- Online
- $850
This course is part of the UBC Future Global Leaders online program for high school students ages 15–18.
Medicine is as much of an art as it is a science. Medical anthropology, the study of health, illness and healing from a cross-cultural perspective, draws on theories in anthropology to create better healthcare.
Explore a range of contemporary topics in medical anthropology. Topics include medical regulation, genetics, cancer, addiction, medical ethics, mental health and the law. Come face-to-face with the humanity of medicine by studying the experience of illness. Understand the busy and complex intersection of health professionals, patients and families as they face Nature’s ultimate democracy: the equalizing force of illness and death.
Consider this course if you’re interested in studying medicine, health sciences, pharmaceutical sciences, psychology or dentistry.
Dan Small (PhD, UBC, MPhil, Cambridge) is a medical anthropologist and research associate in the Department of Anthropology at the University of British Columbia. He teaches courses in the fields of sociology and anthropology. For 20 years, Dan has focused on addiction, mental health and homelessness. He’s been active in the fields of medical regulation, medical assessment, the forensic psychiatric system and community mental health.
Virtual student lounge
All UBC Future Global Leaders students have access to the online Virtual Student Lounge where they can hang out and develop friendships with students from across Canada and around the world.
To register
After you add the course to your cart, you’re asked to complete your registration by creating a new account or logging in. If you are a parent, guardian or other adult registering for the first time on behalf of your student, please create the account in the name of the high school student attending UBC Future Global Leaders, not in your name.
Expected effort
In addition to the live virtual classes and office hours, you can expect to spend 1-2 hours per week reading, researching and participating in discussion boards.
Technology requirements
To take this course, you’ll need access to:
- an email account
- a computer, laptop or tablet under five years old using Windows or macOS
- the latest version of a web browser (or previous major version release)
- a reliable internet connection
- a video camera and microphone.
One business day before the start of your course, we’ll email you step-by-step instructions for accessing your course.
Course format
This course is 100% online and instructor-supported with real-time classes, and virtual drop-in office hours during the course.
Fall/Winter term (September – December / January – April)
Attend live virtual classes once a week on Saturdays for two hours for 10 weeks.
Summer term (July and August)
Attend live virtual classes two hours a day from Monday to Friday for three weeks.
All class times are in the Pacific Time Zone (Vancouver, BC, Canada).