Family Relations and Applied Nutrition
The Department of Family Relations and Applied Nutrition offers MSc and PhD level graduate study in three fields:
- Applied Human Nutrition;
- Family Relations and Human Development; and
- Couple and Family Therapy.
- Applied Human Nutrition (MSc, PhD) This field 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. Faculty have specific interests in clinical and community nutrition, physical activity, nutrition assessment, education, health services research, inter-professional practice and epidemiology. This field of study provides a strong foundation in research and nutrition methodology through required courses and thesis work.
- Family Relations and Human Development (MSc, PhD) This field of study emphasizes a balance between theory, empirical research and practice in graduate training. Students have many options for building an individualized program of study combining coursework and thesis research. Building on core theory and methodology courses, students choose from professional and applied courses as well as courses on specialized topics. The area of study has particular strengths in the following areas: child and adolescent development, parent-child and family relations, human sexuality, culture, adult development and gerontology, well-being, evidence-based practice, and social policy.
- Couple and Family Therapy (MSc) This competency-based program is both a Recognized Education and Training Program with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario and accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy. The field of study is intensive and focuses on theory, research and clinical practice. The curriculum 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 couples, families, and individuals. This integrated program combines high professional practice standards and ethical conduct, with attention to broader social issues that impact couples and families, and places emphasis on issues of diversity, power and privilege.
An accredited Master of Applied Nutrition (MAN) professional degree program is also offered. Current and prospective graduate students are also directed to the department website. The inter-disciplinary faculty in the department have expertise in psychology, sociology, sexuality, adult development, education, social work, culture, family therapy, nutrition and physical activity. The overarching theme of the work in the department is enhancing lives through science and practice. 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 nutrition and metabolism are available in the Department of Human Health and Nutritional Sciences; those with an emphasis on animal nutrition are available in the Department of Animal Biosciences.
Canadian Police Information Check
Various ministries within the Government of Ontario require that current criminal reference checks be completed for all students, volunteers and successful candidates for employment who care for, or provide service to, children or vulnerable adults. Students enrolled in practica or field placement courses will 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 from the student's local police department (Canadian Police Information Check) will be the responsibility of each student. Applicants to the MSc in the field of Couple and Family Therapy must submit the original results of this check to the Department of Family Relations and Applied Nutrition prior to beginning in September.
Administrative Staff
Chair
Tricia van Rhijn (245 MINS, Ext. 52412)
tricia.vanrhijn@uoguelph.ca
Graduate Program Coordinator
Scott Maitland (225 MINS, Ext. 56156)
fran.gpc@uoguelph.ca
Graduate Program Assistant
Shauna Porter (MINS 249, Ext. 53968)
fran.graduate@uoguelph.ca
Graduate Faculty
This list may include Regular Graduate Faculty, Associated Graduate Faculty and/or Graduate Faculty from other universities.
Kim Anderson
BA, MA Toronto, PhD Guelph - Associate Professor
Graduate Faculty
John M. Beaton
BA Wilfrid Laurier, M.Div. Tyndale Theological Seminary, M.Sc. Guelph, PhD Minnesota - Associate Professor
Graduate Faculty
Paula M. Brauer
BHE British Columbia, MS Wisconsin, PhD Toronto - Professor Emerita
Associated Graduate Faculty
Andrea Breen
B.Ed. McGill, Ed.M. Harvard, PhD Toronto - Associate Professor
Graduate Faculty
Andrea Buchholz
BAA Ryerson, M.Sc. Guelph, PhD Toronto - Professor
Graduate Faculty
Gwenneth Chapman
BSHEc Saskatchewan, M.Sc., PhD Toronto - Professor
Graduate Faculty
Susan S. Chuang
B.Sc., Toronto, M.Sc., M.Sc., PhD Rochester - Professor
Graduate Faculty
Adam Davies
BMus Wilfrid Laurier, MA, PhD OISE Toronto - Assistant Professor
Graduate Faculty
Dalia El Khoury
B.Sc., M.Sc., American (Beirut), PhD Pierre and Marie Curie (Paris VI) - Assistant Professor
Graduate Faculty
Laura Forbes
B.Sc. Acadia, PhD Alberta - Assistant Professor
