Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2025 - HSCI 372 D100

Special Topics in Health Sciences (3)

Class Number: 3305

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 3 – Dec 2, 2025: Tue, 8:30–11:20 a.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    Will vary according to topic.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

A specific topic in health sciences which is not otherwise covered in depth in regular courses.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course introduces the core principles and practices of epidemiological and laboratory data management in public health, with an emphasis on molecular epidemiology and applications to infectious diseases. Using the One Health framework, students will explore how data integration and harmonization approaches and cross-sectoral collaboration can address complex health challenges at the human–animal–environment interface.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

Through lectures, discussions, and hands-on exercises, students will:

  • Gain a foundational knowledge of public health information systems
  • Learn foundational skills in health data management and curation
  • Gain hands-on experience in designing data specifications and in using data curation tools
  • Examine the challenges of data sharing, interoperability, and integration
  • Critically assess the role of informatics in promoting equity, global health security, and sustainable outcomes

By the end of the course, students will gain both conceptual understanding and practical experience in managing and interpreting health data within a One Health context.

Grading

  • Assignments 20%
  • Class Participation 10%
  • Midterm 20%
  • Group Presentation 20%
  • Final Project 30%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Required readings will be in the form of primary and review articles in scientific journals and selected book chapters. These will be made available on Canvas as PDFs approximately one week prior to the lecture. The course website will also include PDF versions of the lecture slides, links to online materials, reading materials, announcements, and other information. Please check Canvas on a regular basis to ensure you have updated course information.


REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.

To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit: 


RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.