Doctor of Philosophy in Applied Health Sciences
Program Website: Graduate Programs | Faculty of Applied Health Sciences
Field(s) of Specialization
- Behavioural and Population Health
- Health Biosciences
- Social and Cultural Health Studies
Faculty and Administration
For a listing of program faculty and administrative contacts, please visit the program directory.
Program Description
The PhD program focuses on the development of knowledge through the systematic evaluation of evidence related to the health and wellbeing of individuals and groups. The overall goals of the program are to develop well-trained individuals who think creatively, are able to evaluate critically both their own work and that of others and are capable of conducting research and scholarship at the forefront of their chosen field. The PhD candidate strives to demonstrate the ability to conduct research independently, and to develop a program of research that is both original and capable of making a significant contribution to the candidate’s field.
The program offers the student the opportunity to participate in an individualized program of study, including mentorship-style learning and concentrated inquiry in an area of interest. Course work emphasizes a broad approach to the subject area, with particular attention to research techniques and the application of research methodology, current paradigms, and related conceptual, philosophical, and theoretical issues in health science research.
Success in achieving the program goals is evaluated through: a) a formal thesis proposal defence to the Supervisory Committee; b) a comprehensive examination (including both written and oral components) of a defined area of knowledge within the first 15-18 months of enrollment in the program; c) a Faculty oral defence conducted by the Supervisory Committee; and d) a final University oral defence, which includes both an Internal and an External Examiner.
Facilities
The Faculty has over twenty labs including behavioural/observation labs, “dry” biophysical labs, “wet” biophysical labs, functional assessment labs and anatomy/physiology teaching labs with specialized equipment. Students have access to a variety of software programs, including SPSS, SAS, and other discipline-specific software.
Admissions Requirements
To be eligible for admission, applicants must have completed a thesis oriented Master’s degree or equivalent with at least a B+ standing from a recognized university in a discipline appropriate to the intended field of doctoral study.
Applicants whose primary language is not English, or who have not completed three or more years of post-secondary work at a Canadian institution, at which English is the primary language of instruction, must provide certification of English language proficiency.
The Faculty of Applied Health Sciences normally accepts only full-time degree students.
Program Notes
Students must complete a comprehensive examination that includes both an oral and written component, and a formal defence of a thesis proposal. Once the research is complete and the thesis written, the student must defend the thesis in both an internal Faculty oral defence and a formal University oral defence.
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