Graduate Faculty
Jess Haines
B.Sc. Western Ontario, MHSc Toronto, PhD Minnesota - Professor
Graduate Faculty
Leon Kuczynski
B.Sc., MA, PhD Toronto - Professor Emeritus
Associated Graduate Faculty
Tuuli M. Kukkonen
BA Concordia, PhD McGill - Associate Professor
Graduate Faculty
Donna S. Lero
BA SUNY, MS, PhD Purdue - University Professor Emeritus
Associated Graduate Faculty
Clare MacMartin
B.Sc., MA Toronto, PhD Guelph - Associate Professor
Scott B. Maitland
B.Sc. Buffalo State College, M.Sc., PhD Pennsylvania State - Associate Professor
Graduate Faculty
Robin R. Milhausen
BA, M.Sc. Guelph, PhD Indiana - Professor
Graduate Faculty
Ruth Neustifter
BA Syracuse, MSSW-MFT Louisville, PhD Georgia - Associate Professor
Graduate Faculty
Michèle Preyde
BSW Windsor, MSW Wayne State, PhD Toronto - Professor
Graduate Faculty
Carla Rice
BA Harvard, M.Ed. Toronto, PhD York - Professor
Graduate Faculty
Olga Smoliak
BA, MA Trinity Western, PhD Calgary - Associate Professor
Graduate Faculty
Hannah Tait Neufeld
B.A.Sc. Guelph, M.Sc., PhD Manitoba - Assistant Professor, School of Public Health and Health Systems, University of Waterloo
Associated Graduate Faculty
Claire Tugault-Lafleur
B.Sc. McGill, PhD British Columbia - Assistant Professor, School of Nutrition Sciences, University of Ottawa
Associated Graduate Faculty
Tricia van Rhijn
B.A.Sc., M.Sc., PhD Guelph - Associate Professor and Chair
Graduate Faculty
Kimberley Wilson
B.A.Sc. Guelph, MSW Toronto, PhD Guelph - Associate Professor
Graduate Faculty
MAN Program
The Master of Applied Nutrition program comprises one year (3 semesters) of graduate course work and competency-based practica. The program is designed to meet the professional practice requirements for becoming a registered dietitian and to foster practice-based research skills development.
Students take graduate courses in three broad areas of competency required for practice: foodservice management, clinical and community nutrition. These courses focus on the latest research in these fields and provide strong theoretical underpinnings for professional practice. Students increase their knowledge of the field while enhancing their skills in three areas: the research process, critical appraisal and communication. Assignments in the courses apply theories to practice in real-life situations.
This dietetic education program is accredited under the Partnership for Dietetic Education and Practice (PDEP) and prepares students for eligibility for registration with a provincial dietetics regulatory body. Completion of the PDEP integrative competencies qualify a graduate to write the Canadian Dietetic Registration Examination (CDRE).
The course work and practicum options permit the pursuit of interests within the various areas of dietetic practice, while meeting the required entry-level dietetic competencies. Students are charged a practicum fee for each semester of the program, in addition to the University academic and non-academic fees.
Admission Requirements
Students applying to the Master of Applied Nutrition program must have an honours degree within the previous three years from a dietetic program accredited by PDEP. Applicants should have a minimum average of at least 75% in the last two years of their undergraduate program. Credit in the following courses is required prior to beginning the program:
- a one-semester course in applied statistics (minimum grade of 75%) and
- a one-semester course in research methods (minimum grade of 75%).
These requirements may be in progress at the time of application but must be completed by April 30.
All applications will be reviewed by a selection committee of Applied Human Nutrition (AHN) graduate faculty and staff and affiliated placement staff. An interview committee will meet with the most qualified applicants, rank the candidates and forward recommendations for admission to the Office of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies. Program offices should be consulted for admission deadlines.
Program Requirements
For all students in the MAN program, a minimum of 6.5 graduate credits are required, including the following required courses:
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
FRAN*6510 | Nutrition in the Community | 0.50 |
FRAN*6610 | Advances in Clinical Nutrition | 0.50 |
FRAN*6710 | Practicum in Applied Human Nutrition I | 1.50 |
FRAN*6720 | Practicum in Applied Human Nutrition II | 1.50 |
FRAN*6730 | Practicum in Applied Human Nutrition III | 1.50 |
FRAN*6740 | Foodservice Management in Healthcare | 0.50 |
FRAN*6750 | Fundamentals of Dietetic Practice-Based Research | 0.50 |
Graduates who have completed all required competencies successfully can apply to write the Canadian Dietetic Registration Examination (CDRE) and apply for membership in the College of Dietitians of Ontario (CDO).
