Family Relations and Applied Nutrition

Faculty | MSc |PhD | Courses

Chair - Donna M. Woolcott (245 FACS, Ext. 6326)
(E-mail: dwoolcot@uoguelph.ca)
Graduate co-ordinator - Bruce A. Ryan (235 FACS, Ext. 4397)
(E-mail: bryan@uoguelph.ca)
Graduate administrative assistant - Margo Shoemaker (253B FACS, Ext. 3582) (E-mail: mshoemak@uoguelph.ca)
Graduate secretary - Joanne Waechter (253B FACS, Ext. 3968)
E-mail: jwaechte@uoguelph.ca)

FACULTY
Gerald R. Adams BS Midland Lutheran College, MA Nebraska, PhD Pennsylvania State - Professor
Judith Myers Avis BA Queen's, MSW Toronto, PhD Purdue - Professor
Richard M. Barham BA New Zealand, MA Otago, PhD Alberta - Professor
Kathleen M. Brophy BSc McGill, MS, PhD Illinois - Associate Professor
Kerry Daly BA Carleton, MSc Guelph, PhD McMaster - Professor
Anna Dienhart BA City Univ. of New York, MS UCLA, MSc, PhD Guelph - Assistant Professor
Susan Evers BSc Ottawa, MS Cornell, PhD Western Ontario - Professor
Edward S. Herold BA, MA Manitoba, PhD Iowa State - Professor
Heather Keller BASc Guelph, MSc McGill, PhD Western Ontario- Assistant Professor
Leon Kuczynski BSc, MA, PhD Toronto - Professor
Donna S. Lero BA State U. of New York, MS, PhD Purdue - Associate Professor
Susan P. Lollis BSc, MSc California, PhD Waterloo - Associate Professor
Scott Maitland BSc State Univ of New York, MSc, PhD Pennsylvania State - Assistant Professor
Joan E.A. Norris BA, MA, PhD Waterloo - Professor
Bruce A. Ryan BA, MEd, PhD Alberta - Professor
Judy D. Sheeshka BHE British Columbia, PhD Guelph - Associate Professor
Joseph A. Tindale BA, MA McMaster, PhD York - Professor
Jean E. Turner Teacher's Cert. British Columbia, BSc Cornell, MA, PhD York - Associate Professor
Donna M. Woolcott BHSc Guelph, MSc Manitoba, PhD Guelph - Professor

From the Department of Human Biology and Nutritional Sciences:
William J. Bettger BS, PhD Missouri - Associate Professor

From the Department of Sociology and Anthropology:
Neil J. MacKinnon BA Windsor, MA, PhD Illinois - Professor

From the Department of Psychology:
Benjamin H. Gottlieb AB, MSW, PhDMichigan - Professor
Michael P. Sobol BA , MEd Toronto, PhD State University of New York - Professor
Linda A. Wood BA Toronto, MA Michigan, PhD York - Professor

Associated Graduate Faculty
Claude Guldner BA Denver, ThM, ThD Iliff - Professor Emeritus
Margaret K. McKim BA Queen's, MSc Calgary, PhD Carleton - Queen's University
S. Mark Pancer BSc Toronto, MA, PhD Waterloo - Psychology, Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo
Carolyn J. Rosenthal BA Toronto, Ma, PhD McMaster - McMaster University
Ellen B. Ryan BA, MA Brown, PhD Michigan - McMaster University

Special Graduate Faculty
Paula Brauer BHEC British Columbia, MSc Wisconsin - Lecturer

The Department of Family Relations and Applied Nutrition offers MSc and PhD level graduate study in two fields: i) applied human nutrition and ii) family relations and human development An accredited MSc program in marriage and family therapy is also offered. The multidisciplinary faculty in the department have expertise in psychology, sociology, education, social work, family therapy and nutrition. The faculty share a common interest in expanding and applying knowledge about family relations and human development, especially in relation to the social, emotional, psychological, nutritional, and economic well-being of families across the life cycle.    Graduate programs with an emphasis on animal nutrition are available in the Department of Animal and Poultry Science and with an emphasis on metabolism in the Department of Human Biology and Nutritional Sciences.

MSc PROGRAM
Applied Human Nutrition
   The MSc program in applied human nutrition incorporates both physiological and behavioural aspects of human nutrition and spans all age groups in its focus on the role of nutrition in human health and well-being. Special attention is given to therapeutic and community nutrition, nutrition education, and nutritional epidemiology. Clinical populations are available at McMaster University. Community-based research opportunities are available through the Public Heath Research Education Development Unit. The MSc program normally requires two years of study.

Family Relations and Human Development
   The MSc program in family relations and human development draws on several disciplines in the study of family dynamics and individual development within the context of the family across the life-cycle. The program promotes a broad and sophisticated understanding of normal and dysfunctional development and family functioning and, at the same time, supports students' specialization in an area of emphasis. Current areas of emphasis in research are:

Marriage and Family Therapy
   The MSc program in family relations and human development with an emphasis in marriage and family therapy is an intensive two-year program in theory, research, and practice, accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education. The program is designed to produce sophisticated therapists and scholars by integrating contemporary theory, research competence, and systemic approaches to therapy in the understanding and treatment of families. This integration is coupled with high standards of professional and ethical conduct, attention to broader social issues impacting on families, and the development of personal and professional autonomy in students.

Admission Requirements
   General admission requirements for these programs include an honours degree or equivalent with at least a 'B+' average in the last two years.

Applied Human Nutrition
   Admission requirements for the MSc program in applied human nutrition are most easily satisfied by applicants with honours degrees in human nutrition, and food and nutrition. Applicants with degrees in related fields (e.g., biology, biochemistry, human kinetics, and health studies) may be considered with suitable make-up work in core areas. Credit in the following undergraduate courses is normally required by all entering students: 1) one half-course in applied statistics; 2) one half-course in research methods; 3) two half-courses in biochemistry; 4) two half-courses in human physiology (at or beyond the second-year level); 5) two half-courses in human development/sociology/ psychology/communications; 6) one 300-level and three 400-level half-courses in human nutrition. These requirements may be in progress at the time of application. The deadline for application is February 1 of each year.

Family Relations and Human Development
   Admission requirements for the MSc program in family relations and human development can be satisfied by applicants with honours degrees in a wide variety of undergraduate majors including family studies, child studies, psychology, and sociology. Credit in the following undergraduate courses is required of all entering students: 1) one half-course in applied statistics; 2) one half-course in social-science research methods; 3) one half-course in human development, child development, gerontology, or parent-child relations; 4) one half-course in family sociology, social psychology, family relations, family theory, or communications; 5) three 400-level (senior, fourth year) half-courses. The deadline for application is February 1 of each year.

Marriage and Family Therapy
   General admission requirements for the MSc with an emphasis in marriage and family therapy are the same as noted for the MSc in family relations and human development (above). Beyond this, a personal statement of intent must be included with the application. Relevant work experience is an asset. The American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT) encourages applications from qualified students who are members of identified minorities. Scholarship aid is available to minority students on a competitive basis from AAMFT.
   The most qualified applicants will be short-listed and invited to attend a day-long interviewing process in late-February with the marriage and family therapy faculty. Participation in the interview is required for admission. Applications from outside of Canada are welcome and external interviewing appropriately explored. The deadline for application is January 10 of each year.

Reference check
   According to recent Ontario legislation, agencies licensed by the Ministry of Community and Social Services which care for, or provide service to, children or vulnerable adults are required to do criminal reference checks on all their employees. Students accepted into the marriage and family therapy program will be required to have a criminal reference check (Canadian police information check) conducted by the police at their own expense. The results of this check be submitted to the Department of Family Studies the time of acceptance.

Degree Requirements
Applied Human Nutrition
   For all students in the MSc program in applied human nutrition a minimum of four graduate courses (including Seminar in Applied Human Nutrition, FRAN*6550) will be chosen in consultation with the student's adviser and advisory committee. In addition, students must complete a research thesis. The courses and research may emphasize, for example, community nutrition, therapeutic nutrition, and nutritional epidemiology. The courses may be taken within the department and in other academic units of the university including the Departments of Agricultural Economics and Business, Biomedical Sciences, Human Biology and Nutritional Sciences, Political Studies, Population Medicine, Rural Extension Studies, Sociology and Anthropology, and the University School of Rural Planning and Development.

Family Relations and Human Development
   For all students in the MSc program in family relations and human development there are four required graduate courses: Interdisciplinary Perspectives in Family Relations and Human Development, FRAN*6340; Research Methods, FRAN*6000; Applied Statistics, FRAN*6010; and Research Seminar, FRAN*6330. In addition, most students take two to four additional graduate courses related to their program of study and complete a research thesis. The student's choice of courses is primarily determined by research specialization. Each student works closely with an advisory committee in developing an individualized program of study by selecting courses that not only provide for interdisciplinary breadth but also address the student's specific research and professional goals. Each of the emphases includes areas of research that reflect current faculty interests and is intended to help students define an area of research and study.

Marriage and Family Therapy
   Beyond the four required courses noted in the above section on the MSc in family relations and human development, students with an emphasis in marriage and family therapy are required to take several additional courses. The intensive curriculum has been designed to enable students to achieve an integration of theory, practice and research. Various systems approaches are taught, including structural, strategic, systemic, family of origin, and experiential. Students are encouraged to attain the best fit between established approaches and a personalized therapy style. Attention to issues of gender, race, class, ethnicity and culture underlies all aspects of the program.
   Students are expected to develop competence in research either through conducting a research project (thesis option) or through writing a major research paper (non-thesis option). Faculty have a wide range of research interests related to marriage and family.
   Clinical training consists of four continuous practica (FRAN*6090) within the marriage and family therapy centre, plus a four-month externship in a community agency. Each practicum student receives a minimum of one hour of individual supervision for every five hours of client sessions, live supervision, live observation, and case consultation. All program faculty are clinical members of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT), and AAMFT-approved advisers.
   In addition to the four required courses for the MSc in family relations and human development and the five practica, students with an emphasis in marriage and family therapy are required to take eight 0.5-credit courses:
FRAN*6120 Theories and Methods of Family Therapy I
FRAN*6130 Theories and Methods of Family Therapy II
FRAN*6140 Professional Issues
FRAN*6150 Families, Diversity and Practice
FRAN*6160 Facilitation in Group and Family Functioning
FRAN*6170 Treating Violence and Abuse Within Families
Two electives in human development
   Upon completion of the requirements for the emphasis in marriage and family therapy, the student will receive an MSc. The transcript will specify Family Studies: Marriage and Family Therapy.

PhD PROGRAM
Applied Human Nutrition
   The PhD Program in applied human nutrition is a three-year program with a strong research focus involving biological and/or social-science perspectives. Each student works closely with an advisory committee in developing an individualized program of study that provides depth and addresses the student's specific research and professional goals.

Family Relations and Human Development
   The PhD program in family relations and human development is a three-year program with a strong research focus. Areas of research emphasis are: 1) Child and adolescent development (socialization processes, parent-child relationships, peer relationships, early childhood services, program development and evaluation), and 2) Adult development and family relations (family socialization, intergenerational relations, alternate family structures, human sexuality, gerontology). Each student works closely with an advisory committee in developing an individualized program of study that provides depth and addresses the student's specific research and professional goals.

Admission Requirements
Applied Human Nutrition
   Students applying to the PhD program in applied human nutrition should have an MSc degree in human nutrition or a closely related field. A master's thesis is normally required for admission. These requirements may be in progress at the time of application.
   Students enrolled in the MSc program who have displayed exceptional competence in their course work and research may transfer directly to the PhD program.

Family Relations and Human Development
   Students applying to the PhD program in Family Relations and Human Development should have an MSc degree (or in progress) in Family Relations and Human Development or a closely related degree program (e.g., human development, gerontology, psychology, sociology, marital and family therapy). A master's thesis is normally required for admission. Students enroled in the MSc program who have displayed exceptional competence in their course work and research may transfer directly to the PhD program.
   Students enrolled in the MSc program are not automatically considered for the PhD program; a formal application is required for those wishing admission. Applications are evaluated with reference to academic, research, and professional experience with particular emphasis on research background and potential.

Degree Requirements
Applied Human Nutrition
   PhD students in applied human nutrition are required to take a minimum of five courses (including Seminar in Applied Human Nutrition, FRAN*6550, and Nutritional Epidemiology, FRAN*6620) that build a foundation for their research and/or practice. These five required courses and any additional course work will be chosen in consultation with the student's adviser and committee and will depend upon the availability of offerings in the co-operating departments and schools.
   The student's choice of emphasis is primarily determined by research specialization and selection of elective courses. Each student works closely with an advisory committee in developing an individualized program of study by selecting courses that not only provide for interdisciplinary breadth but also address the student's specific research and professional goals. Each of the emphases indicates some broad areas of research that reflect current faculty interests and is intended to help students define an area of research and study.

Family Relations and Human Development
   PhD students in family relations and human development are required to take Interdisciplinary Perspectives in Family Relations and Human Development , FRAN*6340 (if not completed previously); Theorizing in Family Relations and Human Development, FRAN*6280; Research Seminar, FRAN*6330, a specialized course in statistics/methods beyond the level required for the MSc program; and one non-statistics course from outside the department. Beyond this, degree requirements usually include one to three additional courses.
   The student's choice of emphasis is primarily determined by research specialization and by selection of elective courses. Each student works closely with an advisory committee in developing an individualized program of study by selecting courses that not only provide for interdisciplinary breadth but also address the student's specific research and professional goals. Each of the emphases also indicates areas of research that reflect current faculty interests and is intended to help students define an area of research and study.

Reference check
   According to recent Ontario legislation, agencies licensed by the Ministry of Community and Social Services which care for, or provide service to, children or vulnerable adults are required to do criminal reference checks on all their employees. Students enrolled in practica or field placement courses may be required to submit to the agency with which they are placed, personal information about any criminal convictions and pending criminal charges. The cost of acquiring this criminal reference check (Canadian police information check) will be the responsibility of each student.

COURSES
   Most courses are offered in either the fall or winter semesters. Courses marked with a * are offered only in alternate years.

Applied Human Nutrition
FRAN*6510 Nutrition in the Community (0.5)
Concepts and knowledge of nutrition as applied in community and public health nutrition. Examination of current programs in applied nutrition.
FRAN*6550 Seminar in Applied Human Nutrition (0.25)
Research literature in applied nutrition.
FRAN*6560 Special Topics in Applied Human Nutrition (0.5)
FRAN*6580 Applications in Nutrition Education* (0.5)
This course is designed to permit students to develop a small scale nutrition education program in co-operation with a health, education, or social service agency.
FRAN*6600 Theoretical Perspectives in Applied Human Nutrition (0.5)
A survey and critical analysis of theoretical frameworks from Education and the Social Sciences as they are applied to the study and understanding of human nutrition behaviour. Research issues and applications are emphasized.
FRAN*6610 Advances in Clinical Nutrition* (0.5)
An assessment of selected advances in nutritional and medical research. The emphasis of this course is on identifying goals of nutritional care based on current research literature.
FRAN*6620 Nutritional Epidemiology* (0.5)
An investigation of selected non-communicable diseases. The emphasis is on epidemiologic methods and identification of nutritional risk factors.
FRAN*6630 Assessment of Nutritional Status (0.5)
A seminar and laboratory course directed towards the understanding and evaluation of various dietary, biochemical and anthropometric methods used in the nutritional assessment of individuals and groups in health and disease.
Family Relations and Human Development
FRAN*6000 Research Methods (0.5)
Analysis of the theoretical and practical issues involved in conducting research in an interdisciplinary context. Topics include conceptualization, measurement techniques, sampling, research design, data processing, ethics and the management of a research project.
FRAN*6010 Applied Statistics (0.5)
This course covers parametric and non-parametric statistics appropriate in applied social/health science research. The course covers conceptual and practical applications of statistical analyses with emphasis on inferential statistics, anlaysis of variance and multiple regression. Prerequisite FRAN*6000.
FRAN*6020 Qualitative Methods in Family Research (0.5)
This course teaches students how to use qualitative methods as a mode of inquiry for understanding issues in human development, nutrition and family relationships. The emphasis is on project design, data collection techniques, analysis strategies and procedures for final write-up.
FRAN*6200 Research Topics in Family Relations and Human Development (0.5)
Contemporary research in family relations and human development.
FRAN*6210 Program Evaluation in Child and Family Services* (0.5)
An examination of the theoretical principles and practical applications of evaluation issues and strategies. Special attention is given to services for children and families across the life span. Group involvement in an actual program evaluation is a requirement for the course.
FRAN*6220 Family, Interpersonal and Social Issues in Mid and Later Life* (0.5)
This course examines conceptual, methodological and policy issues involving inter- and intra-generational family and social relationships throughout mid and later life.
FRAN*6221 Concepts and Strategies of Primary Prevention* (0.5)
The course explores selected concepts and strategies of primary prevention. Students examine research and current practice related to individual and family health and well-being, including education, community organization, competency promotion, natural caregiving, and consultation.
FRAN*6260 Practicum (0.5)
Supervised practicum experience in a variety of agencies or services. Placements are arranged on an individual basis subject to the requirements of students' programs of study and must be negotiated with faculty in advance of registration.
FRAN*6270 Issues in Family-Related Social Policy* (0.5)
