (See Practicum Intervention Policy ).
  3. The Council of the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry approves the principle that the means of assessing a student’s progress and determining a student’s grades may vary from one course to another in accordance with the nature of the course. Factors other than examination results may be used to a variable extent by instructors in determining grades.
  4. Students are advised at the beginning of each course and year of the procedures to be used in their evaluation, the determination and reporting of their grades, and the standards required by the Faculty. Students are also advised of the procedures for appeal established with the Faculty and the University. Students must satisfactorily complete all components of all courses.
  5. On their official transcripts students are not ranked or assigned a numeric grade, but are designated as having passed (received credit) or failed a course.
  6. Reexaminations
    1. Students are allowed reexamination privileges only in courses that are failed.
    2. The Associate Chair, Academic must approve reexaminations for students who fail two or fewer courses or components of DDS 509 , DDS 529 , DDS 545 , or DDS 565 . Students with more than two (2) failed courses or components of DDS 509 , DDS 529 , DDS 545 , or DDS 565  in any academic year will not be allowed reexamination privileges.
    3. The Associate Chair, Academic may allow reexamination of a didactic component of a course if a student fails the didactic component of a clinical or laboratory course but passes the clinical or laboratory portion. Reexamination is not permitted in courses that are entirely clinical or laboratory or in clinical or laboratory components of courses that include both didactic and clinical or laboratory components.
    4. If a reexamination is approved, satisfactory completion of a remedial program may be required by the Associate Chair, Academic before the student is permitted to take the reexamination.
    5. Students may be granted rewrites at the end of each term for failed courses within that term that meet the above requirements, but not exceeding more than two overall in an academic year. The Academic Standing Committee would be notified of all reexaminations granted.
    6. A student who does not take a reexamination within the period of time prescribed by the Faculty will not be allowed to continue in the program.
    7. The reexamination mark (as in the case of a deferred mark) will replace the original final exam mark.
    8. Over the program, reexamination privileges will not exceed five reexaminations. In DDS 509 , DDS 529 , DDS 545 , or DDS 565  all components must be successfully completed and each reexamination in a component of these courses will compose one of the five reexamination privileges.
    9. See Reexaminations  for further information regarding when reexaminations are not permitted.
  7. Academic Standing: Final decisions regarding academic standing and promotion to the next year or graduation are made by the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry Academic Standing and Promotion Committee.
    1. No student may proceed to any subsequent year of the DDS program and will be required to withdraw unless they have passed all courses for that academic year.
    2. A student who fails more than two courses in any year of the program will be required to withdraw from the program.
    3. For promotion and graduation, students need to adhere to and meet the requirements as stated in the department’s Attendance Policy.
  8. Regulations Concerning Repetition of a Year because of Academic Failure
    1. No student will be allowed to repeat any year of the DDS program with the exception of fourth year students who may be granted the status of “Special Category Repeating Student”. See below for details.
    2. Special Category Repeating Student: a student who fails to meet some requirements in the final-year of the program may be designated a Special Category repeating student. In order to be considered as a Special Category repeating student in fourth-year Dentistry, the student must
      1. have clinical deficiencies in no more than two clinical disciplines and have been advised that the deficiency could be corrected within one term of instruction; and
      2. have successfully completed all written examinations in the DDS program.
        Further information regarding the Special Category repeating student may be obtained from the Department Office. Students repeating the final year are not eligible for awards.
  9. Voluntary Withdrawal: A student wanting to temporarily withdraw registration from the DDS program is required to make written application to the Associate Dean of the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, stating the reasons for withdrawal and the intended period of withdrawal. Readmission to the DDS program following voluntary withdrawal is based on the following:
    1. a review, by the Faculty, of the reasons for withdrawal and of the student’s academic record.
    2. availability of a place, within quota, in the class to which the student seeks readmission. Priority is assigned in the following order:
      1. students who have met normal promotion requirements
      2. Faculty-approved repeating students and students returning after voluntary withdrawal, in order of academic standing
    3. The length of time the student interrupts studies leading to the DDS degree must not exceed two years in total.
  10. Faculty Advisor: At the discretion of the Faculty, an advisor may be assigned to students having difficulty meeting promotion requirements. The method of assignment and role of the advisor is determined by the Faculty and/or Department.
  11. All students registered in the Dentistry program are required by provincial legislation to be registered in the Educational Register of the Alberta Dental Association and College. This registration permits the practice of dentistry within the confines of the formal dental curriculum. Students in the DDS program are required to adhere to the professional code of ethics of the Alberta Dental Association and College. (Amendments to the Code of Student Behaviour occur throughout the year. The official version of the Code of Student Behaviour, as amended from time to time is housed on the University Governance website at www.governance.ualberta.ca.)
  12. Medical Testing and Immunization Requirements: To ensure, insofar as possible, both student and patient safety, before orientation, or the Preclinical Assessment for Advanced Placement students, the Faculty requires immunization against, or proof of immunity to, poliomyelitis, diphtheria, tetanus, measles, mumps, rubella, and hepatitis B.

