About Us
The Health Sciences Graduate Program is a unique research based program within the College of Medicine open to all departments. The areas of study encompassed by the program are extensive including, but not limited to, clinical sciences, physical therapy, and social accountability. The flexible nature of a research-based program allows students to develop a more profound respect for all aspects of the research process, and refine their professional skills for future applications.
The College of Medicine at the University of Saskatchewan consists of five biomedical science departments, twelve clinical departments, a School of Rehabilitation Science, and academic divisions. To learn more about each of the areas of the College of Medicine visit the department page. The Health Sciences Graduate Program administration is based within the College of Medicine’s Office of the Vice Dean Research (OVDR).
As per all graduate programs within the University of Saskatchewan, the Health Sciences Graduate Program adheres to the policies and procedures presented by the College of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies (CGPS). Policies and procedures specific to the Health Sciences Graduate program, outlined in the manual below, exist in addition to those enforced by CGPS.
Please see the Health Sciences Graduate Studies Manual for more details regarding the policies and procedures specific to the program. Any questions or feedback should be communicated via email.
Prospective Students
Information for prospective students can be found on the College of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies Website.
Current Students
Program Objectives
Upon completion of the Health Sciences Graduate Program, it is anticipated that both M.Sc. and Ph.D. graduates will have acquired an extensive amount of knowledge, confidence, and understanding in his/her area of research. The Health Sciences Graduate Program aims to foster a student’s curiosity and desire to learn while developing critical research skills relative to their field. A graduate student in the current research climate should expect an increasing focus on interdisciplinary and collaborative efforts, both of which are important criteria required to work across disciplines in the Health Research field. At the M.Sc. Level, a student must be able to demonstrate the ability for independent thought, advanced study and research. At the Ph.D. level, a student must exhibit these desirable qualities as well as demonstrate, upon graduation, that they are capable of sustaining a research program.
Health Sciences Master’s students will complete a minimum of 9 credit units, and Doctoral students will complete a minimum of 3 credit units. Students who begin in the M.Sc. program and transfer to the Ph.D. program will be required to complete a minimum of 3 additional credit units are they successfully pass their qualifying examination (totaling a minimum of 12 credit units). Additional coursework beyond the minimum credit unit requirements is at the discretion of the student’s Research Advisory Committee (RAC).
Furthermore, students are expected to complete a number of “non-credit” requirements for their program. These non-credit requirements include, but are not limited to: HSC 990, GPS 960, GPS 961 and/or GPS 962. See below for more detailed course information.
- Students must maintain continuous registration in the HSC 994.0 course.
- GPS 960.0
- GPS 961.0 if research involves human subjects
- GPS 962.0 if research involves animal subjects
- HSC 990.0 seminar
- a minimum of 9 credit units, chosen at the discretion of the student’s Research Advisory Committee
- M.Sc. thesis defense
Recommended M.Sc. Program Outline
The Health Sciences Graduate Program recommends that M.Sc. students complete their program within two years. The maximum program duration, as set by the CGPS, for a Master’s student is five years.
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Year One |
HSC 994, HSC 990, GPS 960, GPS 961/962 (if required), 9 additional graduate level credit units |
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Year Two |
HSC 994, HSC 990, any outstanding credit units, research and writing |
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Year Three (as required) |
HSC 994, HSC 990, research and writing |
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Year Four (as required) |
HSC 994, HSC 990, research and writing |
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Year Five (as required) |
HSC 994, HSC 990, research and writing |
- Students must maintain continuous registration in the HSC 996.0 course.
- GPS 960.0
- GPS 961.0 if research involves human subjects
- GPS 962.0 if research involves animal subjects
- HSC 990.0 seminar
- a minimum of 3 credit units, chosen at the discretion of the student’s Research Advisory Committee
- Comprehensive Examination
- P.hD. thesis defense
Recommended Ph.D. Program Outline
The Health Sciences Graduate Program recommends that Ph.D. students complete their program within four years. The maximum program duration, as set by the CGPS, for a Doctoral student is six years.
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Year One |
HSC 996, HSC 990, GPS 960, GPS 961/962 (if required), 3 additional graduate level credit units |
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Year Two |
HSC 996, HSC 990, comprehensive examination, and research |
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Year Three |
HSC 996, HSC 990, research and writing |
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Year Four |
HSC 996, HSC 990, research and writing |
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Year Five (as required) |
HSC 996, HSC 990, research and writing |
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Year Six (as required) |
HSC 996, HSC 990, research and writing |
Transfer from a Master’s program to a Ph.D. program shall take place after the end of the first year and no later than the end of the second year in the program. Recommendation for the transfer must be initiated through a formal meeting of the student's Research Advisory Committee, which shall forward its recommendation to the Health Sciences Graduate Coordinator.
