Occupational Science

Occupational Science


Occupational Science provides an interdisciplinary perspective on the complexities of human occupation and its contribution to the health and well-being of individuals, communities, and societies.

Occupation encompasses the range of everyday and extraordinary activities engaged in by individuals and groups which have diverse implications for individuals, societies, and the environment. The field encompasses theoretical perspectives on occupation from within and outside the related profession of occupational therapy, such as transactional perspectives, critical social theories, and decolonial theories.

Research in this area includes:

  • Intersecting socio-political and micro-level determinants of occupation
  • Contributions and experiences of occupation at the individual, community and society levels
  • Approaches to enacting collaborative, relationship-focused, and anti-oppressive occupational therapy
  • Professional education in occupational therapy
  • Approaches to social transformation through occupation as means to address health, social, and occupational inequities
  • Professional education in occupational therapy

Field Leader

Katie Mah, PhD
School of Occupational Therapy
kemah@uwo.ca

Students must complete three mandatory half-credit courses, one from each of the following categories:

Students must attend and participate in Seminar Milestones:

In addition, all PhD students must pass a formal candidacy examination as a requirement of the program.

Schedule & Milestones