Program Overview

Doctor of Philosophy (Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences)

Introduction

The Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences offers graduate programs leading to the degrees of Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy. Research may be undertaken in the areas of pharmaceutical science and pharmacy practice.

Why Study This Program?

Prospective graduate students are encouraged to review the facilities available, specific research areas of our faculty, and our Graduate Studies Handbook, which contains further details and guidelines for our program.

Entrance Requirements

The Facultys minimum admission requirements are an undergraduate 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.

• The admission GPA will be calculated on the last 60 units of graded coursework completed, or on the equivalent of the last two years of full-time graded coursework.
• Applicants should normally be graduates in pharmacy; however, the Faculty will accept qualified applicants with degrees in related fields.
• Where applicable, applicants must meet the minimum English Language Requirement.
• English language scores that are more than two years old will not be accepted.
• Applicants must have a qualified faculty member agree to provide supervision before applying for admission.
• Applicants are required to submit the following:
  • Curriculum vitae or resume
  • Three letters of reference

Application Deadlines

• For Canadian citizens and permanent residents, the application deadlines are August 1 for Fall term admission, and November 15 for Winter term admission.
• For International students, the application deadlines are June 1 for Fall term admission, and October 1 for Winter term admission.

Program Requirements

Students are required to complete a minimum of 6 to 12 units in coursework and a thesis.

Coursework

• Coursework will depend on the area of specialization, the academic background of the student, and the recommendation of the supervisor or supervisory committee.
• Students with a previous graduate degree may have their course requirement reduced by 6 units, subject to recommendation by the supervisor and supervisory committee, and Faculty approval.
• All students are expected to participate in Faculty activities during their program.
• Four 3-unit graduate level courses selected in consultation with the supervisor; additional coursework may be required by the supervisor or supervisory committee.
• PHARM 697 - Advanced Oral, & Written Skills in Graduate Training (must be registered in once for credit)

Thesis

• Registration in 900-level THES.
• Students must successfully prepare and defend a thesis on an approved research topic.
• Students are required to give a final oral presentation of their research, ideally within two weeks of the thesis defense.

Candidacy Exam

• Students must pass an oral candidacy exam based on a written research proposal or grant application.
• The exam will take place after all coursework is completed and before the end of the third year of their program.

Residence Requirement

The minimum period of residence is two academic years of full-time attendance at the University of Alberta.

Length of Program

• The time required to complete the PhD will vary according to the previous training of the applicant and the nature of the research undertaken; however, a minimum of two years is required.
• The maximum time to complete the PhD program as set by the Faculty of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies is six years.

Courses

Graduate courses can be found in Course Listings, under the subject heading Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences (PHARM).

Tuition and Fees

The Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences offers financial support in the form of graduate assistantships, scholarships, and awards.

• Students are encouraged to apply for campus-wide scholarships and scholarships from other agencies.
• Support may be available for some students from research grants held by individual faculty members.

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.