MSc Program
Admission Requirements
The Department of Family Relations and Applied Nutrition offers an MSc graduate program in three fields:
- Applied Human Nutrition;
- Family Relations and Human Development; and
- Couple and Family Therapy.
General admission requirements for these fields of study include an honours degree or equivalent with an average at least 75% in the last two years of study (or 20 credits).
Applied Human Nutrition
Admission requirements for the MSc program in the field of 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., nutritional sciences, psychology, kinesiology, food science) may be considered with suitable make-up work in core areas. Credit in the following undergraduate courses is required by all entering students:
- a one-semester course in applied statistics (minimum grade of 75%) and
- a one-semester course in research methods (minimum grade of 75%).
MSc AHN students must also have taken prior to beginning the MSc program or will take during the MSc program, undergraduate and/or graduate courses needed to meet foundational knowledge in applied human nutrition. These courses may include, but are not limited to: introductory to human nutrition, human physiology, psychology, communications/counselling, and human development/sociology. These requirements may be in progress at the time of application but must be completed by April 30. Program offices should be consulted for admission deadlines.
Family Relations and Human Development
Admission requirements for the MSc program in the field of Family Relations and Human Development can be satisfied by applicants with an honours degree or equivalent, in a related field. Credit in the following undergraduate courses is required of all entering students:
- a one-semester course in applied statistics (minimum grade of 75%) and
- a one-semester course in social-science research methods (minimum grade of 75%).
These requirements may be in progress at the time of application but must be completed by April 30. Program offices should be consulted for admission deadlines.
Note: Department policy does not permit transfer applications from graduate students registered in the MSc in Family Relations and Human Development into the MSc in Couple and Family Therapy.
Couple and Family Therapy
Admission requirements for the MSc program in the field of Couple and Family Therapy can be satisfied by applicants with an honours degree or equivalent, in a related field. Credit in the following undergraduate courses is required of all entering students:
- a one-semester course in applied statistics (minimum grade of 70%) and
- a one-semester course in social-science research methods (minimum grade of 70%).
These requirements may be in progress at the time of application but must be completed by April 30. Program offices should be consulted for admission deadlines.
Note: Department policy does not permit transfer applications from graduate students registered in the MSc in Family Relations and Human Development into the MSc in Couple and Family Therapy
Relevant work and/or volunteer experience is an asset. The application must include an Overview of Professional Experience and Plans discussing the applicant’s motivation for Couple and Family Therapy graduate education (maximum 3 typed pages). There is no need for CFT applicants to choose an advisor prior to making the application. Selected applicants are invited for an interview, and will have the opportunity to speak with potential CFT faculty advisors at that time. Applicants for the thesis stream only must also submit a Statement of Academic/Research Intent - a detailed, referenced, research plan outlining the relevance of the topic, the connection to faculty research interests and the specific research questions. Also for thesis applicants only, research advisors can be CFT faculty or faculty from the broader department. While CFT faculty do not have research discussions with thesis applicants prior to the application and selection process, thesis applicants can make prior contact with a potential research advisor in the Department if this is deemed an appropriate fit to the applicant's research interests.
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 half-day interview with the Couple and Family Therapy faculty. Participation in the interview is required for admission. Applications from outside of Canada are welcome and external interviewing is appropriately explored. Program offices should be consulted for admission deadlines. Prior to beginning graduate studies in CFT, admitted students must submit a current police record check (CPIC - Canadian Police Information Check) from their local police department.
Program Requirements
Applied Human Nutrition
For all students in the MSc program in the field of Applied Human Nutrition, a minimum of 2.25 graduate credits will be chosen in consultation with the student's advisor and advisory committee.
Core courses include:
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
FRAN*6000 | Quantitative Research Methods | 0.50 |
FRAN*6010 | Applied Statistics | 0.50 |
FRAN*6020 | Qualitative Research Methods | 0.50 |
FRAN*6330 | MSc Research Seminar | 0.25 |
Students must complete one additional [0.50] nutrition-related, graduate elective course such as FRAN*6610 Advances in Clinical Nutrition, FRAN*6510 Nutrition in the Community, FRAN*6560 Topics in Applied Human Nutrition or another nutrition-related graduate level elective course related to their program of study. It can be taken with Family Relations and Applied Nutrition or in other academic units of the university. Students who enter the MSc-AHN program from a non-nutrition undergraduate program will also be required to take those undergraduate and/or graduate courses necessary to meet foundational knowledge in applied human nutrition. These program requirements are minimum expectations. In consultation with the student’s advisor and advisory committee, additional course(s) may be included in the student’s plan of study to meet specific learning needs.
