Bachelor of Health Sciences (Honours) - Biomedical Discovery and Commercialization

McMaster University

This program, first offered in September 2000, is an innovative interdisciplinary program in which students take responsibility for their learning and in which there is recognition that both the knowledge and skill sets developed by students are integral parts of preparing for either further study or entry into the workforce. The principles of independent learning and an emphasis on both content and process are central to the provision of education within the Faculty of Health Sciences, and are reflected in this program. In addition, this program reflects the established tradition within the Faculty of understanding health from biological, behavioural and population-based perspectives. The program will draw on individuals from within the Faculty of Health Sciences and the larger university community to provide students with exposure to basic and applied researchers as well as health care practitioners, enabling students to learn about and experience the study of health from these various perspectives. The program will utilize both a small group, inquiry-based format as well as traditional lecture, lab, and tutorial based teaching formats to provide students with a solid knowledge base in health-related sciences as well as the skills necessary to critically evaluate and synthesize health-related information. Understandi ng the complex web of relationships and interactions in global health requires an interdisciplinary academic experience. The curriculum in global health in the Bachelor of Health Sciences (Honours) Program provides students with an environment that incorporates insight from the traditional academic fields of anthropology, philosophy, ethics and law, while drawing heavily on the expertise present within the Faculty of Health Sciences in the domains of biostatistics & epidemiology, health economics & policy, molecular medicine & pathology, and health research methodology while simultaneously exploring personal developmental and an academic skill set necessary for the role as contributors to global health issues. Students interested in focusing their studies around Global Health topics can pursue global health curriculum as part of the Interdisciplinary Minor in Globalization Studies, choosing courses from the theme list in Globalization & Health.