Resources and Tips for Trainee Success
Getting organized
Are you a new trainee to the Institute? Start here:
Getting familiar with the Charbonneau
Participating in the Howard Work in Progress (WIP) seminar is a requirement of your graduate studies. These seminars are an opportunity for trainees to meet and present their ongoing research, and provide their peers with feedback. WIP takes place every Monday from 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm.
First year trainees prepare and present a 3-minute thesis style presentation. The CTA is happy to offer guidance and support of head of presentations.
Keep an eye out for WIP schedules and announcements in your e-mail. Food is provided at every WIP and prizes are awarded for participation.
The Charbonneau Trainee Association is proud to offer a Charbonneau Mentorship Program. Learn more about the program and get matched with your mentor here:
2024-2025 Charbonneau Journal Clubs
Each graduate student and postdoctoral fellow should participate in a journal club, attend regularly, and present once per year.
There are several journal clubs offered throughout the year by the Charbonneau Education Committee. Journal club topics are detailed below:
- RDSC Cell & Structural Biology of Genomic Instability & Aging
Lead: Dr. Gareth Williams - Cancer Virology
Lead: Dr. Jennifer Corcoran - Brain Tumours & Cancer Neuroscience
Lead: Dr. Ana Nikolic - Cancer Immunotherapy
Lead: Dr. Franz Zemp - Cancer Bioinformatics & Personalized Oncology
Lead: Dr. Pinaki Bose - Public Health
Lead: Dr. Khara Sauro - Psychosocial Oncology
Lead: Dr. Linda Carlson - Cell Signal Transduction and Microenvironment
Lead: Dr. Shirin Bonni
The deadline to sign up for a journal club is October 11, 2024.
Classes & coursework
The Graduate Science Education website provides information on graduate courses, including course outlines and registration.
The MeDical Graduate Education (MDGE) 600 and 700 series of 1-unit courses encompass the primary cancer biology and biochemistry / molecular biology graduate courses available at the Cumming School of Medicine. Each 1-unit course encompasses a total of eight lectures (twice a week) focusing on a specific topic.
Three 1-unit courses are the equivalent of one full (3-unit) semester course. PhD students require a total of 9 units to graduate, while MSc students require 6 units.
To register for all MDGE 1-unit courses, students must submit their requests directly to the course instructors. Visit the GSE website for more information on registration requirements and deadlines.
Are you looking for additional course options? All available courses can be found in the Academic Calendar.
To satisfy degree requirements, three 3-credit (unit) courses will satisfy the 9-unit PhD requirement and two 3-credit (unit) courses will satisfy the 6-unit MSc requirement. Talk to course instructors for more information.
Directed studies courses are offered to satisfy a student's need for formal instruction in a specific area of knowledge that isn't addressed in any scheduled courses. Directed studies courses allow students an opportunity to complete part of their course requirements in their program.
It is the responsibility of students to find an instructor willing to teach them and submit the documentation before the course submission deadlines.
Scholarships & awards
Below are several resources regarding graduate student funding and awards. Trainees are encouraged to apply as early as possible.
The Graduate Award Competition (GAC) encompasses a broad range of awards funded by donors and the University of Calgary, with values between $700 and $36,000. Only one application is required for most scholarships. Applications open November 1st.
Federal funding is made up of three granting agencies (CIHR, NSERC, SSHRC) that provide research funding for high-calibre master's and doctoral students.
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Master's Students
Canada Graduate Scholarships - Master's (CGS-M)
The CGS-M program supports students who demonstrate a high standard of achievement in undergraduate and early graduate studies.
- $17,500 for 12 months, non-renewable.
- Applications are due December 1st.
- Learn more about eligibility and application information here.
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PhD Students
Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR)
The CIHR provides research funding for graduate students for research in the health sciences and is open to current and prospective students.
- $35,000 CGS-D per year for three years.
- Applications are due October 1st.
- Learn more about eligibility and application information here.
Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC)
NSERC funds research in the natural sciences and engineering and is open to current and prospective students.
- Value:
- $21,000 PGS-D per year for three years.
- $35,000 CGS-D per year for three years.
- Applications are due October 1st.
- Learn more about eligibility and application information here.
Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC)
SSHRC funds research in the social sciences and humanities and is open to current and prospective students.
- Value:
- $20,000 Doctoral Fellowship per year for up to four years.
- $35,000 CGS-D per year for three years.
- Applications are due October 1st.
- Learn more about eligibility and application information here.
The Charbonneau Cancer Institute offers a number of different internal funding opportunities, including graduate awards, postdoctoral funding, and travel awards.
Postdoctoral Resources
Other resources
The Charbonneau Trainee Association hosts monthly events, lunches, networking events and workshops for trainees. Updates are sent our via e-mail and Slack.
Information on Charbonneau room bookings, finding collaborators, and signing up for equipment can be found on the Charbonneau SharePoint Online website.
Need to locate a room? UCalgary's campus maps and interactive room finder can help you figure out where you need to go.
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Room bookings
To book a room in Charbonneau spaces, requests can be made by emailing Charbonneau Facilities at charb.facilities@ucalgary.ca.
Other room bookings can be made by contacting Booking Services at irrooms@ucalgary.ca.
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Equipment
HDMI cables, removes, adapters and other equipment can be borrowed from AV services.
International Student Services provides support for international students new to Calgary. Email iss@ucalgary.ca or visit their website.
UCalgary Writing Symbols Lodge
Writing Symbols Lodge provides academic, personal, and cultural services and programs for First Nations, Métis, and Inuit students.
Women's Resource Centre
The Women's Resource Centre offers a safe, inclusive, and welcoming space for University of Calgary students, staff, faculty, and community to connect. They aim to provide a safe and supportive space to advance gender equality and build community through sharing, learning, and teaching.
Gender and Sexuality Alliance (GSA ^2)
The University of Calgary Gender and Sexuality Alliance (GSA ^2) Subcommittee aims to enhance the life and graduate school experience of 2SLGBTQIAP+ members. Stay up to date with GSA ^2 events here.
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Charbonneau Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Committee
The Charbonneau Cancer Institute's Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Committee helps to translate EDI principles into clear policies and action plans within the Institute.
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UCalgary Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
The University of Calgary Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion is committed to establishing an equitable, diverse, and inclusive campus that is accessible to all and free from harassment, bullying, and discrimination.
The University of Calgary and Cumming School of Medicine offer several resources to support your wellness and mental health.
UCalgary Student Wellness Services
Student Wellness Services provides a broad range of support including counselling, support advising, peer navigation, workshops and more. They are located on Main Campus, Room 370, MacEwan Student Centre.
CSM Student Advocacy and Wellness Hub (SAWH)
The Student Advocacy and Wellness Hub provides a variety of resources including counselling, wellness programs, advocacy support, navigating and academic support. The SAWH is located in the Health Sciences Centre, room G740.
CSM Grad Peer-to-Peer Support Program
The SAWH also offers peer-to-peer support to provide graduate students a non-judgmental and confidential space to drop in and talk with a trained peer. Peer-to-Peer takes place every Thursday from 12:30 - 1:30 pm in HSC G740. Please see the SAWH Calendar for dates.
Student Ombuds Office
The Student Ombuds Office offers a safe place for all students at the University of Calgary to discuss student related issues, interpersonal conflict, academic and non-academic concerns, and many other problems.
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Do you need immediate assistance?
The Distress Centre offers support 24/7.
403-266-HELP (4357)
Support can also be accessed via online chat or text.
