University of Toronto

MSc Exercise Sciences Curriculum

The major emphasis for a student in the MSc program is learning the craft of research, and the development and execution of a theoretical framework for conducting research. The MSc program is designed as a two-year program and involves a combination of course work (2.5 Full Course Equivalents [FCE]) and original research. It is the intent of the program to:
1. Broaden the students' level of understanding of the various interdisciplinary aspects of the Exercise Sciences.
2. Provide students with scholarly and technical research skills to pursue a high quality research project culminating in the presentation of a formal written thesis and oral defence.

Overview:         
a)          1.0 FCE required courses
b)          1.5 FCE elective courses
c)          Thesis Proposal Defence

Required Courses:
1.0 FCE Required Courses:

• Each student must complete ONE of the following 0.5 FCE courses, depending on their stream:
  Behavioural:           EXS 5516H        Exercise Psychology
  Biophysical:            EXS 5503H        Adaptations to Habitual Activity
  Sociocultural:         EXS 5518H        Theoretical Issues in the Study of Physical Activity and Health
• Each student must complete a 0.5 FCE statistics/research methods course at the graduate level.  Please consult the School of Graduate Studies Calendar for such courses.

1.5 FCE Elective Courses: 

• Each student must complete a 0.5 FCE graduate course in Exercise Sciences in addition to the EXS required course.
• Each student must complete a 0.5 FCE graduate course from a department outside Exercise Sciences in addition to their statistics/research methods course.
• Each student must complete a 0.5 FCE graduate course of their choice, including EXS courses.

PhD  Exercise Sciences Curriculum

The PhD candidate strives to demonstrate the ability to conduct research independently, and develop a program of research that is both original and capable of making a significant contribution to the candidate's field. The PhD program is designed as a four-year program involving a combination of course work (3.0 Full Course Equivalents [FCE]), written and oral comprehensive examinations, and original research. Doctoral students must have completed all degree requirements;exclusive of thesis defence (courses and comprehensive exam) by the end of their 3rd year in order to continue in the PhD program. Students are encouraged to develop a program of study that will:
1. Enhance their basic understanding of critical areas of study within the Exercise Sciences that would have a direct impact on their research program.
2. Further develop their scholarly and technical research skills so that they may pursue a high quality research project culminating in the presentation of a major formal written dissertation and an internal and external defence of their research.

Overview:
a) 1.0 FCE required courses
b) 2.0 FCE elective courses
c) Comprehensive examinations (both written and oral)
d) Thesis and defence of the thesis

Required Courses:
1.0 FCE Required Courses:

• Each student must complete ONE of the following 0.5 FCE courses, depending on their stream:
  Behavioural:           EXS 5516H        Exercise Psychology
  Biophysical:            EXS 5503H        Adaptations to Habitual Activity
  Sociocultural:         EXS 5518H        Theoretical Issues in the Study of Physical Activity and Health
• Each student must complete a 0.5 FCE statistics/research methods course at the graduate level.  Please consult the School of Graduate Studies Calendar for such courses.

2.0 FCE Elective Courses: 

• Each student must complete 1.0 FCE in graduate courses in Exercise Sciences in addition to the EXS required course.
• Each student must complete a 0.5 FCE graduate course from a department outside Exercise Sciences in addition to their statistics/research methods course.
• Each student must complete a 0.5 FCE graduate course of their choice, including EXS courses.

Course List
Not all courses are available each year. Please consult the Course Schedule for courses available in this academic year.