Honours Bachelor of Health Sciences
This program is offered in French.
The Honours Bachelor of Health Sciences program is defined by its integrative approach for studying health. Students are provided with a foundational biosciences core, research analytical skills training in a range of quantitative and qualitative methodologies within a broader interdisciplinary context of the social and environmental determinants of health. This unique academic approach allows students to discover innovative ways to examine, measure and unravel complex health problems at all life stages, in Canada and around the world.
Future health professionals will be challenged to understand biological, environmental and social factors, both in isolation and as interactive health determinants.The curriculum contains a research methodologies core to provide students with applied, quantitative and qualitative transferrable skills for post-graduate training or employment. Three thematic programming options enable students to focus their academic trajectory in Integrative Health Biosciences, Technologies and Innovation in Healthcare or Population and Public Health, gaining theoretical and applied knowledge and skills in these domains. This program also includes select opportunities to conduct a research thesis project and participate in interdisciplinary health sciences fieldwork.
Graduates will be well-prepared to undertake healthrelated MSc programs or pursue careers in public or private health agencies, non-governmental health organizations or in community health programs. Students are provided with the necessary foundation for further studies in medicine, rehabilitation studies, dentistry or pharmacy. Our interdisciplinary focus enhances the quality and maturity of future clinicians and health professionals.
Master of Health Sciences Occupational Therapy
This program is offered in French.
Occupational therapists work collaboratively with individuals and groups of individuals to help people engage or re-engage in the activities that are important to them (“occupations”). Occupational therapists are experts in occupation. They help individuals and groups of individuals to identify and prioritize their occupations. They collaboratively explore the supports and barriers to engaging in these occupations and work with individuals and groups of individuals as they identify and implement ways to engage in these occupations despite physical, cognitive, or emotional challenges.
The Master of Health Science in Occupational Therapy at the University of Ottawa is designed for those dedicated to improving well-being through holistic, evidence-based care. This program offers comprehensive training, hands-on experience, and theoretical knowledge to prepare students for impactful roles across various settings. The program emphasizes equitable occupational participation and effective work in bilingual and multicultural environments, aligning with its mission to serve minority Francophone communities.
Graduates of the University of Ottawa's occupational therapy program are equipped to become leaders who will impact their community by advancing knowledge, building relationships to promote diversity and equity, and fostering opportunities for occupational participation for all.
The occupational therapy program meets the standards developed by the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists (CAOT). These national standards ensure the quality of professional education. In addition to the coursework, students complete 1,000 hours of clinical training in Ottawa-area hospitals, schools, community organizations, private clinics and rehabilitation centres or at locations outside the National Capital Region.
This limited capacity enrolment program is completed over six consecutive full-time study terms, including placements.
The objectives of the program are achieved through successful completion of theoretical and practical courses, integration seminars and clinical placements. Teaching activities are grouped under the following six themes:
- Theme 1: Occupational participation: interaction among the person, their occupations, and their environment;
- Theme 2: Fundamental principles for the practice as an occupational therapist (being a professional);
- Theme 3: Knowledge of health conditions and interventions - occupational therapist and the team;
- Theme 4: Occupational therapy practice: collaborating to promote occupational participation;
- Theme 5: Critical evaluation of knowledge;
- Theme 6: Knowledge integration.
- Admission to a dual fast-track degree program does not guarantee entry into the master’s program.
- The minimum cumulative grade point average required for good academic standing is 8.5.
- By the end of February of the 3rd year of study:
- Have passed a language proficiency test in the official language other than the language of instruction at the undergraduate degree.1 AND
- Have a satisfactory score on a personal characteristics test (Computer-Based Assessment for Sampling Personal Characteristics (CASPer)).1, 2
- 1
Candidates are responsible for any fees associated with the CASPer and language test.
- 2
The CASPer exam can be completed in either French or English, depending on the candidate's preference.
For the most accurate and up to date information on admission requirements, please visit the program prerequisites webpage.
Requirements for this program have been modified. Please consult the 2024-2025 calendars for the previous requirements.
The minimum C.G.P.A. required for good academic standing is 8.5.
