Please note:
To view the Fall 2024 Academic Calendar, go to www.sfu.ca/students/calendar/2024/fall.html.
Gerontology Minor
The minor provides specialized education for those interested in combining course work in aging-related issues with another major program.
Admission Requirements
Admission requires a minimum of 60 units with a 2.0 or higher cumulative grade point average (GPA).
Students must also complete at least two of the following prerequisite courses or obtain a mininum C grade in GERO 300 or B grade in GERO 101.
- BPK 105 Fundamentals of Human Structure and Function (3)
- BPK 142 introduction to Kinesiology (3)
- PSYC 100 introduction to Psychology I (3)
- PSYC 102 Introduction to Psychology II (3)
- SA 150 Introduction to Sociology (S) (4)
- STAT 203 Introduction to Statistics for the Social Sciences (3)
- HSCI 100 Human Biology (3)
- HSCI 130 Foundations of Health Science (4)
Program Requirements
Approved minor students must complete
Introduces the social, psychological, and physical dimensions of aging. Largely based on the Canadian context, but will also include international research and knowledge. Students who have taken GERO 300 may not take this course for further credit. Breadth-Social Sciences.
| Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| D900 |
Andrew Sixsmith |
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
|
Surrey |
| D901 |
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 9:30–10:20 a.m.
|
Surrey |
and 15 units chosen from
This course examines research methodology applied to the field of gerontology. Key areas covered include: operationalizing gerontological concepts; sampling older populations; longitudinal designs; outcome and process evaluation of seniors' programs; and elementary data analyses. Prerequisite: 60 units.
This course includes an examination of the development of contemporary understanding and practice of health promotion. Students will be given the opportunity to explore theories and models designed to explain health related behaviors and the determinants of health. Strategies for behavioral change and development of socio-environmental approaches will be discussed in the context of an aging Canadian population. Prerequisite: 60 units. Recommended: GERO 300.
| Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| D100 |
Mei Fang |
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 11:30 a.m.–2:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
Impact of the macro- and microenvironment as it affects the aged. Discussion of planned housing and institutional living arrangements, territoriality and the need for privacy, home range and use of space, urban planning, responsive design of housing and care facilities, effects of relocation and institutionalization. Prerequisite: 60 units. Recommended: GERO 300.
An examination of issues related to health and illness among older adults, drawing upon theories and concepts from biological, social and public health sciences. An introduction to assessment and intervention skills useful to persons working with older adults in a broad range of practice settings. Prerequisite: 60 units. Recommended: GERO 300.
The focus of this course is to provide the student with an in-depth understanding of the process of dying. By examining the process of dying, one's personal response to death as well as society's reaction and responsibilities toward dying, the student will gain new insights in caring for the dying person. Prerequisite: 60 units. Recommended: GERO 300.
This course examines specific nutritional conditions and concerns of the aging population. It does so by exploring the nutrient needs of the elderly as determined by physiological changes of aging, metabolic effects of common diseases, and biochemical interactions of medications. The course includes a broad investigation of the psychological, sociological, and physical factors which influence food choice and ultimately nutritional status in aging. Prerequisite: 60 units. Recommended: GERO 300 or BPK 110.
This course entails a comprehensive interdisciplinary study of families and aging. In addition to providing an overview of theory and research on this topic, a variety of substantive issues will be critically examined, including: families in mid life, sibling relationships, divorce and remarriage, dating in later life, care giving, poverty, elder abuse, and policy development. Prerequisite: 60 units. Recommended: GERO 300.
| Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| OL01 |
Sessional |
Online |
Psychopathology often presents in distinct ways among older adults. The intent of this course is to examine disorders with their onset in later life and those that extend into later years. Students will derive an understanding of the diagnostic criteria for various disorders, prevalence, theories of etiology, and selected empirically validated interventions. Prerequisite: Recommended: GERO 300, GERO 403, and PSYC 241. Students with credit for GERO 411, when the course was offered under this title, may not take this course for further credit.
Selected psychological, sociological, economic, biological and practical aspects of the aging of individuals and populations. Prerequisite: 60 units. Recommended: GERO 300.
Focuses on all aspects of sex and aging and the issues that arise around sexual behavior as we age. An interdisciplinary perspective, taking into account the physiological, psychological, interpersonal and social influences which shape our understanding of sexuality in the aged. Prerequisite: Recommended: GERO 101 or 300. Students who have completed this topic under GERO 410 may not complete this course for further credit.
The structural and behavioral implications of aging. Topics include demographic aspects of aging; the relationship of aging to political, economic, familial and other social institutions; the psychological significance of aging. Prerequisite: 60 units. Recommended: GERO 300. Students with credit for SA 420 and students may not take this course for further credit.
| Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| OL01 |
Sessional |
Online |
or, instead of the above, students may choose to complete
Examination of the aging process from a multi-disciplinary perspective. Physical and health factors in aging, economic and vocational factors in aging, family and community relations of older people, social policy and politics of aging. Throughout the course, emphasis will be placed on normal aging. Prerequisite: 60 units. Students who have taken GERO 101 may not take this course for further credit. Breadth-Social Sciences.
| Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| OL01 |
Sessional |
Online |
and 12 units chosen from the following
This course examines research methodology applied to the field of gerontology. Key areas covered include: operationalizing gerontological concepts; sampling older populations; longitudinal designs; outcome and process evaluation of seniors' programs; and elementary data analyses. Prerequisite: 60 units.
