Course Descriptions - Undergraduate Calendar 2012-2013

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HLTH 100s


HLTH 101 LEC,TST,TUT 0.50Course ID: 006421
Introduction to Health 1
This course will be of interest to students pursuing careers in health and those with a general interest in health and health care. Various perspectives of the concepts of health and illness will be introduced. Emphasis is on understanding the origins, factors and conditions that determine health throughout the lifespan, how these factors influence one another and the role/impact of health care. Additional topics include how health is measured, the leading causes of death, illness and disability, as well as how health status has changed throughout history. Case examples will be used to illustrate points.

HLTH 102 LEC,TST,TUT 0.50Course ID: 006422
Introduction to Health 2
This course expands upon the general concepts introduced in HLTH 101 while extending the discussion to include issues such as: additional barriers to health; disease prevention; and methods used to plan, monitor and improve individual and population health. Discussion will include when various interventions are justified and why, and where and when combinations of policies, treatments, education and other approaches are necessary. The health of Canadians relative to that of people in other countries, as well as the inequalities that exist in health status within Canada and around the globe will be examined. Case examples will be used to illustrate points.
Prereq: HLTH 101

HLTH 200s


HLTH 201 LEC 0.50Course ID: 006420
Aging and Health
This course focuses on the challenges facing older adults and on strategies to promote successful aging. A basic understanding of the physical aging process is explored, distinguishing between pathological states/illness and normal change. Many physical changes and associated functional decline are affected by modifiable factors such as sedentary lifestyles, substance abuse, and diet. Education, environment, and personal supports also play key roles in preventing illness and accidents (e.g. falls, driving accidents, and medication errors). The course addresses the interests of those working with older adults, and anyone who has older grandparents, parents, or friends.
Antireq: GERON 100, HLTH 100
(Cross-listed with GERON 201)

HLTH 210 LEC 0.50Course ID: 006426
Development, Aging and Health
The physiology of human growth, development and aging is examined, with special reference to the influence of diet, environment, exercise and disease on the normal processes.
Prereq: BIOL 130.
Coreq: BIOL 273
(Cross-listed with GERON 210, KIN 210)

HLTH 218 LEC 0.50Course ID: 006428
Psychology of Death and Dying
Variations in the meaning and significance of death and dying will be considered from a psychological perspective, with particular attention to the contexts (e.g., cultural, familial, life-span developmental) in which these variations occur.
Prereq: PSYCH 101/121R
(Cross-listed with PSYCH 218, GERON 218)
Offered at St. Jerome's University

HLTH 220 LEC 0.50Course ID: 006429
Psychosocial Perspectives on Lifespan Development and Health
This course will focus on psychosocial aspects of development of the individual and their influence on the individual's health and well-being. Through the use of the lifespan approach, the course will emphasize development as a life-long process, but will place particular emphasis on health and aging.
Prereq: HLTH 101 and 102 or PSYCH 101/121R
(Cross-listed with GERON 220)

HLTH 245 LEC 0.50Course ID: 006430
The Canadian Health Care System
This course examines the Canadian health care system by considering organizational principles, health resources, service utilization, health care planning and health promotion strategies. There is a focus on societal and political issues which affect the health of the society through the delivery system.
Prereq: Health Studies students only
(Cross-listed with GERON 245)

HLTH 253 LEC 0.50Course ID: 008634
Demographic Change in Canada
An introduction to the study of human population, with a focus on mortality, fertility, migration and spatial distribution in Canada. Methods and measures used in demographic research, sources of demographic data, and the health and social implications of the major demographic trends are discussed.
Prereq: Level at least 2A
(Cross-listed with SOC 253)

HLTH 260 LEC 0.50Course ID: 013200
Social Determinants of Health
Enormous inequalities in health persist both within and between countries. These inequalities can be seen across various axes including gender, ethnicity, and access to material resources. As such, those relatively deprived/underprivileged have substantially poorer health than those better off. The course will demonstrate the extent of inequalities in health, and it will explore current theories explaining how inequalities arise, focusing on behavioural/cultural, psychosocial, and structural/material explanations. The course will also investigate the role of various approaches to economic and social policy in creating or reducing inequalities.
Prereq: SOC 101; Level at least 2B Applied Health Sciences or HLTH 101, 102

HLTH 300s


HLTH 330 LEC 0.50Course ID: 011462
Health Informatics
Health informatics is the multidisciplinary field devoted to the study of the generation, dissemination/communication, and utilization of health information. It covers the study of how providers of information design, produce, and interpret health information; how such information is communicated and stored; and how it is received, understoood, and used by its recipients.
Prereq: Level at least 3A Health Studies or Mathematics Health Informatics Option.
Antireq: HLTH 230

