The Department of Population Medicine is an international leader in discovering and disseminating knowledge to optimize the health of animal and human populations in their environments. We embrace a holistic definition of health that includes physical health, welfare, and productivity of animals and the physical, mental, and social well-being of humans. We help students build foundational knowledge and skills while fostering continuous self-directed and collaborative learning and discovery. We answer the call of society for advice and action in our areas of expertise.

MSc, PhD and DVSc degrees are offered in the following fields:

• Epidemiology (MSc, PhD)
• Theriogenology (MSc, DVSc)
• Health Management (MSc, DVSc)
• Public Health (MSc, PhD)

The Department also offers a Master of Public Health (MPH) program.

Our research mission is to discover and disseminate knowledge regarding the management of health and productivity of animal populations, the health of human populations, and the interrelationships of animals, humans, and the environment (i.e., One Health). In support of this mission, we rely on a variety of quantitative and qualitative methods and knowledge synthesis tools to conduct observational studies, clinical trials, simulation studies, and reviews of human and animal health research.

Our teaching/learning mission is to guide students as they obtain an essential knowledge base and develop the necessary communication, analytical and problem-solving skills to integrate and apply this knowledge; and to instill the appropriate attitudes and abilities required for life-long learning.

Administrative Staff

Chair
Todd Duffield (2536 Stewart Bldg., Ext. 54057)
tduffiel@uoguelph.ca
Graduate Program Coordinator, Admissions and Administration
Lee Niell (2526 Stewart Bldg., Ext. 53030) 
niell@uoguelph.ca
Graduate Program Coordinator, Exams
Olaf Berke (2528 Stewart Bldg., Ext. 58924)
oberke@uoguelph.ca
Graduate Program Assistant
Kamelia Valkova (2509 Stewart Bldg.)
popmgrad@uoguelph.ca

Graduate Faculty

This list may include Regular Graduate Faculty, Associated Graduate Faculty and/or Graduate Faculty from other universities.

MSc Program

The department offers:

MSc by thesis in the fields of:

1. Epidemiology;
2. Theriogenology;
3. Health Management; and
4. Public Health.

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. POPM*6200 Epidemiology I is a required course for students in epidemiology and public health; students in health management and theriogenology must take either POPM*6200 Epidemiology I or POPM*6230 Applied Clinical Research. A minimum of 'B-' average is required in the prescribed studies. The department seminar course, POPM*6100 Seminar, 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/Practicum

Epidemiology

For the MSc by course work and major research paper or practicum 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 POPM*6250 Project in Population Medicine or POPM*6260 Placement in Epidemiology, which are equivalent to two courses), and at least four additional courses. The department seminar course, POPM*6100 Seminar, 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 or practicum will include:

¹

The four courses selected will depend upon the student's background, specialty, interest and area of research. 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 POPM*6250 Project in Population Medicine, which is equivalent to two courses), and at least four additional courses. The department seminar course, POPM*6100 Seminar, 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:

²

The four courses selected in this category will depend upon the student's background, specialty, interest and area of research.  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.

PhD Program

Admission Requirements

A PhD program is offered in the fields of Epidemiology and Public Health. Admission into this program is usually granted to holders of an MSc or MPH degree who have demonstrated superior performance, or to master's students who have not completed their program but wish to transfer to the PhD program and have performed exceptionally well in courses, shown exceptional aptitude and skill in research, and whose research is suitable for expansion to the doctoral level. For transfer, a thesis proposal and strongly supportive letters of reference are required. Infrequently, well qualified DVM or honours degree holders may be accepted directly into the PhD program.

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 thesis research. Students may be admitted into the Fall, Winter or Summer semesters.

Program Requirements

The major emphasis in the PhD program is on the preparation of an acceptable thesis. There are no specific course requirements other than POPM*6100 Seminar which must be completed twice. However, PhD students who have taken the course or its equivalent previously as an MSc student will only be required to take the seminar course once. Students are also expected to have taken POPM*6200 Epidemiology I (F) and POPM*6210 Epidemiology II, or their equivalent, in their master's program. In addition, students in the Public Health field are expected to have taken POPM*6550 Public Health Policy and Systems or its equivalent, and are highly recommended to take the POPM*6960 Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis course. It is usual for students, in consultation with their advisory committee, to select a suitable program of prescribed studies and additional courses. Course selection takes into account the student's background, research area, career aspirations, and need to prepare for the qualifying examination.

