Program Overview

Master of Science with Specialization in Molecular Pathology (Laboratory Medicine and Pathology)

The Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology provides a program leading to the degree of Master of Science (MSc) or Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Laboratory Medicine and Pathology.

Why Study This Program?

For thesis-based MSc and PhD degrees, research activities may be carried out in the General Program, or in one of three second-level specializations: Molecular Pathology, Analytical and Environmental Toxicology, and Biopreservation. Course and practicum-based MSc programs are also offered.

Entrance Requirements

For All MSc Programs and PhD Programs

• Indigenous Applicants: The Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology will provide admission to all MSc and PhD programs to all qualified Indigenous applicants, not to exceed the current overall intake, if any, for Year One students.
• Definition of Indigenous Applicant: Please see Definition of Indigenous People for the Purpose of Admission of the University Calendar.

For Thesis-Based MSc Programs and PhD Programs

• See Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry Graduate Program Entrance Requirements.
• All students admitted to this program are required to complete a course focused on the histories, experiences, and/or perspective of Indigenous peoples in Canada.
  • This requirement may be fulfilled by completing the certificate version of the University of Alberta Indigenous Canada MOOC within the 5 years preceding the first term of registration.
  • Alternatively, another course approved by the Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology graduate program may be taken if the above course was completed more than 5 years preceding the first term of registration or is not offered.

For MSc (Course-Based) with Specialization in Pathologists Assistant

• Current intake for Year One students: 2
• Minimum admission requirements: Baccalaureate degree with an admission GPA of at least 3.0 on the 4-point scale from the University of Alberta, or an equivalent qualification and standing from a recognized institution.
• Admission preference will be given to Canadian citizens or Permanent Residents of Canada.
• Prerequisites: Biology (6 units), Physiology (3 units), Chemistry or Biochemistry (3 units), Human Anatomy (3 units), and Mathematics (3 units) at the postsecondary level, and a course in Medical Terminology.
• Applicants must submit:
  • Curriculum Vitae or Resume
  • Letter of intent
  • Two references via the online application system
• Application deadline: April 1 for Fall admission

For MSc (Course-Based) with Specialization in Transfusion Science

• Current intake for Year One students: 2
• Minimum admission requirements: Baccalaureate degree with an admission GPA of at least 3.0 on the 4-point scale from the University of Alberta, or an equivalent qualification and standing from a recognized institution.
• Admission preference will be given to Canadian citizens or Permanent Residents of Canada and to applicants holding general certification from the Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science (CSMLS) with a minimum 3 years of work experience in medical laboratory science.
• Applicants must provide proof of English Language Proficiency if applicable.
• Applicants must submit:
  • Curriculum Vitae or Resume
  • Letter of intent
  • Two references via the online application system
• Application deadline: April 1 for Fall admission

For MSc (Course-Based) with Specialization in Molecular Diagnostics

• Current intake for Year One students: 8
• Minimum admission requirements: Baccalaureate degree with an admission GPA of at least 3.0 on the 4-point scale from the University of Alberta, or an equivalent qualification and standing from a recognized institution.
• Admission preference will be given to Canadian citizens or Permanent Residents of Canada.
• Prerequisites: Statistics (3 units), Biochemistry or Genetics (9 units) at the postsecondary level.
• Preference will be given to applicants with recent laboratory experience.
• Applicants must provide proof of English Language Proficiency if applicable.
• Applicants must submit:
  • Curriculum Vitae or Resume
  • Letter of intent
  • Two references via the online application system
• Application deadline: June 1 for Fall admission

Program Requirements

Program Core Competencies

The following are the program-specific requirements to satisfy the FoMDs Program Core Competencies.

1. Professional Development and Ethics

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

2. Communication

• Students must attend seminars as specified by the department.
• Students must make one or more oral presentations as specified by the department.

3. Critical Reading/Thinking

• Students may be required to take further courses to enhance their critical thinking/reading for success in their program.
  • LABMP 500 - Bench to Bedside Impact
  • LABMP 530 - Experimental Design and Scientific Communication
  • LABMP 540 - Directed Reading in Laboratory Medicine and Pathology

4. Background Knowledge

• 3-unit graduate-level graded courses in Laboratory Medicine and Pathology (LABMP) or approved courses in other departments are required.
• Course requirements are approved by the Supervisor and Supervisory Committee based on the background of the student and the area of research specialization.

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.

Transferring from an MSc to PhD

• See FoMD Students Transferring from an MSc to PhD.

Length of Program

• See FoMD Minimum Length of Time in Program and GPS Time Limit for Completion of Graduate Programs.

Courses

• Graduate courses can be found in Course Listings, under the subject heading Laboratory Medicine and Pathology (LABMP).
• Graduate courses in other departments may also be acceptable.

Tuition and Fees

• Funding from fellowships and studentships may be available from external agencies on a competitive basis.
• Supervisors may support students from operating grants.
• For general information, please visit the Tuition and Fees page on the Faculty of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies site.

Scholarships and Financial Support

• The Faculty of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies administers over $29 million each year in scholarships, awards, and financial support for graduate students, as well as financial and loan advising.
• Additional scholarships are also available for specific faculties and programs.