Health Studies

Faculty List

Undergraduate Counsellor: J. Roopnarinesingh Email: health-studies-advisor@utsc.utoronto.ca

Health is an extremely important area of study, from a biological, social, and policy perspective. Social scientists consider a wide range of questions, such as: How does individual behaviour affect health? How can we design health care systems and public policy so as to promote health? How does health vary over the life course and between men and women? What can be learned from large scale survey data about health patterns and the health of populations? The Health Studies Programs combine relevant courses from a range of disciplines of interest to students who may apply to graduate programs in health or work in health and related professions. Students in Health Studies are encouraged to combine their program with another Major in a relevant discipline.

Guidelines for 1st year course selection
Effective April 1, 2013, students intending to complete a program in Health Studies must take the following courses in their first year of study: HLTA02H3 and HLTA03H3.

Note: It is Department policy that students must meet all relevant prerequisites, exceptions will be made only in the case of special circumstances. Students should check carefully the prerequisites required for particular B- and C-level courses. 

AN IMPORTANT MESSAGE FOR STUDENTS WHO DECLARED THE HEALTH STUDIES MAJOR AS A POSt PRIOR TO 2013
The Health Studies Major program was revised extensively for the 2013-14 academic year. The information below is designed to help students who declared the Health Studies Major as a POSt prior to April 1, 2013, to complete the program with the courses that are now being offered.

New and Old Course Codes

Course Code in 2013-14	Course Code in 2012-13	Course Title	Notes
HLTB15H3	HLTB15H3	Introduction to Health Research Methodology	Changed from HLTA10H3 in 2012-13
HLTB20H3	HLTB20H3	Contemporary Human Evolution and Variation	Same as ANTB15H3
HLTC21H3	HLTC07H3	Patterns of Health, Disease and Injuries
HLTC22H3	HLTB01H3	Health, Aging and the Life Cycle
HLTC23H3	HLTB02H3	Issues in Child Health and Development
HLTC24H3	HLTB04H3	Health and the Urban Environment
HLTC40H3	HLTC20H3	Introduction to Health Economics
HLTC43H3	HLTC03H3	Politics of Canadian Health Policy
HLTD05H3	HLTC01H3	Directed Research on Health Services and Institutions

Courses Deleted in 2013-14
HLTA01H3 Plagues and Peoples
HLTB03H3 Foundations in Health
HLTC15H3 Introduction to Quantitative and Qualitative Health and Research Methodologies
HLTD10H3 Advanced Quantitative Health and Research Methodology
HLTD11H3 Advanced Qualitative Health Research Methodology

New Courses in 2013-14
HLTA02H3 Foundations in Health Sciences I
HLTA03H3 Foundations in Health Sciences II
HLTB16H3 Introduction to Public Health
HLTB17H3 Conceptual Models of Health
HLTB21H3 Infectious Diseases
HLTB22H3 Biological Determinants of Health
HLTB40H3 Health Policy and Health Systems
HLTC04H3 Survey Methods
HLTC05H3 Social Determinants of Health
HLTC42H3 Emerging Health Issues and Policy Needs
HLTC44H3 Comparative Health Policy Systems
HLTD04H3 Special Topics in Health

1. If you successfully completed the old HLTA01H3 (Plagues and People) this will be counted in place of the new HLTB21H3 (Infectious Diseases). If you successfully completed the old HLTB03H3 (Foundations in Health Studies), it will be counted as a B-level credit in either the Population Health or Health Policy programs.
   
   
2. You have the option to complete the Methods requirement as follows:
   a. In the 2011-12 Calendar the methods requirement is 1.0 credit, comprising the old courses HLTA10H3 and HLTB10H3. The old HLTA10H3 is equivalent to the new HLTB15H3. If you have not completed the old HLTB10H3 you may take STAB22H3 in its place.
   
   b. In the 2012-12 Calendar the methods requirement is 1.5 credits, comprising the old courses HLTB15H3, HLTC15H3, and one of [HLTD10H3 or HLTD11H3]. You may take STAB22H3 and STAB27H3 to replace the old HLTC15H3 and [HLTD10H3 or HLTD11H3]. Alternatively, you may take any 3 of the methods courses listed in the 2013-14 Health Studies programs: HLTB15H3, STAB22H3, STAB27H3, HLTC04H3.
   
