Overview
The Pre-Health Sciences Pathway program prepares individuals for successful admission to, and future success in, certificate and diploma-level Health Sciences programs and other post-secondary studies. Courses in math, biology, and chemistry are complemented by studies in communications, computers, and general education. Program content provides students with the required knowledge and skills to meet admission requirements for future study in a college Health Sciences programs such as Paramedic, Practical Nursing, Veterinary Assistant and Medical Laboratory Assistant/Technician, and with transferable post-secondary credits where relevant.
Program Details
Program Highlights
Students will study required courses such as Communications, Biology, Chemistry, and Mathematics, as well as computers and an elective in general education. A Physics elective is also available. The Communications courses enable students to improve academic writing and critical thinking skills which are important to their success in the program.
Note: Students wishing to eventually take the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree program or other Advanced Diploma Health Science programs should apply to the Pre-Health Sciences Pathway to Advanced Diplomas and Degrees program.
Program Outline
2023-2024
This course is designed to help students develop and practice the communication skills needed to succeed in college and workforce environments. Emphasis is placed on improving foundational communication strategies-reading, writing, listening, and speaking—and on developing research and critical thinking skills.
This course enables the learner to develop a foundation in the fundamental concepts and applications of Biological Sciences. The learner studies and explores fundamental principles of cellular organization, structure and function as they relate to metabolism, interaction with its external environment, growth, disorders, cellular reproduction, inheritance, and the basis of microbes and infectious diseases. This course enables the learner to examine these concepts with a systemic approach to the study of the human body.
This course covers key concepts in atomic structure, chemical bonding, nomenclature, chemical reactions, and quantities in chemical reactions. Data collection, data analysis and laboratory techniques will be covered in the laboratory component of the course.
As the first mathematics course for Pre-Health students, the content covers numeracy, percentages, proportions, conversions, and dosages using mental math. Fundamental algebra, linear functions and linear systems of equations, 2D and 3D geometry, and exponential and logarithmic functions are also explored. All concepts have a health care focus and include real world applications to the health sciences.
Students explore trends, current and emerging technologies, careers, and the societal impact of the ever-changing healthcare field, in a seminar format. Students will benefit from hands-on experiences and discussions with industry experts from a variety of health-related fields. The course emphasizes the variable nature of healthcare in a connected world.
Students develop skills as writers and researchers in professional areas. Students apply critical thinking and analysis skills to assess, interpret, and extrapolate evidence as they explore issues in their professional areas. Emphasis is placed on the analysis and evaluation of issues within professional literature and communication with a variety of audiences.
This course further develops knowledge of biology with a focus shifted toward the human organism and health sciences. This course focuses on the organization of human cell types, organs, organ systems, and cellular signaling. Other topics explored include classifying of the components of the immune system, the immune response, cancer, and various types of infectious agents.
This course further develops knowledge of the fundamental principles of chemistry. Topics include the structure of organic compounds, their chemical properties, and their reactions, students gain perspective for future studies in healthcare related fields. This course also introduces the properties of solutions, the concept of molarity, and the importance of water as the universal solvent. Further topics explored include issues related to acids and bases, the pH scale, and chemistry related to the human body.
Prerequisite(s): CHEM 105
This course introduces statistical terminology and diverse methods used in describing, analyzing, and interpreting health sciences data in a variety of formats. Empirical and theoretical probability of simple events will be explored using numerical methods and statistical software.
Requirements
Admission Requirements
Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) with the majority of Grade 11 and 12 courses at the C, U or M level including the following prerequisites:
- Grade 12 English at C or U level
- Grade 11 Math at C, U or M level
For OSSD equivalency options, see Admission Requirements.
Bonus Points
Full-time Pre-Health Science Pathway for Certificates and Diplomas students who achieve a GPA of 3.00 or better for at least one semester will receive an additional 10 percent in their admission assessment when applying to any post-secondary diploma program at St. Lawrence College. Applicants awarded the additional 10 percent must successfully complete the two-semester program, and be granted the respective certificate, with a minimum GPA of 3.0 or their admissibility for the program will be re-evaluated without the additional 10 percent; the offer of admission may be revoked if the applicant is no longer competitive. This will be particularly beneficial for programs that are highly competitive and therefore ranked.
Fees
2023-2024
Fees are estimates only. Tuition is based on two semesters.
Kingston
Our Kingston campus has seen significant renovation over the past few years, including a brand new Student Life and Innovation Centre that houses a new gymnasium, fitness centre, pub, and more.
Program Contacts
Program Contact
Paul Chafe
PChafe@sl.on.ca
Admissions Information
Click here to message Recruitment.