Medicine and Health
Our professors, staff members, students and partners are committed to meeting health care needs today and tomorrow. Through teaching, research and service, our faculty offers a stimulating environment for you to study, learn and grow. We believe in interprofessional education and care - recognizing the importance of every health-care provider and the need to create new and expanded roles.
We offer a number of innovative programs that provide the foundations for an exciting career across the continuum of health care: from the laboratory bench to the bedside and into the community.
The university provides plenty of opportunities to get involved in research, such as practicum courses, internships and volunteer opportunities. This experience is invaluable for students looking to engage in scientific research early in their careers or for students looking to continue their education in research-based studies. The small class sizes make communication with your professors and classmates easy, and accessible. Erica Dove Bachelor of Health Sciences (Honours) in Kinesiology, Class of 2015 Research Assistant, Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences, Whitby, Ontario
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Programs
Applied Biotechnology (regular and co-op)
Pursue an area of Biological Science that is rapidly growing and which applies to many day-to-day applications, such as health, agriculture and industry.
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Biological Science (regular and co-op)
Biology is the study of life. It focuses on understanding life on earth: what life is, how it originated, how it changes over time, and how it influences and is influenced by the surrounding environment. Simply, it examines how life works.
At Ontario Tech University, we have a comprehensive undergraduate program where students can take a wide variety of courses to support their interests in various disciplines of biology that explore complex systems of life – from molecules and cells to ecosystems and human anatomy. Our undergraduate courses give students many opportunities to experience biology first hand through lab and field activities using cutting-edge technology.
The research of our biology professors is integrated into the undergraduate program and students can get involved in a variety of research opportunities. After completing their undergraduate degree, students can do a Masters’ or PhD in Applied Bioscience.
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Chemical Biology (regular and co-op)
Learn how chemistry is applied to answer key questions of biological importance, through the synthesis and use of small molecules, probes, or chemically-modified macromolecules.
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Forensic Science
Forensic Science is an interdisciplinary study that uses scientific principles to analyze evidence for legal investigations. Our Forensic Science program will give students a strong scientific foundation in biology and chemistry. Students will also learn about forensic aspects of identification, toxicology, physics, psychology and law.
Our Forensic Science program is accredited by the Forensic Science Education Program Accreditation Commission (FEPAC), recognizing that our curriculum, labs, faculty and research have met the rigorous standards set by the American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS). We are one of only two programs in Canada to receive this prestigious award.
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Program page Program map - Forensic biology Program map - Forensic chemistry PROGRAM MAP - FORENSIC PHYSICS
Health Administration
Health care is a dynamic and rapidly growing sector requiring not only frontline providers; health administration professionals will help address current and emerging health care challenges and needs. Bachelor of Health Administration (BHA) graduates will be prepared to work in areas of operations, management, finance, and planning in a variety of healthcare sectors and fields.
Healthcare policy supports the development of an integrated health system that addresses health needs, improves patient outcomes across the lifespan and increased efficiencies. Healthcare is envisioned as a continuum of care, where the site of care and its delivery will be supported by community agencies, primary care clinics, and health institutions.
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Health Physics and Radiation Science
Energy supply, medicine, agriculture, national security, manufacturing and resource-based industries are all examples of where the use of radioactive materials or radiation-generating machines are an essential part of operations. Radiation is also used to study materials and matter on the atomic scale. Our curriculum is a combination of fundamental radiation science, technological methods and applications to prepare you for a successful career.
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Health Sciences
The term “public health” can conjure a variety of images and ideas for individuals in Canadian society and abroad. For some, it means screening for communicable diseases, mass immunization programs or legislation for healthy and safe work environments. For others, public health means the creation of governmental agencies or combating Ebola and the Zika virus. Overall, the aim of public health is to empower residents to make informed decisions and partake in interventions that seek to preserve, promote, and restore their health.
The Human Health Specialization will prepare you for health-related post-graduate studies such as, medicine, epidemiology, and dentistry. You will take upper-year electives that extend your knowledge in core areas as well as integrate a critical knowledge and understanding of the health-care system in Canada. The Human Health Science specialization offers you an opportunity to learn a broad range of topics related to health. This specialization focuses on the fundamental areas of science as it relates to human health and disease including:
- Anatomy and physiology
- Microbiology
- Neurophysiology
- Pathophysiology
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Public Health PROGRAM MAP - PUBLIC HEALTH
HUMAN HEALTH SCIENCE PROGRAM MAP - HUMAN HEALTH SCIENCE
ALLIED HEALTH SCIENCE PROGRAM MAP - ALLIED HEALTH SCIENCE
Human Health Science
In the Human Health Science specialization, you will learn the fundamental areas of science related to human health and disease, including anatomy and physiology, pathophysiology, microbiology and neurophysiology.
