General Information
The Department offers research facilities in the Ray Rajotte Surgical-Medical Research Institute (SMRI), the Alberta Diabetes Institute, the Heritage Medical Research Centre [HMRC Li Ka Shing Centre for Health Research Innovation (LKS)], Medical Sciences Building (MSB), Katz Building, and the Cross Cancer Institute for graduate students who wish to register for the degree of MSc or PhD in Surgery.
The Department has several core facilities including surgical suites, simulation facilities, an electron microscopy unit, clinical biochemistry and histology laboratory, and computer graphics and photography with technical staff in these laboratories who are able to assist graduate students who wish to carry out research projects. These facilities are well equipped to meet all the requirements of both the basic and clinical investigators from the Department of Surgery.
Facilities are available for the following projects which are presently being carried out: islet transplantation, the immunology of diabetes, perinatal physiology, burns/wound healing, xenotransplantation, stem cells and regenerative medicine, tolerance induction and immunoregulation, virology, neurological oncology, orthopaedics, surgical education, urological oncology, ischemia-reperfusion and organ preservation/transplantation, surgical simulation and surgical education.
Inquiries should be directed to the department prior to admission into the MSc or PhD program.
Entrance Requirements
For the MSc program, the department’s minimum admission requirements are an MD or BSc degree with an admission GPA of at least 3.0 on the 4-point scale from the University of Alberta, or an equivalent qualification and standing from a recognized institution. The admission GPA will be calculated on the last 60 units of graded coursework completed, or on the equivalent of the last two years of full-time graded coursework.
For the PhD program, the department’s minimum admission requirements are a master’s degree or a medical degree with an admission GPA of at least 3.0 on the 4-point scale from the University of Alberta, or an equivalent qualification and standing from a recognized institution. The admission GPA will be calculated on the last 60 units of graded coursework completed, or on the equivalent of the last two years of full-time graded coursework.
Applicants who are graduates of programs, including MD programs, where grades are not assigned will be assessed on an individual basis.
Where applicable, applicants must provide proof of English Language Proficiency (refer to English Language Requirement ). Any one of the following is acceptable:
- A minimum TOEFL score of 96 (internet-based) or equivalent;
- A minimum overall IELTS score of 7.0, with a minimum score of 6.0 on each band;
- an equivalent score on an English Language Proficiency test approved by the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research.
All applicants are required to have secured a supervisor who is able to support them for graduate work.
Applicants are also required to submit the following
- Three letters of reference
- An outline of the proposed research project
See How to Apply on the Department website for further information.
The deadlines for submitting applications are June 1 for Fall admission and October 1 for Winter admission.
Academic Standing Requirement
Students are required to maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average of at least 2.7, with no grade less than B-.
Failure to maintain the required academic standing will normally result in a recommendation by the Graduate Coordinator to FGSR that the student be placed on academic probation or required to withdraw.
Financial Assistance
Students enrolled in the graduate program may receive financial assistance typically from supervisors’ operating grants. Candidates are encouraged and fully supported in applying to major granting agencies for financial assistance.
Graduate Program Requirements
Master’s Programs
Doctoral Programs
Graduate Courses
Graduate courses can be found in Course Listings , under the heading Surgery (SURG).