This course includes an examination of the development of contemporary understanding and practice of health promotion. Students will be given the opportunity to explore theories and models designed to explain health related behaviors and the determinants of health. Strategies for behavioral change and development of socio-environmental approaches will be discussed in the context of an aging Canadian population. Prerequisite: 60 units. Recommended: GERO 300.
| Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| D100 |
Mei Fang |
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 11:30 a.m.–2:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
Impact of the macro- and microenvironment as it affects the aged. Discussion of planned housing and institutional living arrangements, territoriality and the need for privacy, home range and use of space, urban planning, responsive design of housing and care facilities, effects of relocation and institutionalization. Prerequisite: 60 units. Recommended: GERO 300.
An examination of issues related to health and illness among older adults, drawing upon theories and concepts from biological, social and public health sciences. An introduction to assessment and intervention skills useful to persons working with older adults in a broad range of practice settings. Prerequisite: 60 units. Recommended: GERO 300.
The focus of this course is to provide the student with an in-depth understanding of the process of dying. By examining the process of dying, one's personal response to death as well as society's reaction and responsibilities toward dying, the student will gain new insights in caring for the dying person. Prerequisite: 60 units. Recommended: GERO 300.
This course examines specific nutritional conditions and concerns of the aging population. It does so by exploring the nutrient needs of the elderly as determined by physiological changes of aging, metabolic effects of common diseases, and biochemical interactions of medications. The course includes a broad investigation of the psychological, sociological, and physical factors which influence food choice and ultimately nutritional status in aging. Prerequisite: 60 units. Recommended: GERO 300 or BPK 110.
This course entails a comprehensive interdisciplinary study of families and aging. In addition to providing an overview of theory and research on this topic, a variety of substantive issues will be critically examined, including: families in mid life, sibling relationships, divorce and remarriage, dating in later life, care giving, poverty, elder abuse, and policy development. Prerequisite: 60 units. Recommended: GERO 300.
| Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| OL01 |
Sessional |
Online |
Psychopathology often presents in distinct ways among older adults. The intent of this course is to examine disorders with their onset in later life and those that extend into later years. Students will derive an understanding of the diagnostic criteria for various disorders, prevalence, theories of etiology, and selected empirically validated interventions. Prerequisite: Recommended: GERO 300, GERO 403, and PSYC 241. Students with credit for GERO 411, when the course was offered under this title, may not take this course for further credit.
Selected psychological, sociological, economic, biological and practical aspects of the aging of individuals and populations. Prerequisite: 60 units. Recommended: GERO 300.
Focuses on all aspects of sex and aging and the issues that arise around sexual behavior as we age. An interdisciplinary perspective, taking into account the physiological, psychological, interpersonal and social influences which shape our understanding of sexuality in the aged. Prerequisite: Recommended: GERO 101 or 300. Students who have completed this topic under GERO 410 may not complete this course for further credit.
The structural and behavioral implications of aging. Topics include demographic aspects of aging; the relationship of aging to political, economic, familial and other social institutions; the psychological significance of aging. Prerequisite: 60 units. Recommended: GERO 300. Students with credit for SA 420 and students may not take this course for further credit.
| Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| OL01 |
Sessional |
Online |
A list of additional courses from various departments that are designated for inclusion in the minor is available. Six units maximum of designated courses may be applied toward the minor with prior advisor approval. Candidates intending to apply for admission to the post baccalaureate diploma in gerontology or to the master’s program should contact the advisor before selecting courses for the minor.
Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences Degree Requirements
For all bachelor of arts (BA) programs, students complete 120 units, which includes
- at least 60 units that must be completed at Simon Fraser University
- at least 45 upper division units, of which at least 30 upper division units must be completed at Simon Fraser University
- at least 60 units (including 21 upper division units) in Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences courses
- satisfaction of the writing, quantitative, and breadth requirements
- an overall cumulative grade point average (CGPA) and upper division overall CGPA of at least 2.0, and program CGPA and upper division program CGPA of at least 2.0 on the course work used to satisfy the minimum program requirements. FASS departments may define additional GPA requirements for their respective programs.
For students in other faculties, please check your faculty's overall degree requirements: https://www.sfu.ca/students/calendar/faculties-research.html
Writing, Quantitative, and Breadth Requirements
Students admitted to Simon Fraser University beginning in the fall 2006 term must meet writing, quantitative and breadth requirements as part of any degree program they may undertake. See Writing, Quantitative, and Breadth Requirements for university-wide information.
WQB Graduation Requirements
A grade of C- or better is required to earn W, Q or B credit
| Requirement |
Units |
Notes | |
| W - Writing |
6 |
Must include at least one upper division course, taken at Simon Fraser University within the student's major subject; two courses (minimum three units each) |
|
| Q - Quantitative |
6 |
Q courses may be lower or upper division; two courses (total six units or more) | |
| B - Breadth |
18 |
Designated Breadth |
Must be outside the student's major subject, and may be lower or upper division: Two courses (total six units or more) Social Sciences: B-Soc |
|
6 |
Additional Breadth |
Two courses (total six units or more) outside the student's major subject (may or may not be B-designated courses, and will likely help fulfil individual degree program requirements). Students choosing to complete a joint major, joint honours, double major, two extended minors, an extended minor and a minor, or two minors may satisfy the breadth requirements (designated or not designated) with courses completed in either one or both program areas. |
|