IX. Graduate Programs
Population Medicine
MSc Program
The department offers a MSc by thesis in the fields of: 1) epidemiology; 2) theriogenology; and 3) health management, and a MSc by course work in the field of: 1) epidemiology.
Admission Requirements
When reviewing transcripts, the department focuses on the applicant's performance in undergraduate and graduate-level courses relevant to the applicant's proposed area of specialization. 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 by course work program builds on analytic skills, 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.
Degree Requirements
Students enrol 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. Epidemiology I (POPM*6200) is a required course for students in epidemiology; students in health management and theriogenology must take either Epidemiology I (POPM*6200) or Applied Clinical Research (POPM*6230). A minimum of 'B-' average is required in the prescribed studies. The department seminar course, POPM*6100, 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
For the MSc by course work 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 and the Assistant Vice-President (Graduate Studies). Each student in the program will take three core courses (including the Project in Epidemiology course, POPM*6250, which is equivalent to two courses), and at least four additional courses. The department seminar course, POPM*6100, is also required but does not count as one of the eight courses. Normally, the prescribed courses for the MSc in Epidemiology by course work will include:
Core Courses:
Additional Courses
The four courses selected in this category will depend upon the student's background, specialty, interest and area of research.
Examples of courses suitable for inclusion in the student's program include:
| PABI*6550 | [0.50] | Epidemiology of Zoonoses |
| POPM*6230 | [0.50] | Applied Clinical Research |
| POPM*6290 | [0.50] | Epidemiology III |
| POPM*6350 | [0.50] | Safety of Foods of Animal Origins |
| POPM*6950 | [0.50] | Studies in Population Medicine |
| STAT*6920 | [0.50] | Topics in Statistics |
| POPM*6520 | [0.50] | Introduction to Epidemiological and Statistical Methods |
| POPM*6700 | [0.50] | Swine Health Management * |
| POPM*6400 | [0.50] | Dairy Health Management * |
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 study option; two of these semesters must be at the University of Guelph. Normally, however, students take 4-5 semesters to complete the program.