Supervisors
Learn about faculty available to supervise this degree.
Program overview
For over 40 years the graduate program in Medical Science has prepared students for independent scientific careers in academic and non-academic settings. Graduates of the doctoral program have a strong record of excellence in obtaining post-doctoral positions often leading to faculty appointments or jobs in industry at leading institutes across Canada and around the world.
One of the University of Calgary's largest graduate programs, Medical Science offers specializations ranging from cancer biology and critical care to molecular and medical genetics (but training is not limited to these specialties). Our program is supported by collaborations with related programs throughout the Cumming School of Medicine and the University of Calgary.
Completing this program
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Courses: Topics will be determined according to the student's research area.
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Research Ethics: Students are required to attend Research Integrity Day sessions in the first year of their program.
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Seminars: Students will participate in a research in progress semina and journal club relevant to their program.
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Research Proposal: Students must defend a written research proposal to their supervisory committee.
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Candidacy: Students will complete both oral and written candidacy exams.
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Thesis: Students will be required to submit and defend an original research thesis.
Specializations
- Cancer Biology
- Critical Care Medicine
- Joint Injury & Arthritis Research
- Biomedical Ethics
- Physiology
- Molecular & Medical Genetics
- Mountain Medicine and High Altitude Physiology
Outcomes
Academic researchers, education, medicine, government agencies, health organizations, and the private sector/industry; biotechnology start-up companies, clinical trials, research-oriented positions in pharmaceutical/biotech companies and Fortune 500 businesses.
A PhD in medical science is usually considered a final degree; many graduates pursue post-doctoral research.
Virtual Tour
Explore the University of Calgary’s (UCalgary) Foothills Campus from anywhere. Experience all that the Cumming School of Medicine has to offer for interested prospective graduate students. Explore this state of the art campus from wherever you are. Discover the buildings, student services and available programs all from your preferred device.
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Seeking StudentsMicrobial metabolite sensors and the regulation of gut function, The regulation of mesenchymal cell populations by NR4A1 - identifying new treatments for intestinal fibrosis and remodelling in IBD, Generating novel models to assess the pathogenesis of Johne’s disease -
Accepting InquiriesData Science with Virtual and Augmented Reality, Simulations of Biological Systems using Game Engines, LINDSAY Virtual Human -
Accepting InquiriesEvolutionary Developmental Biology, Ecological Evolutionary Biology, Neuroeducation -
Accepting InquiriesInfectious Disease -
Accepting InquiriesMedical Imaging, Pediatric Brain Development -
Accepting InquiriesRegulation and function of Cdk5 and its related protein, Cdk5rap2 -
Accepting InquiriesPediatrics, Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Precision Medicine -
UnavailableAssisted Gait Biomechanics / La biomécanique de la marche avec les aides à la marche, Joint Hypermobility / Conditions d'hypermobilité -
UnavailableCannabinoid- and psychedelic-based therapeutics for stress-related disorders -
UnavailableHost-microbe interactions, Microbiome in Critical Illness, Critical Care Translational Research
Admission Requirements
GPA
A minimum of 3.3 GPA on a 4.0 point system, over the past two years of full-time study (a minimum of 10 full-course equivalents or 60 units) of the undergraduate degree.
Minimum education
An MSc or other relevant Master's degree.
Work samples
None
Documents
None
Reference letters
Two
Test scores
None
English language proficiency
An applicant whose primary language is not English may fulfill the English language proficiency requirement in one of the following ways:
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL ibt) score of 105.
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score of 7.5 (minimum of 6.0 in each section)
- Pearson Test of English (PTE) score of 75, or higher (Academic version).
- Canadian Academic English Language test (CAEL) score of 70 (minimum 70 in each section)
- Academic Communication Certificate (ACC) score of A- in each course.
- Cambridge C1 Advanced or Cambridge C2 Proficiency minimum score of 200.
- Duolingo English Test and obtaining a minimum score of 145* (with no sub-score below 125*).
Deadlines
For admission on May 1:
- Canadians and permanent residents: Mar. 1 application deadline
- International students: Dec. 1 application deadline
For admission on Sept. 1
- Canadians and permanent residents: June 1 application deadline
- International students: Apr. 1 application deadline
For admission on Jan. 1
- Canadians and permanent residents: Oct. 1 application deadline
- International students: Aug. 1 application deadline
If you're not a Canadian or permanent resident, or if you have international credentials, make sure to learn about international requirements
Learn more about this program
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