You are here

School of Public Health and Health Systems » Future undergraduates » Programs »

Health Studies

Instead of treating someone once they're sick, wouldn't it be better to prevent that illness in the first place? In Health Studies, you'll learn to take the study of health beyond merely treating illness to focus on ways to prevent disease, to promote healthy lifestyles, and to improve health care systems.

Health Studies is a direct entry program available via the Co-op or Regular System of Study. You must choose Regular or Co-op when you apply.

After first year, you may choose to tailor your program by completing an optional specialization:

With your Honours Bachelor of Science in Health Studies, you'll be well prepared for careers in public health, as well as in health professions such as medicine, physiotherapy, dentistry, and pharmacy.

What will I get out of the Health Studies program?

  • A focus on human health that combines a strong science foundation with an in-depth look at multiple factors influencing human health
  • Senior seminars (capped at 20 students) that give you the chance to investigate real-world health challenges, and discuss strategies to solve or prevent them
  • Access to optional specializations in Pre-Health Professions, Gerontology, Health Informatics, or Health Research, and over 30 Health Studies electives, allowing you to tailor a program that’s right for you
  • A well-rounded education that will prepare you for a variety of pursuits when you graduate. Some students go on to graduate and professional programs (e.g., medicine) while others go straight into the workforce

Hear from a current student

Courses

Health Studies is a multi-disciplinary program, combining courses from a variety of topic areas.

First-year Fall  
HLTH 101           Introduction to Health 1
BIOL 130, 130L Introductory Cell Biology, and Lab
CHEM 120, 120L Physical and Chemical Properties of Matter, and Lab
SOC 101

Introduction to Sociology

First-year Winter

  
HLTH 102 Introduction to Health 2
BIOL 239 Genetics
PSYCH 101 Introductory Psychology                                           
Two Electives  

Note: Labs (e.g., BIOL 130L, CHEM 120L) are normally worth 1/2 the academic weight of a lecture course.

Beginning in second year, you can focus your Health Studies courses in an area of specialization or use your Health Studies courses to examine different areas of the field. You can also use your electives to complement your program with courses from other disciplines. For a list of the courses you'll take throughout your degree, refer to the Undergraduate Calendar.