Pre-Health Sciences - Pathway to Advanced Diplomas & Degrees Courses

In this course, students will be introduced to academic writing styles with a thematic focus on current issues. This course will help students to express themselves clearly and correctly in written form. Students will critically analyse assigned readings and express their thoughts. The course will also focus on the development of an academic paper utilizing the APA style of documentation.

Pre-Health Math I, combined with MA 206, is designed to assist students to understand mathematics and use it effectively. MA 106 focuses on developing math skills required in many university-based health care studies. Students will construct their own mathematical ideas and make connections to previously learned material. Students will also explore mathematical ideas through application to the real world, with emphasis on the health sciences. In Pre-Health Math I, students will study whole number operations, fractional notation and operations, decimal notation and operations, ratio and proportion, systems of measurement, dimensional analysis, basic geometry, dilution, titration, solution and dosage calculations.

This course is intended to provide a broad overview of Canadian health care policy and delivery and will provide students with an opportunity to identify current issues and trends affecting health care in Ontario, and more specifically Northwestern Ontario. Students will examine the changing role of the health care professional, as well as the ever expanding contribution of allied and alternative health care professionals in the delivery of continuous care in a timely fashion. Health care professions are researched through interviews with and/or presentations made by program coordinators and practicing professionals, thus providing the opportunity for students to develop personal and academic goals.

This introductory biology course focuses on cellular processes involved in biological systems. Students will complete a thorough examination of the characteristics of life, cell structure and function, cellular respiration, energy systems, DNA structure and gene function. Through these investigations, students are introduced to the basic processes of cellular biology, including membrane transport, aerobic and anaerobic physiology, enzyme-catalyzed reactions and protein synthesis. The goal of this course is for students to develop an understanding and appreciation of the four key theories that unite biology as a science: cell theory, gene theory, the theory of heredity and the theory of evolution. Students acquire basic laboratory skills through the investigation of factors that influence cellular activity.

Advanced Chemistry I (PH 153) will enable students to develop their understanding of chemistry through the study of atomic and molecular structure, chemical quantities and electrochemistry. These topics will have a strong health science emphasis and will provide students with a chemistry perspective of health and the human body. The laboratory component incorporated within this course will allow students the opportunity to apply the chemistry concepts as well as learn important laboratory practices. For students to acquire a comprehensive knowledge of chemistry, both Advanced Chemistry I (PH 153) and Advanced Chemistry II (PH 253) courses are required.

Combined with Physics II, this course is designed to deepen the students understanding of physics, and build a foundation for future courses and careers. An emphasis is placed on the development of questioning and communication skills. Societal impacts related to this branch of science and its technological applications will be discussed. The course package will include a review of basic physics and a study of functional mechanics: forces, linear/circular motion, energy and momentum. Upon the successful completion of PH144 and PH244 the participant will possess a comprehensive theoretical understanding on which to base subsequent education.

In this course, students will use the business writing process to produce routine workplace correspondence required in the medical field. Students will apply principles of plain language to communicate effectively to diverse audiences using a variety of communication channels. They will also combine collaborative methods with advanced research, written and oral skills to produce and present an infographic.

Pre-Health Math II, combined with MA 106, is designed to assist students to understand mathematics and use it effectively. MA 206 focused on developing math skills required in many university-based health care studies. Students will construct their own mathematical ideas and make connections to previously learned material. Students will also explore mathematical ideas through application to the real world, with emphasis on data management. Students will apply methods for organizing and analyzing large amounts of information as well as solve problems involving probability and statistics.

In Biology II, students will study how cells reproduce, including the cell cycle and cell division mechanisms. Topics covered include the mechanisms involved in the formation of gametes, patterns in inherited traits, Mendels Laws of Inheritance, non-Mendelian inheritance, DNA structure and replication, gene expression, mutation and repair, and genetic technologies and applications. Evolutionary theory, particularly its role in explaining the unity and diversity of life on Earth, is covered in the second half of the course. Like all biological systems, both disease-causing organisms and their hosts evolve. From this perspective, understanding the life cycles of human pathogens and how they evolved plays an important role in research and treatment of disease. Topics include the principles of taxonomy and phylogeny, the beneficial and harmful effects of microorganisms in the environment, particularly bacteria, viruses and fungi as human pathogens. The importance of biodiversity in maintaining viable ecosystems is underlying theme throughout the course.

Through the study of anatomy and physiology students will understand the human body. The course is intended to introduce the student to common terms and principles used in the study of the human body. It is designed to better prepare students who intend to further their studies in a health sciences field. Major topic areas of the course include: general plan of the human body; human body chemistry; structure and function of cells, tissues, and organs systems. The major organ systems are studied from an anatomical and physiological perspective.

Advanced Chemistry II (PH 253) will enable students to deepen their understanding of chemistry through the study of energy changes and rates of reactions, organic chemistry, and chemical systems and equilibrium. These topics will have a strong health science emphasis and will provide students with a chemistry perspective of health and the human body. The laboratory component incorporated within this course will allow students the opportunity to apply the chemistry concepts as well as learn important laboratory practices. For students to acquire a comprehensive knowledge of chemistry, both Advanced Chemistry I (PH 153) and Advanced Chemistry II (PH 253) courses are required.

In addition to Physics I, this course further develops the students understanding of applied science. Concepts introduced in PH144 will be addressed in greater detail. The focus is placed on post-Newtonian physics, including wave/particle duality and nuclear physics. An individual's inquisitive nature and the abilities required to search for answers will be encouraged and fostered. Further impacts on society by science will be discussed. Core course components include the study of: electromagnetism, waves and light, Quantum and particle physics, and an independent analysis of the primary 'theories of relativity'. Upon successful completion of PH144 and PH244 the student will be prepared for future programs and most applied technologies.