In addition, students must complete a research thesis.
Family Relations and Human Development
For all students in the MSc program in the field of Family Relations and Human Development, a total of 2.25 credits will be chosen in consultation with the student's advisor and advisory committee.
Core courses include:
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
FRAN*6000 | Quantitative Research Methods | 0.50 |
FRAN*6010 | Applied Statistics | 0.50 |
FRAN*6020 | Qualitative Research Methods | 0.50 |
FRAN*6340 | Interdisciplinary Perspectives in Family Relations and Human Development | 0.50 |
FRAN*6330 | MSc Research Seminar | 0.25 |
These program requirements are minimum expectations. In consultation with the student’s advisor and advisory committee, additional course(s) may be included in the student’s plan of study to meet specific learning needs. In addition, students must complete a research thesis.
Couple and Family Therapy
The intensive curriculum in Couple and Family Therapy has been designed to enable students to achieve an integration of theory, practice, and research. Clinical training in the MSc in CFT is guided by a systemic perspective, with emphasis on narrative, solution oriented, emotionally-focused and dialogic approaches. Attention to issues of gender, race, class, ethnicity, sexual identity, and culture as well as experiences of oppression and abuse are infused through all aspects of the curriculum.
Students are expected to develop competence in research. Students may choose to write a thesis, by conducting a research study, or they may choose the major research paper (non-thesis) option, and write a critical paper on a selected clinical topic. The thesis option is recommended for those students intending to pursue PhD studies at the University of Guelph or elsewhere. Thesis students will take additional courses to support their thesis research project (see the courses in the list below). Students completing the degree by the non-thesis option, take FRAN*6350 Major Research Paper.
Clinical training consists of four continuous practica (FRAN*6090 Practicum in Couple and Family Therapy) within the on-site Couple and Family Therapy Centre, plus an externship in a community agency (FRAN*6095 Externship in Couple and Family Therapy). Each onsite practicum requires roughly 300 hours of student engagement (direct and indirect client service, supervision, and class time) over the semester. The externship is 350-400 hours over the semester and requires students to travel up to 100 km to an agency where they will complete the remaining hours required for completion of the program. Prior to graduation the CFT student must accumulate 500 hours of direct therapy work with clients, with at least 250 hours (of the 500 hours) working with couples and/or families. Each practicum student receives a minimum of one hour of individual supervision for every five hours of client in-session contact. In addition, each student participates in a weekly supervision group with a student to supervisor ratio of no more than 8:1. Supervision modalities include live supervision, live observation, video/audio-observation, and case consultation. All program faculty are Clinical Members and Approved Supervisors or Supervisor Candidates of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT).
For all students in the MSc in the field of Couple and Family Therapy, a minimum of 9.25 graduate credits are required, including the following:
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
FRAN*6070 | Sexual Issues and Clinical Interventions Across the Life Span | 0.50 |
FRAN*6080 | Power Relations and Diversity in Couple and Family Therapy | 0.50 |
FRAN*6090 | Practicum in Couple and Family Therapy 1 | 1.00 |
FRAN*6095 | Externship in Couple and Family Therapy | 1.00 |
FRAN*6100 | Clinical Issues in Couple and Family Therapy 1 | 0.50 |
FRAN*6120 | Theories and Methods of Family Therapy I | 0.50 |
FRAN*6130 | Theories and Methods of Family Therapy II | 0.50 |
FRAN*6140 | Professional Issues | 0.50 |
FRAN*6160 | Introduction to Systemic Practice in Couple and Family Therapy | 0.50 |
FRAN*6180 | Research Issues in Couple and Family Therapy | 0.50 |
- 1
Students take FRAN*6090 Practicum in Couple and Family Therapy and FRAN*6100 Clinical Issues in Couple and Family Therapy four times throughout their course of study. As such, each course totals 2.0 credits.
