Program Overview

Introduction to the Doctor of Philosophy in Population Health Program

The Doctor of Philosophy in Population Health program is offered through the collaboration of five faculties: the Faculty of Health Sciences, the Faculty of Medicine, the Faculty of Social Sciences, the Telfer School of Management, and the Faculty of Law (Common Law section). The program is administered by the Faculty of Health Sciences and is situated within a theoretical framework that addresses population health issues, determinants and causes of health inequalities, and the design of population health interventions.

Program Overview

• Grade: Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
• Registration status: Full-time
• Languages of instruction: French, English, and bilingual (French-English)
• Program duration: 12 trimesters (48 months) with a thesis
• Academic units: Faculty of Health Sciences, Interdisciplinary School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Faculty of Social Sciences, Telfer School of Management, and Faculty of Law (Common Law section)

Program Description

The program is unique in Canada, relying on multiple disciplines with theoretical and applied orientations. It utilizes both qualitative and quantitative methods, deliberately bringing together perspectives from social sciences, biological sciences, clinical sciences, organizational sciences, and policy sciences, among others. The transdisciplinary approach of the program recognizes the inherent complexity of many population health problems and the need to address these issues through both the health sector and other sectors.

Research Areas

The program encompasses various research areas, including but not limited to:

• Health of women
• Health of older adults
• Health of Francophones in minority situations
• Health of Indigenous peoples
• Multiple interventions in the context of population health
• Palliative care
• Rehabilitation and functional autonomy
• Physical activity and health
• Health and technology
• Evidence-based clinical practice

Admission Requirements

To be eligible for the program, applicants must:

• Hold a master's degree in a field related to population health (e.g., epidemiology, physical activity sciences, audiology, physiotherapy, nursing sciences, law, environmental studies, sociology, psychology, biology) with a minimum average of 75% (B+).
• Demonstrate the ability to undertake independent research projects if their master's degree did not include a thesis.
• Have knowledge in key areas such as health sciences, social or behavioral sciences, advanced research methods, statistics at the second-cycle level, and epidemiology.
• Identify a potential thesis supervisor.

Linguistic Requirements

Applicants must be proficient (active knowledge) in either French or English and have a passive understanding of the other language. Those whose native language is neither French nor English must provide proof of proficiency in the language of instruction.

Program Requirements

The program includes:

• Mandatory courses:
  • POP 8910: Scientific Paradigms in Population Health
  • POP 8920: Investigative Methods in Population Health
  • POP 8930: Population Health Interventions
• 9 credits of elective courses at the graduate level approved by the program committee
• Comprehensive examination
• Thesis proposal
• Thesis

Comprehensive Examination

The comprehensive examination is a requirement for all Ph.D. students, assessing their knowledge in the field and their ability to synthesize information.

Thesis Proposal and Thesis

Students, under the guidance of their thesis supervisor and committee, write and defend their thesis proposal. After successfully defending their proposal, students proceed to collect data (if required, obtaining ethics approval first). The thesis is the final requirement, demonstrating the student's ability to conduct original research contributing to the field of population health.

Tuition Fees

Information on tuition fees is available through the University's financial services.

Funding Opportunities

Students can explore funding opportunities through the University's scholarship and financial aid office.

Research Facilities and Collaborations

The Faculty of Health Sciences participates in various research centers and institutes, including the LIFE Research Institute, the Music and Health Research Institute, the Centre for Research in Health and Nursing Sciences, and the Interdisciplinary Centre for Black Health. The Faculty also maintains close collaborations with research institutes of hospitals in the region.

Conclusion

The Doctor of Philosophy in Population Health program at the University of Ottawa offers a unique and comprehensive education in population health, preparing graduates for careers in research, academia, policy, and practice. With its interdisciplinary approach and emphasis on original research, the program equips students with the knowledge and skills necessary to address complex population health issues.