The Health Studies academic plan provides students with an integrated curriculum that combines the behavioural, biological, social, and health sciences in the examination of contemporary problems in health promotion and disease prevention. The plan explores the causation and prevention of diseases that contribute significantly to chronic disability and premature death, increased medical and social costs, and reduced quality of life. Of primary interest is the role of personal risk factors and societal determinants of the health of individuals and populations throughout the life span. Special emphasis is placed on the prevention of major chronic diseases which have modifiable risk factors - these include coronary heart disease, cancer, diabetes, obesity, drug and alcohol dependency, sexually transmitted diseases, dementia, mental illness, and other disabling conditions. The inclusion of methodology courses in statistics, research design, computer science, program evaluation, and epidemiology allows students to acquire the analytical skills necessary to pursue challenging careers in the development, management, and evaluation of health promotion services, or in many other health-related careers. Additional qualifications may be gained through the Pre-Health Professions Option for those students intending to pursue careers in medicine, other health professions, or health research. Several other options or minors (e.g., Biology, Human Resources Management, Management Sciences) may be selected to further develop individual interests and career goals. Health Studies and Gerontology also offers a Health Informatics Option. Health Informatics is a multidisciplinary field that deals with the generation, dissemination, storage, and use of health information for problem-solving and decision making.
For students interested in the issues related to aging, the Department offers a Minor in Gerontology or an Option in Aging Studies. These specializations provide an awareness of aging processes and prepare students for careers or professions that deal with the institutional care or community support of older adults.
Career opportunities for Health Studies and Gerontology students exist in the public sector through the federal, provincial, and regional health agencies; in school, hospital, and institutional health centres; and through community health organizations. In the private sector, employment opportunities are found in the voluntary health organizations, in health management consulting, and in health related industries such as pharmaceuticals, medical products, and health services. Graduates may also pursue further studies in health promotion, medicine, biomedical research, gerontology, public health, health administration, environmental health, epidemiology, education, and related fields.