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Location: Health Sciences Centre, Room G341B
Faculty number: 403.210.9572
Fax: 403.210.8109
E-mail address: gigrad@ucalgary.ca
Web page URL:

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Master of Science (MSc), thesis-based

Specializations: Physiology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Pharmacology, Immunology, Immunopharmacology, Nutrition, Parasitology, Pathology, Epidemiology

All Master’s Thesis and Doctoral students are considered full-time. In exceptional circumstances part-time status may be considered and must be approved by the Graduate Coordinator.

In addition to Faculties of Graduate Studies and Medicine Program requirements, the Department requires:

a) For applicants required to provide proof of proficiency in English, a minimum TOEFL score of 600 (written test), or 100 (internet-based test), or an IELTS score of 7.5, or a MELAB score of 84 or a PTE score of 70;

b) Two reference letters.

Students may be admitted for September, January, or May. Contact the department for general application guidelines.

Students applying to the MD/MSc or MD/PhD program must apply individually to each program and complete a supplementary application for the Leaders in Medicine Program.

In addition to Faculties of Graduate Studies and Medicine requirements, the Department requires:

a) The completion of a minimum of two half-course equivalents for the Master of Science. For the degree of Doctor of Philosophy, the completion of a minimum of one half-course equivalent for those entering with a Master's degree in a related subject. For those entering with a Bachelor of Science or equivalent, a minimum of three half-course equivalents are required. Normally, one of these courses is Medical Science 637.01. Exceptions, however, can be approved by the coordinator on the recommendation of the supervisor or the graduate education committee;
b) A supervisory committee;
c) A written research proposal presented to the supervisory committee within twelve months of initial registration;
d) A seminar presentation once a year. Exceptions require recommendation by the supervisory committee and approval of the Graduate Coordinator;
e) For doctoral students, a comprehensive written examination must be completed and submitted to the examiners one week before the oral candidacy examination;
f) Regular, mandatory attendance at the G.I. Sciences weekly seminar program.

Expected completion time is two years for the Master’s program and four years for the doctoral program. 

Expected completion time is four to five years for the MD/MSc program and six to seven years for the MD/PhD program.

See “Medicine Programs” for maximum completion times.

See “Medicine Programs”.

The various laboratories in the group assess students, and the laboratory that has a need/interest in the student will offer the student a placement.