Admission Requirements
Admission requirements for students admitted to the Doctor of Philosophy program are as follows:
- Normally, a Master's degree with a minimum 75% average (B).
- References. Each applicant must submit three letters of reference from faculty members who taught him/her as a Master's student.
- Proof of proficiency in English (if applicable); accepted examinations and required minimum scores for graduate studies are listed on the English Language Proficiency page.
- Sample of Work. Each applicant must submit a copy of his/her Master's thesis.
- Each applicant must submit a letter stating research interests and why he or she wishes to pursue graduate studies.
Application deadline to the Doctor of Philosophy program is February 1.
Specific Admission Requirements
Biomechanics
In addition to the general requirements stated above, an applicant wishing to concentrate in this area must:
- have demonstrated competency in the area of biomechanics as evidenced by completed undergraduate course work in the area of specialization. Generally these include courses in mechanics of human movement, electromyography and physiological modeling. Also, demonstrated competence in calculus, computer science and statistics.
- have demonstrated competency in biomechanics as evidenced by successful completion of four one-term graduate courses in biomechanics, or equivalent bioengineering or biophysics courses.
For otherwise strong students who do not meet all the above prerequisites, a qualifying term as a MSc student may be necessary before admission to the PhD program is granted.
Neuroscience
In addition to the general requirements stated above, an applicant wishing to concentrate in this area must have specialization in neuroscience as evidenced by completed coursework, including statistics, from Kinesiology and from related disciplines.
For otherwise strong students who do not meet all the above prerequisites, a qualifying term as an MSc student may be necessary before admission to the PhD program is granted.
Physiology and Nutrition
In addition to the general requirements stated above, an applicant wishing to concentrate in this area must satisfy either of the following:
- complete a MSc in Kinesiology with specialization in physiology and nutrition.
- complete a Master's degree from a related department with demonstrated competency in physiology and nutrition as evidenced by successful completion of at least three one-term graduate courses in physiology and nutrition or in related biochemistry, biophysics, physiology or biomechanics courses.
For otherwise strong students who do not meet all the above prerequisites, a qualifying term as an MSc student may be necessary before admission to the PhD program is granted.
Degree Requirements
Students in each area are expected to maintain and/or develop an appreciation of the field of kinesiology in general, and the kinesiological significance of each subfield in particular. Consequently, there are both general and specific subject matter requirements. The Doctor of Philosophy degree is awarded by the Faculty of Applied Health Sciences to candidates who have demonstrated a broad knowledge and have demonstrated a satisfactory level of achievement in research.
General Requirements
Since students' backgrounds are expected to differ considerably, course requirements will vary. However, a minimum of six one-term (.50 unit weight) graduate courses beyond the Honours BSc or Honours BA degree is required. Students with an MSc or MA degree may request advanced standing depending on their background. Depending on previous work and needs, additional courses may be required in some areas of specialization. The actual program of study will in each case be determined in consultation with the candidate's advisory committee. An overall average of 75% is required. Both the MSc and PhD degree students must register for two of the following: KIN 670A, KIN 670B, KIN 670C; KIN 670D; KIN 670E; KIN 670F; KIN 670H; KIN 670I to fulfill degree requirements. PhD students are required to complete for credit Kinesiology 775, Key Issues and Concerns in Kinesiology. (Kin 775 replaces Kin 770 and 771 effective for Fall 2007 Admissions.)
Specific Requirements
For all areas of the program, students are expected to acquire: sufficient knowledge in their area of specialization to be able to pursue research at a high level of competence. Sufficient background in the quantitative and substantive areas of those disciplines closely allied to their area of specialization. A facility with quantitative methods, through a thorough understanding of research design, data collection, reduction and processing. For Biomechanics, each student must complete KIN 611 and 612 by the end of the first year. By the time comprehensive examinations are written, KIN 713 and two additional 700-level Biomechanics courses must be completed. Knowledge beyond the introductory level in areas related to biomechanics such as anatomy, muscle physiology, mathematics (at least including differential equations) and mechanics is necessary. For Neuroscience and Physiology and Nutrition, students are encouraged, in conjunction with their advisory committee, to plan a program that best suits their backgrounds, interests and future needs. While the program is flexible to a certain extent, emphasis is placed upon course selection that exposes students to significant problems that could form the basis for doctoral research. In this regard, students are expected to undertake research not only as a part of selected topic courses, but also on their own initiative.
Residence Requirements
The minimum period of enrolment for the doctoral degree is six terms from a Master's degree or its equivalent. The maximum time for completion of the PhD degree in Applied Health Sciences is 12 terms from a Master's degree or its equivalent. Students must have permission of the Faculty Graduate Committee to continue enrolment beyond these limits. Candidates must be continuously enrolled at the University to the end of the term in which they complete the degree requirements. The Department encourages students to remain in residence until all degree requirements are completed.
Examinations and Evaluation of Progress
To guide the student's program of study a supervisor (with Approved PhD Supervisory Status [ADDS]) is appointed to chair an advisory committee made up of a minimum of three professors, the majority of whom should be from the Department. The committee reviews each proposed program and makes recommendations for meeting the various degree requirements. In general, students are evaluated through coursework, diagnostic examinations where appropriate, comprehensive examinations, and through an annual written evaluation of progress prepared for the advisory committee. Continuation in the program depends upon a favourable review.
PhD Comprehensive Examinations
Upon completion of all coursework the student writes a general examination and completes an oral examination on selected aspects of the written examinations. Students should consult the Department of Kinesiology Associate Chair for Graduate Studies for details concerning the administration procedure for this examination. When the written and oral examinations have been completed, the PhD comprehensive Examination Committee must arrive at one of the following decisions:
- Accepted (Passed)
- Accepted Conditionally
- Decision Deferred (Re-examination)
- Rejected (Failed)
If the decision is "Decision Deferred (Re-examination)", students must complete this requirement no later than the end of the term following the term in which they initially attempted the comprehensive examinations. Re-examination does not necessarily imply a re-examination of both the written and oral aspects of the examination. If the decision is "Rejected (Failed)" the candidate is required to withdraw from the program. Specific Comprehensives - this examination consists of the PhD thesis proposal. The examination is oral only and the purpose is to test the knowledge of issues directly related to the research.
PhD Thesis Proposal and Thesis Examination
Each student is required to submit a thesis embodying the results of original research carried out under the direction of an advisory committee headed by a member of the Department. The candidate defends the thesis before an examining committee approved by the Graduate Studies Committee of the Faculty. The Examining Board should consist of the supervisor and co-supervisor as applicable, three other members of the University, two are normally from the Department, and one is external to the department (referred to as the internal-external), and finally an external university examiner. The responsibilities of the candidate, the advisory committee and of the examining committee are detailed under Minimum Requirements for the PhD Degree in the Academic Regulations section of the calendar.