Program Overview

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M.Sc. in Interdisciplinary Health Sciences Thesis Option

Program Description

The M.Sc. in Interdisciplinary Health Sciences with a thesis option offers a unique approach to understanding complex health issues by integrating biological, social, and environmental dimensions. This program provides flexible and rigorous training, preparing students for various career paths, including doctoral studies, research, and healthcare system improvement.

Program Duration and Language

• Duration: Two years
• Language: French or English
• Location: On-campus

Program Options

• General stream, offering maximum flexibility without a specific concentration
• Stream with a concentration, allowing students to enrich their expertise by focusing their research and most courses on one of three areas:
  • Integrated Biosciences: Exploring the biological foundations of health, from molecular and cellular processes to human physiology
  • Public Health and Population Health: Examining health trends, determinants, and interventions at the population level
  • Health Innovation and Technologies: Studying the impact of digital tools, medical technologies, and systemic innovations on healthcare delivery and outcomes

What to Expect

• Rigorous Research Training: Develop advanced skills in research design, data collection, analysis, and academic writing. Students will write a thesis under the supervision of an experienced faculty member conducting cutting-edge health research.
• Interdisciplinary Perspective: Explore health from various angles biological, psychological, social, and environmental to understand and address complex health issues in real-world settings.
• Language Choice: Study in French, English, or both. All program aspects respect the University's bilingualism mandate, enabling students to acquire research and communication skills in both official languages.
• Customized Academic Pathway: Choose to pursue a generalist research project or concentrate on a specialization area that aligns with your interests and long-term goals.

Flexible Options

Criterion	General Stream	Stream with Concentration
Structure	Traditional M.Sc. with thesis	Traditional M.Sc. with specialization
Courses	Generalist and interdisciplinary perspective	Courses specific to the concentration with core requirements
Specialization	None	Choice of:

• Integrated Biosciences
• Public Health and Population Health
• Health Innovation and Technologies | | Target Profile | Individuals seeking general training in interdisciplinary health research | Individuals wishing to deepen their expertise in a specific domain while benefiting from an introduction to interdisciplinary health research |

Key Areas of Study

Research Methodology and Analysis

• Qualitative and Quantitative Methods: Practical experience in designing and conducting research using varied methodologies to explore complex health questions.
• Data Interpretation and Critical Evaluation: Training in evaluating scientific evidence, assessing research quality, and drawing relevant conclusions based on data.

Interdisciplinary Perspectives on Health

• Health Theories and Systemic Thinking: Evaluation of interactions between biological, psychological, social, and environmental factors and their influence on clinical outcomes across the lifespan.
• Integration of Policies and Practices: Study of health policy development, implementation, and evaluation processes within various healthcare systems and population contexts.
• Equity and Social Determinants of Health: Analysis of the impact of factors like income, education, ethnicity, gender, and environment on access to care and health outcomes.

Knowledge Mobilization and Communication

• Scholarly Communication Skills: Learning effective methods to disseminate research findings to diverse audiences, including academics, policymakers, healthcare professionals, and the general public, in the form of reports, briefs, and presentations.
• Knowledge Translation Strategies: Application of research evidence to inform healthcare decisions and policy, promoting the use of research in real-world contexts.

Introduction to Various Health Disciplines

• Biological, Population, and Technological Approaches: Exploration of key concepts in integrated biosciences, public health and population health, and health innovation and technologies, providing a foundation for understanding the breadth of health research.
• Innovation and Interdisciplinarity: Examination of cross-disciplinary approaches, from cellular biology to data-driven tools, and their interaction in addressing contemporary health challenges.
• Ethical and Societal Issues: Analysis of the ethical, legal, and social dimensions that frame health research, technologies, and interventions within diverse communities.

Research Areas

• Life Expectancy and Aging: Analysis of biological, psychological, and social aspects of aging to improve clinical outcomes across all generations.
• Sexual, Reproductive, and Maternal Health: Study of determinants of reproductive and maternal well-being at different life stages.
• Mental and Neurocognitive Health: Exploration of the causes of mental health disorders, their impacts, and the design of effective interventions.
• Nutrition and Metabolic Health: Analysis of the role of diet, metabolism, and mitochondrial function in diseases and their prevention.
• AI and Digital Health: Utilization of technologies and artificial intelligence to transform healthcare systems and practices.
• Global and Environmental Health: Study of environmental, societal, and geopolitical factors influencing health globally.
• Palliative Care and Chronic Diseases: Development and application of evidence-based methods to improve the quality of life for individuals with chronic diseases.
• Functional Devices and Risk Management: Development of tools and strategies to promote daily autonomy and mitigate health risks.

Concentration Options

In the M.Sc. with thesis program, students can direct their research and course work according to their interest areas by choosing one of the concentrations below. Each concentration serves as a gateway to a range of career opportunities in research, policy, healthcare, and innovation.

• Integrated Biosciences: Explore the biological foundations of health, from molecular and cellular processes to human physiology. This concentration emphasizes laboratory and translational research aimed at understanding health and disease mechanisms, offering solid preparation for careers in biomedical research, clinical research coordination, and scientific analysis in academic, pharmaceutical, and biotechnology sectors.
• Public Health and Population Health: Examine trends, determinants, and interventions in health at the population level. Topics of study include epidemiology, health promotion, health policies, and global health systems. Students acquire skills necessary for careers in public health organizations, government, non-profit organizations, or community research, as well as for pursuing further graduate studies.
• Health Innovation and Technologies: Study how digital tools, medical technologies, and systemic innovations transform healthcare delivery and outcomes. This concentration prepares students for roles that leverage their research and problem-solving skills to design and implement new health technologies, including positions in digital health, innovation consulting, research and development, and health system analysis in startup, industry, or healthcare organizations.

Professional and Academic Prospects

With a M.Sc. in Interdisciplinary Health Sciences, students are equipped with skills to pursue influential careers in research, healthcare, policy, innovation, and more. Many choose to continue with doctoral studies. Others transition directly into dynamic roles in the public, private, or non-profit sectors.

Advanced Studies (Ph.D.)

Most graduates with a thesis pursue doctoral studies in public health, biomedical sciences, health technologies, or related fields. The advanced research skills, theoretical foundations, and critical thinking acquired during the M.Sc. are essential for succeeding in Ph.D. programs.

Research and Academia

Thanks to rigorous training in qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods, graduates are prepared for research positions in academic, hospital, and research institute settings. Several career paths are available:

• Research coordinator or program officer
• Clinical trials manager
• Public health research analyst in healthcare settings

Policy, Public Health, and Community

Many graduates contribute to the development and implementation of health policies and programs at municipal, provincial, or federal levels. Several career paths are available:

• Health policy advisor
• Public health officer
• Program manager in public administration or non-profit organizations

Innovation and Health Technologies

Graduates are equipped to take on roles that utilize their research and problem-solving skills to design and implement new health technologies, including:

• Digital health specialist
• Innovation consultant or analyst
• Health informatics or system analyst in clinical, public, or private sectors
• Research and development or business development in health startup or high-tech companies

Clinical and Biomedical Research

With solid training in scientific research and data analysis, graduates can contribute to the advancement of biomedical and clinical research. Examples of career paths include:

• Laboratory manager or biomedical research assistant
• Clinical research coordinator or associate
• Scientific advisor or analyst in pharmaceutical or biotechnology companies
• Professional support for translational or experimental health research

Knowledge Mobilization and Communication

Graduates' skills in academic writing, knowledge application, and stakeholder engagement prepare them to:

• Contribute to peer-reviewed publications, grant applications, and evidence-based briefs
• Support science communication initiatives, policy translation, and community engagement

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