General Information
The Department of Pharmacology offers graduate programs leading to the degrees of Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy in pharmacology.
Our graduate programs offer opportunities to investigate the molecular and biological processes that regulate cellular and organ functions and the mechanisms underlying diseases and drugs in areas of study.
Inquiries about the programs should be directed to the Graduate Program Administrator of the Department of Pharmacology at the above email address.
Entrance Requirements
See Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry Graduate Program Entrance Requirements .
Students are accepted into the graduate program with degrees in the biological sciences, physics, chemistry, pharmacology, biochemistry, physiology, pharmacy, neuroscience, medicine, and dentistry. The program is of particular interest to students with background in pharmacology, physiology, biochemistry, and neuroscience (referred to as ‘companion’ disciplines below).
Students can be directly admitted to the PhD program without a master’s degree if, in addition to the minimum admission requirements, they possess exceptional qualifications in pharmacology or a related discipline at the undergraduate level, as demonstrated by GPA, awards, publications and/or strong letters of references.
Applicants to the MSc or Ph.D. programs are expected to have completed the following courses or their equivalents: PMCOL 343 and PMCOL 344 . The suitability of prior pharmacology courses to meet this requirement will be adjudicated by the Graduate Studies Executive Committee (GSEC).
Students who do not have a sufficient Pharmacology background may be required to take these or other appropriate courses to ensure an adequate background. These will be considered extra-to-degree.
The Graduate Studies Executive Committee (GSEC) of the Department of Pharmacology evaluates the background in Pharmacology of each prospective student and approves appropriate courses.
In general, a professional degree in Pharmacy is not considered to be sufficient to meet the requirements for admission without further documentation of basic science courses and productive research experience.
Financial Assistance
Financial assistance in the form of Graduate Research Assistant Fellowships from supervisor operating funds is normally available to students in good standing. Students may also be eligible for awards from the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research and the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry. Exceptionally qualified applicants may be nominated for University of Alberta entrance scholarships. Other funding is provided by scholarships awarded to students by various agencies including the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council, and the Provincial Government of Alberta. Students will be expected to apply for such external funding.