Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Can I enter the BSc in Pharmacology program from High School?
  2. If I'm in another program at the University of Alberta, can I transfer into the Pharmacology program?
  3. What is the deadline for application?
  4. What is the difference between the Specialization and Honours programs?
  5. Once I'm in the program, what marks do I need to stay in the program?
  6. What happens if I do not meet either the course load or GPA requirements?
  7. Can I take a Spring or Summer course to boost my GPA so that I can get into the Pharmacology program? Will they be counted as part of my course load?
  8. Is Pharmacology the same as Pharmacy?
  9. How many 100-level courses am I allowed to take in the Pharmacology degree programs?

Answers

  1. Can I enter the BSc in Pharmacology program from High School?
    Yes. In order to do so, you will need the following:
    English Language Arts 30-1
    Pure Math 30 or Mathematics 30-1
    Biology 30
    Chemistry 30
    Physics 30

    To enter the Honours program, you must have a minimum of an 85% average
    To enter the Specialization program, you must have a minimum of a 80%.

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  2. If I'm in another program at the University of Alberta, can I transfer into the Pharmacology program?
    Yes, as long as you meet the eligibility requirements of the program. To transfer, you must complete a Transfer form which is available at the Office of the Registrar or on their website.

    To be eligible, you must meet the following criteria:

    For Specialization: in each Fall/Winter you must have a minimum GPA of 2.7 overall and a minimum GPA of 2.7 based on all science courses; a minimum GPA of 2.7 based on all PMCOL courses taken in Fall/Winter and a course load of at least ★24.

    For Honours: in each Fall/Winter you must have a minimum GPA of 3.3 in each Fall/Winter and a GPA of 3.3 based on all science courses in each Fall/Winter; a minimum grade of B+ in each PMCOL course; a course load of ★30.

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  3. What is the deadline for application?
    Applications must be received no later than May 1st of each year in order to start in the Fall term. There is no Winter admission. Further details can be found in the University of Alberta calendar in section 12.7
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  4. What is the difference between the Specialization and Honours programs?
    Both are excellent degree programs. The major difference is in the fourth year. In the Honours program, students work on a research project for a full Fall/Winter in the research laboratory of a faculty member. These projects provide the student with an opportunity to learn cutting-edge skills and techniques in state-of-the-art laboratories as well as record-keeping protocols and presentation skills. In the specialization program, students have the option participate in research, but these projects are limited to a single semester.
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  5. Once I'm in the program, what marks do I need to stay in the program?
    For specialization students, in each Fall/Winter you must have a minimum GPA of 2.7 overall and a minimum GPA of 2.7 based on all science courses; a minimum GPA of 2.7 based on all PMCOL courses taken in Fall/Winter and a course load of at least ★24
    For Honours students, in each Fall/Winter you must have a minimum GPA of 3.3 in each Fall/Winter and a GPA of 3.3 based on all science courses in each Fall/Winter; a minimum grade of B+ in each PMCOL course; a course load of ★30.
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  6. What happens if I do not meet either the course load or GPA requirements?
    Students who have not met the promotion criteria will receive a letter from the Faculty of Science informing them that they have not met the standard for promotion in the program. However, there is an appeals process in place whereby the Department will review the circumstances of the student and make a decision with respect to their further participation in the program.
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  7. Can I take a Spring or Summer course to boost my GPA so that I can get into the Pharmacology program? Will they be counted as part of my course load?
    When calculating the GPA of our applicants, we do not include Spring or Summer courses. We only look at the GPA over Fall and Winter. Spring and Summer courses, if appropriate to the program, will count towards the completion of your degree, but are not considered part of the course load for an academic year.
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  8. Is Pharmacology the same as Pharmacy?
    No – these are completely different programs administered by completely different academic groups. If you are interested in Pharmacy or need to know which courses to take in order to prepare for Pharmacy, please contact the Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences directly.
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  9. How many 100-level courses am I allowed to take in the Pharmacology degree programs?
    Currently, in all BSc programs, including those administered by Pharmacology, the total number of credits allowed in junior courses is ★42.
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