Aug. 27, 2008

Brock University has initiated a new PhD program in Applied Health Sciences that features three fields of study with dramatic potential for positive impact on the health of individuals, groups, populations, and even organizations.

"The approval of the new PhD program is a clear indication of the maturity and reputation of the Faculty's undergraduate and graduate program offerings. Our multi-disciplinary approach provides yet another example of how our Faculty continues to break the boundaries of academic convention," noted Anna Lathrop, Interim Dean, Faculty of Applied Health Sciences.

Brock's newest PhD program, given approval earlier this summer by the Ontario Council of Graduate Studies (OCGS) encompasses the fields of Behavioural and Population Health; Health Biosciences; and Social and Cultural Health Studies.

While each field represents a different perspective from which to view contemporary health, the unique history of the Faculty lends itself to a multi-disciplinary approach to research. While many graduate programs operate under the umbrella of one department or institute, there is a single program that draws upon all departments that make up the Faculty.

The goal has always been to focus on a philosophy of integration, and to develop and promote graduate studies by integrating research and scholarship across departmental boundaries. This in turn has significant advantages in research.

"If you look at the example of childhood obesity and its impact on health, the issue can be studied from different fields and perspectives," noted Mike Plyley, Associate Dean, Research and Graduate Studies, Faculty of Applied Health Sciences. "However, if you study the issue from only one perspective, you won't get all the answers you are looking for, nor will the research be as rewarding as when you are able to see problem from several perspectives and develop the bigger picture."

Plyley was recruited to Brock in 2001 to develop research programs and graduate studies. The OCGS recently conducted a review of the Master's Program, and approved six Master's fields: Community Health; Health and Physical Education; Health Science; Kinesiology; Leisure Studies; and Sport Management.

He said the timing seemed right for the Faculty to pursue the PhD program, and so the comprehensive process was begun about 18 months ago.

"Proposals for doctoral programs are very rigorously vetted at the provincial level," noted Marilyn Rose, Dean of the Faculty of Graduate Studies. "The success of this initiative speaks to the depth and strength of the research faculty in Applied Health Sciences, and to the hard work and vision of Dr. Plyley and his colleagues."

Following news of the approval, Plyley and fellow Faculty members will spend the next few months actively recruiting the best possible candidates for the program. Three will be admitted for January 2009, while a full roster of six candidates will be admitted in September 2009. At its peak, there will be 24 PhD candidates in the four-year, multi-disciplinary program.

The timing couldn't be more appropriate, Plyley noted, as some of the researchers will eventually be housed in the new Niagara Health and Biosciences Complex.

The Faculty of Applied Health Sciences already has a strong Master's program in place. The number of graduate students has grown from an initial 16 to 120 this past year, Plyley noted, but 40 per cent of the graduating Master's students have gone to other universities for PhD studies.

In addition, the PhD program was needed to attract and retain strong researchers and supervisors, he added. "We have young, vibrant newly graduated PhD professors who start their careers, and gain tenure, and then may get lured away to the older universities with PhD programs. We want to retain them."

Currently, 35 professors of the Faculty's 80-member complement are qualified to supervise at the doctoral level, but as others gain experience and grants, meeting specifically laid-out criteria, they will also become eligible to supervise in the PhD program.

For more information, please contact Jeffrey Sinibaldi, Media Relations Officer, Brock University, at 905-688-5550, ext. 4687; jsinibaldi@brocku.ca