Lady Meredith Building

A three-year research training program leading to a doctoral (PhD) degree in Occupational Health Sciences.

Admission

Candidates must hold an MSc degree or its equivalent in Occupational Health Sciences, or in a relevant discipline, such as: chemistry, engineering, physics, community health, environmental health, epidemiology, or health sciences (medicine, nursing, etc.).

Candidates must submit with their application two copies of their official transcripts, two letters of reference, a copy of their curriculum vitae and a letter describing their field of expertise (occupational health, industrial safety, industrial hygiene, environment, etc.).

The Department encourages candidates to submit a document outlining their scientific interests and indicating the topic of their proposed research project.

Language Requirements

Language requirements for this progam are the same as those set for graduate programs by the Graduate and Postdoctoral Office. Extracted from the Regulations of the Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies Office

Funding

Outstanding applicants seeking first admission at the graduate level at McGill may be considered for a Max Stern recruitment fellowship or aTomlinson fellowship.

For more information on funding, consult the Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies Office site at: www.mcgill.ca/gps/fellowships

Course requirements

Students are required to take course OCCH-706-001 Occupational Health and Hygiene Seminars (2 credits) and are encouraged to take up to 12 credits in areas pertinent to their specialty or in areas necessary to complete their knowledge of occupational health.

Examination

All PhD students must take the comprehensive examination, within 18 months of registration (course OCCH-700-001).

This examination will assess:

• the student's knowledge of his or her field of research, and mastery of other areas of occupational health sciences;
• the student's progression in the program and the quality of his or her research proposal.

For details, see Comprehensive Examination Scope and Procedure [.pdf]

Research project

The PhD research degree requires high scholastic attainment in a specific field, demonstrated by independent and original research, and an understanding of related subjects.

Each student will be assigned to one academic staff member of the Department who will supervise and guide him/her in the preparation of the protocol and the conduct of the research.

A thesis committee will be established to ensure proper supervision and coverage of different fields of expertise that may be required for the successful completion of the research project.

Scientific activities

In addition to the above requirements, doctoral students are expected to take an active part in the scientific life of the Department, by attending and presenting scientific seminars, and participating in teaching activities.

Timetable

University regulations require PhD students to follow a program of three years resident study at the University on a full-time basis. Extension of the time required to complete the program may be granted upon justified recommendation from the Chair of the Department. However, the program must be completed within a maximum of 7 years.

Graduation

The PhD degree is granted by the Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies Office, upon satisfactory completion of all program requirements and the thesis defense.