SOLUS is Queen’s Student On-Line University System. You’ll have access to a SOLUS account once you become a Queen’s student. You’ll use SOLUS to register for courses, add and drop courses, update your contact information, view financial and academic information, and pay your tuition.
History & Philosophy of Health & Health Care
IDIS 173, History and Philosophy of Health and Healthcare, is a multidisciplinary course organized around five major fields of scientific endeavour in the BHSc program: anatomy, physiology, pathology, pharmacology, and population and global health. In each course module, we begin with the historical evolution of one of these subject areas and focus on the people, events and discoveries that have had the biggest impact on its development. Against this backdrop, we move to the present day where we encounter lively controversies within each field that invite us to think deeply about how technological innovations, social values and science interact.
*Previously BMED 173 History and Philosophy of Health and Healthcare
Learning Outcomes
After completing IDIS 173, students will be able to:
- Describe and analyze important people, events and trends that have influenced the development of five core subjects in the BHSc program (anatomy, physiology, pathology, pharmacology, population and global health) in order to understand what role technological developments and social values play in the construction and application of science.
- Understand different perspectives on controversial issues in contemporary health science fields in order to critically assess them.
- Identify relevant sources and carry out research using traditional and web-based resources.
Terms
Evaluation
25% - Discussion Boards
75% - Blog
**Evaluation Subject to Change**
Instructor
Textbooks and Materials
The main textbook for this course is: History of Medicine: A Scandalously Short Introduction (2nd edition) by Jacalyn Duffin. There are three ways to purchase the textbook:
- (Recommended) You can purchase a custom e-package containing the required textbook chapters for the course in a PDF format that can be annotated. The cost of the custom e-book is $17.95 (Canadian). You can purchase a custom electronic version through the University of Toronto Press Publishing. Note: If you purchase the electronic version, please download Adobe(R) Digital Editions and authorize with an AdobeID. Without authorizing your Adobe Digital Editions to an “AdobeID” your ebook will be locked to the 1 device it was downloaded to, it will not be transferable to another computer/device. For iPhone, iPad and Android devices download Bluefire Reader and authorize with your AdobeID to read. You can purchase the full textbook as a paper copy for $33.11 (Canadian) or an e-publication for $32.95 (Canadian) at the University of Toronto Press Publishing website.
- You can purchase a hard copy of the textbook online through a commercial bookseller. If you choose this option, please place your order early to ensure that your textbook is delivered in time for module 2 (course week 3).
In addition to the core textbook readings, you will be assigned material from journal articles, news stories, videos and other internet media. Links to these free materials are provided in the course modules.
Time Commitment
Students can expect to spend approximately 10 hours a week (120 hours per term) in online work for IDIS 173.
Evaluation
25% - Discussion Boards
75% - Blog
**Evaluation Subject to Change**
Instructor
Textbooks and Materials
The main textbook for this course is: History of Medicine: A Scandalously Short Introduction (2nd edition) by Jacalyn Duffin. There are three ways to purchase the textbook:
- (Recommended) You can purchase a custom e-package containing the required textbook chapters for the course in a PDF format that can be annotated. The cost of the custom e-book is $17.95 (Canadian). You can purchase a custom electronic version through the University of Toronto Press Publishing. Note: If you purchase the electronic version, please download Adobe(R) Digital Editions and authorize with an AdobeID. Without authorizing your Adobe Digital Editions to an “AdobeID” your ebook will be locked to the 1 device it was downloaded to, it will not be transferable to another computer/device. For iPhone, iPad and Android devices download Bluefire Reader and authorize with your AdobeID to read. You can purchase the full textbook as a paper copy for $33.11 (Canadian) or an e-publication for $32.95 (Canadian) at the University of Toronto Press Publishing website.
- You can purchase a hard copy of the textbook online through a commercial bookseller. If you choose this option, please place your order early to ensure that your textbook is delivered in time for module 2 (course week 3).
In addition to the core textbook readings, you will be assigned material from journal articles, news stories, videos and other internet media. Links to these free materials are provided in the course modules.
Time Commitment
Students can expect to spend approximately 10 hours a week (120 hours per term) in online work for IDIS 173.