HLTH 333 LEC 0.50Course ID: 013201
Experimental Methods and Observational Methods in Epidemiology
Health research addresses a broad range of problems, leading to the use of a diverse range of research strategies and methodologies. This course is offered concurrently with HLTH 344 and will focus on experimental, quasi-experimental and analytical observational (cohort, case control, cross-sectional) research designs. The aim of this course is to provide a basic understanding of each of these study designs, including their strengths and weaknesses, threats to validity, and appropriate statistical methods.
Prereq: KIN 222; Health Studies students.
Coreq: HLTH 344

HLTH 340 LEC 0.50Course ID: 006431
Environmental Toxicology and Public Health
An introduction to the basic biological and toxicological processes that determine the effects of environmental pollutants on human health. Emphasis is placed on the mechanisms that give rise to chronic or delayed health effects, such as cancer, genetic mutations, and birth defects.
Prereq: BIOL 130, 273, CHEM 120, and one of KIN 217, CHEM 233, 237

HLTH 341 LEC 0.50Course ID: 006432
Immunobiology and Public Health
An introduction to the study of the immunobiological factors governing the occurrence of disease in humans. Selected chronic and acute diseases will be used to illustrate immunobiological mechanisms and the identification of risk factors from a public health perspective. The contribution of social determinants of health to modifying immunobiological mechanisms in human disease will also be considered.
Prereq: BIOL 130, 273 and (KIN 217 or CHEM 233 or 237)

HLTH 344 LEC 0.50Course ID: 013202
Evaluation, Qualitative, and Survey Methods
Increasingly, health services and community programs are under the scrutiny of their funders and the people using them and are being held more accountable. This course will expose students to political, ethical, social and methodological issues involved in program planning and evaluation. In addition, students will be introduced to survey and qualitative methods that are widely used in health research and program evaluation.
Prereq: KIN 222; Health Studies students only.
Coreq: HLTH 333

HLTH 346 LEC 0.50Course ID: 006434
Human Nutrition
An elementary course in nutrition with special emphasis on diet for sport and certain physiological conditions.
Prereq: KIN 217 or CHEM 233 or 237; BIOL 273; Level at least 3A
(Cross-listed with KIN 346)

HLTH 350 LEC 0.50Course ID: 006437
Occupational Health
Methodological approaches to the detection, assessment and management of toxic hazards (especially carcinogens) in the workplace and external environment. The health effects of chemical toxicants on specific human organ systems (lung, nervous system, immune system, etc.) are also examined.
Prereq: HLTH 340 or level at least 3A Ergonomics Option

HLTH 352 LEC 0.50Course ID: 006438
Sociology of Aging
An introduction to individual and population aging. Topics discussed include: aging from a historical and comparative perspective; aging in subcultures; aging and the social structure; aging and social processes; aging and the environment; work and retirement; and aging and leisure patterns.
Prereq: SOC 101 or 120R
(Cross-listed with GERON 352, SOC 352, REC 362, KIN 352)

HLTH 360 LEC 0.50Course ID: 013203
Psychological Determinants of Health
Psychological factors are critical to understanding how and why people act in the interests of their health. This course will examine how basic concepts from social psychology, learning theory, and models of health behaviour can help us to understand various health behaviours, health care utilization, and decision making in the context of health. The course will also explore the importance of health behaviour in the context of a population health perspective and population-level change.
Prereq: HLTH 260.
Antireq: HLTH 348, 349, KIN 348, 349

HLTH 400s


HLTH 400 LEC 0.50Course ID: 006440
Multidisciplinary Seminar on Aging
Faculty and students from various departments meet to discuss individual and population aging from a multidisciplinary perspective. Topics include the definition of aging, the demography of aging, evolutionary and genetic factors, aging as a social process, and human aging patterns.
Prereq: GERON/HLTH 201; Health Studies or Gerontology Minor students only
(Cross-listed with GERON 400)

HLTH 405 LEC 2.50Course ID: 006439
International Exchange
Study abroad on an Exchange Agreement approved by the Faculty of Applied Health Sciences.
Department Consent Required
Antireq: HLTH 372

