In the Health Studies academic plan, the knowledge from several traditional disciplines is combined and focused on the study of health and prevention of disease. Courses provide students with an understanding of the biological and social determinants of health and causes of disease. The curriculum has four core areas: Health sciences – the scientific knowledge and principles pertinent to personal and community health. Specific subject areas include: introduction to health sciences, fundamentals of population and public health, determinants and distribution of disease (pathobiology, epidemiology), and environmental and occupational health. Social and behavioural sciences – social factors that affect health, determinants of health behaviour, and health behaviour modification. Life sciences – the basic principles of biology, kinesiology, physiology, and biochemistry. Evaluation and research – the principles of statistics and research design aimed at developing sufficient competencies to enable students to evaluate, interpret, and apply the findings of health-related research. Students may apply for admission directly into the Bachelor of Science, Honours Health Studies regular or co-operative system of study.<br><br>Health informatics is a rapidly expanding area of expertise relevant to all aspects of health. Evidence-based decision-making, fundamental to effective health policy and planning, is dependent upon collection and analysis of new data as well as the analysis of existing data, and this, in turn, is increasingly dependent upon information technology. The Health Informatics Option is designed for School of Public Health and Health Systems students who are interested in the application of information technology to all aspects of applied health research and practice, including clinical practice, health promotion and disease prevention, delivery of health services, and health policy development. This Option offers students interdisciplinary training in basic computer science and information management in addition to their training in health sciences.