- Welcome to Carleton and your Bachelor of Health Sciences
- Your Degree Program (BHSc)
- Program Options
- Required Courses for First Year Students
Welcome to Carleton and your Bachelor of Health Sciences
Please read this degree guide prior to registering.
Your Degree Program (BHSc)
Carleton’s Bachelor of Health Sciences (BHSc) is a unique, interdisciplinary science program that will provide you with the skills required to succeed in the rapidly changing world of healthcare and health research.
The BHSc program offers a broad-based education in health sciences, preparing students for future graduate, postgraduate and professional programs. Students also develop the skills and knowledge needed to compete in the job market for nonprofessional health-related occupations. This innovative program provides an interdisciplinary education that draws on biomedical, social, psychological, geographical, economic, political and technological issues, among others.
The Department of Health Sciences is located in the Health Sciences Building. For questions about the program, please contact the undergraduate administrator by telephone at (613) 520-4848 or by email at healthsciences@carleton.ca. If you are on campus and prefer to discuss in person, the advising office is on the 2nd floor of the Health Sciences Building, Room 2305. Office hours are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Appointments can be booked during those times.
Program Options
The BHSc Honours degree (20 credits) program is organized around five concentrations:
- Biomedical Sciences
- Environment and Health
- Global Health
- Health Throughout the Lifespan
- Disability and Chronic Illness
For those who would like to specialize in two concentrations, it is possible to take a double concentration. The selection of a concentration (or double concentration) must take place at the time of admission but can be changed following consultation with the undergraduate advisor.
A three-year degree (15 credits) is also offered. Please speak to the undergraduate administrator before considering the 15.0 credit degree.
Required Courses for First Year Students
Health Science First Year Courses (regardless of concentration)
Fall Term [2.5 credits]
Fundamentals of Health HLTH 1000 (0.5 credit)
Foundations of Biology I BIOL 1103 (0.5 credit)
General Chemistry I CHEM 1001 (0.5 credit)
Introduction to Psychology I PSYC 1001 (0.5 credit) OR
Introduction to Economics-Microeconomics ECON 1001 (0.5 credit)
Winter Term [2.5 credits]
Health Science Communication HLTH 1002 (0.5 credit)
Foundations of Biology II BIOL 1104 (0.5 credit)
General Chemistry II CHEM 1002 (0.5 credit)
Introduction to Psychology II PSYC 1002 (0.5 credit) OR
Introduction to Economics- Macroeconomics ECON 1002 (0.5 credit)
Either Fall or Winter Term (5 classes per term)
- Elementary Calculus I MATH 1007 (0.5 credit)
- Introduction to Ethics and Social Issues PHIL 1550 (0.5 credit) OR Bioethics PHIL 2408 (0.5 credit) in 2nd Year Standing
**NOTE: PHIL 2408 is restricted to second year students and requires second year standing. If you plan to take PHIL 2408 in second year, you will have an extra 0.5 credit available in either the fall or winter semester. The 0.5 credit can be used as a free elective or to complete other components of the BHSc program. Please keep in mind that if you plan to do a double concentration or a minor, you may be required to use this credit to fulfill this addition to your program. If you have any questions about this selection and/or are interested in taking a minor or double concentration, please consult with the undergraduate administrator.