Registration Requirements

Registration

In order to continue with their program, students are required to register in every term. The only exception is students on an approved leave of absence. For important deadlines, see Registration Dates and Deadlines on the website of the Office of the Registrar. It is recommended that students register as early as possible and, in particular, before the start of the term even if registration deadlines fall later. Students with financial holds must clear them before they can register.

Full-time

Full-time students should register in 9 credits in the Fall and Winter terms. If they are registered in less than 9 credits of courses, they will need to register in the appropriate THES course to reach 9 credits. The last digit of the THES course number indicates how many credits it is worth. For instance, THES 908 is worth 8 credits. Students who are registered in

  • one 3-credit course must register in THES 906;
  • two 3-credit courses must register in THES 903;
  • three 3-credit courses need not register in a THES course; and
  • no courses must register in THES 909.

Part-time

Part-time students should register in 3 credits in the Fall and Winter terms. Students who are registered in

  • one 3-credit course need not register in a THES course; and
  • no courses must register in THES 903.

Under certain circumstances, students who have begun their programs may request a change from full-time status to part-time status.

To be eligible for a change to part-time status, students must demonstrate one of the following:

  • an offer of full-time employment, or,
  • medical/family/other circumstances that now prevent them from working on their program full-time.
Students may not change to part-time status for financial reasons.

Spring and Summer

Both full-time and part-time students should register in 6 credits in the Spring and Summer terms by registering in THES 906. Students who were registered in the Winter term preceding the relevant Spring or Summer term will automatically be registered in THES 906. They should always verify whether they have been successfully registered in this course.

For more information on registration, see Registration in the University Calendar and 6. Program Planning and Registration in the Graduate Program Manual.

 

Residence Requirement

The Department of Medicine has residence requirements that establish the minimum amount of time its students must study on campus at the University of Alberta during their program. The minimum period of residence for MSc students is 1 calendar year. For PhD students, the minimum period of residence is 3 calendar years. For PhD students who have an MD, the minimum period of residence is 1 calendar year. One calendar year is defined as 12 consecutive months.

 

Minimum Fees

Over the duration of their program, students in thesis-based master's programs must pay the equivalent of at least 1 full year of program fees. Students in doctoral programs must pay the equivalent of at least 3 full years of program fees over the duration of their program. See the Fees Payment Guide in the University Calendar for more information on program fees.

 

Course Requirements

MSc students must complete a minimum of 9 credits in graduate-level courses. PhD students must complete a minimum of 12 credits in graduate-level courses. The Department of Medicine highly recommends that all graduate students take a course in statistics.

The supervisory committee will determine the courses to be taken in consultation with the student. Final approval of the program will be made by the Graduate Coordinator. Students may take graduate courses offered by other Departments with the approval of their supervisory committee.

Students must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.7 with no mark below 2.7. A minimum cumulative program GPA of 2.7 is required for convocation.