Program Overview
The Bachelor of Arts and Science in Health at St. Francis Xavier University is a four-year undergraduate program that prepares students for careers in various health-related fields. It emphasizes scientific inquiry, critical thinking, and culturally sensitive practices, blending courses in health with disciplines across the university. Graduates can pursue traditional health careers such as medicine and dentistry, as well as non-traditional options like social health policy and bioethics.
Program Outline
Health Program - St. Francis Xavier University
Degree Overview
The Bachelor of Arts and Science in Health is a four-year undergraduate program designed to prepare students for further study or careers in various health-related fields.
It offers a contemporary and interdisciplinary approach to health education, emphasizing scientific inquiry, critical thinking, and culturally sensitive practices.
Key aspects:
- Blends courses in health with disciplines across the university, including biology, psychology, sociology, chemistry, and potentially political science, human kinetics, history, and more.
- Prepares students for careers with increasing emphasis on scientific inquiry, critical thinking, and culturally sensitive practices.
- Emphasizes adaptability to the changing landscape of health-related practices.
- Equips students with the skills and knowledge to pursue both traditional and non-traditional health careers.
Outline
First year:
- 12 credits in introductory-level natural science courses (Biology and Chemistry)
- 12 credits in introductory-level social sciences courses (Sociology and Psychology)
- 6 credits of health core courses
Fourth year:
Teaching
The text mentions that students participate in a tutorial in their first year to explore career opportunities and graduate study options.
Careers
Graduates of the program can pursue a wide range of careers, including:
- Traditional health options:
- Medicine
- Medical research
- Dentistry
- Occupational therapy
- Audiology
- Optometry
- Speech pathology
- Physical therapy
- Pharmacy
- Midwifery
- Non-traditional health options:
- Social health policy
- Law
- Bioethics
- Genetics counselling
- Community health
- Occupational health
- Epidemiology
Other
- The program emphasizes active learning and engagement, with students participating in projects, tutorials, and hands-on experiences. It equips students with the knowledge, skills, and critical thinking abilities to navigate the evolving landscape of health care and pursue diverse and fulfilling careers.
St. Francis Xavier University
Overview:
St. Francis Xavier University (StFX) is a renowned Canadian university located in the charming town of Antigonish, Nova Scotia. It is consistently recognized as one of Canada's best universities, particularly for its undergraduate programs. StFX prides itself on its small campus size, which fosters a close-knit community and provides ample opportunities for students to learn, grow, and thrive.
Services Offered:
StFX offers a comprehensive range of services to support students in their academic and personal endeavors. These include:
Academic Services:
Academic advising, accessible learning, academic success center, tutoring, and library resources.Support Services:
Health and counselling services, human rights and equity support, sexual violence prevention and response, student career center, childcare, chaplaincy, and IT services.Student Life:
New student orientation, transition programs, campus life activities, student societies, and resources for living off-campus.University Housing:
Residence options, dining services, and information for living away from home.International:
International exchange opportunities, international travel support, and advising for international students.Student Life and Campus Experience:
StFX offers a vibrant and engaging campus experience. Students can expect:
Close-knit community:
The small campus size fosters a strong sense of community and allows students to build meaningful relationships with peers and faculty.Experiential learning:
StFX is highly ranked for its experiential learning opportunities, providing students with practical experience through co-op programs, internships, research opportunities, and service learning initiatives.Active campus life:
Students can participate in a wide range of extracurricular activities, including student societies, sports, arts, and cultural events.Beautiful campus:
StFX is known for its picturesque campus, located in a charming town with a rich history and culture.Key Reasons to Study There:
Strong academic reputation:
StFX is consistently ranked among Canada's top universities, particularly for its undergraduate programs.Small class sizes:
Students benefit from personalized attention and close interaction with professors in small class settings.Experiential learning opportunities:
StFX provides numerous opportunities for students to gain practical experience and apply their knowledge in real-world settings.Vibrant campus community:
The close-knit community fosters a sense of belonging and provides ample opportunities for students to connect with peers and faculty.Beautiful location:
StFX is situated in a charming town with a rich history and culture, offering a unique and enriching environment for students.Academic Programs:
StFX offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional diploma programs across various disciplines, including:
Arts:
Anthropology, Applied Forensic Psychology, Aquatic Resources, Art, Catholic Studies, Celtic Studies, Classical Studies, Development Studies, Economics, English, Health, History, Humanities Colloquium, Modern Languages, Music, Philosophy, Political Science, Public Policy and Governance, Religious Studies, Social Justice Colloquium, Sociology, Women's and Gender Studies, and Psychology.Business:
Accounting, Business Intelligence and Analytics, Enterprise Systems, Entrepreneurship and Human Nutrition, Entrepreneurship, Finance, International Business, Management & Leadership, and Marketing.Education:
Bachelor of Education, Master of Adult Education, Master of Education, and Ph.D. in Education.Science:
Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Earth and Environmental Sciences, Engineering, Human Kinetics, Human Nutrition, Math & Statistics, Nursing, and Physics.Other:
StFX is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive campus environment. The university has a dedicated Diversity Engagement Centre that provides support and resources for students from various backgrounds, including Black students, Indigenous students, and international students. StFX also has a strong focus on research, with numerous research chairs, institutes, centers, and networks dedicated to advancing knowledge and innovation.
Health - Entry Requirements
EU Home Students:
- Completion of high school with a minimum of 6 12th grade units in English, mathematics, and a science subject (biology, chemistry or physics preferred).
- A minimum average of 75% on the best five 12th grade units, including English, mathematics, and the science subject.
- Completion of the CASPer test, a web-based test that assesses non-academic qualities such as communication skills, problem-solving skills, and interpersonal skills.
- Completion of a personal statement, outlining the student's reasons for wanting to pursue a degree in Health, their academic and extracurricular achievements, and any relevant volunteer or work experience.
- Two letters of recommendation from academic referees, such as teachers or professors, who can speak to the student's academic ability, potential for success in the Health program, and personal qualities.
- Completion of an interview, which may be conducted in person or via video conferencing.
International Students (Outside the EU):
- Completion of high school in their home country, with a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, or the equivalent in their local grading system.
- Proficiency in English, as evidenced by a score of 6.5 on the IELTS Academic test, or 92 on the TOEFL iBT test.
- Meeting all other entry requirements for EU Home Students, as listed above.
Additional Requirements:
- Applicants are encouraged to have strong foundational knowledge in mathematics and the life sciences, as these subjects will be essential for success in the Health program.
- Applicants are also encouraged to demonstrate a genuine interest in health-related fields, such as by participating in volunteer work, extracurricular activities, or independent research projects.
