IX. Graduate Programs

Population Medicine

MSc Program

The department offers a MSc by thesis in the fields of: 1) epidemiology; 2) theriogenology; 3) health management; and 4) public health, and a MSc by course work and major research paper in the fields of: 1) epidemiology; and 2) public health.

Admission Requirements

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 MSc in Population Medicine in the fields of epidemiology or public health builds on knowledge of various analytic techniques, 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.

Program Requirements

Students enroll in one of two study options: 1) thesis, or 2) course work and major research paper.

Thesis

The prescribed studies 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 and public health; 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.

Course Work and Major Research Paper

Epidemiology

For the MSc by course work and major research paper in the field of Epidemiology, no fewer than eight courses (at least 4.0 course credits) will be taken. These must be approved by the departmental Graduate Program Committee. Each student in the program will take three core courses (including the Project in Population Medicine 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 Population Medicine (Epidemiology) by course work and major research project will include:

Core Courses

POPM*6200	[0.50]	Epidemiology I
POPM*6210	[0.50]	Epidemiology II
POPM*6250	[1.00]	Project in Population Medicine

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]	Epidemiology III
POPM*6350	[0.50]	Safety of Foods of Animal Origins
POPM*6950	[0.50]	Directed 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

Additional courses other than those listed above may be deemed suitable for the student's program by the Departmental Graduate Program Coordinator after recommendations are received from the Advisory Committee.

At least three semesters of full-time study will be required for completion of the MSc program by course work and major research paper option; two of these semesters must be at the University of Guelph. Normally, however, students take 4-5 semesters to complete the program.

Public Health

For the MSc by course work and major research paper in the field of Public Health, no fewer than eight courses (at least 4.0 course credits) will be taken. These must be approved by the departmental Graduate Program Committee. Each student in the program will take three core courses (including the Project in Population Medicine 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 Population Medicine (Public Health) by course work and major research project will include: