In the Health Studies academic plan, the knowledge from several traditional disciplines is combined and focused on the study of health and prevention of disease. Courses provide students with an understanding of the biological and social determinants of health and causes of disease. The curriculum has four core areas: Health sciences – the scientific knowledge and principles pertinent to personal and community health. Specific subject areas include: introduction to health sciences, fundamentals of population and public health, determinants and distribution of disease (pathobiology, epidemiology), and environmental and occupational health. Social and behavioural sciences – social factors that affect health, determinants of health behaviour, and health behaviour modification. Life sciences – the basic principles of biology, kinesiology, physiology, and biochemistry. Evaluation and research – the principles of statistics and research design aimed at developing sufficient competencies to enable students to evaluate, interpret, and apply the findings of health-related research. Students may apply for admission directly into the Bachelor of Science, Honours Health Studies regular or co-operative system of study.<br><br>The Pre-Clinical Specialization combines the Bachelor of Science, Honours Health Studies degree requirements with a specified grouping of health, chemistry, mathematics, physics, biology, and kinesiology elective courses. This Specialization is intended to provide suitable preparation for entry into clinical health professional schools such as medicine, nursing, optometry, pharmacy, physiotherapy, etc. or to advanced graduate training in biohealth sciences. However, students must consult the admission requirements of specific professional schools when choosing from the electives.