Health Sciences

health sciences

The most flexible module option within the School of Health Studies, the modules in Health Sciences give students the opportunity to learn about and experience a broad range of topics that relate to health across the life span. Students in the Major, Specialization or Honors Specialization Health Sciences can expect to learn about youth and adolescent health, health in aging populations, health promotion, and health ethics. In their upper years, they may choose from a diverse selection of courses, ranging from disease mechanisms and embryology, to social media and health, healthcare law, and sexuality, gender and health.

Major and Specialization

In order to progress into the Major or Specialization in Health Sciences after first year, students must achieve the following:

  • Minimum grade of 60% in each of Health Sciences 1001A/B, 1002A/B, 1111A/B and 1300A/B
  • Minimum grade of 60% in Biology 1201A and 1202B (or Biology 1001A and 1002B)
  • Minimum cumulative average of 65%
  • Students need to complete at least 1.0 courses from each of the three categories (A, B, and C). The categories and the details on breadth requirements can be found in the Western Calendar.
  • Students need to complete at least 2.0 designated essay courses, with at least 1.0 of which being senior courses (numbered 2000 - 4999). Essay credits are designated with E (1.0) or F/G/Z (0.5).
  • Essay and breadth requirements are a degree requirement and do not need to be completed in year 1.

Honors Specialization

In order to progress in the Honors Specialization in Health Sciences after first year, student must achieve the following:

  • Minimum grade of 70% in each of Health Sciences 1001A/B, 1002A/B, 1111A/B and 1300A/B
  • Minimum grade of 60% in Biology 1201A and 1202B (or Biology 1001A and 1002B)
  • Minimum cumulative average of 70%
  • No course grade below 50% in any subject
  • Students need to complete at least 1.0 courses from each of the three categories (A, B, and C). The categories and the details on breadth requirements can be found in the Western Calendar.
  • Students need to complete at least 2.0 designated essay courses, with at least 1.0 of which being senior courses (numbered 2000 - 4999). Essay credits are designated with E (1.0) or F/G/Z (0.5).
  • Essay and breadth requirements are a degree requirement and do not need to be completed in year 1.

NOTE: Due to the limited spaces available in the programs offered by the School of Health Studies, meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.

In order to progress in the Honours Specialization in Health Science after second year, students must achieve the following:

  • Minimum cumulative modular average of 70%
  • No course grade below 50% in any subject

The Program Planning Checklist and Academic Calendar link below are intended to assist students with program planning. Students are responsible for ensuring their course selection meets their module and degree requirements.

Program Planning Checklist (PDF)

For students who were admitted to Health Studies from 2024 onwards

For students who were admitted to Health Studies in September 2023 or prior, please refer to the following:

Academic Calendar Information

For students who were admitted to Health Studies from 2024 onwards

For students who were admitted to Health Studies in September 2023 or prior, please refer to the following: