Doctor of Philosophy (Medicine)

Program Requirements

Students are required to complete a minimum of 12 units in coursework at the 500 level (or higher) and a thesis.

In the case of a transfer following acceptance into our M.Sc. program, a minimum of 3 units beyond the requirements for the M.Sc. degree (9 units) must be completed for a minimum total of 12 units.
A minimum of 6 units is required when the applicant already holds an M.Sc. degree in a relevant discipline from a recognized institution.

In all cases, additional courses as deemed appropriate by the student’s Supervisory Committee, may be taken with the approval of the Department, up to a maximum of 12 units.

Coursework

The supervisory committee will determine the courses to be taken in consultation with the student. Final approval of the program will be made by the Graduate Coordinator.
It is highly recommended that all graduate students take a course in statistics.
Graduate students may take graduate courses offered by other Departments with the approval of their supervisory committee.

Thesis

Registration in 900-level THES.
Students must also complete and successfully defend a thesis.

Candidacy exam

The candidacy exam consists of a written grant proposal and an oral defense of the proposal. The candidacy exam is normally held within 18 months of the start of the program.

Ethics and Academic Citizenship Requirement

As of Sept 1, 2022, PhD students must complete INT D 710 and INT D 720 to satisfy the Ethics and Academic Citizenship Requirement by the end of the first term of registration in their degree program.

PhD students who have taken INT D 710 as part of an MSc at the University of Alberta need only take INT D 720 to satisfy this requirement for their PhD degree (i.e., they do not have to retake INT D 710).

There is no second language requirement for the PhD.

Residence Requirement

The minimum period of residence is three academic years of full time attendance at the University of Alberta, where an academic year is defined as the eight-month period from September through April.

For students holding an MD the minimum period of residence is one calendar year of full-time attendance at the University of Alberta, where one calendar year is defined as 12 consecutive months.

Length of Program

The time required to complete the program will vary according to the previous training of the applicant and the nature of the research undertaken. A minimum of three years is normally required.

The maximum time to complete the PhD program as set by the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research is six years.