Course Offerings for 2023/24

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.

• Credits: 0.5
• Prerequisites: Registration status: Year 1 Honours BSc Health Sciences
• Exclusions: KP231

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.

• Credits: 0.5
• Prerequisites: HE100
• Exclusions: KP232

The various methods used in the collection and analysis of data in the field of health sciences are examined, including: research design, sampling, experiments and surveys. Reliability and validity may also be considered.

• Credits: 0.5
• Prerequisites: HE101 
• Exclusions: KP261, PS291, PS295

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.

Credits: 0.5

• Prerequisites: Registration status: Year 2 Honours BSc Health Sciences

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.

Credits: 0.5

Prerequisities: BI110 and BI111

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)

• Credits: 0.5
• Prerequisites: HE201 or ST231 or KP290 and KP390.
• Exclusions: HS220, 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.

• Credits: 0.5
• Prerequisites: HE201
• Exclusions: HS200

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.

• Credits: 0.5
• Prerequisites: BI236

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.

• Credits: 0.5
• Restrictions: registered in year 3 or 4

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.

• Credits: 0.5
• Prerequisites: One of:  PS263, PS264, PS270, PS275, PS276, PS280, PS282, PS283, PS285

An examination of issues and controversies in human nutrition from nutritional science, physiological, metabolic and public health perspectives covering topics including; dietary assessment and planning, micro and macronutrients, antioxidants, phytochemicals, functional foods, food labelling obesity and weight management and dietary practices associated with disease prevention and management.

• Credits: 0.5
• Prerequisites: HE201 and HN220
• Exclusions: KP332

The COVID-19 pandemic is already showing unparalleled health, social, and economic effects globally. This course has been developed in response to the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic. Each lesson will explore the complexity of the effects of COVID-19 through an interdisciplinary lens, allowing students to learn how diverse disciplines view and understand the pandemic. Perspectives may include those from the fields such as virology, immunology, epidemiology, public health, economics, history, geography, communications studies, and psychology. This course is open to students in years 2, 3 or 4 across all faculties. 

Prerequisites: No prerequisite

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.

• Credits: 0.5
• Prerequisites: HN204 or HN210 or KP211.

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.

Prerequisites: CH250 and HN220
Co-requisites: CH350
Exclusions: HS340

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.

• Credits: 0.5
• Prerequisites: HE300 and HE301

A study of aging and health from a variety of perspectives including; bio-physiological, psycho-social, health-care system, cultural, legal, ethical and political. Topics may include; the aging process, falls, mental health, medication and co-morbidity, death and dying and others. There are several interactive/hands on components in the course

• Credits: 0.5
• Prerequisites: HE301, HE202/HE302
• Exclusions: KP431

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.

• Credits: 0.5
• Prerequisites: HE301, HE202/HE302
• Exclusions: 

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.)

• Credits: 0.5
• Prerequisites: HN220, KP220
  Exclusions: 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)

• Credits: 0.5
• Prerequisites: BI236
• Exclusions: BI416

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.

• Credits: 0.5
• Prerequisites: HN210/HN204 or KP221 and HN220 or KP222
• Exclusions: KP322
• Please see KP435

Human health and wellbeing are inextricably associated with access to fundamental human rights. When human rights (e.g., access to food and housing, experiencing forms of discrimination), are violated, various pathways to ill-health become evident. This course will cover the links between public health policies, political circumstances, and social and economic conditions on the health of individuals and populations using a human rights framework. Important domains of the health and human rights associations will be used to ensure that students have a broad understanding of key concepts, and are able to apply them in research methods, program development, policy analysis, healthcare delivery, and leadership positions.

• Credits: 0.5
• Prerequisites: HE300, HE301

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.

Upon successful completion of the course students should be able to:
• 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

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
• Prerequisites: HN204 or HN210 AND HN220 and PS263

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 July 1 of Year 3.

• HE490 application form
• Credits: 1.0
• Prerequisites: Admission requires a minimum GPA of 8.00 and permission of the Department Chair.