    As well, a varicella titre test and a tuberculin skin test are required in the first year of the program and should be performed by the University of Alberta Health Centre or other appropriate medical facility.

    Hepatitis B vaccination will be required. An exception will be made for those who are medically contraindicated or for those who have proof of Hepatitis B immunity. After vaccination, students will receive a test to determine if they have developed immunity. If they have not, further Hepatitis B vaccination scheduling will be determined by the University Health Centre or other appropriate medical facility. Those students who then fail to develop immunity will be counselled as to their potential risk status during training and future practice.

    At all times students will follow Standard Precautions when there is potential of exposure to human blood or body fluids.

    Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Hepatitis C Virus (HCV): The data indicates that transmission of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) from a health care worker (HCW) to a patient in a health care setting is extremely rare, although transmission from patients to a HCW is more common. Therefore, all students accepted into the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry are encouraged to undergo HIV and HCV testing upon admission and at any time during their program when concerns about infection have arisen, but testing for HIV and HCV is not mandatory at this time.

    Note: For updates on changes to medical testing and immunization refer to the Faculty Office.
  13. Certification in CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) at the Basic Rescuer Level is required.

DDS Advanced Placement Program

The program leading to the DDS Advanced Placement is conducted in a minimum of two years (see DDS Advanced Placement Program , Years 3 and 4 of the DDS Program).

  1. No credit will be granted for courses completed prior to admission and no course exemptions will be allowed.
  2. The Dean, or Supervisor acting on behalf of the Dean, may immediately deny assignment of a student to, withdraw a student from, or vary terms, conditions or site of practicum/clinical placement if the Dean or Supervisor has reasonable grounds to believe that this is necessary in order to protect the Public Interest. (See Practicum Intervention Policy .)
  3. The Council of the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry approves the principle that the means of assessing a student’s progress and determining a student’s grades may vary from one course to another in accordance with the nature of the course. Factors other than examination results may be used to a variable extent by instructors in determining grades.
  4. Students are advised at the beginning of each course and year of the procedures to be used in their evaluation, the determination and reporting of their grades, and the standards required by the Faculty. Students are also advised of the procedures for appeal established with the Faculty and the University. Students must satisfactorily complete all components of all courses.
  5. On their official transcripts students are not ranked or assigned a numeric grade, but are designated as having passed (received credit) or failed a course.
  6. Reexaminations
    1. Students are allowed reexamination privileges only in courses that are failed.
    2. The Associate Chair, Academic must approve reexaminations for students who fail two or fewer courses or components of DDS 545 , DDS 565 . Students with more than two (2) failed courses or components of DDS 545 , DDS 565  in any academic year will not be allowed reexamination privileges.
    3. The Associate Chair, Academic may allow reexamination of a didactic component of a course if a student fails the didactic component of a clinical or laboratory course but passes the clinical or laboratory portion. Reexamination is not permitted in courses that are entirely clinical or laboratory, or in clinical or laboratory components of courses that include both didactic and clinical or laboratory components.
    4. If a reexamination is approved, satisfactory completion of a remedial program may be required by the Associate Chair, Academic before the student is permitted to take the reexamination.
    5. Students may be granted rewrites at the end of each term for failed courses within that term that meet the above requirements, but not exceeding more than two overall in an academic year. The Academic Standing Committee would be notified of all re-examinations granted.
    6. A student who does not take a reexamination within the period of time prescribed by the Faculty will not be allowed to continue in the program.
    7. The reexamination mark (as in the case of a deferred mark) will replace the original final exam mark.
    8. See Reexaminations  for further information regarding when reexaminations are not permitted.
  7. Academic Standing: Final decisions regarding academic standing and promotion to the next year or graduation are made by the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry Academic Standing and Promotion Committee.
    1. No student may proceed to next year of the Program and will be required to withdraw unless they have passed all courses for that academic year.
    2. A student who fails more than two courses in any year of the program will be required to withdraw from the program.
    3. Students in the DDS Advanced Placement Program are not eligible for awards.
    4. For promotion and graduation, students need to adhere to and meet the requirements as stated in the department’s Attendance Policy. 
  8. Regulations Concerning Repetition of a Year because of Academic Failure: Students in the DDS Advanced Placement Program will not be permitted to repeat a year.
  9. Voluntary Withdrawal: A student in the DDS Advanced Placement Program who chooses to withdraw, forfeits the position and will not be readmitted.
  10. Faculty Advisor: At the discretion of the Faculty, an advisor may be assigned to students having difficulty meeting promotion requirements. The method of assignment and role of the advisor is determined by the Faculty and/or Department.
  11. All students registered in the DDS Advanced Placement Program are required by provincial legislation to be registered in the Educational Register of the Alberta Dental Association and College. This registration permits the practice of dentistry within the confines of the formal dental curriculum. Students in the program are required to adhere to the professional code of ethics of the Alberta Dental Association and College (Amendments to the Code of Student Behaviour occur throughout the year. The official version of the Code of Student Behaviour, as amended from time to time is housed on the University Governance website at www.governance.ualberta.ca.).
  12. Medical Testing and Immunization Requirements: See Medical Testing and Immunization Requirements.
  13. Certification in CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) at the Basic Rescuer Level is required.

Dental Hygiene Diploma/Bachelor of Science (Dental Hygiene Specialization)

The following apply to students in the Dental Hygiene Diploma or Bachelor of Science (Dental Hygiene Specialization) programs:

  1. Certification in CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) at the Health Care Provider Level is required and provided by the Program.
  2. Students entering the Dental Hygiene program may be granted credit for courses completed that are deemed by the Program Director, in consultation with the course coordinator and the Chair of the Department Academic Standing Committee, to be demonstrably equivalent to courses for which credit is being sought.
    Students carrying an academic load reduced by ★6 or more from the full course load of their academic year will not be eligible for awards.
  3. The Associate Dean/Department Chair, or Supervisor acting on behalf of the Associate Dean, may immediately deny assignment of a student to, withdraw a student from, or vary terms, conditions or site of practicum/clinical placement if the Associate Dean or Supervisor has reasonable grounds to believe that this is necessary in order to protect the Public Interest. (See Practicum Intervention Policy .)
  4. The Council of the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry approves the principle that the means of assessing a student’s progress and determining a student’s grades may vary from one course to another in accordance with the nature of the course. Students are advised at the beginning of each course and year of the procedures to be used in their evaluation, the determination and reporting of their grades, and the standards required by the Faculty. Students are also advised of the procedures for appeal established within the Faculty and the University. Students must satisfactorily complete all components of all courses.
  5. Recommendations for promotion and graduation are based on a grade of at least D in each subject and a GPA of at least 2.0.
  6. The notation of “With Distinction” is awarded to a graduating student in the diploma program who has obtained an average GPA of 3.5 or higher in the second and third years of the program with a minimum GPA of 3.3 in either year and no failing grades over the entire program.
    The notation of “With Distinction” is awarded to a graduating student registered in a minimum of ★24 in the BSc (Specialization in Dental Hygiene) program who has obtained an average GPA of 3.5 or higher in the third and fourth years of the program with a minimum GPA of 3.3 in either year and no failing grades over the entire program.
  7. Reexaminations: See Reexaminations .
    1. Students are allowed reexamination privileges only in courses that are failed.
    2. The Department of Dentistry Academic Standing Committee and the Faculty Academic Standing and Promotion Committee must approve reexaminations for students who fail one or two courses. Students with more than two failed courses in any academic year will not be allowed reexamination privileges.
    3. The Department of Dentistry Academic Standing Committee may allow reexamination of the didactic component of a course if a student fails the didactic component of a clinical course but passes the clinical portion. Reexamination is not permitted in courses that are entirely clinical or in clinical components of courses that include both didactic and clinical components.
    4. A student repeating a year is not allowed reexamination privileges in that year of the program.
    5. If a reexamination is approved, satisfactory completion of a remedial program may be required by the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry Academic Standing and Promotion Committee before the student is permitted to take the reexamination.
    6. Students are advised that it is not possible to make a ruling regarding remediation or reexamination until all grades for a year are received and recorded.
    7. The weight of reexamination is at least that of the final examination, but may be more (at the discretion of the Program Director in consultation with the course coordinators).
    8. The reexamination mark (as in the case of a deferred mark) will replace the original final exam mark.
    9. Any student who, after reexamination and/or evaluation fails to meet promotion/graduation requirements, is deemed to have failed the year.
    10. A student who does not take a reexamination within the time period prescribed by the Faculty will not be allowed to continue in the program.
    11. During the Dental Hygiene Diploma program, reexamination privileges will not exceed four reexaminations or a maximum of ★18. For students continuing on to the Dental Hygiene BSc program, the total reexamination privileges will not exceed five reexaminations or a maximum of ★20.
  8. Reexamination Procedure
    1. The Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry Academic Standing and Promotion Committee will specify by course the reexaminations required of a failed student for the purposes of meeting promotion/graduation requirements.
    2. Second year Dental Hygiene students will take the reexamination as scheduled by June 30. Students in the third and fourth year will write after the end of the first term for first term courses, and by May 30 for second term and two term courses. Students in the Post Diploma Degree Completion Programs will write reexaminations after the applicable term. Students are advised to consult the Department.
  9. Students are permitted to repeat second-year and third-year Dental Hygiene only in exceptional cases as determined by the Faculty Academic Standing and Promotion Committee. Repeating students are considered for awards, if taking a full course load.
  10. A failed student who repeats the failed year may retain credit for passed courses, other than laboratory and clinical courses, only at the discretion of the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry Academic Standing and Promotion Committee acting on the advice of the Department concerned. A grade of at least C+ is required for Dental Hygiene courses. Students carrying an academic load reduced by ★6 or more from the full course load of their academic year will not be eligible for awards.
  11. A Special Category repeating third-year Dental Hygiene Diploma student or Special Category repeating Dental Hygiene BSc student
    1. has achieved a minimum GPA of 2.7 in the year requiring repetition;
    2. has clinical/practicum deficiencies in no more than two clinical courses and is advised that the deficiency could be corrected within a four-month period of instruction; and
    3. has successfully completed all written examinations in the Dental Hygiene program.
  12. Voluntary Withdrawal: A student wishing to temporarily withdraw registration in the Dental Hygiene Programs is required to make written application to the Dental Hygiene Program Director, stating the reasons for withdrawal. Readmission to the Dental Hygiene programs following voluntary withdrawal will be based on the following:
    1. review, by the Faculty of the reasons for withdrawal and the student’s academic record;
    2. availability of a place, within quota, in the class to which the student is seeking readmission. Priority will be assigned in the following order:
      1. students who have met normal promotion requirements.
      2. Faculty approved repeating students and students returning after voluntary withdrawal, in order of academic standing.
    3. The length of time the student interrupts studies leading to the Dental Hygiene Diploma or Bachelor of Science (Dental Hygiene Specialization) programs must not exceed two years in total.
  13. Faculty Advisor: At the discretion of the Faculty, a Faculty advisor may be assigned to students having difficulty meeting promotion requirements. The method of assignment and the role of the Faculty advisor is determined by the Faculty.
  14. Medical Testing and Immunization Requirements: See Medical Testing and Immunization Requirements.

