Stuck at the proverbial fork in the road?
Nurse, dental hygienist or paramedic? Can’t decide which career fits you best? Studying subjects like biology, chemistry, math and sociology will give you insight into where your passion and abilities lie and a better idea about which road you’re destined to take.
Back to TopProgram Description
The Health Sciences Preparation option of the General Arts and Science program is designed for individuals interested in pursuing a health sciences career. This option provides the foundation necessary for success in a health sciences program such as Paramedic, Practical Nursing, Dental Assistant and Dental Hygiene. It is specifically designed for individuals who lack the science, communication and/or mathematics background necessary for admission and mature applicants returning to school. In addition, it will familiarize you with college life and college workload.
This program is two semesters in length and is designed to reinforce key academic skills while providing a broad range of post-secondary courses that can be selected according to personal interests and goals. If you successfully complete this program, you will receive bonus points when considered for admission to one of the health sciences programs mentioned above. Please note: Admission is not guaranteed.
You will be required to complete 18 hours of courses per week for two semesters. Your workload will consist of five courses comprised of two communication courses, two computer courses and a mathematics course in order to graduate. In addition, you will select biology and chemistry as required for admission to your goal program.
Electives may be chosen from a wide variety of options including sample blocks of electives or selected credit courses offered across the college curriculum.
Electives typically include courses such as
- Canadian Law
- Human Relations
- Issues and Ethics in Science
- Political Science
- Psychology
- Sociology
Back to TopAdmission Requirements
Ontario Secondary School Diploma, General Educational Development, Academic and Career Entrance – College Prep Level or Mature Student Status plus senior level (Grade 11 or higher) subject credits, college preparation (C), university/college preparation (M), university preparation (U) or post-secondary (college or university) in:
Back to TopCareer Options
As a graduate, you may proceed to full-time employment or further your studies in other college diploma, advanced diploma or a health sciences university degree programs.
Please note: Each educational institution determines its own admission requirements. If you plan to attend any college other than Durham College, or a university, please ensure that courses taken meet its admission requirements.
Back to TopCourse List & Descriptions
This course introduces students to the anatomy and physiology of the human body. It begins with an examination of the cell, tissues and genetics. Several organ systems are then studied in detail. Specific body systems studied are the digestive, circulatory, lymphatic and respiratory systems.
This course is designed to provide students with a general background in inorganic chemistry. Students are introduced to some core chemical concepts including the structure of the atom, chemical bonding, nomenclature, chemical equations and the mole. There are no labs in this course.
This course concentrates on the fundamentals of correct grammar, vocabulary usage, punctuation, and spelling. These principles will be applied in the major units of study: sentence structure and paragraph writing. The course will include in-class writing assignments, computer-based writing assignments, and computer writing lab components.
This subject enables the learner to use the computer as a tool for writing, research, and file management. It includes the basics of hardware and software, use of the Windows 7 environment, responsible use of social media, preparation and editing of documents using Microsoft Word 2010 software, preparation and editing of spreadsheets and workbooks using Microsoft Excel 2010 software, and use of the Internet for research and communication via electronic mail.
Elective general education courses appear in your program of study as GNED 0000. This is called a “placeholder.” This placeholder is replaced by an actual course that you will select from a list of available "elective" general education courses when you register in the relevant semester.
Please note that the type and number of elective courses available will vary from semester to semester and from year to year.
Please visit the General Education website for more information.
This course is designed primarily for the college student who wishes to proceed to future studies in the health sciences or technology fields. Students will review and build on their understanding of algebraic concepts in order to gain confidence manipulating mathematical expressions and solving problems. Topics include arithmetic fundamentals, solving equations with one or two variables, translating English expressions into algebra, working with ratios, proportions, and percents, graphing linear relationships, and applying these skills to solve a variety of problems
This course continues the study of human anatomy and physiology that was started in Biology I. Specific body systems studied include the skeletal, muscular, nervous, endocrine, urinary and reproductive systems.
This course continues the study of inorganic chemistry begun in Chemistry I and also provides an introduction to organic chemistry. A solid understanding of the concepts presented in Chemistry I is necessary for successful completion of Chemistry II. Chemistry II begins with the topics of stoichiometry and oxidation reduction reactions, continues with a study of acids and bases and water and concludes with organic and biochemistry. There are no labs in this course.
This course introduces students to applied communication with emphasis on the development of reading, writing, and thinking skills. The primary focus of the course will be on effective essay writing and on the use of correct spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
This subject enables the learner to continue to use the computer, Word 2010, and Excel 2010 as a tool for document, spreadsheet, and chart preparation and introduces presentation techniques using PowerPoint 2010. Learners will also use Microsoft Office 2010 combined applications to prepare presentations integrated with documents and charts.
Elective general education courses appear in your program of study as GNED 0000. This is called a “placeholder.” This placeholder is replaced by an actual course that you will select from a list of available "elective" general education courses when you register in the relevant semester.
Please note that the type and number of elective courses available will vary from semester to semester and from year to year.
Please visit the General Education website for more information.
Elective general education courses appear in your program of study as GNED 0000. This is called a “placeholder.” This placeholder is replaced by an actual course that you will select from a list of available "elective" general education courses when you register in the relevant semester.
Please note that the type and number of elective courses available will vary from semester to semester and from year to year.
Please visit the General Education website for more information.
Courses and course descriptions are for the next academic year and are subject to change.
Back to TopProgram Costs
| | Domestic | International |
| Tuition Fees | $2,533 | $11,820 |
| Compulsory Ancillary Fees | $1,010 | $1,570 |
| Incidental Fees | $0 | $0 |
| Total Fees: | $3,543 | $13,390 |
Please note: fees are based on the 2012-2013 academic year and do not include textbooks. For more information please see Other fees to consider.
Back to TopOpportunities For Degree Completion Or Additional Credentials
Qualified graduates may be eligible to apply their academic credits toward further study through Durham College’s partnerships with many Canadian and international colleges and universities. Please visit the Transfer Guide for more information.
Back to TopDisability Considerations
Students with disabilities who wish to discuss accommodation plans are encouraged to contact the Centre for Students with Disabilities.
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If you are an International student, please contact
Open: September 2013
