School of Public Health and Health Systems

In the health studies academic plan the knowledge from several traditional disciplines is combined and focused on the study of health and disease. Courses provide students with an understanding of (a) the nature of diseases, (b) their causes, (c) behavioural factors that contribute to disease, and (d) ways in which health behaviour can be changed.

The curriculum has four core areas:

1. Health sciences – the scientific facts and principles pertinent to personal and community health. Specific subject areas include
   
   
   • introduction to health sciences,
   • determinants of disease (epidemiology),
   • environmental health,
   • nutrition, and others.
      
2. Behavioural sciences – introduction to psychology, determinants of health behaviour and health behaviour modification.
3. Biological sciences – the basic principles of biology, physiology, and biochemistry.
4. Evaluation and research – the principles of statistics and research design aimed at developing sufficient competencies to enable students to evaluate and interpret the findings of health-related research.

Students may apply for admission directly into honours health studies, regular or co-operative system of study.

In order to receive the Honours Bachelor of Science, Health Studies degree the student must successfully complete 20.0 units of which at least 10.0 total units are at or above 200-level and including the following requirements:

1. Required Health Studies courses (8.0 units):
   HLTH 101, 102, 201, 210, 220, 245, 260, 330, 333, 340, 341, 344, 346, 360, 410, 435
2. Required Kinesiology courses (1.0 unit):
   KIN 217, 222
3. Required courses from other departments (4.0 units):
   BIOL 130/130L, 239, 273
   CHEM 120/120L
   STAT 316
   PSYCH 101
   SOC 101
4. Restricted elective courses (1.5 units):
   One of: ENGL 109 or 140R (recommended for Year One) or any 210 (recommended for Year Two)
   One of: PHIL 110B, 145, 215, 216, 218J, 219J, 220, 224, 226, 319J
   One of: BIOL 240, 301 or KIN 100, BIOL 211, 241, 303, 308, 309, 331, 354, 355, 373, 441, 455; HLTH 350, 407, 421, 461, 471, 472*, 473*, KIN 404, 472*
5. Free elective courses: 5.5 units

^* Must be approved by the School of Public Health and Health Systems associate director, undergraduate studies.

Course Sequence

Year One (Regular and Co-operative System of Study)

Regular System of Study

Year Two

Year Three

Year Four

4A (Fall)*

4B (Winter)*

HLTH 410
HLTH 435

*Eight Electives to be taken in Year Four

Co-operative System of Study 

Year Two

Year Three

Year Four

4A (Fall)*  

4B (Winter)*

HLTH 410
HLTH 435

*Eight Electives to be taken in Year Four