Cardiovascular and Respiratory Sciences
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
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Program overview
The graduate program in Cardiovascular and Respiratory Sciences engages students in advanced research through the Cardiovascular Group, the Smooth Muscle Research Group and the Airways Inflammation Research Group. Students' individual research programs are supported by multidisciplinary, laboratory environments that encourage collaboration and exposure to new techniques and model systems.
Students gain a foundation in molecular biology, organ and vascular systems, cardiovascular and respiratory physiology and pharmacology. The program is supported by state-of-the-art facilities and direct contact with patient-oriented research. Students typically advance to careers in health care-focused professions, as well as research opportunities in academia and industry.
Outcomes and next steps
Researchers at academic institutions, education, medicine, government agencies, health organizations, private sector/industry, biotechnology start-up companies, clinical trials coordinators, research-oriented positions in pharmaceutical/biotech companies and Fortune 500 businesses.
A PhD in cardiovascular and respiratory sciences is usually considered a final degree; graduates may go on to pursue post-doctoral research.
Degree at a glance
Completion requirements
Thesis-based
Courses
Three courses, depending on academic background
Program requirements
Class delivery
Classroom
Commitment
Six years maximum
Supervisor
A supervisor is required, and must agree to oversee the student's research before admission will be granted
Fees and funding
Flat annual fee; guaranteed funding
Related programs
If you're interested in this program, you might want to explore other UCalgary programs.
Supervisors
A supervisor is required for this program. The supervisor must agree to oversee the student's research prior to admission.
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Aaron Phillips
- Research Area
- Collaborations
- Tools
- Trainees
seeking students
Andrew Braun
- Vascular Physiology and Ion Channel Function
accepting inquires
John Tyberg
- The Reservoir-Wave Approach
- Evaluation of Vasomotion
- Ventricular-Arterial Coupling
- Evaluation of the Systemic Circulation in Neonates
- Pulmonary Hypertension
accepting inquires
Justin MacDonald
- Vascular smooth muscle biology
- Chronic inflammation
- Chemoproteomic drug discovery
accepting inquires
Robert Newton
- Inflammation - Anti-inflammatory glucocorticoids
seeking students
Todd Anderson
- Atherosclerosis, lipids, endothelial function
accepting inquires
Additional supervisors may be available. Contact the Faculty of Graduate Studies for more information.
Completion requirements
Courses
The amount of required course work is determined by the student's supervisory committee.
Research Ethics
Students are required to attend Research Integrity Day sessions in the first year of their program. Additional Research Ethics requirements may apply, depending on the type of research being done.
Thesis
Students will be required to submit and defend an original research thesis.
Seminars
Student participate in a journal club and work-in-progress seminars for their research group, and will present one seminar per year.
Candidacy
Students will complete both oral and written candidacy exams.
Admission requirements and information
Requirements for the Cardiovascular and Respiratory Sciences Program
GPA
A minimum of 3.3 GPA on a 4.0 point system, over the past two years of full-time study (a minimum of 10 full-course equivalents or 60 units) of the undergraduate degree.Minimum education
An MSc degree or equivalent.Work samples
None
Documents
Official transcripts are required.
Reference letter
ThreeTest scores
NoneEnglish language proficiency
An applicant whose primary language is not English may fulfill the English language proficiency requirement in one of the following ways:
- TOEFL score of 105 (Internet-based) or 600 (paper-based). Our institution code is 0813
- IELTS score of 7.5 (Academic version)
- MELAB score of 86, or higher
- PTE score of 75, or higher (Academic version)
- Tier 3 of the International Foundations Program with minimum grades of A,A,A (Writing & Grammar, Reading Comprehension, Listening Comprehension & Oral Fluency)
Deadlines
For admission on September 1
Canadian and permanent residentJune 1 Application deadline
InternationalApril 1 Application deadline
For admission on January 1
Canadian and permanent residentOct. 1 Application deadline
InternationalAug. 1 Application deadline
For admission on May 1
Canadian and permanent residentMarch 1 Application deadline
InternationalDec. 1 Application deadline
For admission on July 1
Canadian and permanent residentMay 1 Application deadline
InternationalFeb. 1 Application deadline
If you’re not a Canadian or permanent resident make sure to read and learn about international specific requirements
Tuition fees and funding
All graduate students must pay general fees each year, as well as program fees.
Fees
Estimate for full-time students
Canadian and
permanent resident
International
student
General fees
12 months of study
$1,830 CAD
$1,830 CAD
Program fees
First 12 months of study
$5,593 CAD
$12,695 CAD
Total fees
For first year of studies
$7,423 CAD
$14,525 CAD
What are annual continuing fees?
Domestic Continuing Fees: $1,627 CAD
International Continuing Fees: $3,693 CAD
Continuing fees apply in the first term following completion of candidacy requirements.
Funding availability
All students who are accepted into the Cardiovascular and Respiratory Sciences PhD Program will receive a minimum stipend of $23,000.
Fees listed here are estimates only, and have been rounded to the nearest dollar. These amounts should not be considered accurate. All amounts are in Canadian Dollars.
Fees are subject to change.
For more details and the most accurate information go to the Academic Calendar
For more general information, see our Fees and Funding Guide
Highlights of the Cardiovascular and Respiratory Sciences Program
Holly Mewhort recognized by the American Heart Association
Student wins Vivien Thomas Young Investigator Award from the American Heart Association for her work in cardiac research
Nervous system reaction may worsen asthma attacks
Nicholas Jendzjowksy investigates the role of the nervous system in inflammatory responses to allergens
Three Minute Thesis
Practice your communication skills, build your network and learn about amazing UCalgary research
Learn more about this program
Cumming School of Medicine
Health Sciences Centre
Foothills Campus, University of Calgary
Calgary, ABT2N 4N1
Cardiovascular and Respiratory Sciences - Graduate Studies
Graduate Science Education
HSC G345B, 3330 Hospital Drive NW
Calgary, ABT2N 4N1
403.220.8306
Go to our contact page and connect with the right person to answer any questions you might have
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