Program Overview

Introduction to the Doctor of Philosophy Program

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) program in the Faculty of Health Sciences is designed to provide students with advanced research training and expertise in their chosen field. The program is tailored to help students develop a broad understanding of their research area and to produce original contributions to the field.

Program Structure

The PhD program is structured to provide students with a comprehensive education in their area of specialization. The program includes:

• Coursework: Students are required to complete a series of courses designed to provide a foundation in research methods, theory, and practice.
• Comprehensive examination: Students must pass a comprehensive examination that assesses their broad understanding of their research area.
• Thesis proposal and defense: Students must write and defend a thesis proposal that outlines their research plan and objectives.
• Thesis: Students must write and defend a thesis that makes an original contribution to the field.

PhD Program Timelines

The PhD program is designed to be completed within a certain timeframe. Students are expected to:

• Complete their coursework and comprehensive examination within the first two years of the program.
• Defend their thesis proposal within the first three years of the program.
• Complete and defend their thesis within four to six years of the program.

Continuity of Enrollment

To maintain continuity of enrollment, PhD students must be enrolled in one of the following courses each term:

• HSCI 983: This course is designed for students who are working on their comprehensive examination and thesis proposal.
• HSCI 990: This course is designed for students who are working on their thesis research and defense.

PhD Committee

A PhD committee is established to provide guidance and support to students throughout their program. The committee includes:

• A supervisor: The supervisor is responsible for providing guidance and support to the student throughout their program.
• At least two other members: These members may include faculty members, adjunct professors, or research associates from the Faculty of Health Sciences or other institutions.

Forming the Supervisory Committee

The supervisory committee is formed in consultation with the student and their supervisor. The committee should include members who complement the student's research and program goals and who are available for regular consultation.

Initial Committee Meeting

The initial committee meeting is held to ensure that the student is set up for success from the outset. The meeting provides an opportunity for the student to discuss their research plan and objectives with their committee.

Sensitive or Classified Material

Students who are working with sensitive or classified material must read and sign a guidelines document that outlines the procedures for handling such material.

Supervisor Relationship

A good supervisory relationship is essential for student success. Students are encouraged to meet regularly with their supervisor to discuss their progress and to receive guidance and support.

FHS Research Seminar

The Faculty of Health Sciences interdisciplinary research seminar series provides an opportunity for students and faculty to engage with each other's research. Attendance is mandatory for first-year MSc and PhD students.

Graduate Progress Report

Students are required to complete an annual Graduate Progress Report (GPR) that outlines their progress and plans for the coming year. The report is completed in collaboration with the student's supervisor and committee.

PhD Thesis Proposal Defence and Comprehensive Exam

The PhD thesis proposal defense and comprehensive exam are program requirements that assess the student's broad understanding of their research area and their ability to design and conduct original research.

PhD Thesis

The PhD thesis is an original contribution to the field that demonstrates the student's expertise and research skills. The thesis is written and defended in accordance with University Graduate General Regulations.

Faculty of Health Sciences

The Faculty of Health Sciences is committed to providing students with a comprehensive education and research training in their chosen field. The faculty offers a range of programs, including undergraduate and graduate degrees, and is home to a number of research centers and institutes.