Health Sciences with Biology

health sci biology

The Honors Specialization in Health Sciences with Biology is designed for students who want to combine the socio-cultural perspectives on health offered in Health Sciences courses with the life sciences (Chemistry, Biochemistry and Biology). This module is ideal for students who want to pursue careers in medicine and dentistry. Approximately half of the module’s courses cover key Health Sciences topics such as health ethics, health promotion, childhood and adolescent health, health in aging populations, and anatomy. The other half of the module is made up of core life sciences courses, covering topics such as organic chemistry, biochemistry, and genetics.

Honors Specialization in Health Sciences with Biology

In order to progress into the Honors Specialization in Health Sciences with Biology after first year, students 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 grade of 60% in each of Chemistry 1301A and 1302B
  • 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 Sciences with Biology 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: