Course Offerings for 2025/26

An introduction to health issues pertinent to the individual and the community. Various health-related topics will be considered, such as defining health, determinants of health, risk factors and behaviour change and epidemiology.

A continuation of Health Issues I, possible topics including: risk behaviours and health promotion, chronic and infectious disease, complementary and alternative medicine, global health care systems and health communication.

A thorough understanding of the health research process is required for decision-making in clinical practice and to lead more advanced research. This course will provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the basic principles and methodologies used in health research. Topics covered in this course include the design of research studies (observational and experimental), data collection techniques (including concepts of reliability and validity), ethical considerations unique to health research, and knowledge translation strategies. Through a combination of lectures and practical assignments, students will gain experience in developing research questions and designing study protocols.

The course is intended to develop an awareness and understanding of the Canadian healthcare system. Topics may include: the historical foundations of Medicare; responsibilities of the provincial and federal governments with respect to allocation of resources; funding mechanisms; models of healthcare delivery; evolving roles of healthcare professionals, interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary teams; occupational health and safety of healthcare professionals; the Personal Health Protection Act in the role of electronic health records; legislation, including the Ontario Health Care Consent Act, the Ontario Public Hospitals Act, and the Ontario Regulated Health Professionals Act.

This course takes a systems approach to the anatomical study of the human integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous, endocrine, cardiovascular, lymphatic, respiratory, digestive, urinary and reproductive systems. Laboratory activities include active and experiential learning to promote consolidation of lecture material.

An introduction to the field of chronic disease epidemiology with a focus on the ways in which epidemiologic methods can enhance our understanding of chronic illnesses such as heart disease, cancer and diabetes. In this course, students will build upon their skills in research design, interpretation of statistical data and critical evaluation of the scientific literature. (Cross-listed as KP434)

Increasingly, there is evidence that societal factors may be the primary determinants of why people stay healthy or become ill. Much of the medical and epidemiological literatures on health ‘disparities’ have been descriptive in nature and fail to analytically account for increasing inequities in population health outcomes. This course moves beyond traditional ‘lifestyle’ explanations of health and wellness and provides students with a solid understanding of how social factors contribute to inequities in health care access and population health outcomes. We will examine how social exclusion, income, early life experiences, employment and working conditions, unemployment and employment insecurity, housing, food security, Aboriginal status, and social policy determine health. We also explore why the biomedical and lifestyle models of health are the primary ways that Canadians think about health, the policy implications of the current state of knowledge, and what can be done to inform change.

Introduction to Immunology introduces the responses, cells, mediators and structures of the immune system. Innate immunity, including inflammation and adaptive immunity will be discussed, focusing on how both arms of the immune system are activated. The respective effector mechanisms for innate and adaptive immunity will be described. The role of the immune system in health and disease will be introduced, topics covered may include: immunodeficiency, autoimmunity, hypersensitivity, transplantation and tumor immunity.

Students will advance and critically examine their knowledge, perspectives, biases, and practices in relation to Indigenous peoples’ health. This introductory course will include lectures, Indigenous guest presenters, activities, and critical self-reflection to facilitate learning about a) Indigenous determinants of health, b) cultural humility, and c) strengths-based and promising approaches to health practices, research, policies, and programming.

An introduction to the science and practice of well-being, including topics such as happiness, optimism, gratitude, mindfulness, positive mental health, character strengths, and positive relationships, with a focus on evidence-based strategies for optimizing individual and community functioning. Students will develop the skills to understand the theoretical and empirical underpinnings of positive psychology.

This course will examine low back disorders and musculoskeletal spine health using a multidisciplinary approach. Topics will include advanced spine anatomy, intervertebral disc physiology, tissue material properties, injury mechanics, spine disorder epidemiology and diagnosis, prevention, and rehabilitation.

A directed studies course is an irregular course that enables second and third year students to work on an independent project under the guidance of a faculty member. To apply, first speak to the instructor, then complete the Directed Studies application form. This new form is found here. The student will attach the syllabus provided by the instructor and before it can be approved. For an accessible version of the form, contact the department.

