The University of Guelph is a comprehensive public research university located in Guelph, Ontario, Canada. It is recognized for its strong programs in agriculture, veterinary medicine, life sciences, environmental sciences, business, and the arts. The university is committed to providing a transformative learning experience and fostering a supportive community for its students. With a focus on research, innovation, and community engagement, the University of Guelph prepares students to address global challenges and contribute to society.

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The Department of Family Relations and Applied Nutrition offers MSc and PhD level graduate study in four fields: Applied Human Nutrition; Family Relations and Human Development Critical Family and Kinship Studies; and Couple and Family Therapy. Applied Human Nutrition (MSc, PhD) This field incorporates both physiological and behavioural aspects of human nutrition and spans all age groups in its focus on the role of nutrition in human health and well-being. Faculty have specific interests in clinical and community nutrition, physical activity, nutrition assessment, education, health services research, inter-professional practice and epidemiology. This field of study provides a strong foundation in research and nutrition methodology through required courses and thesis work. Family Relations and Human Development (MSc, PhD) This field of study emphasizes a balance between theory, empirical research and practice in graduate training. Students have many options for building an individualized program of study combining coursework and thesis research. Building on core theory and methodology courses, students choose from professional and applied courses as well as courses on specialized topics. The area of study has particular strengths in the following areas: child and adolescent development, parent-child and family relations, human sexuality, culture, adult development and gerontology, well-being, evidence-based practice, and social policy. Critical Family and Kinship Studies (MSc) This field of study emphasizes critical approaches to understanding family and kinship across the lifespan. Students have the opportunity to focus their research interests and build an individualized program of study through interdisciplinary coursework and thesis research that aims to challenge dominant discourses of family through critical, poststructural, and decolonized approaches. This area of specialization has particular strengths in the following areas: critical race and disability studies, queer theories, Indigenous family well-being, social constructionism and human-animal relationships. Couple and Family Therapy (MSc) This competency-based program is both a Recognized Education and Training Program with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario and accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy. The field of study is intensive and focuses on theory, research and clinical practice. The curriculum is designed to produce sophisticated therapists and scholars by integrating contemporary theory, research competence, and systemic approaches to therapy in the understanding and treatment of couples, families, and individuals. This integrated program combines high professional practice standards and ethical conduct, with attention to broader social issues that impact couples and families, and places emphasis on issues of diversity, power and privilege. An accredited Master of Applied Nutrition (MAN) professional degree program is also offered. Current and prospective graduate students are also directed to the department website. The inter-disciplinary faculty in the department have expertise in psychology, sociology, sexuality, adult development, education, social work, culture, family therapy, nutrition and physical activity. The overarching theme of the work in the department is enhancing lives through science and practice. The faculty share a common interest in expanding and applying knowledge about family relations and human development, especially in relation to the social, emotional, psychological, nutritional, and economic well-being of families across the life cycle. Graduate programs with an emphasis on nutrition and metabolism are available in the Department of Human Health and Nutritional Sciences; those with an emphasis on animal nutrition are available in the Department of Animal Biosciences. Show less

FRAN*6000 Quantitative Research Methods Winter Only [0.50]
This course includes critical appraisal of the research literature. Research ethics, subject selection, measurement issues, survey design, experimental and quasi-experimental designs, cross-sectional and longitudinal designs, scale development, questionnaire development and sampling strategies are discussed.

Department(s): Department of Family Relations and Applied Nutrition
Location(s): Guelph
FRAN*6010 Applied Statistics Fall Only [0.50]
Students will learn conceptual and practical applications of statistical analyses with emphasis on hypothesis formation, data screening, test selection, inferential statistics, univariate and multivariate analysis of variance/covariance (including repeated measures designs), simple and multiple regression, logistic regression, regression diagnostics, model building and path analytic techniques.

Co-requisite(s): FRAN*6000
Restriction(s): Restricted to Family Relations & Applied Nutrition students.
Department(s): Department of Family Relations and Applied Nutrition
Location(s): Guelph
FRAN*6020 Qualitative Research Methods Winter Only [0.50]
This course teaches students how to use qualitative methods as a mode of inquiry for understanding issues in human development, nutrition and family relationships. The emphasis is on project design, data collection techniques, analysis strategies and procedures for final write-up.

Department(s): Department of Family Relations and Applied Nutrition
Location(s): Guelph
FRAN*6070 Sexual Issues and Clinical Interventions Across the Life Span Summer Only [0.50]
This course examines sexual issues and clinical interventions from a life span perspective. Focusing upon theory, research and clinical interventions it explores the relationship between issues in sexual development and sexual functioning. This course is offered in a one-week intensive format in coordination with the Guelph Sexuality Conference.

