DOI
https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jchemed.0c00887

Summary
The paper describes “The Science of Human Health” that is an undergraduate chemistry course for non-science majors. The proposed course uses a systems thinking approach to deliver the necessary chemistry content knowledge for students to be able to make informed personal, social, and political decisions regarding health and well-being.
Course learning objectives (LOs) include: (a) demonstrate the interdependence of chemical principles and human health at both the personal and societal levels (systems thinking aspect); (b) apply the scientific method by designing and executing a controlled experiment and interpreting its results; (c) effectively communicate independent research both orally and in writing; (d) build group work and collaborative skills; and (e) develop the necessary understanding of the fundamental principles of chemistry and thermodynamics to become future global citizens (systems thinking aspect). Chemistry is taught and learned on a need-to-know basis in order to address the three themes: (a) nutrition for the prevention of disease, (b) diagnostics for the detection of disease, and (c) medicine for the treatment of disease. The course relies heavily on active learning assignments and group work, promoting the development of critical thinking and communication skills.
The systems thinking aspects of the course were also assessed through the four course assignments. Assignment 1 required that students evaluate and discuss nutrition labels (legal and regulatory aspects), the Canada Food Guide (economic and political aspects), and the influence of diet and exercise on their health (personal, social, and behavioral aspects). Assignment 2 asked students to discuss the impacts that at-home diagnostics have had on personal health in both developed and developing nations (personal and societal aspects), as well as future impacts that could arise as more advanced home diagnostics are developed (system change over time). Assignment 3 included a discussion section regarding the potential consequences of disregarding dosage instructions, and particularly how this can lead to overdose (personal aspects) or substance abuse (personal and societal aspects). The group projects (assignment 4) encouraged students to consider all the scientific, personal and societal, legal and regulatory, and political and economic aspects of their chosen topic as part of their research, reports, and presentations.
Presenting chemistry with a systems thinking orientation through the context of human health and well-being is particularly effective at engaging non-science students who might otherwise struggle to relate to chemistry.
Authors argue for the unifying value of systems thinking which helps to provide the necessary chemistry foundation for students to make informed decisions which affect their own well-being as well as their global citizenship, while developing independent research, critical thinking, and teamwork skills.

Relevance for Complex Systems Knowledge
The paper deals with systems thinking and sustainable development.
Based on literature review, authors connect systems thinking with comprehension of chemistry, namely understanding of chemistry concepts and principles through their study in rich contexts. This includes developing an appreciation of the place of chemistry in the wider world through analyzing the linkages between chemical systems and physical, biological, ecological, and human systems (the latter include legal and regulatory systems, social and behavioral systems, and economic and political systems).
On the other hand, the importance of human health is further highlighted in the United Nations 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, which provide established guidelines for tackling social, environmental, and economic issues. Goal 3 entitled Good Health and Well-Being is served as the context for the creation of this new chemistry course.

Point of Strength
The strength of the publication is the way of topics presentation throughout the course through a holistic lens that includes the connections not only between chemistry concepts and human health topics but also between the personal, societal, legal, economic, and political aspects of those topics and how those come together to form the system of human health.