Evaluation
25% - Discussion Boards
75% - Blog
**Evaluation Subject to Change**
Instructor
Textbooks and Materials
The main textbook for this course is: History of Medicine: A Scandalously Short Introduction (2nd edition) by Jacalyn Duffin. There are three ways to purchase the textbook:
- (Recommended) You can purchase a custom e-package containing the required textbook chapters for the course in a PDF format that can be annotated. The cost of the custom e-book is $17.95 (Canadian). You can purchase a custom electronic version through the University of Toronto Press Publishing. Note: If you purchase the electronic version, please download Adobe(R) Digital Editions and authorize with an AdobeID. Without authorizing your Adobe Digital Editions to an “AdobeID” your ebook will be locked to the 1 device it was downloaded to, it will not be transferable to another computer/device. For iPhone, iPad and Android devices download Bluefire Reader and authorize with your AdobeID to read. You can purchase the full textbook as a paper copy for $33.11 (Canadian) or an e-publication for $32.95 (Canadian) at the University of Toronto Press Publishing website.
- You can purchase a hard copy of the textbook online through a commercial bookseller. If you choose this option, please place your order early to ensure that your textbook is delivered in time for module 2 (course week 3).
In addition to the core textbook readings, you will be assigned material from journal articles, news stories, videos and other internet media. Links to these free materials are provided in the course modules.
Time Commitment
Students can expect to spend approximately 10 hours a week (120 hours per term) in online work for IDIS 173.
Course Resources
About SOLUS
About OnQ
onQ is Queen's online learning platform. You'll log into onQ to access your course. All materials related to your course—notes, readings, videos, recordings, discussion forums, assignments, quizzes, groupwork, tutorials, and help—will be on the onQ site.
About Credit Units
Queen’s courses are weighted in credit units. A typical one-term course is worth 3.0 units, and a typical two-term course is worth 6.0 units. You combine these units to create your degree. A general (three-year) BA or BSc requires a total of 90 credit units.
Computer Requirements
To take an online course, you’ll need a high speed internet connection as well as a microphone and speakers to be able to watch videos, hear sounds, and participate in interactive online activities. A webcam is recommended but not necessary.
System Requirements:
Computer Specifications
- Windows 8.1 or newer
- OSX 10.13 (High Sierra) or newer
- Dual Core 2 GHz processor
- 4 GB RAM
- Soundcard
- USB Headset
- Webcam
Supported Browsers
- Chrome (preferred - latest version)
- Firefox (latest version)
- Safari is not recommended as it causes several known issues in onQ
- Edge is not recommended as it causes several known issues in onQ
Internet Connection
- Wired high speed access: Cable or better
- Wifi is not recommended
Java
- Latest version
Media Player
- Flash (latest version)
Adobe Reader
- Latest Version
Dates/Deadlines
The deadlines for new applications to Queen’s Arts and Science Online courses are in our Upcoming Application Dates section.
Grading Scheme
The information below is intended for undergraduate students in the Faculty of Arts and Science. Academic Regulations in other Faculties may differ.
Letter Grade | Grade Point |
A+ | 4.30 |
A | 4.00 |
A- | 3.70 |
B+ | 3.30 |
B | 3.00 |
B- | 2.70 |
C+ | 2.30 |
C | 2.00 |
C- | 1.70 |
D+ | 1.30 |
D | 1.00 |
D- | 0.70 |
F | 0.00 |
GPA Calculators
Have your SOLUS grade report handy and then follow the link to the Arts and Science GPA calculators.
How does this affect my academics?
See the GPA and Academic Standing page.
Follow the link above for an explanation of how the GPA system affects such things as the Dean’s Honour List, requirements to graduate, and academic progression.
Frequently Asked Questions on the Grading Scheme
Please follow this link to the FAQ's
Tuition Fees
Tuition fees vary depending when you start, your year, faculty, and program. Fees for Summer Term 2018 first-year Distance Career Arts & Science Domestic students are as follows: for a 3.0-unit course, $685.90; for a 6.0-unit course, $1371.80 See also Tuition and Fees.
Campus Bookstore
All textbooks can be purchased at Queen’s Campus Bookstore.
Non-Queen’s Students
All Queen’s Arts and Science Online courses are open to students at other universities. Before applying as a visiting student, request a Letter of Permission from your home university that states that you have permission to take the course and apply it to your degree. See also Apply.
Academic Integrity
Please see Queen’s policy statement on academic integrity for information on how to complete an online course honestly.