For more information, see the Academic Advising FAQ.

The mechanisms, control and integration of human physiological processes at the genetic, cellular, tissue, organ and whole body levels of organization will be explored. Emphasis will be placed on understanding how the nervous and endocrine systems coordinate cardiovascular, renal, respiratory and reproductive processes, metabolism and other processes to maintain homeostasis.

A functional approach to the study of neuroanatomy enriches a broader understanding of the mechanisms underlying cognition, behaviour, and diseases of the nervous system. This course will pair a thorough review of human neuroanatomy with an understanding of its functional correlates and will emphasize clinical aspects of diagnosis and treatment of neurological and psychiatric disorders. Students will gain the ability to predict brain anomalies on the bases of reported mental states, observable response patterns, neuropsychological assessments, and neuroimaging data.

Credits: 0.5

Students will identify, investigate and discuss critical health issues by integrating a range of social and biomedical perspectives and working toward a cell-to-society understanding. Activities in class will include group work to develop colloquia on special topics, critical discussion of readings and films and some traditional lectures to provide core content. The course will culminate in a research project. Course evaluation will be focused on students’ ability to think critically about complex health problems and concrete solutions; participation in group work and class discussions; and proficiency in verbal and written communication.

An examination of the practice of public health in Canada and internationally with emphasis on social and political impacts on the application of knowledge to practice. Models of health promotion, population health, health determinants and health behaviour will form the theoretical basis for exploration of public health research and practice.

An examination of functional changes in cells, tissues and organs consequent to disease or injury. Topics may include the mechanisms of inflammation, hypertension, coronary artery disease, concussion, asthma, hepatitis, dysentery as well as other multi-organ conditions from environmental or other types of stress. (Cross-listed as BI416.)

Viruses are the most numerous and ubiquitous replicating structures on Earth, and infect every form of life, from bacteria to humans. All viruses have a parasitic intracellular life cycle, and while some are incredibly pathogenic (HIV, influenza, West Nile), many more have no apparent negative effects on their hostesses health. In fact, it has been suggested recently that some viral infections are symbiotic, supporting their hostesses health. Viruses are dynamic, streamline units with whom we as humans have been evolving since the beginning of our existence. Biomedical virology will discuss these fascinating entities from a human health perspective. (Cross-listed as BI470)

An examination of the physiological mechanisms by which regular physical activity diminishes the incidence and progression or effects reversal of various chronic diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, cancers as well as the aging process. Exercise training effects on human musculo-skeletal and metabolic health will also be covered. An overview of the physiology of exercise and training adaptation related to functional and health improvements and exercise effects in healthy as well as in rehabilitation of various clinical populations are also included.

This course will delve into population health issues that have been briefly highlighted in previous courses (e.g. Research Methods, Epidemiology, Social Determinant of Health), and introduce students to the principles of population health, related terminology, structural systems, and population data analytics.

Prerequisites: HE300 and HE301

Cancer is defined as uncontrollable cell growth. The complexities of the causes and the different types of cells that give rise to this disease have underscored the need for a better understanding of the basic biology of cancer. Advancements in basic and biomedical research have led to more effective treatments, enhanced detection methods, and better prevention strategies. This course is divided into two many themes to give students an introduction to the fundamental concepts in the cellular and molecular biology of cancer and an introduction to the clinical aspects of oncology. In addition, the course will investigate the development and
clinical use of therapies based on the major discoveries in cancer biology research.

• Understand the multistep, genetic, and molecular alterations which enable the transformation of a normal cell to a cancer.
• Focus in on the numerous mechanisms in place to guard against cancer and how they are subverted.
• Become very comfortable reading and evaluating primary literature and approaching it as the most valuable source of current knowledge.
• Effectively and accurately communicate current research in cancer biology 

Prerequisites: BI236

This experiential course builds on previous anatomical knowledge and tentatively includes laboratory coursework in a human donor (cadaver) laboratory. Learning anatomy from human donors, referencing historical and current artistic depictions, and digital imaging of the human form will challenge students to consider anatomy's beauty in structure and structures' relationships on a deep and rigorous level. Students must participate and contribute during class time every week, exploring anatomical regions of interest through various depictions and mediums from both past and present. 

