Health Studies - Population Health Major (HBSc)
Admissions Category: Psychological & Health Studies
Are you a prospective student applicant?
You can enter the to accelerate your career in a health care profession
Program Overview
The Health Studies Major in Population Health focuses on the biological determinants of health, epidemiology, aging and the life cycle, and the importance of social and behavioural shapers of health. Students will learn about the biological determinants of health, epidemiology, aging and the life cycle, and the impact of environmental factors on health, both in a Canadian and global context. Graduates will have a strong interdisciplinary experience that will provide them with a solid understanding of the biological basis for health and disease including infectious, non communicable, environmental diseases and the social determinants of health.
Complementary Programs:
Biology, Human Biology, Molecular Biology, Immunology and Disease, Mental Health Studies, Psychology, Neuroscience, Environmental Science, Statistics
Check out future career opportunities and skills acquired from completing this program:
Competencies & Skills
- Analyze social, historical, political, and economic processes that shape health and well-being
- Identify biological, behavioural, and environmental factors that affect health
- Analyze how cultural factors mediate health practices and shape health outcomes through tradition, ritual, customs, and concepts of health, illness and disease
Careers for Graduates
- Team Assistant in community care centres
- Customer Service Agent in biomedical products firms
- Coordinator in health services
- Clinical Research Assistant in the pharmaceutical industry
- Activationist in long-term care homes
- Project Assistant in health promotion services
Further Education
- Public Health
- Health Science
- Epidemiology
- Gerontology
- Health/Public Policy & Administration
- Community Health or Development
- Community Education
- Medicine or Nursing
- Rehabilitation Sciences
- Regulatory Affairs
Program Pathway
Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 | Year 4Choose Your Courses Wisely
- 1.5 credits as follows: [or ], , . Students may also enroll in and [ or ] in year one to help balance their course load in year two.
- Explore different kinds of courses; this will also help with fulfilling breadth requirements and electives.
- Use to plan your courses and program of interest.
- See the for course requirements.
Develop Your Academic & Research Skills
- Schedule an appointment with your Program Librarian for in-depth research assistance with your assignments.
- Get writing support at CTL鈥檚&苍产蝉辫;.
Apply Theory to Practice
- Attend the UTSC Faculty Mix & Mingle Fair to connect with professors and learn more about their specialties.
- Start building your Co-Curricular Record (CCR) and search for Experiential Learning opportunities.
Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)
- Get involved with the Health and Society Students鈥 Association (HSSA); also explore other relevant student clubs and activities on campus.
- Volunteer in DSL鈥檚&苍产蝉辫;Alternative Reading Week volunteer program to gain experience and knowledge about social change and community development.
Plan for Your Future Career
- Volunteer with organizations to explore your interests; check listings on (>Jobs & Recruitment).
- Attend the in September and register with SCSU鈥檚&苍产蝉辫;to explore opportunities
Year 2
Choose Your Courses Wisely
- 3.0 credits from: [or ], , , , (can be taken in year one), [or ] (can be taken in year one).
- 0.5 credit from: , , , .
- 0.5 credit from: , , , , .
Develop Your Academic & Research Skills
- Further develop your general academic skills by attending workshops offered by the (AA&CC) and Centre for Teaching & Learning (CTL).
Apply Theory to Practice
- Get involved in relevant opportunities on and/or off campus; apply to Work Study, or other part-time and summer jobs on (>Jobs & Recruitment).
Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)
- Check (>Jobs & Recruitment) to search for Work Study or volunteer positions on campus to gain experience and to get involved.
Plan for Your Future Career
- Considering grad school? Speak to professors and advisors early so you are on track.
- Explore careers through the AA&CC鈥檚&苍产蝉辫;and programs.
Year 3
Choose Your Courses Wisely
- 0.5 credit from: , .
- 1.5 credits from: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , .
- Use to ensure you are on track to graduate.
Develop Your Academic & Research Skills
- Consider entering the UTSC Library and competing for the .
Apply Theory to Practice
- Build on your skills and knowledge through relevant events offered through your department, , DSL and the .
Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)
- Run for an elected position in the Health and Society Students鈥 Association (HSSA).
- Look into volunteering or working overseas to expand your network through 鈥檚&苍产蝉辫;programs.
Plan for Your Future Career
- Plan a career path with a staff member at the .
- Check for networking events and employer information sessions to attend.
- Attend the in September.
Year 4
Choose Your Courses Wisely
- 0.5 D-level credit in HLT courses.
- Ensure you have fulfilled your breadth requirements.
- Use to ensure you are on track to graduate.
- Register your 鈥淚ntent to Graduate鈥 on by the deadline.
Develop Your Academic & Research Skills
- Apply for an Academic Travel Fund through Department of Student Life (DSL) to research, present at a conference, or engage with the international academic community.
Apply Theory to Practice
- Attend the in January to meet with potential employers looking to hire students for summer and full-time positions relevant to your field.
Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)
- Participate in the AA&CC鈥檚&苍产蝉辫;program to learn and network with an alumni mentor about transitioning to work or further education.
Plan for Your Future Career
- Attend the AA&CC鈥檚 Get Hiredjob search conference in April/May.
- Attend a Jobs for Grads orientation for a job search 鈥渃rash course鈥 and for access to full-time job listings.
- Get your personal statement reviewed in the .