ObjectivesThe objectives of the program are: a) to foster students' ability to do high quality, scientifically rigorous research in their discipline; b) to expand their understanding of concepts, theories and practices in their discipline such that they can successfully advance to doctoral studies; c) to provide the knowledge base and skills to analyze and evaluate programs, policies, environmental issues, and organizational structures related to applied health sciences; d) to enhance students' abilities to apply and disseminate new knowledge and practices to colleagues, practitioners, policy makers/analysts, and other professionals in applied health sciences.
Academic titleMaster of Arts - Applied Health Sciences or Master of Science - Applied Health Sciences
Course descriptionFields of Specialization
Students will pursue their studies with an emphasis in one of the six fields within the graduate program (Community Health, Health and Physical Education, Health Sciences, Kinesiology, Leisure Studies, Sport Management). The nature and topic of the research project undertaken by the student will determine the choice of faculty advisor and the subsequent degree specification.
Course Descriptions
AHSC 5F90
MA/MSc Research and Thesis
A research project involving the preparation and defence of a thesis proposal and a final thesis report which demonstrate a capacity for independent work. The thesis shall be carried out under the supervision of a faculty member and both the proposal and final thesis shall be defended at an oral examination.
AHSC 5P00
Philosophical and Methodological Issues in Applied Health Sciences
A critical examination of philosophical issues, current paradigms, and research methodology related to the conduct of research. Discussion of published and ongoing research from a multidisciplinary perspective. Topics will vary with respect to the current research and expertise of the instructor.
AHSC 5P01
Graduate Integrative Seminar in Applied Health Sciences I
Designed to provide students and faculty with the opportunity to discuss and debate current theories, methods, and issues as they apply to the multidisciplinary field of applied health sciences. Faculty members and students from a variety of areas within the Faculty of Applied Health Sciences will present research or specific issues to the forum for discussion.
AHSC 5P02
Graduate Integrative Seminar in Applied Health Sciences: II
Designed to provide students and faculty with the opportunity to discuss and debate current theories, methods, and issues as they apply to the multidisciplinary field of applied health sciences. Examination of mechanisms and processes that contribute to, rehabilitate, or maintain the health and well-being of individuals and groups. Faculty members and students from a variety of areas within the Faculty of Applied Health Sciences will present research or specific issues to the forum for discussion.
AHSC 5P03
Organizational Analysis of Leisure, Sport and Community Based Organizations
The purpose of this course is to introduce students to selected topics in organizational theory and to discuss how these can be used to understand and conduct research on the different types of leisure and sport organizations (i.e., public organizations, nonprofit organizations, and commercial organizations).
AHSC 5P04
Leadership and Organizational Behavior in Leisure, Sport, and Community Based Organization
Understanding and effectively managing behavior is critical for leaders in sport, recreation, health, and educational organizations. This course is designed to provide students from disparate Applied Health Science backgrounds an understanding of human behavior in organizations. Content will relate to theory, current research, and the practical application of the behavior of people in organizations and how that behavior interfaces with management.
AHSC 5P07
Quantitative Data Analysis and Interpretation
Examines and applies a variety of statistical analysis techniques which can be used in a variety of research designs. Emphasis is placed on the interpretation and implications of empirical quantitative research in the field.
AHSC 5P08
Critical Analysis of Sport Management Research
An examination of the nature of research used in sport management and the problems this research aims to address. Research themes may include: organizational theory, organizational behaviour, human resource management, sport policy, sport marketing, sport law, and sport economics.
AHSC 5P17
Qualitative Data Analysis and Interpretation
Examines and applies a variety of qualitative data analysis techniques applicable in a variety of qualitative approaches, including the use of computer software programs in qualitative data analysis. Emphasis is placed on the interpretation and implications of empirical qualitative research in the field.