MD Program

The program leading to the MD degree is conducted in four Years (1, 2, 3 and 4), under the direction of the Faculty committees. (See MD Degree .)

  1. No credit will be granted for courses completed in preprofessional years and no course exemptions will be allowed.
  2. The Dean, or Supervisor acting on behalf of the Dean, may immediately deny assignment of a student to, withdraw a student from, or vary terms, conditions or site of practicum/clinical placement if the Dean or Supervisor has reasonable grounds to believe that this is necessary in order to protect the Public Interest. (See Practicum Intervention Policy .)
  3. The Council of the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry approves the principle that the means of assessing a student’s progress and determining a student’s grades may vary from one course to another according to the nature of the course. Factors other than examination results may be used to a variable extent by instructors in determining grades, but students are informed at the beginning of the course how grades are to be determined.
  4. Students are advised at the beginning of each course, and year of the attendance requirements of the procedures to be used in their evaluation, the determination and reporting of their grades, and the standards required by the Faculty and the University. Students who are absent for more than two days in any course in which attendance is compulsory will not be given credit for that course and will be asked to repeat the course. Students must satisfactorily complete all components of a course to receive a passing grade, irrespective of the overall markStudents must satisfactorily complete all components of all courses.
    1. All students enrolled in the MD program are bound by and shall comply with the Professional Code of Ethics governing the profession and practice of medicine. The Professional Code of Ethics refers to all relevant professional codes and practice standards for medical doctors including:
      1. Code of Applicant Behaviour
      2. Canadian Medical Association Code of Ethics
      3. College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta Code of Conduct
      4. Professional Standards for Students in the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry
      5. Student Pledge of Conduct
      6. Faculty Code of Conduct
    2. Students are held accountable to the Code of Student Behaviour and should be familiar with it. (See Professional Standards for Students in the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry)
    3. Thereinafter, any reference to students’ academic performance will encompass the adherence to the Professional Code of Ethics.
  5. Comprehensive Examinations:
    1. At the end of second year, students take a preclinical comprehensive examination (denoted as MED 520 ) covering material presented in the first two years of the program.
    2. After completing year three requirements, students must successfully complete an objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) as the first component of MED 540 , comprehensive examination. This first exam covers material presented in the first three years of the program.
      At the end of fourth year, students will then be required to successfully complete the second component of MED 540  comprehensive examination by completing a knowledge-based assessment. This exam will cover material presented in all four years of the program
      All other program requirements must be successfully completed in order to be eligible to take the second examination knowledge-based assessment.
    3. Students must pass the above comprehensive examination(s) before being promoted to the next academic year (MED 520 ) or allowed to graduate (MED 540 ).
  6. Students are not ranked or assigned a numeric grade, but are designated as having passed (received credit) or failed a course.
  7. Reexaminations
    1. A student will not be granted reexamination privileges if the student has passed the course/clerkship.
    2. A student repeating a year is not allowed reexamination privileges in that year.
    3. Students are advised that reexamination may not be granted until all grades for the academic year are received and recorded.
    4. If the student has not yet been granted a previous reexamination in the current academic year, reexamination privilege may be granted at the discretion of the Course/Clerkship Coordinator in consultation with the Associate Dean, MD Program. 
    5. If reexamination is not granted by the Course/Clerkship Coordinator, the student will be brought to the appropriate Academic Standing Committee where reexamination may be considered. 
    6. If the student has already been granted reexamination privileges in other courses/clerkships in the current academic year, reexamination may only be granted by the appropriate Academic Standing Committee after student performance from the entire academic year is considered.
    7. If a reexamination is granted, the reexamination mark will replace the original final exam mark (as in the case of a deferred mark).
    8. If a reexamination is granted, satisfactory completion of a remedial program may be required before the student is permitted to take the reexamination. 