HLTH 407 LEC 0.50Course ID: 006441
Coronary Artery Disease - Prevention and Rehabilitation
This course explores the pathophysiology, electrophysiology, risk factors, and assessment and rehabilitation options related to cardiovascular disease. Major emphasis is placed on the utitlity of exercise in the assessment and rehabilitation of primary and secondary cardiovascular disease.
Prereq: BIOL 273; Level at least 3A
(Cross-listed with KIN 407)

HLTH 410 LEC 0.50Course ID: 013204
Health Policy
Health care policy exists at federal, provincial, local and institutional levels, and shapes every aspect of the Canadian Health Care System. Its ongoing development, implementation and outcomes are shaped by ideology and empirical evidence through the definition of health issues, setting of priorities for action, and the policy instruments chosen for implementation. This course will introduce students to health policy in Canada and provide them with an understanding of what policy is, how it is developed, who is involved with its production, implementation and evaluation. Students will learn to critically analyse real world examples of Canadian health policy.
Prereq: HLTH 245, 360; Year 4 Health Studies students

HLTH 420 LEC 0.50Course ID: 006442
Health, Environment, and Planning
A seminar course on the environmental sources and causes of disease and illness, the concepts of health, e.g. medical, scientific, economic, political, etc., the health services and facilities and related technologies and the role and responsibilities of (urban and regional) planners in the creation of a more healthful environment.
[Note: Estimated additional cost to student: $20.]
Prereq: Level at least 3A
(Cross-listed with GEOG 432, PLAN 432)

HLTH 421 SEM 0.50Course ID: 012212
Nutritional Aspects of Chronic Disease
Nutrition is integral to the etiology, prevention and treatment of chronic diseases. This course examines nutritional aspects of key chronic diseases affecting the Canadian population. There will be an opportunity for students to explore, in depth, specific conditions and aspects of nutritional assessment or intervention that interest them. Case topics span the lifecycle and such conditions as obesity, eating disorders, diabetes, dyslipidemia, cardiovascular disease and some cancers. As well, students present seminars on a topic of their choice.
Prereq: Level at least 4A Health Studies Cooperative or Pre-Health Professions Specialization or Health Research Specialization

HLTH 432A RDG 0.50Course ID: 006445
Honours Thesis (A)
An independent research project on an approved topic, supervised by a faculty member. Includes an approved proposal and completion of -- introduction, review of literature, methods, data collection, data analysis and presentation of results in thesis form. Recommended for students planning graduate studies.
Department Consent Required
Prereq: HLTH 333, 344; Level at least 4A Honours Health Studies students

HLTH 432B RDG 0.50Course ID: 006446
Honours Thesis (B)
An independent research project on an approved topic, supervised by a faculty member. Includes an approved proposal and completion of -- introduction, review of literature, methods, data collection, data analysis and presentation of results in thesis form. Recommended for students planning graduate studies.
Department Consent Required
Prereq: HLTH 333, 344; Level at least 4A Honours Health Studies students

HLTH 433 LEC 0.50Course ID: 006447
Advanced Experimental Methods
This course builds upon the concepts learned in HLTH 333 and focuses on the key issues related to the design, conduct, analyses and interpretation of experimental studies. Examples will be drawn from animal research investigating disease mechanisms, and from clinical and population studies investigating efficacy of preventive or therapeutic strategies.
Prereq: HLTH 333, 344, KIN 222, STAT 316; Level at least 4A Health Studies Co-op, Pre-Health Professions Specialization or Health Research Specialization students

HLTH 435 LEC 0.50Course ID: 013374
Knowledge Translation and the Application of Health Evidence
This course will focus on the dissemination, interpretation and ethically-sound application of research findings specific to the health field. The course will explore the creation and exchange of knowledge that occurs in a mutually interdependent system of researchers and practitioners of clinical and population health. Topics of discussion may include definitions of Knowledge Translation and Exchange, the iterative processes involved in Knowledge Exchange, instances when Knowledge Exchange may fail, and the importance of Knowledge Exchange to the provision of clinical and population health services. Case studies will be employed to illustrate discussions. [First offered winter 2014]
Prereq: Level at least 4A Honours Health Studies students

HLTH 442 LEC 0.50Course ID: 006448
Epidemiology of Chronic Diseases
This course builds upon the concepts learned in HLTH 333 and HLTH 344 and provides an introduction to the field of epidemiology. The primary objective is to provide an understanding of the fundamental concepts, principles and applications of chronic disease epidemiology. The course emphasizes understanding of epidemiologic methods and identification of risk and protective factors.
Prereq: HLTH 333, 344, KIN 222; Level at least 4A Health Studies Co-op, Pre-Health Professions Specialization or Health Research Specialization students

