Pharmacy + Pharmaceutical Sciences Program Guide
Pharmacy + Pharmaceutcial Sciences Serving as Alberta’s sole pharmacy school since 1914, we hold consistent rankings among the top three institutions in Canada, top 50 globally and top 15 for global research. We offer high quality education and develop exceptional student pharmacists, graduate students, and post-doctoral fellows. We prepare our graduates for a variety of careers in pharmacy practice, research, drug development, health science policy and leadership roles, and teaching. Our graduates go on to influence the continuously changing health care field through their leadership in the areas of policy, practice and business.
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University of Alberta Pharmacy Practice in Alberta Doctor of Pharmacy
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Master of Business Administration/Doctor of Pharmacy Combined Degree
The entry to practice Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) program is a four-year professional program consisting of coursework and experiential education that leads to the PharmD degree.
The MBA/PharmD combined degree program is Canada’s first Master of Business Administration and Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) combined degree.
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Doctor of Pharmacy for Practicing Pharmacists
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Certificate to Canadian Pharmacy Practice
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The Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) for Practicing Pharmacists program is a flexible undergraduate post-professional (post-Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy) program that provides advanced education in patient care through experiential education and remote coursework and can be completed in 18 months to five years. A program designed to build upon and further develop the knowledge and skills of internationally educated pharmacist graduates to prepare them to be competent and confident practitioners prepared to enter pharmacy practice in Alberta or elsewhere in Canada.
Graduate Studies Graduate program offerings with specializations in Pharmaceutical Sciences and Pharmacy Practice include both Masters of Science (MSc) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) options.
Areas of Research Student Life Experience Edmonton
Alberta has the most expanded scope of practice for pharmacists in the world.
Our faculty ranks 13th in the world for its pharmacy and pharmaceutical science research.
We are one of the top three pharmacy schools in Canada.
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Leading with purpose at the University of Alberta
The University of Alberta is one of Canada’s top teaching and research universities - fourth in Canada and eighty-first in the world for research impact - with an international reputation for excellence across the humanities, sciences, creative arts, business, engineering and health sciences. Who We Are The University of Alberta is primarily located on the traditional territory of Cree, Blackfoot, Métis, Nakota Sioux, Iroquois, Dene, and Ojibway/Saulteaux/Anishinaabe nations; lands that are now known as part of Treaties 6, 7, and 8 and homeland of the Métis. The University of Alberta respects the sovereignty, lands, histories, languages, knowledge systems, and cultures of First Nations, Métis and Inuit nations. Within a vibrant and supportive learning environment, the University of Alberta discovers, disseminates and applies new knowledge through teaching and learning, research and creative activity, community involvement and partnerships. The U of A
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gives a national and international voice to innovation in our province, taking a lead role in placing Canada at the global forefront. The U of A inspires the human spirit through outstanding achievements in learning, discovery and citizenship in a creative community, fostering leaders that will make positive and remarkable changes to the world around them. Today, more than 290,000 alumni in 140 countries carry on this spirit as community and business leaders. They solve problems and take action to change lives. At the U of A, we lead with purpose.
Research + Innovation The pursuit of truth drives the work done at the U of A. By asking why, what and how, our researchers push the boundaries of
The Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences is located on North Campus across three buildings, pictured here. Left to right: Katz Group Centre for Pharmacy and Health Research, Medical Sciences Building, Edmonton Clinic Health Academy.
knowledge. Using some of the world’s most advanced research facilities and resources, our researchers have discovered new knowledge in health and life sciences, energy, artificial intelligence and much more.
Employability Benefiting from work experience programs, job shadowing, and career mentoring, U of A graduates rank #2 in Canada for employment rate.
Community Our founders challenged students to think beyond themselves, to act and to uplift the whole people. Today, more than 290,000 alumni in 140 countries carry on this spirit as community and business leaders. They solve
problems and take action to change lives. Collectively our alumni have founded more than 70,000 organizations globally, one-third of which are non-profit or have a cultural, environmental or social mission. “Do Great Things” continues to be both the challenge and the promise of all U of A alumni.
