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. Prerequisite: HLTH 100, HLTH 200, HLTH 300.

This course introduces students to AI and health data for healthcare settings. This foundational course will include a panel of experts from various fields that will provide students with a general understanding of how artificial intelligence (AI) technologies are applied in real-world health settings. It introduces students to a range of AI applications across health areas, highlighting the transformative potential of AI in driving health system transformation and innovation.

AI researchers, industry, governments and society have major concerns about the increasing deployment of AI in health without ensuring these systems are aligned to patient needs. Aligning AI to the needs of real people will focus on the ethical, safe, and co-constructed deployment of AI in health and clinical settings. Students will engage in online discussion about philosophical and implementation points of view through exploring the ethical, legal, and technical dimensions of AI and data governance in healthcare. Students will examine privacy, security, and regulatory frameworks at individual, community, and societal levels. Prerequisite: HLTH 500.

This course focuses on visualizing health data, discovering insights and communicating its insights in a way that helps transform public health initiatives, healthcare delivery and operations. Students will explore data preparation, visualization, clear communication, leadership, and change management, to unearth AI-driven insights by using real world data. Students will gain the skills needed to describe the concepts, methodologies, and applications of data discovery, visualization and analysis. Prerequisite: HLTH 500.

This course provides students with opportunities to apply, analyze, and integrate AI in healthcare based on their professional contexts, research interests, and policy considerations. The course bridges AI literacy, real-world implementation cases from industry partner presentations, ethical considerations, and policy development to help students navigate AI's evolving role in health systems. Through applied projects, students will explore AI's impact on governance, regulatory frameworks, and emerging trends in healthcare AI. Students will develop a roadmap or 'pitch' for AI integration tailored to their work environment or professional interests. Prerequisite: HLTH 500.