    9. Reexamination of MED 540  Comprehensive Examination: Students who fail this comprehensive examination may be granted a reexamination. Only the Associate Dean, MD Program may grant this reexamination.
    10. A student who does not take a reexamination within the period of time prescribed by the Faculty will not be allowed to continue in the program. 
    11. A student who fails reexamination will be deemed to have failed the course and will be referred to the appropriate Academic Standing Committee.
  8. Academic Standing: Final decisions regarding academic standing and promotion to the next year of graduation are made by the Faculty Academic Standing and Promotion Committee with recommendations from the Academic Standing Committees.
    1. No student may proceed to any subsequent year of the medical program and will be required to withdraw unless they have passed all courses for that academic year.
    2. Students who do not pass all Year 3 and 4 courses, except MED 540  will not be allowed to write the comprehensive exam and will be required to withdraw.
  9. Regulations Concerning Repetition of a year because of Academic Failure:
    1. No student will be allowed to repeat Year 1 of the MD program. At the discretion of the Dean, students in Year 2, 3 or 4 may be allowed to repeat a failed year.
    2. A student repeating a year is not allowed reexamination privileges in that year of the program.
    3. No student is allowed to repeat more than one year of the MD program.
  10. Voluntary Withdrawal: A student wishing to temporarily withdraw registration from the MD program is required to make written application to the Associate Dean, MD program, stating the reasons for withdrawal and the intended period of absence. Readmission to the MD program following voluntary withdrawal will be based on the following:
    1. review, by the Faculty, of the reasons for withdrawal and of the student’s academic record;
    2. availability of a place, within quota, in the class to which the student seeks readmission. Priority is assigned in the following order:
      1. students who have met normal promotion requirements.
      2. Faculty approved repeating students and students returning after voluntary withdrawal, in order of academic standing.
    3. The length of time the student interrupts studies leading to the MD degree must not exceed two years in total.
  11. Faculty Advisor: At the discretion of the Faculty, an advisor may be assigned to students having difficulty meeting promotion requirements. The method of assignment and role of the advisor shall be determined by the Faculty.
  12. All students registered in the MD program are required by provincial legislation to be registered in the Educational Register of the Alberta College of Physicians and Surgeons. This registration permits the practice of medicine within the confines of the formal medicine curriculum. Students in the MD program are required to adhere to the professional code of ethics of the Alberta College of Physicians and Surgeons. (Amendments to the Code of Student Behaviour occur throughout the year. The official version of the Code of Student Behaviour, as amended from time to time is housed on the University Governance website at www.governance.ualberta.ca.)
  13. Medical Testing and Immunization Requirements:
    To ensure, insofar as possible, both student and patient safety, the Faculty requires immunization against, or proof of immunity to, poliomyelitis, diptheria, tetanus, pertussis, measles, mumps, rubella, and hepatitis B. As well, varicella titre and a two-step tuberculin skin test is required in the first year of the program and should be performed by the University of Alberta Health Centre.

    For students in Medicine, where there is a greater potential for transmission of bloodborne pathogens from students to patients as a result of activities involved in their clinical experience in practice settings, the following procedures will apply:

    Hepatitis B: Hepatitis B surface antigen testing will be performed by the University Health Centre on all students after acceptance into the program. For those students who test negative for Hepatitis B surface antigen (HbsAg), Hepatitis B vaccination will be required. An exception will be made for those for whom it is medically contraindicated or for those individuals who have proof of prior vaccination and test positive for antibody to Hepatitis B surface antigen (anti-HBs). After vaccination, students will receive a second test to determine if they have converted to produce the appropriate antibody titre. If they have not converted they will receive a second vaccination and again be tested. Those students who then fail to convert will be counselled as to their potential risk status during training and future practice. All students who test negative for Hepatitis B surface antigen after vaccination will be tested again for surface antigen and Hepatitis B viral DNA at the end of second year, prior to starting clinical placements.

    For students who test positive for Hepatitis B surface antigen their “e” antigen (HbeAg) status and the presence of Hepatitis B viral DNA will be determined. If they are found to be positive for the “e” antigen or the viral DNA they will be counselled as to their risk of infecting patients and they will be required to follow a modified clinical training program.

