Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2026 - HSCI 211 D100

Perspectives on Cancer, Cardiovascular, and Metabolic Diseases (3)

Class Number: 2084

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 5 – Apr 10, 2026: Mon, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Apr 13, 2026
    Mon, 8:30–11:30 a.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    HSCI 100 or BISC 101, HSCI 130, all with a minimum grade of C-.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

An interdisciplinary overview of the major non-communicable diseases - cancers, cardiovascular and metabolic diseases - from a public health perspective. Review of biological mechanisms, risk factors, historical and cultural contexts, and global distribution.

COURSE DETAILS:

Upon completion of the course, students will:

  1. be able to locate material addressing cancer, cardiovascular and metabolic diseases from a range of sources and academic disciplines;
  2. be able to describe national and global patterns of cancer, cardiovascular and metabolic diseases;
  3. know the basic pathogenesis of the major cancers and cardiovascular and metabolic diseases;
  4. understand factors that influence risk and potential mechanisms involved in disease causality;
  5. demonstrate awareness of current issues and challenges related to chronic disease prevention and treatment at the population level;
  6. become familiar with different perspectives from which to assess and approach the problems of chronic disease; and
  7. learn to communicate (oral and written) course content and related material in a clear concise manner;
  8. be able to discuss and question course content and related material;
  9. become familiar with how knowledge from varying perspectives can be applied to improve population health outcomes related to cancer, cardiovascular and metabolic disease.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

TOPICS
The course will be divided into four sections – methodologies, cardiovascular health and disease, obesity and diabetes, and cancer. In each section, we will examine how a range of perspectives can be applied to help understand the problems of cancer, cardiovascular and metabolic diseases.

Grading

  • Tutorial attendance/participation 8%
  • Podcast/video engagement 12%
  • Tutorial presentation 10%
  • Midterm 20%
  • Paper 20%
  • Cumulative final exam 30%

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

Required Textbooks: None

Readings available electronically through the Library (see links in weekly outline).

We will be using Canvas as a tool for learning and information exchange in this course. Please see http://www.sfu.ca/canvas.html (go to Canvas cloud (New)) to log in to HSC 211 Perspectives on Cancer, Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases page.

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.