Governance + Administration The University of Alberta has a bi-cameral governance structure, as set out in the Alberta Post-Secondary Learning Act. The university is led by the president and vice-chancellor, appointed by the Board of Governors, and the chancellor, the titular head of the university, elected by senate.
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Pharmacy Practice in Alberta
The scope of practice for pharmacists in Alberta is the broadest in the world. In Alberta, pharmacy practice is much more than dispensing pills. Many services that once required an appointment with a family doctor can be provided by an Albertan pharmacist, including writing and renewing prescriptions, referrals, injections and vaccinations, provision of health advice, precision medicine, disease screening and lab test interpretation.
Pharmacists are the most accessible healthcare professionals. The practice of pharmacy has grown from the compounding and dispensing of drugs to a “knowledge system” about drugs and drug products. Pharmacy practice has increasingly become oriented to the patient and, accordingly, requires the aspiring pharmacist to possess excellent communication skills and to be aware of, and sensitive to, the frequent need for compassion and understanding. As a pharmacist, you will be a front-facing patient care expert in the healthcare system.
Your career path and specialization options are diverse.
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Career specializations include community pharmacist, hospital pharmacist, ambulatory clinic pharmacist, primary care network pharmacist, military pharmacist, pharmacy consultant, drug utilization reviewer, drug use evaluator, pharmacy academic, health policy advisor, medical researcher/developer and more. Industries that you could be a part of include pharmacy practice, pharmaceutical sciences, drug development, biotechnology, public service or government, medical insurance and more.
Doctor of Pharmacy Interna tion studen al ts accept ed
The entry to practice Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) is a four-year professional clinical doctorate program consisting of coursework and practice experience leading to the PharmD degree. During the course of your degree, your curriculum will cover pharmacy practice in diverse settings, including classrooms, mock pharmacy and health consultation rooms, and experiential placements in real pharmacy practice environments around Alberta. You will learn the latest knowledge and technologies in medicinal chemistry, pharmaceutics, pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, pharmacogenomics and toxicology. Over the course of your degree, you will apply
learned knowledge of the pharmacotherapy of various disease states and behavioural, administrative, social, and evidence based pharmacy practice in seminars and patient care skills labs. You will also work a total of 40 weeks in real pharmacy environments, including hospitals, community pharmacies, and ambulatory clinics, as well as have the opportunity for non direct patient care experiences in research, teaching, and leadership. Your fourth year will consist
Entry to Practice PharmD Program Essentials Accreditation
PharmD
Duration
4 years
Study Mode
Full-time
Application Deadline
March 1
Start Date
September
Location
Edmonton
entirely of experiential placements.
Entry Requirements Applicants must complete 60 credit units of University transferable work, most of which are specific prerequisite courses, and have a competitive grade point average. Find all specific prerequisite courses, application and admissions info at ualberta.ca/pharmacy/ programs.
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MBA + PharmD Combined Degree Interna tion studen al ts accept ed
The combined Master of Business Administration (MBA) and Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree is designed for future pharmacy entrepreneurs to gain management skills and business expertise. The combined MBA and PharmD degree program is designed for students aspiring to a management role and for future pharmacist entrepreneurs. Student pharmacists enter the MBA program to become graduate students for one year after completing their third year of pharmacy courses in the PharmD program. They then return to complete their final year in the PharmD program.
MBA Curriculum During the course of your
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MBA year of study, you will join the University of Alberta’s School of Business to cover financial reporting + analysis, economic foundations, ethics + corporate social responsibility, data analysis + decision making, management + leadership skills, business strategy, marketing management and more.
Entry Requirements Each student must first apply to the Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences for admission into the PharmD program (see p.7).