Courses should normally be completed before the qualifying exam is attempted. The written component of the examination is followed by an oral component (two to four hours), usually one week later. Master's holders must complete the qualifying examination by the end of the fifth semester. Students transferring from their master's program and those who enter the program directly after their honours or DVM degrees (or their equivalents) must complete the examination by the end of the seventh semester. In addition, the advisory committee is required to confirm that the student has demonstrated ability and promise in research. The PhD program is completed by the successful defence of a thesis.

DVSc Program

The Department of Population Medicine participates in the DVSc program with recognized fields in health management and theriogenology. The normal basis for admission to DVSc studies as a regular or a provisional student is a DVM or equivalent degree that would allow the applicant to be eligible for licence to practice veterinary medicine in Ontario. The applicant must have achieved high academic standing as set out in the Admission Requirements in the DVSc program.

Health Management

Candidates must have a DVM or equivalent degree, appropriate clinical experience, cumulative average of at least a “B”, and be licensed or eligible for licensing to practice veterinary medicine in Ontario. One position in ruminant health management and one position in swine health management are available during most academic years, and they normally start in May or September. It is a three-year program, which will provide training and experience in applied health management and clinical research. Approximately one-third of the time will involve clinical training, teaching final year veterinary students and service duties (including on-call), one-third course work and one-third research. Service duties in ruminant health management are with the Ruminant Field Service clinic of the Veterinary Teaching Hospital. In swine health management, clinical experience and advanced academic activities will be appropriate for a candidate preparing for board certification in Swine Health Management by the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners. The candidate will be required to complete a substantive thesis research project, related to an applied aspect of production medicine. The DVSc degree requirements include successful completion of POPM*6100 Seminar plus 2.5 credits of prescribed graduate level courses, a qualifying examination in the student's discipline area, and a successful defence of a thesis. A faculty member(s) in the Department of Population Medicine will supervise each candidate for the Health Management DVSc position.

Theriogenology

The Department of Population Medicine offers the Doctor of Veterinary Science (DVSc) degree in the field of Theriogenology. Prerequisites include a DVM or equivalent degree, one or two years of practice experience/internship, cumulative average of at least a “B”, and eligibility for licensure to practice veterinary medicine in Ontario. The DVSc program provides rigorous advanced academic preparation in the discipline of Theriogenology with a view to preparation for Board Certification by the American College of Theriogenologists. The Theriogenology field at the Ontario Veterinary College is multi-species, with emphasis placed on a candidate’s specific areas of interest. The DVSc differs from PhD training by emphasizing the development of both research and applied clinical skills. It is a three-year program, with approximately one-third of the time involving clinical duties within the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, including assisting in teaching of final year veterinary students. The remainder of effort is directed towards a substantive thesis research project in Theriogenology and coursework. The DVSc degree requirements include successful completion of POPM*6100 Seminar plus 2.5 credits of prescribed graduate level courses, a qualifying examination and successful defense of a thesis. A faculty member(s) in the Department of Population Medicine will supervise each candidate for the Theriogenology DVSc position.

Collaborative Specializations

International Development Studies

The Department of Population Medicine participates in the International Development Studies MSc course work/PhD collaborative specialization. Those faculty members whose research and teaching expertise includes aspects of international studies may serve as advisors for MSc course work/PhD in International Development Studies students. Please consult the International Development Studies listing for a detailed description of the collaborative specialization.

Neuroscience

The Department of Population Medicine participates in the Neuroscience MSc/PhD collaborative specialization. Those faculty members whose research and teaching expertise includes aspects of neuroscience may serve as advisors for MSc/PhD in Neuroscience students. Please consult the Neuroscience listing for a detailed description of the collaborative specialization.

One Health

The Department of Population Medicine participates in the collaborative specialization in One Health. Master’s and Doctoral students wishing to undertake thesis research or their major research paper/project with an emphasis on one health are eligible to apply to register concurrently in Population Medicine and the collaborative specialization. Students should consult the One Health listing for more information.

Regenerative Medicine

The DVSc program participates in the collaborative specialization in Regenerative Medicine. DVSc students wishing to undertake thesis research with an emphasis on regenerative medicine are eligible to apply to register concurrently in the DVSc program and the collaborative specialization. Students should consult the Regenerative Medicine listing for more information.

Courses