In addition to the above required courses, students take one restricted elective (0.50 credits) in the area of human or lifespan development. Course options for this restricted elective may include:
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
FRAN*6200 | Special Topics in Family Relations and Human Development 1 | 0.50 |
FRAN*6320 | Human Sexuality Across the Life Span | 0.50 |
FRAN*6340 | Interdisciplinary Perspectives in Family Relations and Human Development | 0.50 |
- 1
The special topic of FRAN*6200 Special Topics in Family Relations and Human Development must meet the COAMFTE criteria for individual development and family relations.
For Quantitative thesis students: Three additional courses are required:
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
FRAN*6330 | MSc Research Seminar | 0.25 |
FRAN*6000 | Quantitative Research Methods | 0.50 |
FRAN*6010 | Applied Statistics | 0.50 |
For Qualitative thesis students: Two additional courses are required:
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
FRAN*6330 | MSc Research Seminar | 0.25 |
FRAN*6020 | Qualitative Research Methods | 0.50 |
For non-thesis students: One additional course is required:
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
FRAN*6350 | Major Research Paper | 1.00 |
Upon completion of the requirements for the emphasis in Couple and Family Therapy, the student will receive an MSc. The transcript will specify Family Relations and Human Development: Couple and Family Therapy.
PhD Program
The Department of Family Relations and Applied Nutrition offers a PhD graduate program in two fields:
- Applied Human Nutrition; and
- Family Relations and Human Development.
The PhD program in the field of Applied Human Nutrition is a course of study with a strong research focus involving biological, epidemiological and/or social-science perspectives, typically completed within four years (12 semesters). 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.
The PhD program in the field of Family Relations and Human Development is a course of study with a strong research focus, typically completed within four years (12 semesters). Each student works closely with an advisory committee to develop an individualized course of study that provides depth and addresses the student's specific research and professional goals. Building on core theory and methodology courses, students choose from professional and applied courses as well as courses on specialized topics. The PhD in FRHD has particular strengths in the following areas: child and adolescent development, parent-child and family relations, human sexuality, culture and acculturation, adult development and gerontology, evidence-based practice, well-being, and social policy.
Note: Students enrolled in the MSc program in the fields of Applied Human Nutrition or Family Relations and Human Development are not automatically considered for the respective PhD program; a formal application is required for those wishing admission. All applications are evaluated with reference to academic, research, and professional experience with particular emphasis on research background and potential.
Admission Requirements
Applied Human Nutrition
Students applying to the PhD program in the field of Applied Human Nutrition should have an MSc degree (or in progress) in human nutrition or a related field. Credit in the following courses is required prior to beginning the program:
- a one-semester course in applied statistics (minimum grade of 75%) and
- a one-semester course in research methods (minimum grade of 75%)
PhD-AHN students must also have taken prior to beginning the PhD program or will take during the PhD program, undergraduate and/or graduate courses needed to meet foundational knowledge in applied human nutrition. These courses may include, but are not limited to: introductory human nutrition, human physiology, psychology, communications/counselling, and human development/ sociology. A master's thesis is normally required for admission. These requirements may be in progress at the time of application but must be completed by April 30.
Family Relations and Human Development
Students applying to the PhD program in the field of 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, couple and family therapy, social work). Credit in the following courses is required prior to beginning the program:
- a one-semester course in applied statistics (minimum grade of 75%) and,
- a one-semester course in research methods (minimum grade of 75%).
A master's thesis is normally required for admission. These requirements may be in progress at the time of application but must be completed by April 30.
Program Requirements
Applied Human Nutrition
PhD students in Applied Human Nutrition are required to take a minimum of 1.75 graduate credits including FRAN*6550 PhD Research Seminar and three additional graduate courses [0.5 credits each] chosen in consultation with the student's advisory committee such as but not limited to:
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
FRAN*6440 | Applied Factor Analysis & Structural Equation Modelling | 0.50 |
FRAN*6610 | Advances in Clinical Nutrition | 0.50 |
FRAN*6510 | Nutrition in the Community | 0.50 |
and/or other graduate elective courses, which may be taken within Family Relations and Applied Nutrition or in other academic units of the university, or in other universities through the Ontario Visiting Graduate Student program.
Note: Students who do not have a Master's degree awarded by the Department of Family Relations and Applied Nutrition or from another comparable program, may be required to take additional relevant statistics and/or methods courses (FRAN*6000 Quantitative Research Methods, FRAN*6010 Applied Statistics, and/or FRAN*6020 Qualitative Research Methods) offered by the department as part of their graduate program. Students who enter the AHN field from a non-nutrition undergraduate or MSc program will also be required to take additional undergraduate and/or graduate courses necessary to meet foundational knowledge in applied human nutrition.