Entry to Practice PharmD Program Essentials Accreditation Duration
PharmD + MBA 5 years
Study Mode
Full-time
Application Deadline
March 1
Start Date
September
Location
Edmonton
Students in their third year of the PharmD program can apply to the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research for admission into the MBA program. Find all specific prerequisite courses, application, and admissions information on our website at ualberta.ca/ pharmacy/programs.
Doctor of Pharmacy for Practicing Pharmacists
The Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) for Practicing Pharmacists degree is an undergraduate postprofessional doctorate that provides advanced education in patient care. Unlike the PhD that focuses on research, the PharmD degree is an undergraduate professional doctorate that provides advanced education in patient care and betters your management and critical thinking skills. Complete coursework in the areas of evidence-based practice, patient assessment, advanced pharmacotherapy, frameworks for working in teams, and the provision of education to diverse audiences. The PharmD for Practicing Pharmacists program has been designed to provide students with flexible learning
pathways. Unique in Canada, the entire program can be completed in as little as 18 months. However, students can also take a more gradual approach to coursework, resulting in a variety of other program completion options, up to a maximum of five years. Students must complete 18 credits of online coursework as well as (up to) 36 weeks of supervised experiential learning completed inperson. (Recognition of prior experience can reduce the required number of experiential placements).
Entry to Practice PharmD Program Essentials Accreditation Duration
PharmD 18 mos. - 5 yrs
Study Mode
Flexible
Application Deadline
February 1
Start Date Location
January or August Remote
Entry Requirements Applicants must have an entry to practice pharmacy degree from a recognized institution, current licensure, authorization to administer drugs by injection where legislated and a competitive grade point average. Find all application and admissions info at ualberta. ca/pharmacy/programs.
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Canadian Certificate in Pharmacy Practice Interna tion studen al ts accept ed
The Certificate to Canadian Pharmacy Practice (CCPP) is designed to build upon and further develop the knowledge and skills of internationally educated pharmacist graduates to prepare them to be competent and confident practitioners prepared to enter pharmacy practice in Alberta or elsewhere in Canada.
Entry to Practice PharmD Program Essentials
The Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences and the Alberta College of Pharmacy have partnered to develop a comprehensive bridging program for internationally educated pharmacist graduates.
Start Date
September
Location
Edmonton
CCPP is a blended program of primarily distance (online) and some in-person learning. Fall and Winter terms are both 13 weeks long and delivered online, and Spring Term is 8 weeks long and delivered on campus.
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Graduates will be prepared to provide quality and safe patient-centred care in Alberta’s dynamic healthcare environment, as well as diverse settings across Canada’s healthcare system. The program prepares graduates to be leaders and lifelong learners.
Entry Requirements Each student must hold a pharmacy degree from a recognized institution, have successfully completed the PEBC Evaluating Exam,
Accreditation Duration
CCPP 10 months
Study Mode
Blended
Application Deadline
August 1
have any necessary study or work permits and meet English langauge proficiency requirements. Find all specific enrolment requirements, application information and current government policy on foreign nationals studying and working in Canada at ualberta.ca/pharmacy. programs.
Graduate Studies Interna tion studen al ts accept ed
Master of Sciences (MSc) The Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences offers graduate programs leading to the degree of Master of Science (MSc). Research may be undertaken in the areas of pharmaceutical science and pharmacy practice (see p.13).
Research Areas The Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences offers diverse and robust areas of research in both pharmacy practice and pharmaceutical sciences for its graduate students. With world-class faculty members and research on staff, cutting edge facilities and technologies, you’re bound to make a life-changing discovery for the public good.
Read about each research area in detail on page 13.
Entry Requirements Applicants must have an undergraduate degree with an admission GPA of at least 3.0 on the 4-point scale from a recognized institution, meet the minimum English Language Requirements and should normally be graduates in pharmacy (however the Faculty will accept qualified applicants with degrees in related fields). Applicants must have a qualified faculty member agree to provide supervision before applying for admission. See the full application process for further information at ualberta.ca/pharmacy/ programs.