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Integrative Neuroscience (regular and co-op)
Integrative Neuroscience offers a unique interdisciplinary approach to the study of neuroscience, with an emphasis on strong foundational science and practical laboratory skills. You will study the nervous system at the cellular level, understand its influences on functional circuits at the macroscopic level, and learn how this forms the basis of behaviour, movement and neurological diseases. This program explores neuroscience from an evolutionary perspective, including a comparative analysis of the nervous system and behaviour among different animal groups.
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Kinesiology
The Kinesiology specialization is directed toward understanding the role and safe application of exercise for:
- Fitness
- Health improvement
- Rehabilitation
It prepares you to:
- Become a kinesiology practitioner.
- Safely prescribe individualized exercise programs to improve or maintain the health, functional capacity and well-being of a range of healthy and clinical populations.
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Life Sciences (regular and co-op)
This program provides an excellent basis for writing the Medical College Admission Test® (MCAT®) exam and for satisfying course requirements for applying to professional programs in medicine, pharmacy, and dentistry.
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Medical Laboratory Science
Medical laboratory technologists:
- Analyze the chemical substances in the body.
- Detect abnormal cells in the blood.
- Identify the type of bacteria responsible for an infection.
- Match the blood given to an accident victim.
Ontario Tech University's Bachelor of Health Science in Medical Laboratory Science (MLS) program is the first of its kind in Ontario. You will be introduced to the exciting diagnostic aspects of health science, including a focus on medical research. You will become skilled in the five main areas of the diagnostic laboratory:
- Chemistry
- Hematology
- Histotechnology
- Microbiology
- Transfusion medicine
The program also emphasizes:
- Professional communication
- Research skills
- Scientific writing
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Nursing
It's a new age for nursing and new skills are in demand. Ontario Tech University is the right choice for you whether you are beginning your career or you are an experienced nurse who wants to upgrade your skills. Our commitment to state-of-the-art practice, leading-edge technology and practical know-how will position you to excel on the job from day one.
As new attitudes and objectives in health care redefine today's nursing professional this is an exciting time to embark on a nursing career.
Our four-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) program, offered collaboratively with Durham College, will immerse you in the practice of scientifically-based nursing using:
- Clinical skills
- Research findings from:
- Community care
- Family care
- Group care
- Individual care
- Theory
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Pharmaceutical Chemistry (regular and co-op)
Pharmaceutical Chemistry combines the study of drug discovery and development, pharmacology, analytical techniques, and drug chemistry. The chemical design process and evaluation of potential future medications will be a prime focus of your studies. You will apply knowledge gained from course material, hands-on lab experiences and faculty research to the pharmaceutical industry.
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Psychology (Bachelor of Arts)
Students enrolled in the Bachelor of Arts in Psychology program will receive a core first year of social science courses with their second year reserved for foundational psychology courses. Students will also be required to take a number of additional social science electives in their upper years of study. This program will be of particular interest to students wishing to pursue studies in the social, personality and developmental characteristics of human behaviour.
Students will receive a solid foundation in research methods and statistics as well as highly marketable skills in a variety of tech-focused domains. The knowledge students will gain from this program will put them in strong positions for additional education or direct-to-work opportunities in areas such as business, community development, advocacy, public policy, security and marketing.
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Psychology (Bachelor of Science)
Does the chronic use of drugs lead to permanent changes in the brain? How do modern pharmaceuticals help treat the symptoms of anxiety and depression? How do traumatic events influence a child’s development?
Students enrolled in the Bachelor of Science in Psychology program will receive a core first year of natural science courses, including biology, chemistry, physics, math and psychology with their second year reserved for foundational psychology courses. Students will also be required to take a number of additional science electives in their upper years of study. This program will be of particular interest to students wishing to pursue studies in the cognitive and biological underpinnings of human behaviour.
Students will receive a solid foundation in research methods and statistics as well as highly marketable skills in a variety of tech-focused domains. The knowledge students will gain from this program will put them in a strong position for additional education or direct-to-work opportunities in areas such as medicine, health care, social services and mental health.