Restriction(s): Instructor consent required.
Department(s): Department of Family Relations and Applied Nutrition
Location(s): Guelph
FRAN*6080 Power Relations and Diversity in Couple and Family Therapy Unspecified [0.50]
This course provides a foundational review of current perspectives within and outside of the couple and family therapy literature that relate to the intersection of culture (race, ethnicity, class, gender, sexuality, ability, etc.) and oppression. Attention is given to the translation of knowledge about power relations and diversity into practice when working as a couple and family therapist with clients and professional colleagues.

Restriction(s): Restricted to Family Relations and Applied Nutrition students in the Couple and Family Therapy field.
Department(s): Department of Family Relations and Applied Nutrition
Location(s): Guelph
FRAN*6090 Practicum in Couple and Family Therapy Unspecified [1.00]
This course features supervised clinical practice in couple and family therapy. It involves regular clinical work with couples, families, and individuals. Students meet with faculty each week for up to six hours of supervision. Supervision over the semester will involve both group and individual/dyadic meetings.

Restriction(s): Restricted to Family Relations and Applied Nutrtion students in the Couple and Family Therapy field.
Department(s): Department of Family Relations and Applied Nutrition
Location(s): Guelph
FRAN*6095 Externship in Couple and Family Therapy Summer Only [1.00]
This is an advanced clinical practicum in Couple and Family Therapy. Students are placed in a community agency where they accumulate 10-15 hours per week (over 3 days) of direct clinical contact time. All clinical work is supervised by a clinical supervisor on site. Travel to the community agency is usually required.

Prerequisite(s): FRAN*6090
Restriction(s): Restricted to Family Relations and Applied Nutrition students in the Couple and Family Therapy field.
Department(s): Department of Family Relations and Applied Nutrition
Location(s): Guelph
FRAN*6100 Clinical Issues in Couple and Family Therapy Unspecified [0.50]
This course is taken four times in the two year program of study. Each offering features selected clinical issues; examination of each issue will include the socio-cultural context, theoretical location, and conceptual and practical implications for couple and family therapy.

Restriction(s): Restricted to Family Relations and Applied Nutrition students in the Couple and Family field.
Department(s): Department of Family Relations and Applied Nutrition
Location(s): Guelph
FRAN*6120 Theories and Methods of Family Therapy I Winter Only [0.50]
This course will offer an historical perspective on the development of the field of couple and family therapy beginning with family systems therapy, through intergenerational models, to current constructionist approaches. Intervention methods consistent with these conceptual frameworks are examined.

Department(s): Department of Family Relations and Applied Nutrition
Location(s): Guelph
FRAN*6130 Theories and Methods of Family Therapy II Fall Only [0.50]
This course explores clinical theory and methods associated with structural, strategic and solution focused models of couple and family therapy. Feminist perspectives and approaches are used to examine power and gender dynamics in therapy.

Offering(s): Even-numbered years
Restriction(s): Restricted to Family Relations and Applied Nutrtion students in the Couple and Family Therapy field.
Department(s): Department of Family Relations and Applied Nutrition
Location(s): Guelph
FRAN*6140 Professional Issues Unspecified [0.50]
An exploration of ethics in couple and family therapy; legal issues in the practice of family therapy; and professional issues regarding identity, licensure and practice.

Restriction(s): Restricted to Family Relations and Applied Nutrition students in the Couple and Family Therapy field.
Department(s): Department of Family Relations and Applied Nutrition
Location(s): Guelph
FRAN*6160 Introduction to Systemic Practice in Couple and Family Therapy Fall Only [0.50]
An exploration of family process to understand diversity in family structures and functioning from a systemic conceptual framework. Applied activities in the associated tutorial section focus on developing basic communication, observational, and therapy skills. Student participation in small learning groups supports skill development and integration of theory and practice.

Restriction(s): Restricted to Family Relations and Applied Nutrition students in the Couple and Family Therapy field.
Department(s): Department of Family Relations and Applied Nutrition
Location(s): Guelph
FRAN*6180 Research Issues in Couple and Family Therapy Fall Only [0.50]
The focus of this course is on research in Couple & Family Therapy, including issues related to evidence-based practice, therapeutic outcome, and therapeutic process. A selected review of quantitative and qualitative research methods and exemplary research is included.

Offering(s): Odd-numbered years
Restriction(s): Restricted to Family Relations and Applied Nutrition students.
Department(s): Department of Family Relations and Applied Nutrition
Location(s): Guelph
FRAN*6200 Special Topics in Family Relations and Human Development Unspecified [0.50]
Contemporary research in family relations and human development. Research topics vary.