Masters of Science Program Essentials Accreditation
MSc
Duration
2-4 years
Study Mode
Full-time
Application Deadline Domestic
International
Fall Term: August 1 Winter Term: November 15 Fall Term: June 1 Winter Term: October 1
Start Date
September January
Location
Edmonton
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Interna tion studen al ts accept ed
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) The Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences offers graduate programs leading to the degree of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD). Research may be undertaken in the areas of pharmaceutical science and pharmacy practice (see p.13).
Research Areas The Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences offers diverse and robust areas of research in both pharmacy practice and pharmaceutical sciences for its graduate students. With world-class faculty members and research on staff, cutting edge facilities and technologies, you’re bound to make a life-changing
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discovery for the public good. Read about each research area in detail on page 13.
Entry Requirements Applicants must have a masters degree with an admission GPA of at least 3.0 on the 4-point scale from a recognized institution, meet the minimum English Language Requirements and should normally be graduates in pharmacy (however the Faculty will accept qualified applicants with degrees in related fields). Applicants must have a qualified faculty member agree to provide supervision before applying for admission. See the full application process on
Doctor of Philosophy Program Essentials PhD
Accreditation Duration
4-6 years
Study Mode
Full-time
Application Deadline Domestic
International
Fall Term: August 1 Winter Term: November 15 Fall Term: June 1 Winter Term: October 1
Start Date
September January
Location
Edmonton
for further information at ualberta.ca/pharmacy/ programs.
Areas of Research
Research has always been our strength. We have one of the largest faculties of pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences in Canada, and we excel in transferring its research to the marketplace. Pharmacy Practice Clinical: Patient oriented research conducted with human subjects; it includes mechanisms of human disease, therapeutic interventions, clinical trials, development of new technologies. (National Institute of Health) Education: A field of inquiry aimed at advancing knowledge of education and learning processes and development of the tools and methods necessary to support this endeavor. (American Educational Research Association). Health Services: Improving the way health care services are organized, regulated, managed, financed, paid for, used and delivered, in the interest of improving the health and quality of life of all Canadians. (CIHR) Knowledge Translation: Using knowledge
obtained from research to inform the decision making of healthcare professionals and improve outcomes. (CIHR) Pharmacoepidemiology: Provides an estimate of the probability of beneficial effects of a drug in a population and the probability of adverse effects. (John Hopkins University) Pharmacy Practice: Focuses on the assessment and evaluation of pharmacy practice. It includes studies that evaluate pharmacists’ roles in a variety of capacities. (CPhA) Social Administrative: The “people” aspect of pharmacy and medication use. Focusing on the scientific and humanistic bases for understanding and influencing interactions involving patients, medicines, caregivers, and health care systems. (University of Wisconsin)
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Pharmaceutical Sciences Cardiovascular: Research in this field of study focuses on obtaining a better understanding of the pathophysiological mechanisms involved in a class of diseases affecting the heart and blood vessels. Investigators work to develop novel therapeutic strategies, and investigate drug action upon cardiovascular tissue function at the molecular and cellular level in areas such as coronary heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, hypertension and heart failure. Computational Drug Discovery: Research in this area uses tools to discover new antiviral and immune checkpoints small molecule drugs and specializes in understanding the nature and biophysical processes underlying protein-drug interactions, protein-protein interactions, protein-DNA interactions, drug off-target interactions and predicting drugmediated toxicity.
