Course Offerings for 2024/25

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

Overview of the structure of the brain and spinal cord with an emphasis on function using clinical applications. Laboratory work emphasizes the identification of structures via interaction with models and tissues.

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.

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

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.

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.

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 course will explore and connect the cellular pathways of epigenetics to human health outcomes. Topics will include molecular mechanisms of epigenetics, epigenetic technology, functions of epigenetics (including stem cells, aging, and memory), epigenetic epidemiology, and epigenetics in human disease.

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.