    The decision of the Faculty as to the modifications to the training program may be appealed to the Practice Review Board (Practicum Intervention Policy ).

    At all times students will follow Universal Precautions when there is potential of exposure to human blood or body fluids.

    Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Hepatitis C Virus (HCV): The data indicates that transmission of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) from a health care worker (HCW) to a patient in a health care setting is extremely rare, although transmission from patients to a HCW is more common. Therefore, all students accepted into the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry are encouraged to undergo HIV and HCV testing upon admission and at any time during their program when concerns about infection have arisen, but testing for HIV and HCV is not mandatory at this time.

    Note: For updates on changes to medical testing and immunization refer to the Faculty Office.

BSc Program in Medical Laboratory Science

  1. Academic Standing: Final decisions regarding academic standing and promotion to the next year or graduation are made by the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry Academic Standings and Promotion Committee based on recommendations of the Medical Laboratory Science Academic Standing Committee.
  2. Promotion in the Medical Laboratory Science program depends on passing grades in all subjects of the previous year with a minimum GPA of 2.0, as well as the following requirements:

Phase I

Each laboratory instructor assesses the competence in communication, comprehension, and technical skills of each student several times throughout the academic year. These assessments are documented as a written evaluation that the student is asked to sign. At the end of the Phase, the instructors assign each student a pass or probationary rating based on these evaluations. Students with a GPA of 2.0 who have a majority of unsatisfactory technical ratings are permitted to proceed into Phase II on probation. Students in Phase II who are on probation must withdraw if they receive an unsatisfactory technical rating in any one course. Students entering Phase II with a majority of pass ratings from all the Phase I Medical Laboratory Science courses are assessed as having satisfactory standing.

Phase II

For those Medical Laboratory Science courses with both technical and academic demands, the student must successfully complete the requirements of both components to receive a passing grade.

The competence in communication, comprehension, and technical skills of each student will be assessed by Competency Based Objectives (CBOs) in each Medical Laboratory Science course. Students must pass all the CBOs for each course according to the policies outlined in the specific manuals for each course. Students who do not achieve this in any one course will be required to satisfactorily complete a remedial period of training in that course. A student who requires remedial training in more than one course will be required to withdraw. Students who have entered Phase II on probation (see Phase I) will not normally be allowed remedial training and will be required to withdraw.

  1. The Dean, or Supervisor acting on behalf of the Dean, may immediately deny assignment of a student to, withdraw a student from, or vary terms, conditions or site of practicum/clinical placement if the Dean or Supervisor has reasonable grounds to believe that this is necessary in order to protect the Public Interest. (See Practicum Intervention Policy .)
  2. The Division of Medical Laboratory Science Technical Standards Policy defines the necessary knowledge, skills, professional behaviours, and attitudes required of students. Please see the Medical Laboratory Science website for further information.
  3. Promotion in the post-professional certificate BSc program in Medical Laboratory Science depends on passing grades in all subjects of the previous year with a minimum GPA of 2.0.
  4. Reexamination:
    1. Students are allowed reexamination privileges only in courses that are failed.
    2. Students must achieve a GPA of 2.0 inclusive of the failed course in order to be considered for reexamination.
    3. The Division of Medical Laboratory Science Academic Standings Committee must approve reexamination.
    4. If reexamination is approved, satisfactory completion of a remedial program may be required before the student is permitted to take the reexamination.
  5. A student permitted to repeat a course or an entire phase must withdraw unless a minimum average grade of 2.7 is obtained on the repeated work.
  6. Any student whose technical work or academic performance is deemed unsatisfactory may be required to withdraw from the Faculty.
  7. Voluntary Withdrawal: A student wishing to temporarily withdraw registration from the MLS program is required to make written application to the Director, stating the reasons for withdrawal and the intended period of absence. Readmission to the MLS program following voluntary withdrawal will be based on the following:
    1. review, by the Faculty, of the reasons for withdrawal and of the student’s academic record;
    2. availability of a place, within quota, in the class to which the student seeks readmission.
    3. The length of time the student interrupts studies leading to the BSc in MLS degree must not exceed two years in total.
  8. Faculty Advisor: At the discretion of the Faculty, a Faculty advisor may be assigned to students having difficulty meeting promotion requirements. The method of assignment and the role of the Faculty advisor is determined by the Faculty.
  9. First class standing: awarded to students with a GPA of not less than 3.5 while enrolled in a normal academic course load.
  10. With Distinction: awarded to graduating students who have obtained an average GPA of not less than 3.5 during the final 60 credits of course work.

BSc Program in Radiation Therapy

The following apply to students in the Bachelor of Science in Radiation Therapy.