Restriction(s): Instructor consent required.
Department(s): Department of Family Relations and Applied Nutrition
Location(s): Guelph
FRAN*6210 Program Evaluation Fall Only [0.50]
An examination of the theoretical principles and practical applications of evaluation issues and strategies. Special attention is given to services for children and families across the life span.

Offering(s): Even-numbered years
Department(s): Department of Family Relations and Applied Nutrition
Location(s): Guelph
FRAN*6221 Evidence-Based Practice and Knowledge Translation Unspecified [0.50]
The principles of evidence-based practice are examined using various examples of psychosocial, behavioural and health interventions. The levels of evidence, criteria for efficacy and effectiveness, and the importance and limitations of evidence-based practice will be evaluated. The process of moving knowledge derived from high quality evidence into practice will be appraised throughout the course. Students will have the opportunity to build knowledge in their own areas of interest.

Offering(s): Odd-numbered years years
Department(s): Department of Family Relations and Applied Nutrition
Location(s): Guelph
FRAN*6260 Practicum in Family Relations and Human Development Unspecified [0.50]
Supervised practicum experience in a variety of agencies or services. Interested students are encouraged to discuss this option with their faculty advisor. Placements are arranged on an individual basis subject to the requirements of students' programs of study and must be negotiated with faculty in advance of registration.

Offering(s): Occasional years
Restriction(s): Instructor consent required.
Department(s): Department of Family Relations and Applied Nutrition
Location(s): Guelph
FRAN*6270 Issues in Family-Related Social Policy Unspecified [0.50]
This course investigates definitions of social policy, comparative family-related social policy, selected issues in Canadian family policy and frameworks for analysis of social policy. Issues in policy-related research are also explored.

Offering(s): Even-numbered years
Department(s): Department of Family Relations and Applied Nutrition
Location(s): Guelph
FRAN*6280 Theorizing in Family Relations and Human Development Unspecified [0.50]
An examination of the meaning of science and theory in relation to the study of families and human development. Included is a discussion of the major social science paradigms including positivism, critical theory, social constructionism and post-modernity. This course is designed for doctoral students.

Offering(s): Odd-numbered years
Department(s): Department of Family Relations and Applied Nutrition
Location(s): Guelph
FRAN*6320 Human Sexuality Across the Life Span Unspecified [0.50]
This course covers research, theoretical and substantive issues relevant to studying human sexuality across the life span. Topics include: child and adolescent sexuality, sexual identity, sexuality in adulthood and old age, sexual assault, international research and sex education.

Offering(s): Odd-numbered years
Department(s): Department of Family Relations and Applied Nutrition
Location(s): Guelph
FRAN*6330 MSc Research Seminar Fall and Winter [0.25]
This course exposes MSc students to major theories, issues, and methodologies driving research in Family Relations and Applied Nutrition. Students learn to critically evaluate presentations by researchers and how to effectively communicate their own research. The course also provides students opportunities to develop professional skills and facilitate community building within the department through mentoring and peer support. Students in this course attend weekly seminars in each Fall and Winter semester of their program of study.

Restriction(s): Restricted to Family Relations and Applied Nutrition MSc students.
Department(s): Department of Family Relations and Applied Nutrition
Location(s): Guelph
FRAN*6340 Interdisciplinary Perspectives in Family Relations and Human Development Unspecified [0.50]
This course serves as an introduction to graduate studies in Family Relations and Human Development. It examines the epistemological, ontological and axiological foundations of various approaches to the study of family relations and human development, including developmental theories, critical approaches, and Indigenous Ways of Knowing. It explores questions of what constitutes a discipline and the challenges and possibilities of interdisciplinary approaches in research. Emphasis will be placed on student exploration of their own relationships with knowledge and emerging identities as researchers.

Department(s): Department of Family Relations and Applied Nutrition
Location(s): Guelph
FRAN*6350 Major Research Paper Unspecified [1.00]
The major research paper is an option open only to MSc students within the Couple and Family Therapy area. Students must demonstrate their ability to accurately synthesize and critically evaluate the literature in a specific area of interest. Detailed guidelines are provided.

Restriction(s): Restricted to Family Relations and Applied Nutrition students in the Couple and Family Therapy field.
Department(s): Department of Family Relations and Applied Nutrition
Location(s): Guelph
FRAN*6440 Applied Factor Analysis & Structural Equation Modelling Unspecified [0.50]
This course introduces students to exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis, and structural equation modeling. Topics include: model selection and validation, multiple group models, measurement equivalence/invariance and latent mean analyses. This course is data-driven and students will learn through hands-on analytic experiences accompanied by in-class lectures and readings.

