About Doctor of Philosophy in Reproductive and Developmental Sciences, PhD - at The University of British Columbia (UBC)

Program Overview

The goal of the Graduate Program in Reproductive and Developmental Sciences is to provide students with a broad knowledge of mammalian reproductive and developmental biology, as well as with in depth expertise in at least one area of research, including reproductive and molecular endocrinology, immunology of reproduction, maternal adaptations to pregnancy, women's mental health, fertilization and early embryonic development, perinatal metabolism, fetal/neonatal physiology and pathophysiology and perinatal; epidemiology.

The PhD program can involve course work, but this is not always the case. It does, however involve a comprehensive examination and thesis based research which produces new research findings.

The main research activities take place in the BC Women's Hospital, the main obstetrics hospital in Vancouver and in the adjacent B.C. Research Institute for Children's and Women's Health. In addition, research is carried out on the main University campus, at Vancouver General Hospital and St. Paul's Hospital. All sites possess modern, well equipped laboratories for basic science research. In addition, there are facilities for conducting research on human subjects and for clinical and epidemiologic research.

What sets the UBC program apart?

The RDS program is the only graduate program in Canada that is based in a Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology. RDS students thus have the opportunity to interact with both basic science and clinical research faculty, which can lead to the formulation of research projects that address important clinical issues in women (e.g. ovarian cancer, preeclampsia). Moreover, the location of the department within the teaching hospitals in Vancouver facilitates the collection of human samples (e.g. placental or ovarian tissue, sperm and testes tissue) that can be used in thesis research projects.

Career Options

The PhD program provides students with the expertise to take up an academic position or a research position in a clinical setting. In addition, for qualified students there is the possibility of completing a MD-PhD degree.

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Entry requirements for this course

Contact The University of British Columbia (UBC) to find course entry requirements.

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View all courses at The University of British Columbia (UBC)

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