Calendar 2012-2013 - Lawrence S. Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing

Doctor of PhilosophyProgram OverviewThe University of Toronto Faculty of Nursing Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (PhD) Degree isdesigned to prepare scientists with the analytical and research skills required for the study ofclinical or administrative nursing problems. The completion of a thesis forms a major componentof the program.Graduates of the program will demonstrate:superior understanding of the theoretical foundations of nursing science;a broad appreciation of the relationship between nursing science and the scientific basis ofother health disciplines;in-depth knowledge and specialization related to a selected aspect of nursing science;the ability to design and conduct research studies of relevance and importance to nursingscience;commitment to ethical scholarship and collaboration in the furthering of knowledge, with acritical and objective perspective on research; andthe ability to contribute to the education of undergraduate and graduate nursing students.Fields of StudyStudents will elect to study in one of three research fields:Effective Care and Health OutcomesThe focus of this research field is on rigorous evaluations of conventional and innovative forms ofnursing and health care, using randomized controlled trials, theory-driven evaluations, andsystematic reviews of the evidence. Studies are conducted in formal and informal health caresettings, addressing a wide variety of health and illness issues in, for example, maternal-newbornhealth, cancer care, genetics, critical care, cardiovascular disease, acute and chronic pain inadults, infants and children, and in the area of sleep. The Randomized Controlled Trials Unit ishoused within this field, as a resource for faculty and students designing and conductingrandomized trials.The required course is NUR1087, “Foundations of Clinical Research.”Critical Approaches to Health and Health CareScholars in this research field explore issues in health and health care using a range of criticaland social theories as a foundation. The work of this eclectic group incorporates a number ofresearch methodologies, with an emphasis on qualitative, participatory, and theoretical inquiry.Three strands of investigation are pursued. Several members of this field study health disparitiesthat stem from interconnected and marginalizing social relations of gender, income inequality,disability, racism and heteronormativity. Others analyze the historical, ethical and political basis ofhealth care. Finally, there is a strong focus on migration, and international/ global health.The required course is NUR1085, “Topics in Critical Perspectives in Health and Health Care.”Nursing Health SystemsUniversity of Toronto Lawrence S. Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing Calendar 2012-2013 24