Description

The B.Sc. in Health Science program is designed to prepare students for employment in health policy, research, management, sales, and education. The program also prepares students for entry into health professional programs and post graduate degrees in the sciences.

The objectives of the degree program are to provide graduates with:

1. Foundational knowledge in the basic sciences of chemistry, physics, mathematics, and biology, along with strong writing and critical thinking skills.
2. Skills to apply scientific knowledge to clinical, public, and population health to understand current health issues and the common approaches used to advance health and wellness.
3. Educational prerequisites necessary for entry into health professional programs (e.g., medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, etc.) or post-graduate studies in the sciences.
4. Competitive advantage to graduates choosing to pursue alternate career paths or post-graduate studies in complementary medicine (e.g., naturopathy, traditional Asian medicine).

The B.Sc. in Health Science degree is designed around required basic science and health science courses, that are complemented by health science and open electives to provide graduates with a solid science foundation, along with critical health research, communication, and management skills for future success.

Please note that the first- and second-year courses required in the program are normally available on both Richmond and Surrey campuses. However, the courses with the subject code HSCI will be offered on the Surrey campus only.

Who Studies Health Science?

Successful health science students tend to be self-motivated, with a strong work ethic, and well-developed oral and written communication skills. They also demonstrate empathy and concern for those around them. Students should have astrong interest in life sciences and human biology and a desire to pursue a career within the broad range of options that exist in the field of health.

Faculty's website: kpu.ca/science

Department's website: kpu.ca/science/health-science

Admission Requirements

The Faculty's Admission Requirements, which consist of KPU's undergraduate English Proficiency Requirement, apply to this program.

Declaration Requirements

Students intending to graduate with this Faculty of Science degree must declare the credential by the time they complete 60 credits of undergraduate coursework. At the time of declaration, the student must satisfy all of the following requirements:

• In good academic standing with the University
• Completion of a minimum of 21 credits of undergraduate coursework, including the following:
  • 3 credits of ENGL at the 1100 level or higher
  • BIOL 1110 with a minimum grade of “C”
  • BIOL 1210 with a minimum grade of “C”
  • CHEM 1110 with a minimum grade of “B” or CHEM 1210 with a minimum grade of “C”
  • MATH 1120 with a minimum grade of “C” or MATH 1130 with a minimum grade of “C”
  • HSCI 1115 with a minimum grade of “C”

Curricular Requirements

All students must meet the following minimum requirements:

• In addition to ENGL 1100, complete 3 credits from courses designated as Writing Intensive.
• 120 credits from courses at the 1100 level or higher. 
• 45 credits from courses at the 3000 level or higher, including 9 credits at the 4000 level.
• 18 credits of breadth electives including at least 3 credits from a course at the 3000 level or higher. These must include:
  • at least 12 credits from courses that are offered outside the Faculty of Science; and
  • up to 6 credits from courses offered within the Faculty of Science other than BIOL, CHEM, MATH, and PHYS.
• Cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher.
• At least 50% of all courses for the BSc, and at least 66% of upper-level courses for the BSc, must be completed at KPU.

Enrolment in the Health Science Honours program requires the permission of the Biology Department. In order to be considered for the Honours program, students must typically have a record of exceptional academic performance, including a minimum Grade Point Average of 3.0

The Bachelor of Science (Honours), Major in Health Science, requires the completion of a minimum of 126 credits, including the following specific course requirements. 

Credential Awarded

Upon successful completion of the Honours program, students are eligible to receive a Bachelor of Science (Honours), Major in Health Science.

Co-operative Education Option

The Bachelor of Science (Honours), Major in Health Science degree is offered with a Co-operative Education Option. Co-operative Education gives a student the opportunity to apply the skills gained during academic study in paid, practical work experience semesters. Degree students can complete a minimum of three work terms while completing their degree. Work terms generally occur full-time in separate 4 month work semesters. Work semesters alternate with academic study. 

Students wishing to enter and participate in the Co-operative Education Option must meet the following requirements:

Declaration and Entrance Requirements

• Declaration into the Bachelor of Science, Major in Health Science program
• Declaration of the co-operative education option prior to completion of 90 credits for the Bachelor of Science, Major in Health Science program
• Minimum GPA of 2.7 

Program Continuance Requirements

• Completion of COOP 1101 prior to completing 90 credits
• Minimum GPA of 2.7
• Instructor permission

Co-op Course Requirements

The Co-operative Education designation requires successful completion of the following courses: 

Note: COOP courses must be completed in ascending numerical order. Contact the Co-op office for information about the possibility of part-time work terms. COOP courses may be used only to satisfy the Co-op designation and cannot be used to satisfy other curricular requirements of the program. 

Additional Requirements

In addition to the requirements stated above, all Co-op students must satisfy the General Co-operative Education Requirements. 

Credential Awarded

Upon successful completion of this program with co-operative education, students are eligible to receive a Bachelor of Science (Honours), Major in Health Science, Co-operative Education Option.