Health Science, Western University

TBD

Health Sciences at Western University

Application Process

Scholarships

First Year Courses

Application Process

Scholarships

First Year Courses

Undergraduate Experience

Health science is a great option for those looking to pursue a health-related career but don’t necessarily want to be restricted to taking natural science courses. If you want a holistic and interdisciplinary approach to health, this program would definitely be a good fit. I believe it’s a healthy balance of the social sciences, as well as the biological sciences. Many people decide health science is not for them as they expected a more rigorous science curriculum, so if that’s more of your preference, medical sciences or general sciences would be a better fit!

With that said, there are various streams in health science that you may choose to pursue, including rehabilitation sciences, health and aging, health promotion, and health science with biology, or you may opt to remain in the general health science stream. Typically, you begin taking courses in your chosen stream in 3rd and 4th year. Regardless of the stream you opt for, all students in health science will receive a Bachelors of Health Sciences (BHSc).

Enrichment Opportunities

There are many opportunities provided outside of classes in this program. These include:

Practicum and Independent Study: The practicum courses allow students to apply their program knowledge by working with a community partner. There are two different practicums, and students are eligible to apply for their 4th year of study. Independent study allows students to work with a faculty member on a project.

Experiential and International Learning Opportunities: This encompasses Community Engaged Learning Courses (CEL) and International experiences. Community Engaged Learning Courses (CEL) involves service to the community as a part of the curriculum. Students may participate in a placement or project for a community organization. International experiences allow students to apply classroom theories in a new location.

Undergraduate Summer Research Internships (USRI): students can gain research experiences and learn new research methods alongside faculty mentors. There is special emphasis on professional development and at the end of the summer, students share their research with others.

Career Paths

Many students choose to pursue medicine or dentistry. Another common career path is occupational therapy, physiotherapy, nursing, and speech-language pathology. This program also prepares students interested in careers or master’s-level education in areas of health promotion, health policy, gerontology, bioethics, or health measurement.

Residence

There are 3 styles of buildings for first year residence: traditional, suite-style and hybrid.

Traditional: Traditional-style residences are known for making the closest connections, where your floormates become like your family. Buildings include Delaware Hall, Medway-Sydenham Hall, Saugeen-Maitland Hall.

Suite-style: Geared toward more independent living, in Suite-Style you’ll look after more of your own domestic responsibilities, including the option to cook some of your own meals in a shared kitchen. Buildings include London Hall, Essex Hall, Elgin Hall, Lambton Hall and Alumni House.

Hybrid: This style boasts the best of both worlds! You’ll have a roommate living in the same room as you, but you’ll have more privacy in this semi-private style. Buildings include Ontario Hall and Perth Hall.

More information can be found here

I lived in Ontario Hall and would recommend it to anyone living on campus first year! The food was (arguably) the best on campus, and the rooms are modern and clean. The rooms are also spacious, and the layout is great for those who have a roommate. There is a subway and convenience store nearby, as well as the Thompson Recreation and Athletic Centre for those who enjoy keeping fit! Each floor has various study rooms equipped with whiteboards, and lounges with storage and a sink. There are also various facilities in the building such as a table tennis and pool room. Honestly, you can’t go wrong with any of the residences!

Rayna Naik

Author

Executive

TBD

Education

BHSc: Honours specialization in rehabilitation sciences

campus involvement

I’m the director of graphic design at Heart 4 Heart London, and I’m also an incoming Peer Writing Advisor with the Writing Support Center. Additionally, I am an incoming board member for ATN Access for Persons with Disabilities, as well as a current volunteer for the Aphasia and Communication Disabilities Program with March of Dimes.

Favourite part of the program

My favourite part of health science was the fact that I could specialize in rehabilitation sciences without being in the kinesiology program. Since I am hoping to pursue occupational therapy as a career, the rehab stream has allowed me to take courses that have prepared me with a foundation of knowledge in concepts frequently encountered in rehab settings. It has also allowed me to reflect on various occupations, and provided me with resources for my grad school applications. I have also really loved my 3rd year health sciences professors, and have found them to be really accommodating and considerate!

Future plans

I am hoping to pursue further studies in occupational therapy and become a healthcare provider in the near future!