Bachelor of Health Sciences

Purpose

The purpose of the Bachelor of Health Sciences is to provide a well-rounded, broad education that equips learners with the knowledge base, theory and methodology of disciplines in the field of Health Sciences. The qualification further enables learners to demonstrate initiative and responsibility in an academic or professional context. Through this qualification, learners can master the systematic and coherent body of knowledge and understanding that underlies theories, concepts and principles in the field of Health Sciences and other related fields and can respond to the changing needs of the health sector. Learners in this qualification can have sufficient depth of knowledge and skills that gives opportunities for continued professional and personal intellectual growth. These include postgraduate study, for gainful economic activity in a range of related careers, and rewarding and constructive contributions to society.

Rationale

The Health Sector is rapidly changing and so too are the needs of the sector. These changes have led to a wide skills gap in the health sector of South Africa and the world at large. There is a need for skilled practitioners in the fields of Health Sciences, Human movement Sciences, Physiology, Recreation Sciences and Psychology. This qualification enables career opportunities in the Health Service and hospital administration, Health policy (policy analyst and academics), occupational health research and practices. This qualification offers the appropriate curricula in related fields of the health sciences to meet the needs of the sector. The design of the curricula of this qualification considers the employment possibilities and the labour needs of South Africa. The curricula also prepares the learner for Postgraduate study in the different specialisations. There is a strong need to produce health scientists with a broader range of fundamental skills with the option of focusing on one related field.

This qualification provides an opportunity to promote the establishment of curricula that emphasise enquiry, innovation, and science within the environment of health and related sciences as well as healthy academic and social development. The qualification also develops important generic skills such as observation, problem-solving, effective communication, analysis and critical thinking applied in more than one related field of study.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Where learners do not meet the minimum admission requirements, RPL may be used to grant access to the qualification. RPL applies according to the Recognition of Prior Learning, Credit Accumulation and Transfer, and assessment (CHE 2016) and the institution's RPL policy. The Faculty of Health Science manages the process. Assessment of Learners is against NQF Level 7 competencies.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• National Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4, granting access to Bachelor's studies.

Or

• A National Certificate (Vocational) NQF Level 4 issued by the Council for General and Further Education and Training.

Or

• Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4, with complete or conditional matriculation endorsement/exemption.

This qualification consists of the following compulsory and elective modules at NQF Level 5, 6, 7 totalling 384 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 5, 84 Credits

• Academic Literacy.
• Introduction to physiology, 12 Credits.
• Physics for Biology, 12 Credits.
• Introductory Inorganic and Physical Chemistry, 12 Credits.
• Membrane and Muscle physiology, 12 Credits.
• Introduction to Psychology, 12 Credits.
• Applied Calculus, 12 Credits.
• Introduction to Recreation as a Profession, 12 Credits.

Elective Modules, Level 5, 24 Credits (Choose two modules)

• Health Promotion and Wellness, 12 Credits.
• Motor learning and Control, 12 Credits.
• Generic Coaching Science, 12 Credits.
• Molecular Biology, 12 Credits.
• Supplementation and Energy Systems, 12 Credits.
• Basic Anatomy and Sports Physiology, 12 Credits.
• Introduction to Sociology, 12 Credits.
• Introduction to Business Management, 12 Credits.
• Basic Microeconomics, 12 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 6, 120 Credits

• Endocrine System and Digestion, 16 Credits.
• Psychological Defence Mechanisms, 12 Credits.
• Metabolism, 8 Credits.
• Descriptive Statistics, 12 Credits.
• Practical Statistics,12 Credits.
• Developmental Psychology, 16 Credits.
• Introduction to Neuropsychology, 16 Credits.
• Know and understand the World of Health, 12 Credits.
• Introductory Biochemistry, 16 Credits.

Elective Modules, Level 6, 24 Credits (Select two modules)

• Analytical Chemistry, 8 Credits.
• Physical Chemistry, 8 Credits.
• Inorganic Chemistry, 8 Credits.
• Organic Chemistry, 8 Credits.
• Sociology of development and Social problems, 12 Credits.
• Introduction to Marketing Management,12 Credits.
• Macro-economics,16 Credits.
• Biokinetics, 16 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 7, 52 Credits

• Excretion, 8 Credits.
• Respiration, 8 Credits.
• Cardiovascular Psychology, 8 Credits.
• Neurophysiology, 8 Credits.
• Reproductive Physiology, 8 Credits.
• The human being and Society: Critical perspectives on continuity and change, 12 Credits.

Select stream A or B, Level 7, 64 Credits

Stream A

• Cardiovascular Physiology Applications, 16 Credits.
• Psychopathology, 16 Credits.
• Research and Psychometry, 16 Credits.
• Basic Counselling and Ethical Conduct, 16 Credits.
• Applied Psychology, 16 Credits.

Stream B

• Enzymology, 16 Credits.
• Molecular Biology, 16 Credits.
• Analytical Biochemistry, 16 Credits.
• Biochemistry Research Project, 16 Credits.

1. Demonstrate a systematic and integrated knowledge and understanding of, and an ability to evaluate and apply the fundamental terms, concepts, facts, principles, rules and theories of the field of Health Sciences and other related fields.
2. Demonstrate the ability to analyse and evaluate types of knowledge appropriate to the field of Health Sciences.
3. Apply appropriate discipline-related methods of scientific inquiry and an ability to independently validate sources of information and evaluate and manage the information in the field of Health Sciences.
4. Critically reflect on, and understanding and application of, appropriate methods or practices to resolve complex discipline-related problems and thereby introduce change within the related practice in the field of Health Sciences.
5. Demonstrate professional and ethical behaviour within an academic and discipline-related environment, with sensitivity towards societal and cultural considerations.
6. Effectively communicate scientific understanding and own opinions/ideas in written or oral arguments, using appropriate discipline-related and academic discourse.
7. Demonstrate effective information and communication technology (ICT) skills as applicable in the field of Health Sciences.
8. Function effectively as a member or leader of a team or a group in scientific projects or investigations.
9. Self-direct and manage their learning activities and be responsible for learning progress.

The following Associated Assessment Criteria will be used in an integrated manner across Exit Level Outcomes

• Use integrated knowledge and understanding in the field of Health Sciences to correctly respond to questions in class, and their personal needs and those of their communities, in writing individually or as part of a team during a test, exam or presentation.
• Successfully write reports or assignments or projects, making use of relevant and current knowledge and literature in the field of Health Sciences.
• Conduct physical evaluations, interpret results and suggest interventions following correct procedures and processes in the field of Health Sciences.
• Act ethically during simulations or demonstrations taking the role of professionals in related careers in the field of Health Science.
• Have a driven attitude towards developing ethically sound business practices within the profession towards tasks, management and professional conduct.
• Communicate using appropriate technologies; the difference in healthcare systems and policies of South Africa and selected international countries.

Integrated Assessment

Opportunities for both continuous formative and summative assessments are embedded in the learning design of the qualification throughout the three years of study, in the form of written and practical assignments, portfolios and practical assessments and written and practical examinations. Assessment of Learners is on the application of learned skills to assure that theory evolves into effective practice. Outcomes of related specialisations across the different year levels assess in an integrated manner by means of a project in the 3rd year of the qualification, wherein not only the learner's evidence of the mastering of discipline-specific knowledge and skills, but also his writing and communication skills, his computer literacy and his ability to critically analyse and effectively evaluate a work-place related problem. Report-writing is an important aspect of such an assessment.