Your First Year

first year

Approximately 325 first-year students join the Health Sciences program each fall and take a common set of first-year courses that introduce them to the diverse areas of health that impact people around the globe. These courses, in addition to a series of electives, help students identify areas of interest before selecting a module/specialization prior to entering second year.

Required First Year Courses (2.5 credits)

Personal Determinants of Health (Health Sciences 1001A/B)

This course focuses on health and wellness with an emphasis on increasing knowledge and awareness of a wide variety of health-related topics, as well as on improving individual health.

Social Determinants of Health (Health Sciences 1002A/B)

This course introduces key social determinants of health, and orients students to viewing health in relation to social factors, equity, and social justice. Students will be introduced to basic terms, concepts, and measurements related to health, public health, population health, and health inequalities.

Personal and Social Determinants of Resilience and Wellbeing (Health Sciences 1110A/B)

Personal resilience is widely recognized to be a cornerstone of wellbeing, and is considered essential to success in environments ranging from schools to workplaces. In this interdisciplinary course, we introduce an evidence-informed framework for the study of personal and social determinants of resilience.

Biology for Science I (Biology 1001A)

This course provides an understanding of fundamental biological concepts with emphasis on function in and relevance to humans. Topics include inheritance, evolution, ecology, behaviour, ecosystem health.

Biology for Science II (Biology 1002B)

This course provides an understanding of fundamental biological concepts with emphasis on function in and relevance to humans. Topics include molecular genetics, physiology, bioenergetics.

Elective Courses (2.5 credits)

Students can choose elective courses from a wide array of options that complement their Health Sciences program requirements and provide the flexibility to explore other areas of interest. Elective options also open doors for students to tailor their program of study in the upper years through Western's module system.