Honours Bachelor of Health Sciences
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Compulsory courses at the 1000 level | ||
| ANP 1505 | Anatomie humaine et physiologie I | 3 Units |
| ANP 1506 | Anatomie humaine et physiologie II | 3 Units |
| BIO 1540 | Introduction à la biologie cellulaire et moléculaire | 3 Units |
| CHM 1711 | Principes de chimie | 3 Units |
| FRA 1710 | Analyse, écriture et argumentation I | 3 Units |
| HSS 1500 | Microbiologie et immunologie | 3 Units |
| HSS 1501 | Déterminants de la santé | 3 Units |
| PSY 1501 | Introduction à la psychologie : fondements | 3 Units |
| SOC 1501 | Éléments de sociologie | 3 Units |
| Compulsory courses at the 2000 level | ||
| HSS 2502 | Communication et santé | 3 Units |
| HSS 2705 | Mécanismes moléculaires des maladies | 3 Units |
| HSS 2721 | Perspectives sociopolitiques et économiques de la santé | 3 Units |
| HSS 2781 | Analyse quantitative des données en sciences de la santé: variables continues | 3 Units |
| HSS 2782 | Analyse quantitative des données en sciences de la santé: variables catégorielles | 3 Units |
| PHI 2796 | Bioéthique | 3 Units |
| Compulsory courses at the 3000 level | ||
| HSS 3501 | Recherche en santé : approches qualitative et quantitative | 3 Units |
| HSS 3503 | Expérience de la maladie, de la déficience et du handicap | 3 Units |
| HSS 3506 | Pharmacologie : Mécanismes d'action et observance de la prise des médicaments | 3 Units |
| HSS 3510 | Épidémiologie | 3 Units |
| HSS 3703 | Environnement et santé | 3 Units |
| HSS 3705 | Pathophysiologie des problèmes de santé | 3 Units |
| Compulsory courses at the 4000 level | ||
| HSS 4501 | Élaboration et évaluation de programmes en santé | 3 Units |
| HSS 4502 | Origines développementales de la santé et des maladies | 3 Units |
| Optional courses | ||
| 15 optional course units in Health Sciences from the list of optional courses | 15 Units | |
| 6 science optional course units offered by the Faculty of Science | 6 Units | |
| Total: | 90 Units | |
List of Optional Courses
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| ANP 1507 | Anatomie humaine et physiologie III | 3 Units |
| HSS 2504 | Activité humaine, travail et santé | 3 Units |
| HSS 2505 | Comprendre la santé mentale | 3 Units |
| HSS 2516 | La santé des francophones en situation minoritaire | 3 Units |
| HSS 2521 | Histoire des soins de santé | 3 Units |
| HSS 3505 | Citoyenneté mondiale et santé | 3 Units |
| HSS 3507 | Comprendre les signaux mesurés par des technologies de la santé | 3 Units |
| HSS 3508 | Prévention des maladies et promotion de la santé | 3 Units |
| HSS 3509 | Approches de recherche en biosciences de la santé | 3 Units |
| HSS 3732 | Technologie et santé | 3 Units |
| HSS 4508 | Méthodes d'évaluation des technologies de la santé | 3 Units |
| HSS 4509 | Applications en santé assistées par ordinateur | 3 Units |
| HSS 4510 | Santé publique et santé des populations | 3 Units |
| HSS 4511 | Perspectives en santé sexuelle et reproductive | 3 Units |
| HSS 4512 | Déterminants moléculaires de la santé et de la longévité | 3 Units |
| HSS 4712 | Évaluation critique et appréciation de la recherche en santé | 3 Units |
| HSS 4713 | Approches integrées en biosciences de la santé | 3 Units |
| HSS 4724 | Thèmes choisis en sciences de la santé | 3 Units |
Master of Health Sciences Occupational Therapy
Master's with Coursework
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Compulsory Courses | ||
| ERG 5512 | Anatomie et éléments du mouvement pour la participation occupationnelle | 3 Units |
| ERG 5525 | Exploration de la participation occupationnelle | 3 Units |
| ERG 5526 | Analyse de la participation occupationnelle | 1.5 Units |
| ERG 5527 | Participation occupationnelle de l’enfant et l’adolescent | 1.5 Units |
| ERG 5528 | Aspects sociopolitiques de la participation occupationnelle | 3 Units |
| ERG 5714 | Principes généraux du processus de pratique ergothérapique | 3 Units |
| ERG 5722 | Perspectives théoriques et modèles en ergothérapie | 3 Units |
| ERG 5741 | Atteintes à la santé des enfants et approches d'intervention | 3 Units |
| ERG 5742 | Atteintes à la santé physique des adultes et approches d'intervention | 3 Units |
| ERG 5743 | Atteintes à la santé mentale des adultes et approches d'intervention | 3 Units |
| ERG 5744 | Atteintes à la santé des personnes âgées et approches d'intervention | 3 Units |
| ERG 5754 | La recherche en ergothérapie | 3 Units |
| REA 5703 | Pratiques professionnelles en réadaptation | 3 Units |
| ERG 6715 | Pratiques professionnelles avancées en ergothérapie | 3 Units |
| ERG 6741 | Intervention de l'ergothérapeute auprès des enfants | 3 Units |
| ERG 6742 | Intervention de l'ergothérapeute auprès des adultes (santé physique) | 3 Units |
| ERG 6743 | Intervention de l'ergothérapeute auprès des adultes (santé mentale) | 3 Units |
| ERG 6744 | Intervention de l'ergothérapeute auprès des personnes âgées | 3 Units |
| REA 6503 | Pratique factuelle en réadaptation | 3 Units |
| Seminars | ||
| ERG 6755 | Séminaire de recherche | 3 Units |
| ERG 6761 | Séminaire d'intégration des acquis en ergothérapie | 3 Units |
| Clinical Placements 1 | ||
| ERG 5901 | Clinical Placement in Occupational Therapy I | |
| ERG 5902 | Clinical Placement in Occupational Therapy II | |
| ERG 6903 | Clinical Placement in Occupational Therapy III | |
| ERG 6904 | Clinical Placement in Occupational Therapy IV | |
| ERG 6905 | Clinical Placement in Occupational Therapy V | |
| Total: | 60 Units | |
Note(s)
- 1
A minimum of 1000 placement hours must be completed over the five clinical placements.