Students must also complete a research thesis.
Family Relations and Human Development
PhD students in Family Relations and Human Development are required to take a minimum of 1.75 graduate credits chosen in consultation with the student's advisory committee. Core courses include:
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
FRAN*6440 | Applied Factor Analysis & Structural Equation Modelling | 0.50 |
FRAN*6280 | Theorizing in Family Relations and Human Development | 0.50 |
FRAN*6550 | PhD Research Seminar | 0.25 |
Students must complete one additional 0.50 graduate course, which may be taken within Family Relations and Applied Nutrition, in another academic unit of the university, or in other universities through the Ontario Visiting Graduate Student Program.
NOTE: Students who do not have a Master's degree awarded by the Department of Family Relations and Applied Nutrition or from another comparable program, may be required to take additional relevant theory, statistics, and/or methods courses (FRAN*6000 Quantitative Research Methods, FRAN*6010 Applied Statistics, FRAN*6020 Qualitative Research Methods, and/or FRAN*6340 Interdisciplinary Perspectives in Family Relations and Human Development) offered by the department as part of their graduate program.
Most students take additional elective graduate courses related to their program of study to build a foundation for their research and/or practice. The student's selection of elective 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 also indicates areas of research that reflect current faculty interests and is intended to help students define an area of research and study.
Students must also complete a research thesis.
Collaborative Specializations
International Development Studies
The Department of Family Relations and Applied Nutrition participates in the MSc and PhD collaborative specialization in International Development Studies (IDS). Please consult the International Development Studies listing for a detailed description of the collaborative specialization including the special additional requirements for each of the participating departments. Applications are part of the general MSc or PhD application and applicants apply directly to the Department of Family Relations and Applied Nutrition. In addition to the FRAN MSc or PhD requirements, IDS applicants are expected to have a strong background in the social sciences, a demonstrable track record of experience in the course-based study of development issues, development research and/or development practice and a stated research interest relating to international or national development. The IDS designation also requires two core courses in international development theory and research methods. IDS graduates hold positions in government in Canada and abroad with NGOs, international organizations and private consultancies.
One Health
The Department of Family Relations and Applied Nutrition participates in the MSc (AHN/FRHD only) and PhD collaborative specialization in One Health. MSc and Doctoral students wishing to undertake thesis research or their major research paper/project with an emphasis on one health are eligible to apply to register concurrently in Family Relations and Applied Nutrition and the collaborative specialization. Students should consult the One Health listing for more information.
Sexualities, Genders and Bodies
The Family Relations and Applied Nutrition program participates in the collaborative specialization in Sexualities, Genders and Bodies. MSc and Doctoral students wishing to undertake thesis research or their major research paper/project with an emphasis on sexualities, genders and bodies are eligible to apply to register concurrently in Family Relations and Applied Nutrition and the collaborative specialization. Students should consult the Sexualities, Genders and Bodies listing for more information.
Courses
This course includes critical appraisal of the research literature. Research ethics, subject selection, measurement issues, survey design, experimental and quasi-experimental designs, cross-sectional and longitudinal designs, scale development, questionnaire development and sampling strategies are discussed.
Students will learn conceptual and practical applications of statistical analyses with emphasis on hypothesis formation, data screening, test selection, inferential statistics, univariate and multivariate analysis of variance/covariance (including repeated measures designs), simple and multiple regression, logistic regression, regression diagnostics, model building and path analytic techniques.
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.
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. This course is offered in a one-week intensive format in coordination with the Guelph Sexuality Conference.
This course provides a foundational review of current perspectives within and outside of the couple and family therapy literature that relate to the intersection of culture (race, ethnicity, class, gender, sexuality, ability, etc.) and oppression. Attention is given to the translation of knowledge about power relations and diversity into practice when working as a couple and family therapist with clients and professional colleagues.
This course features supervised clinical practice in couple and family therapy. It involves regular clinical work with couples, families, and individuals. Students meet with faculty each week for up to six hours of supervision. Supervision over the semester will involve both group and individual/dyadic meetings.