The following conditions must be met:
- The student shows great promise both in terms of academic accomplishments and in potential for research.
- The student has completed at least 9 credit units at the 800-level, and has achieved a minimum average of 80% and no grade below 70%.
- There is evidence of good writing and oral communication ability.
- There is evidence the student has requisite research skills and knowledge to be able to successfully complete a Ph.D. dissertation.
- The student has successfully completed the Ph.D. Qualifying Examination prior to being recommended for transfer. This examination for the purposes of transfer can only be taken once. A student failing the Qualifying Examination or any part thereof cannot be recommended for transfer.
- Students must maintain continuous registration in the HSC 994.0 course until the transfer is successful and complete, after which they will register in the HSC 996.0 course.
- GPS 960.0
- GPS 961.0 if research involves human subjects
- GPS 962.0 if research involves animal subjects
- HSC 990.0 seminar
- a minimum of 12 credit units, chosen at the discretion of the student’s Research Advisory Committee
- Qualifying Examination
- Comprehensive Examination
- P.hD. thesis defense
Recommended M.Sc. to Ph.D. Program Outline
The Health Sciences Graduate Program recommends that Ph.D. students complete their program within five years. The maximum program duration, as set by the CGPS, for a transfer student is six years.
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Year One |
HSC 994, HSC 990, GPS 960, GPS 961/962 (if required), 9 additional graduate level credit units |
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Year Two |
HSC 994, HSC 990, qualifying examination |
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Year Three |
HSC 996, HSC 990, 3 additional credit units, research and writing, once coursework is complete the comprehensive examination should be held |
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Year Four |
HSC 996, HSC 990, research and writing |
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Year Five (as required) |
HSC 996, HSC 990, research and writing |
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Year Six (as required) |
HSC 996, HSC 990, research and writing |
A Research Advisory Committee is established for each graduate student and is responsible for determining the individual student’s program, monitoring academic performance and providing feedback to the research conducted. The RAC is composed of: a primary supervisor or co-supervisors and committee chair, along with additional faculty members from within or beyond the College with expertise in the area of research that the student is conducting.
MSc committee membership should be 3 as a minimum. For a PhD program, a minimum of 5 members are required. For specific research advisory committee guidelines please see section 10.1 of the College of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies Policies Manual located on the University website.
Health Sciences Graduate Students should have at least one Research Advisory Committee meeting per academic year, which should be held in the spring. Minutes from the spring RAC meeting should be documented by the Committee Chair, and submitted via email. Regular RAC meetings are meant to ensure that each student's program of studies is on track.
The first RAC meeting should take place within the first month of the student’s program, and within the first semester at the very latest. At the first committee meeting the research advisory committee will ensure that the Program of Studies (HSC 200) form is completed and returned to the OVDR Office.For all subsequent RAC meetings the graduate student must prepare a written report and submit is to their advisory committee members a minimum of one week prior to each advisory committee meeting. At the research advisory committee meeting the student must provide a 10 – 15 minute PowerPoint presentation. The presentation is immediately followed by questions and feedback from the committee members. The frequent RAC meetings provide the student with access to a broad range of expertise and helps builds relationships with each of the faculty members who are experts in the field of study. The frequent presentations, questions and answer sessions prepare the student well for their defense.
The Health Sciences 990 Seminar Series (HSC 990) exists to connect students and provide them access to a unique assortment of information from authentic research professionals. The series will feature topics such as career development and practical skills, ethics, clinical trials, current research and events, and methodology. The intention of each seminar is to act as a platform and initiation point for questions, discussions and debates. All individuals are welcome, and participation is encouraged. Along with the guest speaker seminars, Health Sciences graduate students will present their current research to their colleagues and peers. Such presentations provide our students the opportunity to demonstrate the diversity of the research within the Health Sciences graduate program, and expand their public speaking skills. Students are encouraged to use their presentation as practice for receiving and managing questions and feedback.
Structure
MSc students are required to make at least one presentation within the duration of their program, and PhD students at least two. Students will be contacted by the graduate coordinator to schedule their presentations, which may occur at any time within the duration of their program. No credit unit weight is associated with this course, nor does it involve assignments or examinations.
Seminars will take place between September and March of each academic year. There will be twelve scheduled seminars, with an average of two seminars per month. No seminars will occur in December or April. The seminar schedule will be released no later than August 1 for the upcoming fall session. View the detailed schedule.
