– Did you take Athabasca University’s HLST 200 (Introduction to Human Health I) and enjoy it?
– Are you a general interest student hoping to learn more about your health?
– Are you a non-Science student needing a science credit prior to graduation?
If you answered “yes” to any of the above questions, then enrolling in Athabasca University’s new course, Introduction to Human Health II (HLST 201), is definitely a must. This course can be taken as a continuation of Athabasca University’s HLST 200 (Introduction to Health Studies I) or on its own, as no pre-requisite is required. Offered through individual study from the Centre for Science, HLST 201 is a fun, information-packed course that you will not forget!
Introduction to Human Health II (HLST 201) is divided into 14 units, each dealing with a specific facet of health and related healthy living. After a brief introduction to health research in Unit 1, Unit 2 focuses on the concept of behavioural changes in health-related issues, as well as the strategies involved in accomplishing this change. Unit 3 will introduce you to the concept of psychosocial health and its determinants, dealing with issues such as mind-body interactions and their relation to overall wellbeing. Additionally, you will be familiarized with an overview of current psychological disorders (including depression and schizophrenia). Over the next several units, relationships (characteristics of relationships, etc.) will be discussed, as well as their potential impact on health and the impacts of injuries on personal health. Workplace safety is also discussed.
Units 6 and 7 focus mainly on addictions and associated behaviour, as well as the use of both legal and illicit drugs and the latter’s negative impact on system health. Types of addictions are detailed (work, exercise, drug- and alcohol-related) and the relevant treatments are discussed. You will also be introduced to additional factors involved with addictions, such as the effects on family and dealing with relapses. Currently used prescription drugs are detailed, with guidelines for their use and intended health effects; as well, the types of illicit drugs are reviewed as well.
The 8th unit of HLST 201 deals with the effects of death and dying, and the emotional and psychological factors related to this. The next several units of Introduction to Human Health II comprise a study of the health of Canadians and the world; you will also become familiar with the environmental factors related to health, such as air, noise, water, chemical, and land pollutions. Finally, a brief overview of the currently used complementary medicine (such as the use of herbal medicine) will allow you to have moderate familiarity with popular alternative medical practices.
The evaluation guidelines for Introduction to Human Health II (HLST 201) consist of 2 exams (midterm and final) collectively worth 60% of the course’s final mark. The remaining 30% of the course mark comes from 3 assignments; one prior to the midterm and 2 post-midterm.
Take charge of your health and consider enrolling in Athabasca University’s Introduction to Human Health II (HLST 201).
For more information, you can visit the course syllabus at: http://www.athabascau.ca/html/syllabi/hlst/hlst201.htm or the Center for Science – Health Studies Home Page at: http://131.232.13.11/science.nsf/indexhealth