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To view the current Academic Calendar, go to www.sfu.ca/students/calendar.html
Health Sciences Major
¶¡ÏãÔ°AV Requirements
Internal Transfer
Internal transfer allows students to transfer, within ¶¡ÏãÔ°AV, from one faculty to another. Students can apply for internal transfer into the bachelor of arts program in the Faculty of Health Sciences with a minimum CGPA of 2.5 and the following with a minimum grade of C:
- HSCI 130
- HSCI 100 or BISC 101, and
- one of HSCI 204, HSCI 207, HSCI 210, HSCI 211, HSCI 212, HSCI 214, HSCI 216, HSCI 230
Minimum Grades
Students enrolling in HSCI courses must have a grade of C- or better in prerequisite courses and in the program's required courses.
Program Requirements
For the bachelor of arts (BA) health sciences program, students complete 120 units, which includes:
- at least 45 upper division units
- at least 60 units that must be completed at ¶¡ÏãÔ°AV
- satisfaction of the writing, quantitative, and breadth requirements
- an overall cumulative grade point average (CGPA) and upper division CGPA of at least 2.0
Lower Division Requirements
Students complete all of
How health, illness and disease are defined and measured for individuals and populations. Research strategies used to identify how health, illness and disease are distributed across human populations and how environmental, socio-economic, demographic, biological, behavioural and political factors influence individual and population health. Breadth-Social Sci/Science.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
Rochelle Tucker |
May 8 – Aug 4, 2023: Mon, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D101 |
May 8 – Aug 4, 2023: Tue, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D102 |
May 8 – Aug 4, 2023: Tue, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D103 |
May 8 – Aug 4, 2023: Thu, 11:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D104 |
May 8 – Aug 4, 2023: Thu, 11:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D105 |
May 8 – Aug 4, 2023: Thu, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
An overview of environmental hazards and their impacts on human health. Methodological approaches to their detection, assessment, management, and mitigation. Prerequisite: HSCI 100 or BISC 101, HSCI 130, all with a minimum grade of C-. Students with credit for HSCI 304 may not take this course for further credit.
Principles and applications in health sciences research methodology. Quantitative and qualitative methods. Research process and design. Appropriate approaches for diverse research questions. Research ethics, sources of data, sampling, measurement, data collection, initial data analysis techniques. Prerequisite: HSCI 130 with a minimum grade of C-. Corequisite: STAT 201 or 203 or 205. Students with credit for HSCI 307 may not take this course for further credit.
Prepares students at a foundational level to evaluate and critique conclusions drawn from epidemiological research. Students will also experience the value and limitations of epidemiology as a tool for researching health and disease in populations. Prerequisite: 30 units, including HSCI 130 with a minimum grade of C-, or permission of the instructor. Students with credit for HSCI 330 may not take this course for further credit.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
Meghan Winters |
May 8 – Aug 4, 2023: Tue, 8:30–11:20 a.m.
|
Burnaby |
and one of
An introduction to the biochemical and physiological mechanisms of living organisms. Topics covered include cell structure and function, DNA replication and the flow of genetic information, enzyme function, metabolism and physiology of microorganisms, plants, and animals. Prerequisite: High school Biology 12 (or equivalent) with a C grade or better, or BISC 100 with C- or better, or BISC 113 with C+ or better, or HSCI 100 with C+ or better; and High school Chemistry 12 (or equivalent) with a C grade or better, or CHEM 111 with a C- or better. Breadth-Science.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
Yvonne Dzal |
May 8 – Aug 4, 2023: Tue, 10:30–11:20 a.m.
May 8 – Aug 4, 2023: Thu, 9:30–11:20 a.m. |
Burnaby Burnaby |
|
D101 |
May 8 – Aug 4, 2023: Tue, 11:30 a.m.–1:20 p.m.
May 8 – Aug 4, 2023: Thu, 11:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m. |
Burnaby Burnaby |
|
D102 |
May 8 – Aug 4, 2023: Tue, 11:30 a.m.–1:20 p.m.
May 8 – Aug 4, 2023: Thu, 12:30–1:20 p.m. |
Burnaby Burnaby |
|
D103 |
May 8 – Aug 4, 2023: Tue, 11:30 a.m.–1:20 p.m.
May 8 – Aug 4, 2023: Thu, 1:30–2:20 p.m. |
Burnaby Burnaby |
|
D104 |
May 8 – Aug 4, 2023: Tue, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
May 8 – Aug 4, 2023: Thu, 1:30–2:20 p.m. |
Burnaby Burnaby |
|
D105 |
May 8 – Aug 4, 2023: Tue, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
May 8 – Aug 4, 2023: Thu, 2:30–3:20 p.m. |
Burnaby Burnaby |
An examination of the biological processes that underlie human health and well-being, with emphasis on the evolutionary and ecological influences affecting human populations. Students with credit for BISC 101 may not take HSCI 100 for further credit. Breadth-Science.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
Gratien Prefontaine |
May 8 – Aug 4, 2023: Tue, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D101 |
May 8 – Aug 4, 2023: Wed, 9:30–10:20 a.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D103 |
May 8 – Aug 4, 2023: Thu, 9:30–10:20 a.m.