  1. Grades
    1. The means of assessing a student’s progress and determining a student’s grades may vary from one course to another, according to the nature of the course. Factors other than examination results may be used to a variable extent by instructors in determining grades. Students are informed at the beginning of each course how grades are to be determined.
    2. Students must satisfactorily complete all components of all courses.
  2. Promotion and Academic Performance
    1. Progression in the program is term by term. Accordingly, all students in a particular co-hort of the program normally should be registered in the same courses in each term (see Degree of BSc in Radiation Therapy .) Students will not normally register in any core (i.e., non-elective) courses from a particular term of the program until they have satisfactorily completed core courses from the previous term of the program.
    2. Academic Performance: Assessment of academic performance is conducted at the end of each student’s registration in the Fall/Winter Terms.
      1. First-Class Standing: Awarded to a student who obtains a GPA of 3.5 or above and passes all courses while enrolled in the full normal academic/clinical course load after the completion of the Fall/Winter Terms.
      2. Satisfactory Standing: For promotion, a student must pass all courses and obtain a minimum GPA of 2.7.
      3. Conditional Standing: Whenever a student receives a final grade of less than a B- in a Radiation Therapy Program course, the student’s total academic and clinical performance in the program will be reviewed. This review will be considered in determining continuation in the program.
      4. Required to Withdraw:
        Any student who
        1. fails more than one academic course per program year (program year includes Fall, Winter, and Spring/Summer Terms)
        2. fails any clinical course;
        3. is unable to obtain a minimum GPA of 2.7 in any term;
    3. Probation: Students who have been required to withdraw and who have successfully appealed that decision will be placed on Probation and required to repeat the full program year.
      To clear probation and qualify for promotion, the student must achieve Satisfactory Standing in all terms during the probationary year. Students who fail to do so will be required to withdraw. Any student in a probationary year who fails a course in Fall Term will be required to withdraw immediately and subsequent registration will be cancelled.
      Only one year of probation is allowed while registered in the BSc in Radiation Therapy program.
  3. Clinical Performance:
    1. A student who is absent more than two clinical days in any one clinical course may need to make up the lost time before being allowed to continue in the program.
    2. The Program Director, or designate acting on behalf of the Program Director, may immediately deny assignment of a student to, withdraw a student from, or vary terms, conditions or site of a practicum/clinical placement if the Program Director or designate has reasonable grounds to believe that this is necessary in order to protect the public interest. (See Practicum Intervention Policy ).
    3. All students enrolled in the Radiation Therapy program are bound by, and shall comply with the Professional Codes of Ethics governing the profession and practice of Radiation Therapy.
      1. “Professional Codes of Ethics” means the current Canadian Association of Medical Radiation Technologists (CAMRT), Alberta College of Medical Diagnostic and Therapeutic Technologists (ACMDTT), and all other relevant professional codes and practice standards for Radiation Therapists.
      2. It is the responsibility of each Radiation Therapy student to obtain, and be familiar with, such Professional Codes of Ethics and practice standards, and their amendments as may be made from time to time. (See §30.3.3 of the Code of Student Behaviour). Amendments to the Code of Student Behaviour occur throughout the year. The official version of the code of Student Behaviour, as amended from time to time, is housed on the University Governance website at www.governance.ualberta.ca.
  4. Voluntary Withdrawal: A student wanting to temporarily withdraw registration from the Radiation Therapy Program is required to make written application to the Program Director of the Radiation Therapy Program, stating the reasons for withdrawal and the intended period of withdrawal. Each request will be considered on a case by case basis. Readmission to the Radiation Therapy Program following voluntary withdrawal will be assessed on a case by case basis. Readmission is not guaranteed due to quota. If the length of time the student interrupts their studies exceeds two years, the student will not be granted readmission into the Radiation Therapy Program.
  5. Faculty Advisor: At the discretion of the Faculty, a Faculty advisor may be assigned to students having difficulty meeting promotion requirements. The method of assignment and the role of the Faculty advisor is determined by the Faculty.
  6. Reexamination: See Reexaminations 
    1. Reexamination is not permitted in clinical courses.
    2. The Director of the Radiation Therapy Program must approve reexaminations.
    3. Students are advised that it is not possible to make a ruling regarding remediation or reexamination until all grades for a term are received and recorded.
    4. If a reexamination is approved, satisfactory completion of remedial coursework may be required by the Radiation Therapy Program Academic Standing Committee and/or the Faculty Academic Standings and Promotion Committee before the student is permitted to take the reexamination.
    5. The weight of reexamination is at least that of the final examination.
    6. The reexamination mark (as in the case of a deferred mark) will replace the original final exam mark.
    7. Any student who, after reexamination and/or evaluation fails to meet promotion/graduation requirements is deemed to have failed the year and will not be allowed to continue in the program.
    8. A student who does not take a reexamination within the time period prescribed by the Faculty will not be allowed to continue in the program.
  7. Graduation:
    1. Academic Performance for Graduation: Students must achieve Satisfactory Academic Standing or First Class Standing in their final year of the program; successfully complete all program requirements; and present a graduation average of at least 2.7. The graduation average is a cumulative measure of a student’s grade points obtained while registered in the program in all years and terms, including Spring/Summer. It is the quotient of (a) the total number of grade points earned by a student in courses credited to the degree and (b) the total weight of those courses.
    2. The notation of “With Distinction” is awarded to a graduating student who has obtained an average GPA of 3.5 or higher and no failing grades over the entire program.
  8. Clinical Placement Policies and Requirements: All students must comply with all Clinical Placement Policies and Requirements.
    1. Clinical Placements will be facilitated at various cancer centres in Alberta that provide radiation therapy services. Current sites are Cross Cancer Institute in Edmonton, and Tom Baker Cancer Centre in Calgary. Future sites may include Lethbridge, Red Deer and Grande Prairie. Students are responsible for their transportation to clinical placements and for the costs of travel, living and accommodations 