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Drug Delivery: A field that concentrates on formulation methods and technologies that are employed to transport pharmaceutical
compounds to various sites in the body. It may include synthetic drug carrier systems capable of improving the bioavailability and/ or tissue-specific targeting of an active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) to the site of desired drug action, such as bone drug delivery, or drug targeting of cancer cells. Medical Chemistry: Medicinal chemistry deals with the discovery, design and analytical characterization of drug substances. Medicinal chemists are involved in the preclinical stages of drug development by conducting sequential and complementary steps that include (1) validation of specific drug target(s) associated with a pathological condition; (2) establishing the structural requirements needed in drugs to bind to their target site; (3) designing and conducting synthetic organic chemistry protocols to modify existing or create new drugs; (4) purification and identification of active molecules from complex mixtures; (5) assessing the potency and efficacy of drug
candidates by in vitro/in vivo biological screening assays; (6) structural optimization and refinement. Neurology/Critical Care: Research in this area aims to improve outcomes in patients with neurological emergencies (subarachnoid hemorrhage, intracerebral hemorrhage, ischemic stroke, traumatic brain injury and status epilepticus) and patients with epilepsy through pharmacotherapy optimization of existing therapies and translation of new treatments. Obesity/Type 2 Diabetes: Research in this area is focused on elucidating the mechanisms by which obesity contributes to perturbations in energy metabolism in both the skeletal muscle and liver. It is hypothesized that correcting these perturbations in energy metabolism can prevent and/or reverse obesity-induced insulin resistance and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, which may ultimately lead to novel therapeutics that can act as glucose-lowering agents for type 2 diabetes. Pharmacodynamics: Studies what a drug does to the body. Drug effect involves receptor binding, post-receptor effects, and biochemical interactions. It is a drug’s pharmacokinetics that determines the onset, duration, and intensity of a drug’s effect. Pharmacogenetics: Studies how variation in one single gene influences the response to a single drug. Pharmacogenomics: Studies how all the genes that comprise the genome can influence drug responses through pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic mediated effects.
of absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and transport. Pharmacometrics: An emerging science that quantifies drug, disease, and clinical trial information for drug development. Originally focusing on concentration-effect, dose-effect, and PKPD relationships. It has expanded to develop disease models and quantitative relationships between biomarkers and clinical response. Pharmacology & Toxicology: Studies the interactions of chemical entities with living systems. Pharmacology studies the positive effects of chemical compounds (usually drugs) to understand how drugs elicit their therapeutic effects and how to improve their biological activity. Toxicology examines the negative effects of compounds and the means to eliminate these effects in living organisms and in environmental health. Translational Pharmacology: A field that focuses on both the clinical and experimental aspects of drug action. Emphasis is placed on the study of pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, drug metabolism, and drug/gene-interactions of xenobiotics using complementary in vitro (e.g. primary cells lines), pre-clinical (e.g. small or large animals), and clinical (e.g. target patient population) models. The field aims to translate the findings from the bench to the clinic, and vice versa. Learn more at ualberta.ca/pharmacy/ research/research-areas
Pharmacokinetics: Studies what the body does to a drug. This field deals with the movement of a drug over time into, through, and out of the body via the processes
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Student Life
Campus fitness facilities include fitness centres, gymnasiums, climbing walls, arenas, dance studios, multi-purpose studios and swimming pools, plus access to hundreds of classes, personal trainers and more. Pharmacy students get active at special events like APSA’s Discover Climbing, pictured here.
Pharmacy students are actively involved in activites and events yearround, including pharmacy student groups registered with the University of Alberta Students’ Union. Alberta Pharmacy Students’ Association (APSA) APSA represents the voice of pharmacy students in the province of Alberta. They provide numerous services to students, like social events, locker sales, yearbooks, orientation, bulk textbook orders and and address pharmacy students’ social, academic, and advocacy needs. APSA strives to inspire students to lead the future of pharmacy by creating an experience like no other.
Black Pharmacy Students’ Association (BPSA) The mission of the BPSA is to provide a safe space for Black pharmacy students, empower them, and create a strong and extensive network. The BPSA advocates for and supports current and prospective Black pharmacy students and aims to increase
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Black representation and engagement in the profession of Pharmacy.
LGBTQ+ Pharmacy Students’ Club (LGBTQ+PhC) The LGBTQ-PhSC aims to provide a safe space for students indentifying as LGBTQ+ to flourish and feel empowered. They support students in their academic endeavours while providing opportunities to bolster their social support network and work to advocate for the needs and concerns specific to the LGBTQ+ student population.