A directed studies course is an irregular course that enables senior students to work on an independent project under the guidance of a faculty member. To apply, first speak to the instructor. The instructor will provide the student with the course syllabus. This must be attached to the online form. The Science Advising office will continue the process for all approvals. For an accessible version of the form, contact the department.

For more information, see the Academic Advising FAQ.

This two-semester course is an independent thesis in Health Sciences under the direct supervision of a faculty member. The research project will culminate in a formal report and an oral presentation. Students wishing to complete a thesis must apply to the Department Chair for admission to HE490 by May 1 of Year 3.

This program is part-time, which means that you can take one, two, or three courses per semester. There are three semesters in an academic year – fall (September to December), winter (January to April), spring (May to August).

Course Delivery

The course material (including lectures) for each course will be delivered in a virtual asynchronous (VA) format. There are no set times to "be in class."

You can cover the course content at your pace, however, there will be set deadlines for assignments and tests throughout each term that you cannot miss.

Course Work Time Commitment

We recommend allocating at least seven to 10 hours per week per course to complete the coursework.

This might go up (or down) depending on your familiarity with the content, the number of assigned readings, and the types and number of assignments and exams in each course.

Review the course outline early and often to ensure your are on track to meet the deadlines.

Course Registration 

For your first few semesters, we do not recommend more than two courses per term, especially if you are a working paramedic.

• In our experience more than two courses per term is a lot for a working professional to complete successfully.
• We want you to be successful in your studies and don’t want you to find yourselves in a position where you can’t dedicate the necessary time for studying.

Before you register for your courses, take a look at the course offerings below to see which courses are offered during the current academic year. The courses for all three semesters that make up an academic year are posted for registration in the fall semester.

Each of the following courses is worth 0.5 credit:

• Advanced Academic Writing (EN241)
• Introduction to Psychology I (PS101)
• Introduction to Psychology II (PS102)
• Evolution of the Field of Paramedicine (PARA200)
• Paramedicine in Canada and Around the World (PARA201)
• Canadian Health Care Systems (HS201)
• Epidemiology and Public Health (HS220)
• Sociology of Health and Illness (SY215)
• Emerging Issues and Critical Topics in Paramedicine (PARA300)
• The Health and Wellbeing of Paramedics (PARA301)
• Social Determinants of Health (HE301)
• Understanding and Caring for Diverse Populations (PARA302)
• The Paramedic Identity: Who are we? (PARA303)
• Trauma-Informed Communication (SAFE402)
• Ethical and Legal Considerations in Paramedicine (PARA400)
• The Business of Paramedicine (PARA401)

In addition to the required courses, an additional 3.0 senior credits are required.

The following elective virtual asynchronous courses may appeal to students in this program. Students will either have the necessary prerequisites based on the required course list (e.g. HS200), or the required senior student status.

Students may consult the academic calendar for additional online offerings.

Each of the following courses is worth 0.5 credit:

• One Earth, One Health (ES274)
• Autism, Advocacy, Policy and Practice (HS208)
• Aging: Realities and Myths (HS227)
• Issues in Mental Health (HS302)
• Environment and Health (HS303)
• Paramedics as Leaders (PARA402)
• Medical Ethics (PP217)
• Business Ethics (PP247)
• Behavioural Neuroscience (PS263)
• Drugs and Behaviour (PS268)
• Social Psychology (PS270)
• Abnormal Psychology (PS280)
• Grief, Death and Dying
• Public Safety Administration and Government Relations
• Critical Infrastructures
• Introduction to Public Safety
• Cultural Competencies and Trauma
• Sociology of Work
• Sociology of Crime: Structural Perspectives
• Sociology of Crime: Interpretive Perspectives