Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2016 - HSCI 140 D100

Complementary and Alternative Medicine (3)

Class Number: 7210

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 5 – Apr 11, 2016: Wed, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Apr 18, 2016
    Mon, 12:00–3:00 p.m.
    Burnaby

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

A scientific, critical, and evidence-based examination of integrative, complementary, and alternative approaches to health. Why so many people are skeptical of conventional medicine and contemporary treatment modalities. Incorporation of traditional medicines into mainstream medicine. the need to investigate, and to protect the public from fraud. The extent to which both complementary and mainstream medicine can withstand the scrutiny of an evidence-based approach. Breadth-Social Sciences.

COURSE DETAILS:

 A critical and evidence-based examination of integrative, complementary, and alternative approaches to medicine.  The different modalities, benefits, harms, placebo effect, study designs to address evidence, critical appraisal of the literature, safety, ethical issues and politics of alternative medicine will be discussed.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

This course will cover the main forms of complementary and alternative medicine, and focus on: what is health, well being, from different paradigms; what constitutes evidence; understanding the placebo/nocebo effects; the methods to currently assess evidence, and their limitations. We will also explore some aspects of medical politics and CAM, ethical issues, and how to protect the public and practitioners. It is important to realize that this course is not a simple review and memorization of all CAMs, but a critical review of concepts and evidence around these CAMs and health issues. However, we will discuss the different modalities and talk about benefits/harms. Upon completion of the course, students will be able to: 
•    What makes a difference in health and well being from different points of view
•    Describe the different types of CAMS
•    Know the main advantages and limitations of CAM
•    Describe the socio-psychological, economical, ethical and safety issues related to CAM
•    Explain the concepts of evidence-based-medicine, clinical trials, and the implications of the placebo effect in designing clinical trials
•    Be able to critically assess articles in CAM, and apply basic tools to evaluate studies in CAM.

Grading

  • Midterm 50%%
  • Final 50%%

NOTES:

The professor may make changes to the syllabus if necessary, within Faculty / University regulations.

Breadth-Social Sciences.

REQUIREMENTS:

No specific requirements

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

No book required. Material will be available through Canvas, with links to papers that can be accessed through SFU library online and other websites.

REQUIRED READING:

None, all links to papers or websites will be posted on Canvas.

Registrar Notes:

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://students.sfu.ca/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating.  Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community.  Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS