Published 2016-17 SGS Calendar for editing purposes only [exported July 28, 2016]

Public Health Sciences: Introduction

Faculty Affiliation

Public Health

Degree Programs

Public Health Sciences
MPH / Fields:
Epidemiology
Family and Community Medicine
Health Promotion (Social and Behavioural Health Sciences)
Nutrition and Dietetics
Occupational and Environmental Health
Emphasis (optional):
Global Public Health
MSc / Field:
Biostatistics
Emphasis (optional):
Global Public Health
PhD / Fields:
Biostatistics
Epidemiology
Occupational and Environmental Health
Social and Behavioural Health Sciences
Bioethics
MHSc
Community Health
MScCH / Fields:
Addictions and Mental Health
Family and Community Medicine
Health Practitioner Teacher Education
Occupational Health Care
Wound Prevention and Care
Emphasis (optional):
Global Public Health

Collaborative Programs

The following collaborative programs are available to students in participating degree programs as listed below:
  1. Aboriginal Health
  2. Public Health Sciences, MPH, PhD
  3. Addiction Studies
  4. Public Health Sciences, MPH, MSc, PhD
  5. Aging, Palliative and Supportive Care Across the Life Course
  6. Public Health Sciences, MPH, MSc, PhD
  7. Bioethics
  8. Public Health Sciences, MPH, MSc, PhD
  9. Community Development
  10. Public Health Sciences, MPH
  11. Environment and Health
  12. Community Health, MScCH
  13. Public Health Sciences, MPH, PhD
  14. Global Health
  15. Public Health Sciences, PhD
  16. Health Care, Technology, and Place (admissions have closed)
  17. Public Health Sciences, PhD
  18. Health Services and Policy Research
  19. Public Health Sciences, PhD
  20. Human Development
  21. Public Health Sciences, PhD
  22. Neuroscience
  23. Bioethics, MHSc
  24. Community Health, MScCH
  25. Public Health Sciences, MPH, MSc, PhD
  26. Public Health Policy
  27. Public Health Sciences, MPH, MSc, PhD
  28. Resuscitation Sciences
  29. Community Health, MScCH
  30. Public Health Sciences, MPH, MSc, PhD
  31. Sexual Diversity Studies
  32. Public Health Sciences, MPH, MSc, PhD
  33. Women and Gender Studies
  34. Public Health Sciences, MPH, PhD
  35. Women's Health
  36. Public Health Sciences, MPH, PhD

Overview

The Dalla Lana School of Public Health enrols more than 400 graduate students in its master's and doctoral degree programs. In addition, the school has more than 40 postgraduate students in its two Royal College Residency programs: Public Health and Preventive Medicine and Occupational Medicine. The school is also engaged in teaching at the undergraduate level in the Faculty of Medicine, Faculty of Arts and Science, and Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing.
The Graduate Department of Public Health Sciences at the Dalla Lana School of Public Health offers five graduate degrees, available both full-time and part-time. With the exception of the Bioethics program, applicants are strongly advised to have some background in statistics and quantitative methods. In addition, field and employment experience are considered, especially for the Master of Public Health (MPH) degree. Documented interest and experience in global health is required for participation in the Global Public Health emphasis. Further information is available on the website.
The Master of Public Health (MPH) degree is designed to prepare the next generation of public health professionals and is aimed at students interested in professional and/or research careers in the community, academic, public, or private sectors. Five fields are offered:
  • Epidemiology
  • Family and Community Medicine
  • Health Promotion (Social and Behavioural Health Sciences)
  • Nutrition and Dietetics
  • Occupational and Environmental Health
The Master of Science (MSc) degree is designed for students interested in research and academic careers involving the development and application of statistical methodology to further our understanding of data arising in the health sciences. One field is offered:
  • Biostatistics
The Master of Health Science (MHSc) in Bioethics is a two-year course-based program with no thesis requirement. It is conducted in modular format to allow high-achieving professionals to earn a master's degree without interrupting their careers. The program's interactive, problem-based learning approach provides students with knowledge and skills that can be applied to a variety of health, health care, and health research contexts. Expert faculty and guest lecturers help students bring theory and practice together to address real-world ethical challenges. Students interested in a research-stream program should consider the Collaborative Program in Bioethics.
The Master of Science in Community Health (MScCH) degree is an innovative program designed to meet the needs of experienced health professionals who wish to enhance their knowledge and skills in public health. It is intended for practising health professionals and/or individuals who can demonstrate significant experience in the health care field. Five fields are offered:
  • Addictions and Mental Health
  • Family and Community Medicine
  • Health Practitioner Teacher Education
  • Occupational Health Care
  • Wound Prevention and Care
The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree prepares students for research and academic careers. Fieldwork and research enhance theoretical studies and expose students to the full breadth and depth of their public health science disciplines. Fields include:
  • Biostatistics
  • Epidemiology
  • Occupational and Environmental Health
  • Social and Behavioural Health Sciences
The PhD program may be completed on a full-time or flexible-time basis.

Contact and Address

Public Health Sciences and Community Health Programs
Web:
Email:
Telephone: (416) 978-2058
Fax: (416) 978-1883
Dalla Lana School of Public Health
Graduate Department of Public Health Sciences
University of Toronto
Room 620, 155 College Street
Toronto, Ontario M5T 3M7
Canada
Bioethics Program
Web:
Email:
Telephone: (416) 978-0871
Fax: (416) 978-1911
Joint Centre for Bioethics (JCB)
University of Toronto
Suite 754, 155 College Street
Toronto, Ontario M5T 1P8
Canada

Public Health Sciences: Public Health Sciences MPH

Master of Public Health

Minimum Admission Requirements
  • Applicants are admitted under the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies. Applicants must also satisfy the Dalla Lana School's additional admission requirements stated below.
  • Appropriate bachelor's degree from a recognized university with a minimum mid-B average in the final year.
  • At least one course in undergraduate statistics.
  • Relevant work or volunteer experience.
  • Each specialization has unique requirements; refer to the website for details.
Program Requirements
  • 10.0 full-course equivalents (FCEs), of which 0.5 FCE is a core public health sciences subject and at least 1.0 FCE is a field practicum.
  • Full-time students, depending on the area of specialization, normally require between 16 and 24 months to complete the program, including time spent in field practica. Specific program requirements, course sequences, and options vary by field of specialization and are fully explained on the website.
  • Part-time students have a maximum of six years to complete the program.
  • Students in the MPH program have the option of completing an emphasis in Global Public Health as part of their degree program. Please see details near the end of this entry.
Program Length
4 sessions full-time (typical registration sequence: F/W/S/F);
12 sessions part-time
Time Limit
3 years full-time;
6 years part-time

Public Health Sciences: Public Health Sciences MPH, Advanced Standing Option, Nutrition and Dietetics Field

Minimum Admission Requirements
  • Applicants to the Nutrition and Dietetics field may be eligible to be considered for the advanced-standing option with the following minimum admission requirements:
  • Appropriate bachelor's degree in food and nutrition (or equivalent) from a recognized university with a minimum mid-B average in the final year.
  • Membership in a provincial dietetics regulatory body or equivalent in home country. Those planning to practise in Canada must be eligible for membership in a provincial regulatory body of dietetics.
  • Five years of professional work experience in clinical, community, administrative, or public health dietetics.
Program Requirements
  • The advanced-standing option of the MPH Nutrition and Dietetics field is a coursework-only program option that requires the completion of 5.0 full-course equivalents (FCEs), including 0.5 FCE of a core public health sciences subject, 0.5 to 1.0 FCE in supervised field placements or practica, 3.0 FCEs in field-specific required courses; and 0.5 to 1.0 FCE in elective courses.
Program Length
3 sessions full-time advanced-standing option (typical registration sequence: F/W/S);
9 sessions part-time advanced-standing option
Time Limit
3 years full-time;
6 years part-time

Public Health Sciences: Public Health Sciences MSc, Biostatistics Field

Minimum Admission Requirements
  • Applicants are admitted under the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies. Applicants must also satisfy the Dalla Lana School's additional admission requirements stated below.
  • Appropriate bachelor's degree from a recognized university with a minimum mid-B average in the final year. Please consult the website for full details.
Program Requirements
Two options are available:
  • Thesis option comprising 4.0 full-course equivalents (FCEs) and a thesis.
  • Coursework-only option comprising 5.0 FCEs.
Thesis MSc
  • Completion of 4.0 FCEs as follows:
  • CHL 5004H, CHL 5207Y, CHL 5209H, CHL 5210H, and CHL 5250H;
  • CHL 5226H or STA 2112H (Mathematical Statistics I); and
  • CHL 5223H or STA 2212H (Mathematical Statistics II).
  • A thesis written under the supervision of a thesis committee. An oral defence of the thesis is required.
Coursework-Only MSc
  • Completion of 5.0 FCEs as follows:
  • CHL 5004H, CHL 5207Y, CHL 5209H, CHL 5210H, and CHL 5250H;
  • CHL 5226H or STA 2112H (Mathematical Statistics I);
  • CHL 5223H or STA 2212H (Mathematical Statistics II); and
  • 1.0 FCE in electives from an approved list of courses.
Students in the MSc program have the option of completing an emphasis in Global Public Health as part of their degree program. Please see details near the end of this entry.
Program Length
3 sessions full-time (typical registration sequence: F/W/S);
9 sessions part-time
Time Limit
3 years full-time;
6 years part-time

Public Health Sciences: Public Health Sciences PhD

Doctor of Philosophy

Minimum Admission Requirements
  • Applicants are admitted under the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies. Applicants must also satisfy the Dalla Lana School's additional admission requirements stated below.
  • Master's degree in a public health science-related discipline from a recognized university, with a minimum A- standing.
  • Demonstrated educational and/or professional experience that indicates a capacity to undertake research-oriented doctoral studies.
  • Consult the website for details.
Program Requirements
Full-Time PhD
  • Course requirements vary by field and are related to the student's knowledge of the field. Consult the website for detailed course requirements for each field.
  • Successful completion of formal examinations and other assessments at specified points within the program to ensure continuation in the program.
  • Demonstrated proficiency in statistics or research methods.
  • A written comprehensive examination in the major area of specialization. Details for each field are specified on the website.
  • Writing of a PhD thesis under the supervision of an approved thesis committee (supervisor plus two additional faculty members).
  • A final oral defence of the thesis before an examination committee approved by the School of Graduate Studies.
Flexible-Time PhD
  • With the approval of the graduate chair, some applicants may be admitted to a flexible-time PhD program. This program will benefit mature students with career obligations. Applicants to the flexible-time PhD program option must demonstrate that they are practicing professionals.
  • Degree requirements for the flexible-time program are identical to those for the full-time PhD program.
  • A plan of study and research activities will be negotiated at initial registration, to be reviewed and updated annually.
  • Students are required to register full-time for the first four years of their program. Thereafter, they may register part-time.
Program Length
4 years full-time; 6 years flexible-time
Time Limit
6 years full-time; 8 years flexible-time

Public Health Sciences: Bioethics MHSc

Master of Health Science

Minimum Admission Requirements
  • Applicants are admitted under the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies. Applicants must also satisfy the Dalla Lana School’s additional admission requirements stated below.
  • Normally, an appropriate bachelor's degree and a recognized degree in one of the health care sciences (e.g., MD, BScN, BScOT, BScPT, BSW) or equivalent with a minimum mid-B average in the final year. Applicants from other disciplines are considered on an individual basis.
  • The program favours individuals with outstanding academic credentials and demonstrated evidence of scholarly ability and personal maturity.
  • Potential that the applicant will provide significant bioethics leadership in his or her home institution or local community upon completion of the MHSc in Bioethics.
  • The application must be accompanied by:
  • a current curriculum vitae (CV)
  • original university academic transcripts
  • a letter of intent or statement of professional goals
  • three letters of reference
  • a writing sample, in English.
  • Deadline for receipt of applications is March 1 for domestic and international applicants. Enrolment is limited and not all applicants meeting the prerequisites will be admitted. Applicants are screened for eligibility; short-listed applicants are interviewed.
Program Requirements
  • The program is offered in modular format in 24 two-day Thursday/Friday blocks from September to April, normally over two years; certain international students may complete all coursework in one academic year.
  • A major paper of publishable quality on a topic of the student's choice.
  • A practicum that allows students to apply the knowledge and skills gained in this program.
  • Courses as outlined below.
Program Length
5 sessions full-time (typical registration sequence: F/W/S/F/W)
Time Limit
3 years full-time

Required Courses

Courses are restricted to students officially enrolled in the MHSc in Bioethics and the Collaborative Program in Bioethics, except where noted. All courses are understood as "or equivalent" in order to accommodate the diverse background education and training of applicants.
Courses in Year 1 of the program cover key topic areas in bioethics, and concentrate on providing students with the theoretical foundations of the field in terms of legal frameworks, research methods, philosophical approaches, and resource allocation ethics. The application of theory to practice in clinical, organizational, and research settings is emphasized.
Courses in Year 2 of the program give students the opportunity to further develop core knowledge (e.g., in research ethics, organizational and health systems ethics) while adding more core skill competencies, such as teaching bioethics, developing a bioethics curriculum, and contributing to bioethics scholarship (including the preparation of a paper in publishable form covering an area or issue of the student's choice). Based on their individual interests in the areas and activities of bioethics, students complete a mentored applied learning course (practicum), and a practical bioethics course that aims to support the student in preparing a "capstone" project that, ideally, builds on the practicum experience and the core knowledge and skills gained throughout the MHSc program.
Year 1
​CHL 3001Y / Core Topics in Bioethics​
​CHL 3003Y / Empirical Approaches in Bioethics​
​CHL 3005H / Legal Approaches to Bioethics​
​HAD 5771H / Resource Allocation Ethics
​PHL 2146Y / Topics in Bioethics
Year 2​
​CHL 3051H / Research Ethics​
​CHL 3052H / Practical Bioethics (capstone course)​
​CHL 3002Y / Teaching Bioethics
​CHL 3004Y / Ethics and Health Institutions
​CHL 3006Y / Writing in Bioethics
CHL 3008Y0 / Applied Learning in Bioethics (practicum)
0 Course that may continue over a program. The course is graded when completed.

Public Health Sciences: Community Health MScCH

Master of Science in Community Health

Minimum Admission Requirements

  • Applicants are admitted under the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies. Applicants must also satisfy the Dalla Lana School's additional admission requirements stated below.
  • A bachelor's degree from a recognized university in a public health specialty and/or one of the regulated health professions in Ontario with the equivalent of a minimum mid-B average in the final academic year.
  • Relevant academic preparation and professional experience as a public health, community, or clinical practitioner.
  • Some fields (i.e., Family and Community Medicine and Wound Prevention and Care) require appropriate certification/licensure in a regulated health profession and may require a valid license to practise in Canada or the student's home jurisdiction.

Program Requirements

  • The MScCH is a coursework-only program which requires the completion of 5.0 FCEs as follows:
  • 0.5 FCE of a core public health sciences subject,
  • 0.5 to 1.0 FCE in supervised field placements or practica,
  • normally 2.5 FCEs in field-specific required courses, and
  • 1.0 to 1.5 FCEs in elective courses.
  • The specific program requirements, course sequences, and options vary by field of specialization; they are fully outlined on the website.
  • A diploma in Community Health may be awarded in exceptional circumstances to students who have completed 70% of the program requirements (at least 3.5 full-course equivalents (FCEs), including the required courses for the field, and with the approval of the department.
  • Students in the MScCH program have the option of completing an emphasis in Global Public Health as part of their degree program. Please see details near the end of this entry.
Program Length
3 sessions full-time (typical registration sequence: F/W/S);
9 sessions part-time

Time Limit

3 years full-time;
6 years part-time

Public Health Sciences: Community Health MPH, MSc, MScCH, Global Public Health Emphasis

Students must successfully complete within existing program requirements:
  • CHL 5700H Global Public Health (0.5 full-course equivalent [FCE]);
  • At least one elective course in global health (0.5 FCE);
  • One practicum placement, or equivalent, with a global health focus.

Public Health Sciences: Public Health Sciences MPH, MSc, PhD, Community Health MPH, MSc, MScCH Courses

Core Course

​CHL 5004H / Introduction to Public Health Sciences

Biostatistics and Demography

​CHL 5201H / ​Introductory Biostatistics for Students in Biological Sciences I
​CHL 5202H / ​Introductory Biostatistics for Students in Biological Sciences II
​CHL 5203H / ​Survey Design and Social Research Methods in Public Health
​CHL 5204H / Survey Methods in Health Sciences II
​CHL 5207Y / Laboratory in Statistical Design and Analysis
​CHL 5208Y / ​Advanced Laboratory in Statistical Design and Analysis
​CHL 5209H / Survival Analysis I
​CHL 5210H / ​Categorical Data Analysis
​CHL 5220H / ​Community Health Appraisal Methods I
​CHL 5221H / ​Community Health Appraisal Methods II
​CHL 5222H / ​Analysis of Correlated Data
​CHL 5223H / ​Applied Bayesian Methods
​CHL 5224H / ​Modern Statistical Genetics
​CHL 5225H / ​Advanced Statistical Methods for Clinical Trials
​CHL 5226H / ​Mathematical Foundations of Biostatistics
​CHL 5250H+ / ​Special Topics in Biostatistics
​CHL 5260H0 / ​Doctoral Seminar Series in Biostatistics
+ Extended course. For academic reasons, coursework is extended into session following academic session in which course is offered.
0 Course that may continue over a program. The course is graded when completed.

Epidemiology