Pharmacy Indigenous Network (PIN) The PIN is made up of Indigenous pharmacy students at the U of A. It is a safe place for pharmacy students that self-identify as Indigenous to support one another, share and celebrate in common history and culture, and encourage their communities on their journey to Truth and Reconciliation.
Pharmacy Graduate Students’ Association (PGSA) The PGSA provides all graduate students in the Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences with proper representation, fair treatment and advocacy to the Faculty and the University of Alberta, while striving to enhance professional development opportunities and creating a fun and safe social environment. The PGSA operates with the principles of honesty, openness and integrity in all of its activities. Furthermore, the PGSA will abide by all GSA and University of Alberta values, procedures and policies.
The APSA Mentorship Program pairs students in upper classes with lower classes to provide support to new students.
Students and alumni let loose at the annual student-run Blue and Gold Ball.
Students Groups: The U of A is home to more than 425 student groups that provide students with opportunities to pursue academic, cultural, recreational and political interests. Residences: Be part of a vibrant community and benefit from specialized programs geared towards your success and lifestyle, like meal plans, peer tutor programs, on-jobs, leadership training, and more. Housing, if needed, is guaranteed for all first year students. Study Abroad: The Faculty of Pharmacy + Pharmaceutcial Sciences has study abroad opportunities, including courses and exchange programs in Italy, China, Taiwan, Egypt, Brazil, United Arab Emirates and Japan.
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Experience Edmonton
Edmonton is one of the northernmost major cities in the world. Edmonton is a city with one million residents and one of Canada’s strongest local economies. Like the university, Edmonton is a place where people come together to build, create and change things for the better. It is a place where good ideas have a strong chance to become reality.
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Entertainment + Culture
Nature + Wildlife
Immerse yourself in the “festival city” by joining one of over 50 yearly festivals and events in Edmonton. Shop and eat at locally owned and world-renowned boutiques, restaurants and bars on Whyte Avenue or 104 Street. Shop ‘til you drop at West Edmonton Mall, the largest mall in North America, home to 800 stores and attractions including an amusement park, ice skating rink, water park and adventure golf course. Lose your voice cheering at an Edmonton Oilers hockey, Elks football, or FC Edmonton game. Ponder spectacular art at the Art Gallery of Alberta or learn about the region’s history, inspect dinosaur bones and check out a traveling exhibit at the Royal Alberta Museum.
Stroll through one of the region’s 460 parks, including Edmonton’s River Valley, which is accesible from campus. Explore Canada’s wilderness with dozens of provincial parks, national parks, and UNESCO world heritage sites within less than a days drive including Banff, Jasper and Dinosaur Provincial Park. Shred the slopes all winter at any of the 10 ski resorts within a few hours drive of the region!
Affordable Living Edmonton has one of the lowest costs of living out of the major cities across Canada. It is lower than Toronto, Vancouver and Calgary.
Edmonton’s River Valley, along the North Saskatchewan River, is accessible from campus and is the largest urban forest in North America (22 times bigger than Central Park in New York City).
Edmonton’s Heritage Festival celebrates the foods, dances and traditions of over 100 countries.
Weather
High / Low (°C)
Summer (July-August)
22° / 9°
Autumn (September-October)
14° / 0°
Winter (November-February)
-5° / -20°
Spring (March-May)
12° / 0°
Visit Edmonton’s Ice Castle every winter in Hawrelak Park near campus. The man made structure includes LED-lit sculptures, frozen thrones, icecarved tunnels, slides, fountains and much more.
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Pharmacy + Pharmaceutical Sciences 2-35, MSB University of Alberta 8613 - 114 St. Edmonton, Alberta Canada T6G 2H7
ualberta.ca/pharmacy
@ualberta_pharmacy @ualbertapharmacy @UAlberta_Pharm