Why study this program?
The Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences offers the MSc and PhD in Medical Sciences (Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences) degrees (see Medical Sciences) either as part of a postgraduate training program for post-MD applicants or as an independent degree program for those proceeding from a BSc. Research may be carried out in a variety of ophthalmology-related disciplines for which staff in the Department have active research programs. Major research initiatives are in the areas of electrophysiology of vision, models of retinal degeneration and therapies, ocular anatomy and ocular genetics. Inquiries should be directed to the Graduate Program Administrator in the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences.
Entrance Requirements
See Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry Graduate Program Entrance Requirements.
Program Description
The general description for the PhD in Medical Sciences (Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences) is as presented for all PhD programs in Medical Sciences (see Doctor of Philosophy (Medical Sciences)).
Program Core Competencies
The following are the program-specific requirements to satisfy the FoMD’s Program Core Competencies (See Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry Program Core Competencies).
Students will choose graduate level course(s) in consultation with their supervisor and supervisory committee. Students wishing to take a course not listed, must receive approval prior to registration by emailing the Director of Graduate Studies for the program (and copying their supervisor and the Graduate Program Administrator). The email should include the course description and a rationale for how the course fits the research program of the student.
1. Professional Development and Ethics
See GPS Ethics and Academic Citizenship Training Requirement and GPS Professional Development Requirement.
2. Communication
Students are required to attend OVS Journal Club and participate in the OVS Research Day on an annual basis. Journal Club attendance and participation in the OVS Research Day is reported annually to the Graduate Program Administrator.
3. Critical Reading/Thinking
Students must complete 3 units of graduate level coursework to develop competency in Critical Reading/Thinking.
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.
Funding from fellowships and studentships is available from external agencies on a competitive basis. Supervisors may support students from operating grants, and limited financial assistance towards tuition costs is also available from the Department, but not guaranteed from year to year.
For general information, please visit the Tuition and Fees page on the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research site.The Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research 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.
Please refer to the detailed program information or email ophthalm@ualberta.ca.
General inquiriesPlease check out some of our most frequently asked questions (FAQS) to see if your question has been answered, or contact the Faculty of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies (GPS) during our office hours.
Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research (FGSR)
Killam Centre for Advanced Studies
2-29 Triffo Hall
University of Alberta
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T6G 2E1