Pre-Health Sciences

This course introduces the structure and functions of human body systems, in preparation for advanced health sciences courses. Topics include anatomical terminology, body regions and planes, homeostasis, and tissues. Particular emphasis is placed on the gross anatomy of the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, and nervous systems, as well as their integration with various other body systems.

This course further introduces the structure and functions of human body systems, in preparation for advanced health sciences courses. Topics include the cardiovascular, lymphatic, respiratory, digestive, urinary, and reproductive systems, as well as their integration with various other body systems.

Pre-requisites:

• ANPH 206

Professional Communication and Presentation Skills will introduce learners to the professional writing, collaboration and presentation skills needed to be successful in their chosen field.  Learners will gain an understanding of the strategies and competencies required for effective communication with an emphasis on developing the interpersonal skills needed to perform as part of a high-functioning team.  Coursework will require learners to work in individual and collaborative settings.

Equivalents:

• COMM 265

This course provides an integrated approach to reading, writing and speaking about the healthcare field. It offers opportunities to analyze materials about contemporary health topics, summarize technical journal articles, compose critical responses and essays, write healthcare-specific technical definitions and descriptions, and engage in discussions and presentations. The course emphasizes clear and correct writing, effective verbal communication, academic research skills and APA documentation in the study of Canadian healthcare systems, and various health topics.

Pre-requisites:

• COMM 256

This course explores various healthcare professions and their essential competencies, beginning with a foundation in information and digital literacy practices to support effective decision-making in healthcare settings. You will investigate interprofessional education (IPE) and examine communication techniques that foster patient-centered care. The course also examines the characteristics of successful healthcare teams, workplace conflicts and conflict-management strategies, and personal and interpersonal skills. Finally, you will explore personal wellness topics, such as self-awareness, resilience and stress management, within the context of a healthcare career. 

This course introduces the chain of infection, and methods to reduce the risk of transmission of microorganisms to healthcare providers and patients. Topics include immunization, routine practice, contact and droplet precautions, sterilization and disinfection, safety, and the Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS).

This course presents foundational mathematical skills for solving problems, specifically in preparation for health sciences programs. Key concepts include performing operations with real numbers and algebraic expressions, analyzing ratios, making conversions, solving and graphing equations, performing operations with rational expressions and formulas, and applying basic geometry and trigonometry concepts. This course also introduces statistical methods of analysis and inference, including descriptive measures, frequency distributions, probability, confidence intervals, hypothesis testing for population means and proportions, and analysis of variance, as well as correlation and regression techniques.

This self-directed introductory course enables the learner to use and understand the medical terminology common to most allied health personnel. By learning prefixes, suffixes, and word roots, the learner will be able to build, use, and spell medical words that relate to body systems and body organization. Common abbreviations and symbols are also included.

This course explores ethical, social, cultural, and legal influences on healthcare practices. The interaction between patients and healthcare teams will be discussed, with a focus on communication in the evolving healthcare environment. Specific topics include social responsibility, Indigenization, determinants of health, digital literacy, decision-making, and patient-centered care. The course also addresses legal and ethical requirements, professional standards and behaviours, and the impact of these concepts on healthcare professionals within the scope of Canadian healthcare systems and regulations.

Pre-requisites:

• HLTH 203

This course examines chemical principles through a molecular lens, integrating qualitative and quantitative approaches to solve chemistry problems, specifically in preparation for health sciences programs. Topics include atomic structure, the periodic table, chemical bonding, molecular geometry and polarity, the mole concept, states of matter and changes of state, intermolecular forces, solutions, chemical reactions, acids, bases, buffers and electrolytes. Examples from inorganic, organic, industrial and biological chemistry illustrate chemical principles within a health sciences context.

This course introduces the learner to the equipment and techniques commonly used to obtain blood specimens for analysis. Techniques for infection control, quality assurance and quality control will be outlined to ensure the safety of both the phlebotomist and patient. This course will also develop the skills and knowledge required to work in the central receiving (specimen reception area) of a clinical laboratory.

This course presents foundational physics concepts and principles, specifically in preparation for health sciences programs. Topics include mechanics, thermodynamics and electromagnetism, with a focus on their healthcare applications. The course emphasizes problem-solving and critical thinking skills related to physics problems in a healthcare context.  

This course considers key topics related to health and healthcare in our society through both psychology and sociology lenses. An examination of social factors influencing health, illness and medicine highlights the relationships between health, healthcare, social structures, and the healthcare professions and occupations. This course emphasizes the interplay between psychological and sociological perspectives in understanding human behaviour, health and healthcare systems, providing you with tools to foster social change.