   OR: Use the table below:
   
   

   2012-13	Alternative Option	2013-14
   HLTB15H3, HLTC15H3, one of [HLTD10H3 or HLTD11H3]	STAB22H3, STAB27H3, HLTB15H3	Choose any 3 courses from STAB22H3, STAB27H3, HLTB15H3 and HLTC04H3

   
   
   
3. Completing Program Requirements for a B.Sc.
   Students who need to complete 'science credit' requirements can select courses listed under the 'Population Health" program and use these courses as 'science credit' courses for their program.
   
   
4. Completing the 'Introduction to Health' and 'Advanced Health' sections:
   a. Students may use any of the new B-level HLT courses, as well as the EES, GGR, ANT and PSY courses previously listed, to satisfy the requirements of the 'Introduction to Health' section of the 2011-12 or 2012-13 program.
   
   b. Students may use any of the new C-level HLT courses, as well as the ANT, BIO, GGR and NRO courses previously listed, to satisfy the requirements of the 'Advanced Health' section of the 2011-12 or 2012-13 program.
   
   

Health Studies Programs

MAJOR PROGRAM IN HEALTH STUDIES - Population Health (SCIENCE)

This program requires the completion of 8.0 credits, as described below.

1.0 credit at A-level:
HLTA02H3 Foundations of Health Studies I
HLTA03H3 Foundations of Health Studies II

3.5 credits at B-level:
HLTB17H3 Conceptual Models of Health
HLTB20H3 Contemporary Human Evolution and Variation
HLTB21H3 Infectious Diseases
HLTB22H3 Biological Determinants of Health
PHLB09H3 Biomedical Ethics
STAB22H3 Statistics I
STAB27H3 Statistics II

2.0 credits at C-level from:
ANTC40H3 Methods and Analysis in Anthropological Demography
ANTC67H3 Foundations in Epidemiology
ANTC68H3 Deconstructing Epidemics
HLTC21H3 Patterns of Health, Disease, and Injuries
STAC32H3 Applications of Statistical Methods
STAC50H3 Data Collection

1.0 credit from:
GGRB28H3 Geographies of Disease
HLTB16H3 Introduction to Public Health
HLTC04H3 Survey Methods
HLTC22H3 Health, Aging and the Life Cycle
HLTC23H3 Issues in Child Health and Development
HLTC24H3 Health and the Urban Environment

0.5 credit from:
HLTD01H3 Directed Readings in Health Studies
HLTD02H3 Health Research Seminar
HLTD04H3 Special Topics in Health
HLTD05H3 Directed Research on Health Services and Institutions

MAJOR (CO-OPERATIVE) PROGRAM IN HEALTH STUDIES - Population Health (SCIENCE)

Co-op Contact: askcoop@utsc.utoronto.ca

Program Admission
This is a limited enrolment program, which must be completed in conjunction with another Major as part of a 4-year degree. For information on admissions, fees, work terms, and standing in the program, please see the Social Sciences and Humanities Co-operative Programs section of this Calendar.

Minimum qualifications for entry following first year: 4.0 credits, registration in the Major program in Health Studies – Population Health, and a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5.

Program Requirements
Work terms will be in the health and health-related sectors, and may be in public institutions, in research institutions, and in the private sector. There are two work terms, each of 4 months. In order to be eligible for the first work term, students must complete at least 9 full credits, including the first 4.5 credits listed in one of the two streams in the Health Studies program. Students must also successfully complete Arts & Science Co-op Work Term Preparation Activities, which include multiple networking sessions, speaker panels and industry tours along with seminars covering resumes, cover letters, job interviews and work term expectations, prior to their first work term.

Course Requirements
See requirements for Major Program in Health Studies – Population Health (BSc).

MAJOR PROGRAM IN HEALTH STUDIES - Health Policy (ARTS)

This program requires the completion of 8.0 credits, as described below.

1.0 credit at A-level:
HLTA02H3 Foundations of Health Studies I
HLTA03H3 Foundations of Health Studies II

3.5 credits at B-level:
HLTB15H3 Introduction to Health Research Methodology
HLTB16H3 Introduction to Public Health
HLTB17H3 Conceptual Models of Health
HLTB40H3 Health Policy and Health Systems
MGTA06H3 Introduction to Health Management*
PHLB09H3 Biomedical Ethics
STAB22H3 Statistics I
*NOTE: MGTA06H3 has prerequisites that are not part of this program.

2.0 credits at C-level:
HLTC05H3 Social Determinants of Health
[HLTC40H3 Introduction to Health Economics or MGEC34H3/(ECMC34H3) Economics of Health Care]
HLTC42H3 Emerging Health Issues and Policy Needs
HLTC43H3 Politics of Canadian Health Policy

1.0 credit from:
HLTC04H3 Survey Methods
HLTC22H3 Health, Aging and the Life Cycle
HLTC24H3 Health and the Urban Environment
HLTC44H3 Comparative Health Policy Systems

0.5 credit from:
HLTD01H3 Directed Readings in Health Studies
HLTD02H3 Health Research Seminar
HLTD04H3 Special Topics in Health
HLTD05H3 Directed Research on Health Services and Institutions

MAJOR (CO-OPERATIVE) PROGRAM IN HEALTH STUDIES - Health Policy (ARTS)

Co-op Contact: askcoop@utsc.utoronto.ca

Program Admission
This is a limited enrolment program, which must be completed in conjunction with another Major as part of a 4-year degree. For information on admissions, fees, work terms, and standing in the program, please see the Social Sciences and Humanities Co-operative Programs section of this Calendar.

Minimum qualifications for entry following first year: 4.0 credits, registration in the Major program in Health Studies – Health Policy, and a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5.

Program Requirements
Work terms will be in the health and health-related sectors, and may be in public institutions, in research institutions, and in the private sector. There are two work terms, each of 4 months. In order to be eligible for the first work term, students must complete at least 9 full credits, including the first 4.5 credits listed in one of the two streams in the Health Studies program. Students must also successfully complete Arts & Science Co-op Work Term Preparation Activities, which include multiple networking sessions, speaker panels and industry tours along with seminars covering resumes, cover letters, job interviews and work term expectations, prior to their first work term.

Course Requirements
See requirements for Major Program in Health Studies – Health Policy (BA).

MINOR PROGRAM IN HEALTH STUDIES (ARTS)

The Minor program in Health Studies is currently under review and new enrolment in it has been suspended indefinitely. Students who enrolled at UTSC prior to the 2013 Summer Session should refer to the 2012/2013 UTSC Calendar.

Health Studies Courses

HLTA02H3    Foundations in Health Studies I

This the first part of a sequence of two courses designed to introduce theory, contemporary topics, and analytical techniques related to the study of health issues. Examples of topics include: social determinants of health, basic anatomy, introduction to child development, introduction to the life course and aging, disease, health economics and policy, and applicable research methods.
Breadth Requirement: Social & Behavioural Sciences

HLTA03H3    Foundations in Health Studies II

This the second part of a sequence of two courses designed to introduce theory, contemporary topics, and analytical techniques related to the study of health issues. Examples of topics include: social determinants of health, basic anatomy, introduction to child development, introduction to the life course and aging, disease, health economics and policy, and applicable research methods.
Prerequisite: HLTA02H3
Breadth Requirement: Social & Behavioural Sciences

HLTB15H3    Introduction to Health Research Methodology

The objective of this course is to introduce students to the main principles that are needed to undertake health-related research. Students will be introduced to the concepts and approaches to health research, the nature of scientific inquiry, the role of empirical research, and epidemiological research designs.
Exclusion: (HLTA10H3)
Recommended Preparation: HLTA02H3 and HLTA03H3 and any Statistics course.
Enrolment Limits: 150; Restricted to students in health studies and health science programs (e.g. Human Biology, Mental Health Studies, Paramedicine, Computer Science - Health Informatics stream, Specialist in Management - Health Management stream, Health Studies).
Breadth Requirement: Social & Behavioural Sciences

HLTB16H3    Introduction to Public Health

This course will present a brief history about the origins and development of the public health system and its role in health prevention. The course will highlight core functions, public health practices, the relationship of public health with the overall health system, and challenges with special emphasis on relevant case studies.
Recommended Preparation: HLTA02H3 and HLTA03H3
Enrolment Limits: Restricted to students in health studies and health science programs (e.g. Human Biology, Mental Health Studies, Paramedicine, Computer Science - Health Informatics stream, Specialist in Management - Health Management stream, Health Studies).
Breadth Requirement: Social & Behavioural Sciences

HLTB17H3    Conceptual Models of Health

The main objective of this course is to introduce students to the diverse theoretical dimensions of health conceptualization.  The course will discuss key documents and topics that trace the historical development of health models through their origin in the 'lifestyle' approach to health in the early 1970s, to the population health model and the life course health perspective. The course will include a significant portion on the development of health models in Canada.
Recommended Preparation: HLTA02H3 and HLTA03H3
Enrolment Limits: Restricted to students in health studies and health science programs (e.g. Human Biology, Mental Health Studies, Paramedicine, Computer Science - Health Informatics stream, Specialist in Management - Health Management stream, Health Studies).
Breadth Requirement: Social & Behavioural Sciences

HLTB20H3    Contemporary Human Evolution and Variation

Basic to the course is an understanding of the synthetic theory of evolution and the principles, processes, evidence and application of the theory. Laboratory projects acquaint the student with the methods and materials utilized Biological Anthropology. Specific topics include: the development of evolutionary theory, the biological basis for human variation, the evolutionary forces, human adaptability and health and disease.
Science credit
Same as ANTB15H3
Exclusion: ANTB15H3, ANT203Y
Recommended Preparation: HLTA02H3 and HLTA03H3
Enrolment Limits: Restricted to students in health studies and health science programs (e.g. Human Biology, Mental Health Studies, Paramedicine, Computer Science - Health Informatics stream, Specialist in Management - Health Management stream, Health Studies).
Breadth Requirement: Natural Sciences

HLTB21H3    Infectious Diseases

This course considers the origins, antiquity, and impact of plagues on human societies from cultural, evolutionary, epidemiological, and ecological perspectives. The course will start with an introduction to disease ecology followed by a focus on historic, contemporary, and newly-emerging epidemics. The aim is to understand why “plagues” emerge and how their occurrence is intimately linked to human behavior. The main goal is to provide insight into the struggles of attaining disease control and the challenges of forecasting emerging plagues.
Recommended Preparation: HLTA02H3 and HLTA03H3
Enrolment Limits: Restricted to students in health studies and health science programs (e.g. Human Biology, Mental Health Studies, Paramedicine, Computer Science - Health Informatics stream, Specialist in Management - Health Management stream, Health Studies).
Breadth Requirement: Natural Sciences

HLTB22H3    Biological Determinants of Health

This course is an introduction to the basic genetic principles underlying the transmission of both infectious and non-infectious diseases in human populations. It covers population genetics, principles of Mendelian inheritance and polygenetic inheritance.
Recommended Preparation: HLTA02H3 and HLTA03H3
Enrolment Limits: Restricted to students in health studies and health science programs (e.g. Human Biology, Mental Health Studies, Paramedicine, Computer Science - Health Informatics stream, Specialist in Management - Health Management stream, Health Studies).
Breadth Requirement: Natural Sciences