|
Burnaby |
and one of
Anthropology asks fundamental questions about how people live and interact in different contexts. Engages with contemporary social life around the world, including the relations among people, ideas, and things. Provides analytical tools to help understand the role of culture and society in our lives. Breadth-Social Sciences.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
Natasha Ferenczi |
May 8 – Aug 4, 2023: Mon, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D101 |
May 8 – Aug 4, 2023: Mon, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D102 |
May 8 – Aug 4, 2023: Mon, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D103 |
May 8 – Aug 4, 2023: Tue, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D104 |
May 8 – Aug 4, 2023: Tue, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
Explores how sociologists study, describe, and explain social life. Introduces the sociological perspective and applies it to fundamental social process and everyday issues. As we consider phenomena ranging from interactions among individuals to societal and global inequalities, students critically examine social issues to build their understanding of the world. Breadth-Social Sciences.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
Nerida Bullock |
May 8 – Aug 4, 2023: Tue, 8:30–10:20 a.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D101 |
May 8 – Aug 4, 2023: Tue, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D102 |
May 8 – Aug 4, 2023: Tue, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D103 |
May 8 – Aug 4, 2023: Tue, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D104 |
May 8 – Aug 4, 2023: Tue, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D105 |
May 8 – Aug 4, 2023: Wed, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D106 |
May 8 – Aug 4, 2023: Wed, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
and at least one additional HSCI 100 division course
and one of
Research methodology and associated statistical analysis techniques for students with training in the life sciences. Intended to be particularly accessible to students who are not specializing in Statistics. Prerequisite: Recommended: 30 units. Students cannot obtain credit for STAT 201 if they already have credit for - or are taking concurrently - STAT 101, 203, 205, 285, or any upper division STAT course. Quantitative.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
Scott Pai |
May 8 – Aug 4, 2023: Wed, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
May 8 – Aug 4, 2023: Fri, 12:30–2:20 p.m. |
Burnaby Burnaby |
|
Tim Swartz |
Online | ||
OP01 | TBD |
Descriptive and inferential statistics aimed at students in the social sciences. Scales of measurement. Descriptive statistics. Measures of association. Hypothesis tests and confidence intervals. Students in Sociology and Anthropology are expected to take SA 255 before this course. Intended to be particularly accessible to students who are not specializing in Statistics. Prerequisite: Recommended: 30 units including a research methods course such as SA 255, CRIM 220, POL 200W, or equivalent. Students cannot obtain credit for STAT 203 if they already have credit for - or are taking concurrently - STAT 101, 201, 205, 285, or any upper division STAT course. Quantitative.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
Wei Lin |
May 8 – Aug 4, 2023: Tue, 4:30–5:20 p.m.
May 8 – Aug 4, 2023: Thu, 4:30–6:20 p.m. |
Burnaby Burnaby |
|
Tim Swartz |
Online | ||
OP01 | TBD |
and at least four of
Selected topics in areas not currently offered within the undergraduate course offerings. Prerequisite: Will vary according to topic.
An interdisciplinary overview of the major non-communicable diseases - cancers, cardiovascular and metabolic diseases - from a public health perspective. Review of biological mechanisms, risk factors, historical and cultural contexts, and global distribution. Prerequisite: HSCI 100 or BISC 101, HSCI 130, all with a minimum grade of C-.
An integrated survey of infectious diseases and their social and economic causes and consequences. Infectious agents, including bacteria, protozoa, fungi and viruses -- how they spread, how they work, and how they can be stopped. Surveillance, prevention, and management of infectious diseases and epidemics. Prerequisite: HSCI 100 or BISC 101, HSCI 130, all with a minimum grade of C-.
An interdisciplinary overview of mental health and mental illness among populations. A review of the distribution and risk factors of mental illnesses as well as the historical and cultural context of their development. Prerequisite: HSCI 100 or BISC 101, HSCI 130, all with a minimum grade of C-.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
Milad Parpouchi |
May 8 – Aug 4, 2023: Wed, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
May 8 – Aug 4, 2023: Fri, 12:30–2:20 p.m. |
Burnaby Burnaby |
|
D101 |
May 8 – Aug 4, 2023: Wed, 11:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D102 |
May 8 – Aug 4, 2023: Wed, 11:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D103 |
May 8 – Aug 4, 2023: Wed, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D104 |
May 8 – Aug 4, 2023: Wed, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D105 |
May 8 – Aug 4, 2023: Fri, 10:30–11:20 a.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D107 |
May 8 – Aug 4, 2023: Fri, 11:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
Effects that social and ecological factors have on human growth, development and health. Challenges such as epidemics, natural catastrophes, industrialization, globalization, migration, poverty, war, global warming, etc, leading to evolution and adaptations. Relationships between socio-ecological challenges, their health consequences and related gene-population variations and effects on growth, development, sexual maturation, reproductive investment, and senescence and health. Prerequisite: HSCI 100 or BISC 101, with a minimum grade of C-.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
Pablo Nepomnaschy |
May 8 – Jun 19, 2023: Tue, Thu, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D101 |
May 8 – Jun 19, 2023: Tue, Thu, 5:30–6:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D102 |
May 8 – Jun 19, 2023: Tue, Thu, 5:30–6:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D103 |
May 8 – Jun 19, 2023: Tue, Thu, 5:30–6:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D104 |
May 8 – Jun 19, 2023: Tue, Thu, 6:30–7:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
Upper Division Requirements
Students complete all of
A comparative analysis of the Canadian health care financing and delivery systems and policies. History, organizational principles, health care resources, costs, access to care, quality, and equity. Societal and political issues, threats and values that affect Canada's health care system and others around the world. Prerequisite: 60 units, including nine HSCI units with a minimum grade of C-.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
Lauren Currie |
May 8 – Aug 4, 2023: Mon, 9:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
|
Online |
Theoretical frameworks and their applications in health promotion and disease prevention. The development, implementation, and evaluation of programs aimed at individuals and communities in Canada and globally. Prerequisite: 60 units, including either HSCI 130 or BPK 140, with a minimum grade of C-. Students with credit for HSCI 401 prior to Fall 2010 may not take this course for further credit.
