Medical Science

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

• Courses: Topics will be determined according to the student's research area.

• Research Ethics: Students are required to attend Research Integrity Day sessions in the first year of their program.

• Seminars: Students will participate in a research in progress semina and journal club relevant to their program.

• Research Proposal: Students must defend a written research proposal to their supervisory committee.

• Candidacy: Students will complete both oral and written candidacy exams.

• 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.