HLTB40H3    Health Policy and Health Systems

This course focuses on public and private financing mechanisms for health care in Canada, emphasizing provincial differences and discussing the systems in place in other developed nations. Topics will include the forces of market competition and government regulation as well as the impact of health policy on key stakeholders. Students will also learn how to apply simple economic reasoning to examine health policy issues.
Recommended Preparation: HLTA02H3 and HLTA03H3
Enrolment Limits: Restricted to students in health studies and health science programs (e.g. Human Biology, Mental Health Studies, Paramedicine, Computer Science - Health Informatics stream, Specialist in Management - Health Management stream, Health Studies).
Breadth Requirement: Social & Behavioural Sciences

HLTC02H3    Women and Health: Past and Present

This course uses historical, anthropological, philosophical approaches to further understand the relationships intertwining women, health and society. Women's interactions with the health sector will be examined. Particular attention will be devoted to the social and gender construction of disease and the politics of women's health.
Prerequisite: ANTC61H3 or IDSB04H3 or a B-level course in WST or [HLTA02H3 and HLTA03H3]
Recommended Preparation: WSTA01H3 and WSTA03H3
Breadth Requirement: Social & Behavioural Sciences

HLTC04H3    Survey Methods

Surveys are a core methodology in the health field that allows researchers to quantitatively follow such topics as social values, behavior, attitudes and norms within and between groups over time. Inherent within the course is a discussion of measurement theory, probability, variable modeling and statistical analysis.
Prerequisite: HLTB15H3 and PHLB09H3 and STAB22H3
Enrolment Limits: 60
Breadth Requirement: Social & Behavioural Sciences

HLTC05H3    Social Determinants of Health

This course introduces the social determinants of health, a key feature of health research and investigations into inequalities in population health. What are the social determinants of health? How do they affect health outcomes? What role can governments, citizens, and social movements have in improving health and reducing health inequalities?
Prerequisite: HLTB40H3
Enrolment Limits: 60
Breadth Requirement: Social & Behavioural Sciences

HLTC21H3    Patterns of Health, Disease and Injuries

This course will introduce students to regional, national, and global patterns of health, disease, and injuries. The course will demonstrate how demography and epidemiology can be used to examine these patterns and assess the cause of health-related problems, in order to provide a basis for broad-based preventative action.
Prerequisite: HLTB22H3
Exclusion: (HLTC07H3)
Enrolment Limits: 60
Breadth Requirement: Natural Sciences

HLTC22H3    Health, Aging and the Life Cycle

This course focuses on the transition from birth to old age and changes in health status. Topics to be covered include: socio-cultural perspectives on aging, the aging process, chronic and degenerative diseases, caring for the elderly.
Prerequisite: HLTB22H3
Exclusion: (HLTB01H3)
Enrolment Limits: 60
Breadth Requirement: Social & Behavioural Sciences

HLTC23H3    Issues in Child Health and Development

This course will explore bio-social aspects of health and development in children. Topics for discussion include genetics and development, growth and development, childhood diseases, the immune system, and nutrition during the early years.
Prerequisite: HLTB22H3
Exclusion: (HLTB02H3)
Enrolment Limits: 60
Breadth Requirement: Social & Behavioural Sciences

HLTC24H3    Health and the Urban Environment

Described literally as 'deathtraps of humankind', urban centres prior to 1900 subjected their inhabitants to crowded living conditions, poor sanitation, increased inter-personal contact and, at times, excessive mortality through acute infections. Using a holistic approach, the course will trace the origin and development of cities with particular emphasis on the importance and development of housing infrastructure, food by-laws, water supply, sanitation system, medical facilities and their role in influencing the health of urban dwellers.
Prerequisite: HLTB22H3
Exclusion: (ANTB56H3), (HLTB04H3)
Enrolment Limits: 60
Breadth Requirement: Social & Behavioural Sciences