HLTH 444 LEC 0.50Course ID: 006433
Program Evaluation
Building upon the concepts learned in HLTH 333 and HLTH 344 this course provides a comprehensive and systematic introduction to the key concepts, methodologies, and issues related to program evaluation in general and their application to health programs in particular. Administrative and policy implications as well as the technical/methodological evaluation issues that face individuals involved in administering, planning, implementing, and evaluating health programs will be discussed.
Prereq: HLTH 333, 344, KIN 222; Level at least 4A Health Studies Co-op, Pre-Health Professions Specialization or Health Research Specialization students

HLTH 448 SEM 0.50Course ID: 012775
Advanced Studies in Social Determinants of Health
This course will provide an in-depth examination of social determinants of health, both in North America and around the world. Students will apply their knowledge and understanding of nonbiological contributors to health by observing, studying and 'unpacking' actual health issues in the local community.
Prereq: Level at least 4A Health Studies Cooperative or Pre-Health Professions Specialization or Health Research Specialization

HLTH 449 SEM 0.50Course ID: 012776
Alcohol and Drug Use and Abuse in Contemporary Society
This course will provide an overview of alcohol and drug use and abuse in contemporary society. The student will develop an understanding of how alcohol and other drug problems become defined as social problems and how these definitions influence subsequent intervention strategies. Students will explore the social, political, economic and biological determinants of the use and abuse of alcohol and drugs, and then critically examine real-world policy issues related to prevention, control and cessation of use.
Prereq: Level at least 4A Health Studies Cooperative or Pre-Health Professions Specialization or Health Research Specialization

HLTH 451 SEM 0.50Course ID: 012213
Analysis and Management of Health Information in Aging Populations
The course combines an overview of health policy issues and service delivery with methodological considerations in the analysis of health information from a variety of sources. The topics to be addressed may include the role of health information in evidence-based practice and policy development; basic concepts of demography and health information management; secondary data analysis; case-mix based funding systems; performance indicators, quality, and accountability in health care; clinical applications of health data; need analysis; cost analysis; international comparisons.
Prereq: Level at least 4A Health Studies Cooperative or Pre-Health Professions Specialization or Health Research Specialization

HLTH 452 SEM 0.50Course ID: 012210
Decision Making and Decision Support in Health Informatics
One of the major aims of health informatics is to help health professionals make better decisions. To this end, diverse models and methods of decision making and decision support have been developed and implemented in health care settings. This course reviews theories, methods, and technologies for aiding the process of making decisions in health care.
Prereq: Level at least 4A Health Studies Cooperative or Pre-Health Professions Specialization or Health Research Specialization

HLTH 461 SEM 0.50Course ID: 012214
Psychoneuroimmunology
The course provides an introduction into the principles of psychoneuroimmunology (behavioural immunology or PNI) and the application to various human health and disease conditions. Topics to be included are: immune system-nervous system interactions, neuroendocrine responses to stress and effects on immunity, cytokines as mediators of behaviour and immune function, behavioural factors (e.g. exercise, social support, maternal effects, sleep) that modify immune responses, and selected clinical applications (e.g. cancer, AIDS) that illustrate the relation of PNI to human health.
Department Consent Required
Prereq: HLTH 341; Level at least 4A Health Studies students

HLTH 471 LEC 0.50Course ID: 010093
Psychopharmacology
The primary objective of the course will be to provide a basic understanding of how drugs can alter the function of neural cells, and how these changes can affect mood, cognition, and behaviour. Key topics to be discussed include: a) biological principles of pharmacology, b) general structure and function of the nervous system, c) major neurotransmitter systems of the brain, d) mechanisms of drug action on neurotransmission, and e) pharmacotherapy.
Prereq: Level at least 4A Health Studies Cooperative or Pre-Health Professions Specialization or Health Research Specialization

HLTH 472 LEC 0.50Course ID: 009508
Independent Study
For the student who desires to pursue a particular topic in depth through guided independent research and/or reading. A faculty member must approve a student's project prior to registration. May be repeated in subsequent terms. Depending on student demand and availability of teaching resources, special topics may be presented to small groups in a lecture format. Such topics have included Pharmacology, Behavioural Immunity, Nutrition, The Health Care System.
Department Consent Required

HLTH 473 LEC,SEM 0.50Course ID: 013205
Contemporary Issues in Health
One or more term courses will be offered from time to time as announced by the Department of Health Studies and Gerontology. Subjects will be dependent upon special research and/or instructional interests of the faculty.
Department Consent Required