This is an advanced clinical practicum in Couple and Family Therapy. Students are placed in a community agency where they accumulate 10-15 hours per week (over 3 days) of direct clinical contact time. All clinical work is supervised by a clinical supervisor on site. Travel to the community agency is usually required.
This course is taken four times in the two year program of study. Each offering features selected clinical issues; examination of each issue will include the socio-cultural context, theoretical location, and conceptual and practical implications for couple and family therapy.
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.
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.
An exploration of ethics in couple and family therapy; legal issues in the practice of family therapy; and professional issues regarding identity, licensure and practice.
An exploration of family process to understand diversity in family structures and functioning from a systemic conceptual framework. Applied activities in the associated tutorial section focus on developing basic communication, observational, and therapy skills. Student participation in small learning groups supports skill development and integration of theory and practice.
The focus of this course is on research in Couple & Family Therapy, including issues related to evidence-based practice, therapeutic outcome, and therapeutic process. A selected review of quantitative and qualitative research methods and exemplary research is included.
Contemporary research in family relations and human development. Research topics vary.
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.
The principles of evidence-based practice are examined using various examples of psychosocial, behavioural and health interventions. The levels of evidence, criteria for efficacy and effectiveness, and the importance and limitations of evidence-based practice will be evaluated. The process of moving knowledge derived from high quality evidence into practice will be appraised throughout the course. Students will have the opportunity to build knowledge in their own areas of interest.
Supervised practicum experience in a variety of agencies or services. Interested students are encouraged to discuss this option with their faculty advisor. 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.
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.
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.
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.
This course exposes MSc students to major theories, issues, and methodologies driving research in Family Relations and Applied Nutrition. Students learn to critically evaluate presentations by researchers and how to effectively communicate their own research. The course also provides students opportunities to develop professional skills and facilitate community building within the department through mentoring and peer support. Students in this course attend weekly seminars in each Fall and Winter semester of their program of study.
This course serves as an introduction to graduate studies in Family Relations and Human Development. It examines the epistemological, ontological and axiological foundations of various approaches to the study of family relations and human development, including developmental theories, critical approaches, and Indigenous Ways of Knowing. It explores questions of what constitutes a discipline and the challenges and possibilities of interdisciplinary approaches in research. Emphasis will be placed on student exploration of their own relationships with knowledge and emerging identities as researchers.
The major research paper is an option open only to MSc students within the Couple 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.
This course introduces students to exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis, and structural equation modeling. Topics include: model selection and validation, multiple group models, measurement equivalence/invariance and latent mean analyses. This course is data-driven and students will learn through hands-on analytic experiences accompanied by in-class lectures and readings.
This course serves as a foundational introduction to Critical Family and Kinship Studies. It examines the boundaries of human being and relationships, emphasizing critical and posthuman perspectives on family and kinship relationships.
Concepts and knowledge of nutrition as applied in community and public health nutrition. Examination of current programs in applied nutrition.
This course exposes PhD students to major theories, issues, and methodologies driving research in Family Relations and Applied Nutrition. Students learn to critically evaluate presentations by researchers and how to effectively communicate their own research. The course also provides students opportunities to develop professional skills and facilitate community building within the department through mentoring and peer support. Students in this course attend weekly seminars in each Fall and Winter semesters of their program of study.
Contemporary research and topics in applied human nutrition. Course content is unique to each offering.
An advanced overview of clinical nutrition with emphasis on using the nutrition care process to integrate theory and practice for a variety of health care settings.
This course provides a practicum of 3 days per week with a dietetic-related agency or organization to develop and perform dietetic competencies (internship experience). In weekly seminars, students discuss and reflect on theory and dietetic practice issues.
This course provides a practicum of 3 days per week with a dietetic-related agency or organization to develop and perform dietetic competencies (internship experience). In weekly seminars, students discuss and reflect on theory and dietetic practice issues
This course provides a practicum of 3 days per week with a dietetic-related agency or organization to develop and perform dietetic competencies (internship experience). In weekly seminars, students discuss and reflect on theory and dietetic practice issues.
Students will critically assess and integrate foodservice management literature and theories to address the multifactorial issues in foodservice operations in healthcare. Case studies presented by expert guests and operational projects will support student synthesis and evaluation of the literature.
In this course, students learn the fundamentals of dietetic practice-based research, including critical appraisal, quantitative methods, qualitative methods and quality improvement.
Each of FRAN*6090 and FRAN*6100 are taken four consecutive semesters.