Practical ethical and legal issues in health sciences, emphasizing population and public health. Case studies approach highlighting current ethical dilemmas and decision-making in the context of global to local legal frameworks. Prerequisite: 45 units including nine HSCI units with a minimum grade of C-, one of which must be a 200-division course. HSCI 319 is identical to PHIL 319 and students cannot receive credit for both courses. Writing.
Social determinants of health and health inequities. Explores how and why the social advantages and disadvantages that people experience - based on their social position(s) and social circumstances - determine their health status and overall well-being. Prerequisite: 60 units and two HSCI 200-level courses with a minimum grade of C-, one of which may be taken concurrently.
and one of
The standard techniques of multiple regression analysis, analysis of variance, and analysis of covariance, and their role in observational and experimental studies. This course may not be used to satisfy the upper division requirements of the following programs: statistics major, statistics honours, actuarial science major, and actuarial science honours. Prerequisite: One of STAT 201, STAT 203, STAT 205, STAT 270, BUS 232, or ECON 233, with a minimum grade of C-. Students who have taken STAT 350 first may not then take the course for further credit. Quantitative.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
Pulindu Ratnasekera |
May 8 – Aug 4, 2023: Mon, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
May 8 – Aug 4, 2023: Thu, 2:30–4:20 p.m. |
Burnaby Burnaby |
|
Gamage Perera |
Online | ||
OP01 | TBD |
Intermediate statistical techniques for the health sciences. Review of introductory concepts in statistics and probability including hypothesis testing, estimation and confidence intervals for means and proportions. Contingency tables and the analysis of multiple 2x2 tables. Correlation and regression. Multiple regression and model selection. Logistic regression and odds ratios. Basic concepts in survival analysis. This course may not be used to satisfy the upper division requirements of the following programs: statistics major, statistics honours, actuarial science major, and actuarial science honours. Prerequisite: One of STAT 201, STAT 203, STAT 205, STAT 270, BUS 232, or ECON 233, with a minimum grade of C-. Students who have taken STAT 350 first may not then take this course for further credit. Quantitative.
and at least 30 additional upper division units, of which 16 must be HSCI units.
NOTE: ¶¡ÏãÔ°AV students accepted in the accelerated master’s within the Faculty of Health Sciences may apply a maximum of 10 graduate course units, taken while completing the bachelor's degree, towards the upper division electives of the bachelor’s program and the requirements of the master's degree. These graduate courses must be passed with a grade of B (3.0) or better in order to be used towards the requirements of the master's degree. For more information go to: /gradstudies/apply/programs/accelerated-masters.html.
* Recommended
Writing, Quantitative, and Breadth Requirements
Students admitted to ¶¡ÏãÔ°AV beginning in the fall 2006 term must meet writing, quantitative and breadth requirements as part of any degree program they may undertake. See Writing, Quantitative, and Breadth Requirements for university-wide information.
WQB Graduation Requirements
A grade of C- or better is required to earn W, Q or B credit
Requirement |
Units |
Notes | |
W - Writing |
6 |
Must include at least one upper division course, taken at ¶¡ÏãÔ°AV within the student’s major subject | |
Q - Quantitative |
6 |
Q courses may be lower or upper division | |
B - Breadth |
18 |
Designated Breadth | Must be outside the student’s major subject, and may be lower or upper division 6 units Social Sciences: B-Soc 6 units Humanities: B-Hum 6 units Sciences: B-Sci |
6 |
Additional Breadth | 6 units outside the student’s major subject (may or may not be B-designated courses, and will likely help fulfil individual degree program requirements) Students choosing to complete a joint major, joint honours, double major, two extended minors, an extended minor and a minor, or two minors may satisfy the breadth requirements (designated or not designated) with courses completed in either one or both program areas. |
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Residency Requirements and Transfer Credit
- At least half of the program's total units must be earned through ¶¡ÏãÔ°AV study.
- At least two thirds of the program's total upper division units must be earned through ¶¡ÏãÔ°AV study.
Elective Courses
In addition to the courses listed above, students should consult an academic advisor to plan the remaining required elective courses.