May 01, 2026  
University of Alberta Calendar 2026-2027 
    
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University of Alberta Calendar 2026-2027

Doctor of Philosophy in Medical Sciences (Obstetrics and Gynecology)

Please note [April 15, 2026] - ADDENDUM. The general description for this program has been updated. See Amendments to the Calendar  for additional information.

The general description for the PhD in Medical Sciences– Obstetrics and Gynecology is as presented for all PhD programs in Medical Sciences (see Doctor of Philosophy (Medical Sciences) ).

OBGYN does not have a list of approved courses to be taken as part of the MSc or PhD requirements. Students will choose graduate level course(s) in consultation with their supervisor and supervisory committee. Students must receive approval prior to registration by emailing the Director of Graduate Studies for the program (and copying their supervisor and the Graduate Program Administrator). The email should include the course description and a rationale for how the course fits the research program of the student.

Program Core Competencies

The following are the program-specific requirements to satisfy the FoMD’s Program Core Competencies (See Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry Program Core Competencies ):

1. Professional Development and Ethics

See GPS Ethics and Academic Citizenship Training Requirement  and GPS Professional Development Requirement .

2. Communication

Students are required to attend OBGYN seminars and participate in the OBGYN Research Day on an annual basis. Seminar attendance and participation in the OBGYN Research Day is reported annually to the Graduate Program Administrator.

3. Critical Reading/Thinking

Students must complete 3 units of graduate level coursework to develop competency in Critical Reading/Thinking.

4. Background Knowledge

Students must complete 3 units of graduate level coursework to develop competency in Background Knowledge.

PhD Thesis Proposal

See FoMD PhD Thesis Proposal and Thesis Proposal Meeting .

Candidacy Exam

See FoMD Doctoral Candidacy Examination .

Thesis

Registration in 900-level THES. Students are required to prepare and defend a thesis on a topic approved by their supervisor and supervisory committee.

Length of Program

See FoMD Minimum Length of Time in Program .

See GPS Time Limit for Completion of Graduate Programs .