Students are required to register in HSC 990 for the entire duration of their program, each Fall and Winter session.
Attendance
Attendance of all 12 seminars presented throughout the year is mandatory, and attendance will be taken at each seminar. Students who do not meet the required minimum attendance may experience negative repercussions related to program progress, scholarship applications, and coursework. Any issues regarding course conflicts and absences should be directed to the OVDR office.
The following points are general reminders to maintain throughout the duration of your program. Any questions regarding your program should always be directed to your Graduate Program Coordinator:
- Review the College of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies Policies. This document outlines the minimum standards for any Graduate Program at the University of Saskatchewan. Please note, the Health Sciences Graduate Program will have some policies in place that pertain to its students specifically.
- Maintain communication with your supervisor
- Have the Graduate Program Coordinator schedule you a research advisory committee meeting at least once a year.
- Check your degree requirements. When in doubt, contact your Graduate Program Coordinator.
- Continuously register in your respective HSC 994/966 for every term of your program, including the term in which you are planning to defend your thesis.Pursue all scholarships and awards for which you are eligible. To ensure that you are on the notification list for College of Medicine specific awards, contact your Graduate Program Coordinator.
- If you forget to register for this course, or are late registering, please contact the Graduate Program Coordinator to fill out late registration form. The cost of a late registration is $35.
- You can access frequently used forms on this site
- Ensure you complete your degree before the deadline. MSc students are given five years to complete their program, and PhD students are given six. Read about program extensions and leaves of absence
- Learn as much as you can about writing your thesis and defending your thesis
- Seek academic help when necessary. Workshops and courses exist to assist with topics such as writing style, formats, professional skills, and teaching skills. Contact your Graduate Program Coordinator if you would like to strength your portfolio.
Funding
It is the expectation of the College of Medicine that the amount and duration of a student’s funding has been discussed with their proposed supervisor prior to submitting their application to the Health Sciences Graduate Program. As per the admission guidelines outline by the Health Sciences Graduate Program, the details of this discussion are a required application document, and should be signed by both the student and the supervisor.
The HSGS award program is administered by the Health Sciences Program
Award Amounts & Terms
- Master’s students: $19,000 stipend/year for year three in program
- PhD students: $24,000 stipend/year for years four or five in program
The HSGS is a cost-shared award, and Supervisors are required to contribute $8,000/year for Master’s or $10,000/year for PhD which constitutes approximately 40% of the annual award amount. These are single year awards and while doctoral students are eligible in both years four and five they must apply for each individually.
HSGS funding begins September 1st and extends until August 31st of the following year.
Graduate Students Post Doctoral Fellows Conference Travel Awards
Purpose
Masters and Doctoral Graduate Students and Post Doctoral Fellows in the College of Medicine are encouraged to participate in national and international scientific conferences and workshops, particularly those events which are specifically related to their area of research. The College believes that participation in such events is an important element in the training of biomedical and health researchers. The Conference Travel Fund has been established to assist individuals with costs incurred to attend Scientific Meetings.
College of Medicine Masters students, and Post-Doctoral Fellows may submit an application in order to receive up to $1250.00 travel assistance one time per program. Doctoral students may receive up to $1,250.00 travel assistance two times per program.
Eligibility Requirements and Procedures
- Applicants must be currently registered either as a full time Graduate Student or a Post Doctoral Fellow in a Department in the College of Medicine. Post Doctoral Fellows must provide proof of registration with the College of Graduate Studies and Research.
- Applicants must be presenting a paper or poster at a national or international conference or scientific workshop. A copy of the paper or abstract which has been accepted for presentation must accompany the application for funding along with proof of conference participation/registration.
- Applications for travel award must be supported by the student's supervisor and the Department Head using the Cost Estimate and College of Medicine Approval Form.
- A proposed travel budget must be submitted with the application.
- Applications are to be submitted to the Graduate Program Coordinator General Office (2D01 Health Sciences), at least 4 weeks in advance for travel within Canada and 6 weeks in advance for travel outside of Canada.
- Retroactive applications will not be considered.
- The approval of travel costs incurred will be governed by current University of Saskatchewan rules and regulations. The completed College of Medicine Approval Form must be forwarded to the College of Medicine, Graduate Program Coordinator, 2D01.12 Health Sciences
- Successful applicants must also submit a half page report within 30 days after their conference ends describing:
- the venue of the conference
- what new information was learned at the conference
- what new contacts were made?