    2. Students must purchase two lab coats and may wish to purchase uniforms for the clinical courses during the program.
    3. Valid certification of CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) at the Healthcare Provider Level required and must be maintained throughout the program. A CPR-Healthcare Provider certificate is valid for one year from the date of the course. Evidence of recertification in each subsequent year is required.
    4. Technical Standard: Students whose skills and abilities change during their studies must declare this change to the program designate for clinical placements immediately. The program will attempt to provide reasonable accommodation, however the student may be required to withdraw from the program if this is not possible.
    5. Medical Testing and Immunization: To ensure, insofar as possible, both student and patient safety, the Faculty requires immunization against, or proof of immunity to, poliomyelitis, diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, measles, mumps, rubella, and hepatitis B. As well varicella screening and a two-step tuberculin skin test in required in the first year of the program and should be performed by the University Health Centre. Requirements: See BSc Program in Radiation Therapy.
    6. Hepatitis B Virus (HBV): Hepatitis B antigen testing will be performed by the University Health Centre on all students after acceptance in to the program. Students who test negative for Hepatitis B surface antigen (HbsAg), Hepatitis B vaccination will be required. An exception will be made for those for whom is medically contraindicated or for those individuals who have proof of prior vaccination and test positive for antibody to Hepatitis B surface antigen (anti-HBs). After vaccination, students will receive a second test to determine if they have converted to produce the appropriate antibody titre. If they have not converted they will receive a second vaccination and again be tested. Those students who then fail to convert will be counselled as their potential risk status during training and future practice.

      For students who test positive for Hepatitis B surface antigen their “e” antigen (HbeAg) status and the presence of Hepatitis B viral DNA will be determined. If they are found to be positive for the “e” antigen or the viral DNA they will be counselled as to their risk of infecting patients.
    7. Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Hepatitis C Virus (HCV): The data indicates that transmission of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and Hepatitis C (HCV) from health care worker (HCW) to a patient in a health care setting is extremely rare, although transmission from patients to a HCW is more common. Therefore, all students accepted into the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry are encouraged to undergo HIV and HCV testing upon admission and at any time during their program when concerns about infection have arisen, but testing for HIV or HCV is not mandatory at the time.
      Note: For updates on changes to medical testing and immunization refer to the Faculty Office.
    8. N-95 Respirator Fit Testing: Students are required to be fit tested for N 95 respirators. Check with the Program office for the procedures to obtain this fit testing. The associated costs are the responsibility of the student.
    9. Police Information Check: Students must clear a Police Information Check requiring a Vulnerable Sector Check. Refer to Requirement for Police Information Checks .

       
    10. The Program Director, or Designate acting on behalf of the Program Director, may immediately deny assignment of a student to, withdraw a student from, or vary terms, conditions or site of practicum/clinical placement if the Program Director, or Designate has reasonable grounds to believe that this is necessary in order to protect the Public Interest. (See Practicum Intervention Policy .)

Appeals and Grievances

Students may appeal academic standing decisions in the Faculty. There are informal ways to appeal as well as strict deadlines for submission of formal appeals. Students may obtain the Faculty’s complete appeal regulations from the Office of the Dean, 2J2 Walter Mackenzie Health Sciences Centre. Under certain conditions, an unsuccessful appeal in the Faculty may be carried to the General Faculties Council Academic Appeals Committee. See Appeals and Grievances .

Students who have a grievance about a grade in an individual course taught in this Faculty should consult Appeals and Grievances , which describes the informal process for addressing concerns about grades. There is also a formal process in the Faculty for appealing a grade. This process, including deadlines for submission of an appeal, is set out in the Faculty’s academic appeal regulations, available from the Office of the Dean, 2J2 Walter Mackenzie Health Sciences Centre.

Professional Standards for Students in the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry

The University Code of Student Behaviour describes a range of nonacademic and academic offences deemed unacceptable and for which a student may be penalized. The Code of Student Behaviour, as amended from time to time is housed on the University Governance website at www.governance.ualberta.ca