HLTH - Health Sciences

This course introduces students to health topics including human health, health equity, and health systems - with a particular focus on possible vocational roles in health and health adjacent positions. Foundational principles specific to team-based practice are introduced. (Offered jointly by the following faculties: Kinesiology, Sport and Recreation; Medicine and Dentistry; Nursing; Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences; Public Health; and Rehabilitation Medicine) [Health Sciences Council].

This course introduces students to the essential principles of health research and its critical role in the health system and for health professionals. Students will explore research methodologies, data collection, and analysis, gaining hands-on experience by conducting their own research projects. Through this process, they will learn how empirical evidence informs decision-making, policy, and practice in various health-related fields. The course emphasizes the connection between research and improving health outcomes in professional practice.

This course engages students in problem-based learning to address contemporary, complex, multifaceted health issues that resist straightforward solutions. Using system and design thinking frameworks, students will analyze wicked problems in health while proposing research designs and learning how to gather data, and carry out systematic reviews. The course emphasizes critical thinking and collaboration, equipping students with the skills to evaluate health research and contribute meaningfully to solving real-world health challenges. Note: this course is available only to students enrolled in the Bachelor of Health Sciences program. Prerequisite: HLTH 100.

This course explores the complexities of mental health within the contemporary health system. In particular, it will highlight the interplay between mental health, systemic health system challenges, stigma, and access to care. Students will analyze current policies and practices while developing strategies to promote mental health awareness and improve outcomes in diverse populations. Note: Available only to students in the Bachelor of Health Sciences Program.

This course introduces Undergraduate students from all disciplines, but specifically health, to essential data science techniques and AI tools, enabling them to transform ideas into impactful analyses. Students will gain practical skills in programming, data visualization, and ethical AI usage, preparing them to apply these competencies across health-related fields and professional contexts.

This course bridges theory and practice through immersive, hands-on community service learning (CSL) experiences in health. Students will participate in CSL through group projects. Groups will all be partnered with a community partner organization that will provide a real project for students to work on in close collaboration with the partner. The projects will be focused on making an impact. Students will be required to complete 20-hours with their community partner throughout a term. Emphasizing collaboration, leadership, and communication, the course continues to develop students' durable and research skills for tackling real-world interdisciplinary health challenges. By applying systems thinking in complex, authentic settings, students prepare for diverse career pathways and further studies in health. Prerequisite: HLTH 100, HLTH 200.

This course examines the health systems in Canada and other countries, focusing on how health is delivered and the factors influencing access and quality. Students will engage in comparative analysis, and explore the idea around a health learning system. Students will use health systems science as a guiding framework and apply various research methods to investigate the effectiveness of health policies and practices in promoting equitable health outcomes. Prerequisite: HLTH 100.

This course focuses on advanced topics in Indigenous health and well-being, exploring the impacts of colonization and systemic racism. Through experiential learning opportunities, students will engage with Indigenous communities to understand traditional healing practices, cultural resilience, and the ongoing challenges faced in health. This course emphasizes the importance of collaboration and respect in addressing Indigenous health. Note: Available only to students in the Bachelor of Health Sciences Program. Prerequisites: HLTH 100, INT D 222.

This capstone course allows fourth-year BHSc students to design and undertake an independent project that aligns with their career interests and personal learning goals. Students can tailor the project's scope and depth, choosing from a wide range of topics and methodologies in the health sciences field, including but not limited to: research, community health initiatives, policy analysis, or health education. Note: Available only to students in the Bachelor of Health Sciences Program. Prerequisites: HLTH 100, HLTH 200, HLTH 300.

This foundational course introduces students to the core concepts of AI and health data, enabling them to examine a range of AI applications in modern healthcare settings, from medical image analysis to risk prediction. Students will examine how AI technologies - such as machine learning, deep learning, and natural language processing - are applied in real-world health systems. Students will be introduced to Indigenous ethical frameworks and principles of data sovereignty to address challenges, such as algorithmic bias and data imbalance. Students will explore key implementation processes including collaboration, training, and performance evaluation.

This course is dedicated to the responsible and ethical integration of AI in health contexts, addressing major concerns from AI researchers, industry, governments, and society about the increasing deployment of AI without proper safeguards. Students will analyze the ethical, legal, and technical dimensions of AI and explore mechanisms of Indigenous data sovereignty and self-determination in healthcare from both philosophical and implementation perspectives. Through this course, learners examine how algorithmic bias, technical and computational limitations, and unrepresentative datasets contribute to health disparities across individual, community, and societal levels. Prerequisite: HLTH 500.

This course focuses on visualizing health data, discovering insights, and communicating them in a way that helps transform public health initiatives, healthcare delivery, and operations. Students will explore data preparation, visualization, communication, leadership, and change management to unearth AI-driven insights by using real-world data. Emphasizing strategic and ethical data practices, students will gain the skills needed to describe the concepts, methodologies, and applications of data production, visualization, and analysis while mitigating the risk of perpetuating or amplifying bias in their data sets. Prerequisite: HLTH 500.

This course provides students with opportunities to apply, analyze, and integrate AI in healthcare, tailored to their professional contexts, research interests, and policy considerations. Students will be challenged to consider the affordances and limitations of AI systems in enhancing cultural safety and promoting relationship-centred care for diverse populations. The course emphasizes the importance of data governance and ethical data use as a foundation for evaluating how AI systems affect rights, authority, and equity for various communities. Students will utilize AI literacy to compare real-world applications, helping them navigate AI's emerging role in healthcare systems. Prerequisite: HLTH 500.