This course investigates definitions of social policy, comparative family-related social policy, selected issues in Canadian family policy and frameworks for analysis of social policy. Issues in policy-related research are also explored.
FRAN*6280 Theorizing in Family Relations and Human Development* (0.5)
An examination of the meaning of science and theory in relation to the study of families and human development. Included is a discussion of the major social science paradigms including positivism, critical theory, social constructionism and post-modernity. This course is designed for doctoral students.
FRAN*6300 Theories of Development and Change Across the Life Span* (0.5)
An interdisciplinary examination of sociological and psychological theories of development and change across the life span. Critical comparisons among theories with competing assumptions at different points over individual and family life cycles is discussed.
FRAN*6310 Parent-Child Relations Across the Life Span (0.5)
Considers theory and research on parent-child interactions, relationships and intergenerational transmission across the life span. (Offered in alternate years.)
FRAN*6320 Human Sexuality Across the Life Span* (0.5)
This course covers research, theoretical and substantive issues relevant to studying human sexuality across the life span. Topics include: child and adolescent sexuality, sexual identity, sexuality in adulthood and old age, sexual assault, international research and sex education.
FRAN*6330 Research Seminar (0.25)
Research literature in Family and Child Studies.
FRAN*6340 Interdisciplinary Perspectives in Family Relations and Human Development (0.5)
This course acquaints students with the diverse disciplinary perspectives used in the study of family relations and human development. Substantive research issues provide a forum for integrating the separate perspectives and understanding the reciprocal relationship between individual and family growth and development.
FRAN*6370 Social Development During Childhood* (0.5)
A detailed study of factors important to social competence in childhood from infancy to adolescence.
FRAN*6380 Adolescence* (0.5)
Adolescence is examined from a multidisciplinary developmental-contextualist perspective. Topics include: individual differences, development, and social and environmental contributions to adolescent psychosocial functioning.
FRAN*6410 Developmental Assessment and Intervention in Childhood and Adolescence (0.5)
An examination of psychological difficulties encountered in childhood and adolescence. Special attention will be given to theoretical models used to explain childhood difficulties, categorization systems, assessment techniques, methods of intervention, as well as ethical issues specific to working with children and adolescence.
Marriage and Family Therapy
Note: The following courses are taken primarily by students in the Marriage and Family Therapy emphasis. A limited number of spaces are available each time the courses are offered for students outside the Marriage and Family Therapy area.
FRAN*6070 Sexual Issues and Clinical Interventions Across the Life Span (0.5)
This course examines sexual issues and clinical interventions from a life span perspective. Focusing upon theory, research and clinical interventions it explores the relationship between issues in sexual development and sexual functioning.
FRAN*6090 Clinical Seminar and Practicum in Family Therapy(1.0)
This course focuses upon the integration of couple and family therapy with supervised clinical practice. The three hour seminar focuses upon the integration of designated theories with clinical work. The practicum involves three hours of "live" therapy/supervision and an additional two hours of videotape supervision. (Not available to students outside Marriage and Family Therapy.)
FRAN*6120 Theories and Methods of Family Therapy I* (0.5)
This course will offer an historical perspective on the development of the field of couple and family therapy beginning with family systems therapy, through intergenerational models, to current constructionist approaches. Intervention methods consistent with these conceptual frameworks are examined.
FRAN*6130 Theories and Methods of Family Therapy II* (0.5)
This course explores clinical theory and methods associated with structural, strategic and solution focused models of couple and family therapy. Feminist perspectives and approaches are used to examine power and gender dynamics in therapy.
FRAN*6140 Professional Issues (0.5)
An exploration of ethics in marriage and family therapy; legal issues in the practice of family therapy; and professional issues regarding identity, licensure and practice.
FRAN*6150 Families, Diversity and Practice* (0.5)
This course reviews the ways in which diversity among individuals, families and groups is addressed in family theory and research. Topics include differences related to class, culture, sexual identity, health, etc. A critical examination of the implications for practice.
FRAN*6160 Facilitation in Group and Family Functioning (0.5)
An exploration of group and family processes through participation in and facilitation of groups. Group theory and methods are explored and applied to group processes at individual, couple and family levels.
FRAN*6170 Treating Violence and Abuse Within Families* (0.5)
This course examines theory, research and clinical intervention related to the physical, sexual, verbal and emotional abuse of women, children, (including adult survivors of child abuse) and the elderly. It also explores the relationship between varying forms of family violence.
FRAN*6350 Major Research Paper (1.0)
The major research paper is an option open only to MSc students within the Marriage and Family Therapy area. Students must demonstrate their ability to accurately synthesize and critically evaluate the literature in a specific area of interest. Detailed guidelines are provided.

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