AHCS 5P18
Marketing Communications for Health, Sport and Recreation Service Organizations
This course will broadly explore the integrated role of communications in the marketing management function for health, sport and recreation service organizations. Special attention will be directed to the nature and methods of communication and marketing strategies, teamwork and collaboration with regard to the marketing team and client groups, and corporate and social responsibility theories.
AHSC 5P19
Consumer Behaviour in Recreation, Leisure and Sport
Comprehensive analysis of the consumers of sport, recreation, and leisure, and the behaviours dictating their consumption of sport, recreation, and leisure-related goods and services.
AHSC 5P25
Strategic Alliances in Sport Management
An examination of the strategies employed in the formation and implementation of sport organizations, and in the management and evaluation of inter-organizational relationships in sport organizations.
Note: offered in conjunction with SPMA 4P25.
AHSC 5P27
Biostatistics in Applied Health Science Research
Statistical principles and their applications in the applied health sciences with emphasis on advanced understanding of multivariate analysis and practical skills in statistical programming.
AHSC 5P29
Leisure Education
(also offered as EDUC 5P29)
The concept and application of leisure education with emphasis on "education for leisure" in the schools. Special consideration is to be given to the development of integrated and interdisciplinary units of instruction in leisure education and lifestyle planning, and the application of leisure research in education as it relates to Canada and other countries.
AHSC 5P30
Foundations of Leisure Studies
An examination of contemporary variations in the meaning of leisure and the origins and trajectories of those meanings, including the historical, political, economic, and social foundations of leisure as an idea, and the practical concerns and issues that surround the interpretation of leisure, leisure behaviour, and the leisure services in contemporary society.
AHSC 5P40
Interventions in Physical Activity and Health
Health promotion strategies, with a focus on physical activity as a means to promote health across the lifespan and for various health conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, osteoporosis.
AHSC 5P50
Advanced Epidemiology
Concepts, principles and biostatistical tools of epidemiologic analysis required to conduct research studies. Critical evaluation of papers, protocols, and grants involving population studies of human health.
AHSC 5P51
Health Ethics
An examination of selected topics in Health Ethics. An overview of the history, principles and applications of Health Ethics in research, clinical and institutional settings, incorporating both theoretical and applied perspectives and experiences.
AHSC 5P94
Measurement Issues in Applied Health Science Research
An overview of measurement issues central to applied health science research. Key measurement concepts and issues such as reliability, validity, psychometrics, instrument development and evaluation, item content relevance, and representation and construct validation.
AHSC 5P95
Pediatric Exercise Science
An examination of the physiological responses to exercise and training among healthy children and the effect that growth may have on these responses, and of the potential benefits of physical activity and exercise among children with chronic illnesses.
AHSC 5P96
Cell Pathways in Health and Disease
An examination of the fundamental insights and concepts in cellular signaling. The mechanism and biological role of mammalian cell signaling as a selection of major topics in signal transduction in relationship with homeostasis.
AHSC 5P97
Advanced Regulation of Fuel Metabolism
Physiological approach to understanding the integration of substrate supply to skeletal muscle and energy production by muscle cells during exercise of different intensities. Examination and critical review of the current research in human metabolic regulation.
AHSC 5P98
Electromyographic Kinesiology
Biological components of volitional movement in humans. Sensorimotor evoked potentials, and the relationship between muscle force and the electrical activity produced by the muscle. Theory and technology of electromyography are used to describe and quantify the relationship between neuromuscular input and mechanical output.
AHSC 5P99
Psychological Approaches to Health Behaviour Change
An overview of the field of health behaviour change from a psychological perspective. The complexities involved in health behaviour change and the utility of psychological theories in planning, conducting, and evaluating health behaviour change interventions.
AHSC 5V20-5V59
Selected Research Topics
Focuses on a specific research problem or issue. Topic(s) to be negotiated on a small group basis reflecting the research interests of faculty members.
AHSC 5V60-5V69
Directed Study
Directed intensive and individual project in a substantive area to be chosen in consultation with a faculty advisor.