HSCI 100 Introduction to Health Sciences

This course is designed for students considering a career in health care. Students will be introduced to basic approaches to health, wellness, and illness in Canada; to the concepts of individual and population health; and to current topics including mental health and indigenous health. Students will also be provided with an overview of health-care careers that contribute to effective health care delivery and to the promotion of health and wellness in our communities. Participants will reflect on the challenges and opportunities of the twelve determinants of health and wellness and how they affect personal, family, community, and social wellness. Lab activities may include visits to community living sites, hospitals, and simulation of health science activities in NLC's nursing lab.

 

Credits: 4

 

Hours: 90 (Lecture Hours: 45, Laboratory Hours: 45)

 

Total Weeks: 15

 

Prerequisites:
- "B" or higher in Biology 12, Biology 050, or Biology 101 within five years of program start date.
- "B" or higher in Chemistry 11 or Chemistry 040 within five years of program start date. (Chemistry 12 is strongly recommended.)

 

Non-Course Prerequisites:
None

 

Co-requisites:
None

 

Course Content:
Core theory content includes, but is not limited to:
- The global evolution of health care
- Concepts of health, wellness, and illness
- Human growth and development
- Individual and population health
- Nutrition
- Mental health
- Indigenous health
- Occupational opportunities in health care
- Interprofessional or multidisciplinary teamwork
- Finding the right occupation for you
- Employability and leadership
- Introduction to effective communication

Lab components will include, but are not limited to:
- Basic clinical assessment and other health science related skills
- Examination of current case studies relevant to health care
- Patient and employee safety, including MSIP
- Communication exercises with peers
- "Apply it" activities: students will experience real-world health care career situations
- Exposure to a variety of health care professions and their practice settings
- "Career connections": students will discover and practice effective ways to interact with various health care workers on the job

 

Learning Outcomes:
- Explain the global evolution of health care and foundational concepts in Canadian health care
- Critically reflect on diverse approaches to health, wellness, and illness with an emphasis on the 12 determinants of health
- Explain key concepts in human growth and development
- Explain current topics in health care, including mental health, Indigenous health, and nutrition
- Demonstrate a broad knowledge of the various health professions involved in Canadian health care delivery
- Identify personal strengths and challenges that may influence one's own health and career choice
- Identify skills needed to become a competent and productive health care worker throughout a career
- Demonstrate employability skills such as teamwork, effective communication, and professionalism

Attitudes:
- Positive and professional
- Shows consideration for peers

Skills:
- Literacy skills (writing, comprehension, referencing, formatting

Technologies:
- Access to email and D2L online portal     

 

Grading System: Letters

 

Passing Grade: NLC's standard University Arts and Sciences minimum passing grade of "D" (50%) is applicable. See below for grade information related to transfer credit. 

 

Other Pertinent Information Relevant to Transfer: NLC's HSCI 100 (4) transfers to UNBC as unassigned, first-year HHSC credit (4). UNBC requires a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 on all 60 credits transferred into the Northern Baccalaureate Nursing program. Students are encouraged to check minimum final grade requirements for transfer credit into other nursing or health programs. A minimum final course grade of "C" (2.00 GPA) or higher may be required.   

 

Percentage of Individual Work: 100

 

Textbooks:
Textbooks are subject to change.  Please contact the bookstore at your local campus for current book lists.