Bachelor of Health Sciences
Health Sciences and Social Services - Promotive Health and Developmental Services
Purpose and Rationale
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.
Outcomes
- 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.
- Demonstrate the ability to analyse and evaluate types of knowledge appropriate to the field of Health Sciences.
- 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.
- 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.
- Demonstrate professional and ethical behaviour within an academic and discipline-related environment, with sensitivity towards societal and cultural considerations.
- Effectively communicate scientific understanding and own opinions/ideas in written or oral arguments, using appropriate discipline-related and academic discourse.
- Demonstrate effective information and communication technology (ICT) skills as applicable in the field of Health Sciences.
- Function effectively as a member or leader of a team or a group in scientific projects or investigations.
- Self-direct and manage their learning activities and be responsible for learning progress.
Assessment Criteria
The following Associated Assessment Criteria will be used in an integrated manner across Exit Level Outcomes:
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Integrated Knowledge and Understanding: Students will be expected to use integrated knowledge and understanding in the field of Health Sciences to correctly respond to questions in class, address personal needs, and those of their communities, either individually or as part of a team during tests, exams, or presentations.
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Research and Report Writing: Students should successfully write reports, assignments, or projects by making use of relevant and current knowledge and literature in the field of Health Sciences.
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Physical Evaluation and Intervention: Students will be required to conduct physical evaluations, interpret results, and suggest interventions following correct procedures and processes in the field of Health Sciences.
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Ethical Conduct: During simulations or demonstrations, students should act ethically while taking on the role of professionals in related careers in the field of Health Sciences.
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Business Practices: Students are expected to demonstrate a driven attitude towards developing ethically sound business practices within the profession concerning tasks, management, and professional conduct.
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Communication Skills: Utilize appropriate technologies to effectively communicate the difference in healthcare systems and policies between South Africa and selected international countries.
Integrated Assessment: Opportunities for both continuous formative and summative assessments are embedded throughout the three years of study. These assessments take the form of written and practical assignments, portfolios, practical assessments, and written and practical examinations. The assessment of learners focuses on the application of learned skills to ensure that theory translates into effective practice.
Outcome Assessment: Specializations across different year levels will be assessed in an integrated manner through a project in the third year of the qualification. This assessment not only evaluates the learner's mastery of discipline-specific knowledge and skills but also assesses their writing and communication skills, computer literacy, and their ability to critically analyze and evaluate workplace-related problems. Report writing will be a crucial aspect of this assessment.
Qualification Details
- Type
- National First Degree
- NQF Level
- 07
- Min. Credits
- 360
- SAQA Source
- More Information
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This page includes information from the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) . Builtneat Pty Ltd trading as Study Start, has modified all or some of this information. SAQA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.