Offering(s): Even-numbered years
Prerequisite(s): FRAN*6000, FRAN*6010
Restriction(s): Restricted to Family Relations and Applied Nutrition students.
Department(s): Department of Family Relations and Applied Nutrition
Location(s): Guelph
FRAN*6460 Introduction to Critical Family and Kinship Studies Unspecified [0.50]
This course serves as a foundational introduction to Critical Family and Kinship Studies. It examines the boundaries of human being and relationships, emphasizing critical and posthuman perspectives on family and kinship relationships.

Restriction(s): Restricted to Family Relations and Applied Nutrition students.
Department(s): Department of Family Relations and Applied Nutrition
Location(s): Guelph
FRAN*6510 Nutrition in the Community Winter Only [0.50]
Concepts and knowledge of nutrition as applied in community and public health nutrition. Examination of current programs in applied nutrition.

Restriction(s): Restricted to Family Relations and Applied Nutrition students.
Department(s): Department of Family Relations and Applied Nutrition
Location(s): Guelph
FRAN*6550 PhD Research Seminar Fall and Winter [0.25]
This course exposes PhD students to major theories, issues, and methodologies driving research in Family Relations and Applied Nutrition. Students learn to critically evaluate presentations by researchers and how to effectively communicate their own research. The course also provides students opportunities to develop professional skills and facilitate community building within the department through mentoring and peer support. Students in this course attend weekly seminars in each Fall and Winter semesters of their program of study.

Restriction(s): Restricted to Family Relations and Applied Nutrition PhD students.
Department(s): Department of Family Relations and Applied Nutrition
Location(s): Guelph
FRAN*6560 Topics in Applied Human Nutrition Unspecified [0.50]
Contemporary research and topics in applied human nutrition. Course content is unique to each offering.

Restriction(s): Instructor consent required.
Department(s): Department of Family Relations and Applied Nutrition
Location(s): Guelph
FRAN*6610 Advances in Clinical Nutrition Fall Only [0.50]
An advanced overview of clinical nutrition with emphasis on using the nutrition care process to integrate theory and practice for a variety of health care settings.

Restriction(s): Restricted to Master of Applied Nutrition and Family Relations and Applied Nutrition students in the Applied Human Nutrition field.
Department(s): Department of Family Relations and Applied Nutrition
Location(s): Guelph
FRAN*6710 Practicum in Applied Human Nutrition I Fall Only [1.50]
This course provides a practicum of 3 days per week with a dietetic-related agency or organization to develop and perform dietetic competencies (internship experience). In weekly seminars, students discuss and reflect on theory and dietetic practice issues.

Restriction(s): Restricted to Master of Applied Nutrition students.
Department(s): Department of Family Relations and Applied Nutrition
Location(s): Guelph
FRAN*6720 Practicum in Applied Human Nutrition II Winter Only [1.50]
This course provides a practicum of 3 days per week with a dietetic-related agency or organization to develop and perform dietetic competencies (internship experience). In weekly seminars, students discuss and reflect on theory and dietetic practice issues

Prerequisite(s): FRAN*6710 - Minimum grade 065.
Restriction(s): Restricted to Master of Applied Nutrition students.
Department(s): Department of Family Relations and Applied Nutrition
Location(s): Guelph
FRAN*6730 Practicum in Applied Human Nutrition III Summer Only [1.50]
This course provides a practicum of 3 days per week with a dietetic-related agency or organization to develop and perform dietetic competencies (internship experience). In weekly seminars, students discuss and reflect on theory and dietetic practice issues.

Prerequisite(s): FRAN*6720
Restriction(s): Restricted to Master of Applied Nutrition students.
Department(s): Department of Family Relations and Applied Nutrition
Location(s): Guelph
FRAN*6740 Foodservice Management in Healthcare Winter Only [0.50]
Students will critically assess and integrate foodservice management literature and theories to address the multifactorial issues in foodservice operations in healthcare. Case studies presented by expert guests and operational projects will support student synthesis and evaluation of the literature.

Restriction(s): Restricted to Master of Applied Nutrition and Family Relations and Applied Nutrition students in the Applied Human Nutrition field.
Department(s): Department of Family Relations and Applied Nutrition
Location(s): Guelph
FRAN*6750 Fundamentals of Dietetic Practice-Based Research Fall Only [0.50]
In this course, students learn the fundamentals of dietetic practice-based research, including critical appraisal, quantitative methods, qualitative methods and quality improvement.

Restriction(s): Restricted to Master of Applied Nutrition students.
Department(s): Department of Family Relations and Applied Nutrition
Location(s): Guelph
Each of FRAN*6090 and FRAN*6100 are taken four consecutive semesters.

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You will need to book the accommodation after you have been accepted.

You can choose to live on campus or off campus in private accommodation.

How to book:

• Make a booking online after you have been accepted (in this case please let us know your choice when you apply).
• Register when you arrive - its not possible to reserve a room before arriving. You can arrive a few days before and book it

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