HLTC40H3    Introduction to Health Economics

Introduction to health economic evaluation and quantitative tools relevant to Canadian healthcare. Topics: healthcare as a public good, demand, supply, health insurance, financing, equity, and survey of economic evaluation techniques including: cost analysis, cost-effectiveness analysis, cost-utility and cost-benefit analysis; critical assessment of economic evaluation and presentation/use of economic evaluation results.
Prerequisite: HLTB40H3
Exclusion: (HLTC20H3)
Enrolment Limits: 60
Breadth Requirement: Quantitative Reasoning

HLTC42H3    Emerging Health Issues and Policy Needs

This course takes an interdisciplinary approach to helping students prepare to tackle complex emerging health issues and to explore ways of addressing these issues through public policy.  A range of contemporary and newly-emerging health issues are discussed and analyzed in the context of existing policy constraints within Canada and worldwide.
Prerequisite: HLTB40H3
Enrolment Limits: 60
Breadth Requirement: Social & Behavioural Sciences

HLTC43H3    Politics of Canadian Health Policy

This course examines the role of all levels of Canadian government in health and health care. The impact of public policies, health care policy, and access to health care services on the health of populations is considered. The course also examines the role of political parties and social movements in the policy change process.
Prerequisite: HLTB40H3
Exclusion: (POLC55H3), (HLTC03H3)
Enrolment Limits: 60
Breadth Requirement: Social & Behavioural Sciences

HLTC44H3    Comparative Health Policy Systems

This course surveys a select of health care systems worldwide in relation to financing, reimbursement, delivery systems and adoption of new technologies.  In this course students will explore questions such as: which systems and which public/private sector mixes are better at achieving efficiency and equity?  How do these different systems deal with tough choices, such as decisions about new technologies? The set of international health care systems we focus on are likely to vary by term but will include a subset of OECD countries as well as countries with large populations that are heavily represented in Toronto such as China and India.
Prerequisite: HLTB40H3
Enrolment Limits: 60
Breadth Requirement: Social & Behavioural Sciences

HLTD01H3    Directed Readings in Health Studies

This is an advanced reading course in special topics for upper level students who have completed the available basic courses in Health Studies and who wish to pursue further intensive study on a relevant topic. Topic selection and approval will depend on the supervising instructor.
Prerequisite: Completion of at least 6.0 credits from the requirements of one of the Major/Major Co-operative programs in Health Studies; and a minimum CGPA of 2.8; and permission of the instructor.
Recommended Preparation: Completion of at least 3 C-level HLT courses.
Enrolment Limits: 30

HLTD02H3    Health Research Seminar

Provides senior students with the opportunity to apply methodological skills to a health research problem. Students will give presentations of their research proposals, and there may be a guest seminar on health research projects.
Prerequisite: Completion of at least 6.0 credits from the requirements of one of the Major/Major Co-operative programs in Health Studies; and a minimum CGPA of 2.8; and permission of the instructor.
Recommended Preparation: Completion of at least 3 C-level HLT courses.
Enrolment Limits: 30

HLTD04H3    Special Topics in Health

The topics presented in this course will represent a range of contemporary issues in health research. Topics will vary by instructor and term.
Prerequisite: Completion of at least 6.0 credits from the requirements of the Major/Major Co-operative programs in Health Studies & a minimum CGPA of 2.8 & permission of the instructor.
Recommended Preparation: Completion of 3 C-level HLT courses.
Enrolment Limits: 30

HLTD05H3    Directed Research on Health Services and Institutions

Provides students with the opportunity to analyze work of health institutions. Students taking this course will arrange, in consultation with the instructor, to work as a volunteer in a health institution. They will write a major research paper related to some aspect of their experience.
Prerequisite: Completion of HLTA02H3 and HLTA03H3 and at least 4.0 credits from the requirements of one of the Major/Major Co-operative programs in Health Studies; and a minimum CGPA of 2.8; and permission of the instructor.
Exclusion: (HLTC01H3)
Recommended Preparation: Completion of 3 C-level HLT courses.
Enrolment Limits: 30