IX. Graduate Programs
Population Medicine
MSc Program
The department offers research-based MSc programs in epidemiology, theriogenology, health management and a course work-based MSc program in epidemiology.
Admission Requirements
When reviewing transcripts, the department focuses on the applicant's performance in undergraduate and graduate-level courses relevant to the applicant's proposed area of specialization. Students admitted must have an honours or DVM degree (or its equivalent). In addition, the department considers the applicant's special circumstances and the referees' comments. Since the core of the course work MSc program builds on analytic skills, students entering the program should possess knowledge of basic statistical methods and their application.
All applicants should submit a one-page statement of research interests and career goals to assist in the identification of a faculty advisor who has the funding necessary to support the research. Students may be admitted into the Fall, Winter or Summer semesters.
Degree Requirements
MSc by Thesis
The prescribed studies for our research-based MSc are a minimum of four courses (at least 2.0 course credits) appropriate to the discipline. Epidemiology I (POPM*6200) is a required course for students in epidemiology; students in health management and theriogenology must take either Epidemiology I (POPM*6200) or Applied Clinical Research (POPM*6230). A minimum of 'B-' average is required in the prescribed studies. The department seminar course, POPM*6100, is also required but does not count as one of the four courses. A thesis must be completed and successfully defended.
MSc in Epidemiology by Courses
For the MSc in Epidemiology by course work and project, no fewer than eight courses (at least 4.0 course credits) will be taken. These must be approved by the departmental graduate studies committee and the Assistant VP of Graduate Studies. Each student in the program will take three prescribed courses (including the Project in Epidemiology course, POPM*6250, which is equivalent to two courses), and at least four additional courses. The department seminar course, POPM*6100, is also required but does not count as one of the eight courses. Normally, the prescribed courses for the MSc in Epidemiology by course work will include:
Additional Courses
The four courses selected in this category will depend upon the student's background, specialty, interest and area of research.
Examples of courses suitable for inclusion in the student's program include:
| PABI*6550 | [0.50] | Epidemiology of Zoonoses |
| POPM*6230 | [0.50] | Applied Clinical Research |
| POPM*6290 | [0.50] | Statistics for the Health Sciences |
| POPM*6350 | [0.50] | Safety of Foods of Animal Origins |
| POPM*6950 | [0.50] | Studies in Population Medicine |
| STAT*6920 | [0.50] | Topics in Statistics |
| POPM*6520 | [0.50] | Introduction to Epidemiological and Statistical Methods |
| POPM*6700 | [0.50] | Swine Health Management * |
| POPM*6400 | [0.50] | Dairy Health Management * |
| STAT*6960 | [0.50] | Design of Experiments and Data Analysis for the Life Sciences |
Additional courses other than those listed above may be deemed suitable for the student's program by the Departmental Graduate Coordinator after recommendations are received from the Advisory Committee.
At least three semesters of full-time study will be required for completion of the course work MSc program; two of these semesters must be at the University of Guelph. Normally, however, students take 4-5 semesters to complete the program.