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Public Health
Public Health considers health from the perspective of communities—from a neighbourhood to national and international levels.
You will learn about the health status of populations, inequities in health, determinants of health and illness, strategies for health promotion, disease and injury prevention, health protection, and factors that influence the delivery and use of health services.
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Graduate Programs in the Faculty of Health Sciences
We offer graduate programs in:
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Experiential learning
Partnership, collaboration and a multidisciplinary approach to enhancing health care are cornerstones in the development of health services. Hands-on experience is a valuable asset for all of our students; we are pleased to offer a number of opportunities for our students to take what they learn in the classroom and apply it in a workplace setting.
Clinical learning experience
Nursing
With the Nursing program's strong clinical focus, you have opportunities each year to develop your nursing skills and knowledge in the finest hospitals and agencies in the region through clinical placements.
Clinical placements are a core component in each year of the Nursing program, starting from the first year of studies. Students appreciate and embrace the opportunity to apply their learning in a clinical setting. They are committed to becoming leaders in health-care delivery. They recognize the necessity and importance of working with trained professionals and their patients to enhance their knowledge and further their own skills and professional development.
Medical Laboratory Science
The integration of classroom instruction and clinical practice is also the foundation of our Medical Laboratory Science program. You learn and enhance your technical and professional skills through laboratory activities in each of the three years at the university and gain extensive experience in fourth year during a two-semester practicum at one of our affiliated clinical sites. This practicum experience positions you for career success by:
- Providing networking opportunities.
- Facilitating professional mentoring.
- Fostering the development of teamwork and leadership.
Research practicum
Students in all Health Sciences programs can apply for a fourth-year Research Practicum that extends throughout their final year of studies. Working under the direction of a research tutor, both university- and community-based, you receive a practical experience that exemplifies the collaborative research process while providing you with a valued opportunity to apply your knowledge in a research setting.
Internships
Kinesiology students may pursue internship opportunities for one term or a full year. Working in the field of athletic therapy or exercise and rehabilitation, you are able to use skills you learned in the classroom and apply them to real-world experiences.
There is a strong emphasis on practical, hands-on experience throughout the university's Kinesiology specialization. In Year 4 there are both Kinesiology and Athletic Therapy internships. Students gain practical experience applying the knowledge gained in their undergraduate degree.
Co-op education program
A five-year Co-operative Education option is available in undergraduate programs with the Faculty of Science which satisfies the Canadian Association for Co-operative Education guidelines. These programs combine an Honours Bachelor of Science program with embedded work terms. The co-op option provides students with opportunities to apply classroom and lab concepts to real-world situations and gain valuable, relevant work experience. Co-op opportunities promote networking and lifelong career success as the experience helps clarify career objectives.
Students are able to be on co-op placement for four, eight, 12, or 16 consecutive months.
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Medical School pathway
Ontario Tech students who successfully graduate from the following programs with a minimum cumulative GPA of 75 per cent* will be eligible for admission** to the Doctor of Medicine (MD) program at Saba University School of Medicine, Medical University of the Americas, or St. Matthew's University School of Medicine:
- Chemical Biology
- Health Sciences
- Human Health Science
- Integrative Neuroscience
- Life Sciences
- Public Health
*Ontario Tech graduates with a GPA lower than 75 per cent will be considered on an individual basis and subject to seat availability.
**To receive entry, Ontario Tech graduates must satisfactorily complete an undergraduate interview with the admissions team at one of the pathway universities, along with other steps in the admissions process.For more information—and to view admission requirements and scholarship opportunities—visit our Medical School pathway web page.
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Veterinary School pathway
To help accelerate your learning, Ontario Tech has partnered with St Matthew’s University School of Veterinary Medicine to create a pathway to becoming a veterinarian.
Ontario Tech graduates must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 75 per cent* for guaranteed entry** to the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) program at St Matthew’s University School of Veterinary Medicine.
*Ontario Tech graduates with a GPA lower than 75 per cent will be considered on an individual basis and subject to seat availability.
**To receive entry, Ontario Tech graduates must satisfactorily complete an undergraduate interview with the admissions team at one of the pathway universities, and provide three letters of recommendation from an Ontario Tech faculty member.
For more information—and to view admission requirements and scholarship opportunities—visit our Veterinary School pathway webpage.
