Optional Learning Tracks
Students with an interest in a particular field of the health sciences are able to further customize their curriculum by taking one of seven specially-designed learning tracks. These collections of themed courses offer in-depth investigation in a variety of fields ranging from the Molecular Basis of Biology to Global and Population Health. They are completely optional and any student in the BHSc program can enrol in the learning track(s) of their choice.
Each Learning Track consists of discipline-specific core courses and an additional 4 courses (typically 12 units) that students may choose from a specified list of BHSc option courses. It will be the responsibility of the student to complete any prerequisite courses required. The completed Learning Track(s) will appear on the student’s transcript.
As students enter their 4th year (or 3rd year if completing the General degree), they must complete their official Learning Track declaration so that the track(s) will appear on their transcript. Students should use the Academic Progress Report in SOLUS to confirm that they meet the requirements for their selected track(s) prior to submitting their declaration. Do not apply to graduate until your declared learning track(s) appear on your unofficial transcript.
For students graduating in Fall 2023 only, please complete this Learning Track Declaration Form and submit it to bhsc@queensu.ca prior to applying to graduate.
For students graduating in 2024, please use our new Learning Track Declaration portal. The deadline to submit your learning track declaration for Spring 2024 graduation is October 30th @ 4:00pm (ET).
Anatomical Basis of Health and Disease
If you have a curiosity for how the human body works, you will find particular interest in this learning track.
Applied Research Methods in Health Sciences
If you have a curiosity for the way in which health-related research is conducted, with the inclination for advancing critical-reasoning skills, you will find particular interest in this learning track.
Global and Population Health
If you have a curiosity for health of an entire population, as well as the ways in which health in populations are appropriately measured, you will find particular interest in this learning track.
Infection, Immunity, and Inflammation
If you are interested in the influence of microbes in health and disease and how our immune system responds to environmental stimuli, this learning track will be of interest to you.
Molecular Basis of Biology
If you have a curiosity for the fundamental processes of life and human disease at the molecular and cellular level, you will find particular interest in this learning track.
Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Therapeutics
If you have a curiosity for the beneficial and/or detrimental effects of drugs and environmental chemicals, you will find particular interest in this learning track.
Physiological Basis of Health and Disease
If you have a curiosity for how the human body works, you will find particular interest in this learning track.