Master's with Coursework and Research Project
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Compulsory Courses | ||
| ERG 5512 | Anatomie et éléments du mouvement pour la participation occupationnelle | 3 Units |
| ERG 5525 | Exploration de la participation occupationnelle | 3 Units |
| ERG 5526 | Analyse de la participation occupationnelle | 1.5 Units |
| ERG 5527 | Participation occupationnelle de l’enfant et l’adolescent | 1.5 Units |
| ERG 5528 | Aspects sociopolitiques de la participation occupationnelle | 3 Units |
| ERG 5714 | Principes généraux du processus de pratique ergothérapique | 3 Units |
| ERG 5722 | Perspectives théoriques et modèles en ergothérapie | 3 Units |
| ERG 5741 | Atteintes à la santé des enfants et approches d'intervention | 3 Units |
| ERG 5742 | Atteintes à la santé physique des adultes et approches d'intervention | 3 Units |
| ERG 5743 | Atteintes à la santé mentale des adultes et approches d'intervention | 3 Units |
| ERG 5744 | Atteintes à la santé des personnes âgées et approches d'intervention | 3 Units |
| ERG 5754 | La recherche en ergothérapie | 3 Units |
| REA 5703 | Pratiques professionnelles en réadaptation | 3 Units |
| ERG 6715 | Pratiques professionnelles avancées en ergothérapie | 3 Units |
| ERG 6741 | Intervention de l'ergothérapeute auprès des enfants | 3 Units |
| ERG 6742 | Intervention de l'ergothérapeute auprès des adultes (santé physique) | 3 Units |
| ERG 6743 | Intervention de l'ergothérapeute auprès des adultes (santé mentale) | 3 Units |
| ERG 6744 | Intervention de l'ergothérapeute auprès des personnes âgées | 3 Units |
| REA 6503 | Pratique factuelle en réadaptation | 3 Units |
| Seminars | ||
| ERG 6761 | Séminaire d'intégration des acquis en ergothérapie | 3 Units |
| Research Project | ||
| ERG 6920 | Individual Research Project | 6 Units |
| Clinical Placements 1 | ||
| ERG 5901 | Clinical Placement in Occupational Therapy I | |
| ERG 5902 | Clinical Placement in Occupational Therapy II | |
| ERG 6903 | Clinical Placement in Occupational Therapy III | |
| ERG 6904 | Clinical Placement in Occupational Therapy IV | |
| ERG 6905 | Clinical Placement in Occupational Therapy V | |
| Total: | 63 Units | |
Note(s)
- 1
A minimum of 1000 placement hours must be completed over the five clinical placements.
Specific requirements for the master's program
Minimum Requirements
The pass mark in each individual course is C +. S (Satisfactory) is required for each clinical placement.
Two failures (course or clinical placement) result in withdrawal from the program. In the case of a single failure, the failed course or clinical placement can be repeated the next time the course is offered, but registration for courses or clinical placements for which the failed course or clinical placement is a prerequisite will not be possible. In this case, it will not be possible to complete the program within the prescribed time. Failing the repeated course or clinical placement is considered a second failure.
Duration of the Program
The program normally runs over 6 consecutive full-time terms. All program requirements are expected to be complete, including the placements and the Research Project (ERG 6755 or ERG 6920), within this two-year period.
Expected Professional Behaviour
You must comply with the requirements of integrity as well as professional ethics in all aspects of your program (courses, clinical placements, projects) during your interactions with colleagues, professors, clinical supervisors, clients, research participants, academic staff, etc. A list of essential skills and qualifications of occupational therapy can be found here.
Requirements for Clinical Placements
You must adhere to the requirements established by the Faculty of Health Sciences Requirements for practical learning activities (courses, labs, internships and clinical placements) regarding immunizations, police records and any other training or information required to ensure health and safety in clinical placement settings. It is your responsibility to know these requirements and to abide by them.
Non-adherence to the requirements can have major consequences, including not being able to start a clinical placement and even withdrawal during a clinical placement.
Attendance at clinical placements is mandatory, the abandonment of a clinical placement already started without good reason is a failure. In accordance with the affiliation agreement between the University of Ottawa and the clinical institution: "The organization may terminate an internship in a clinical setting and prohibit a student from continuing it if, in its opinion, the student’s behavior represents a potential danger to its customers or patients or has a negative impact on their well-being or on the personnel of the organization ". If you are dismissed from a clinical placement by the clinical organization, you will receive a failing grade for this clinical placement.
The clinical placements take place in the Ottawa region as well as in other parts of Ontario and Canada. You may be assigned to a local or out-of-area clinical placement. In some cases, the Consortium National de Formation en Santé (CNFS) may cover part of the travel costs for out-of-area clinical placements.
All students are expected to have placements in both majority English-speaking settings and in majority French-speaking settings.