Bachelor of Health Sciences
Health Sciences and Social Services - Curative Health
Purpose and Rationale
Purpose: The Changing Needs of the Health Sector
The qualification has been designed to help fill specific human resource gaps in the South African health sector. The career opportunities available to learners will include:
- Medical scientists in academia and commercial research laboratories.
- Health policy and economics (policy analysts, public officials, academics).
- Health service and hospital administration.
- Pharmaceutical industry research and development, marketing, and management.
- Insurance and Medical Aid Industry analysts and managers.
- Forensic law and sciences.
- Biotechnology industry.
- Bioethics (academic, advising policy makers, advising clinical groups and clinical researchers).
- Occupational Health research and practice.
- Bio-engineering, Health related information technology.
- Bioinformatics.
For all these careers, there is currently no appropriate programme of study. They all have a common need for an understanding of human biology, preferably to a second-year level. They share a common need for knowledge of medical terminology and some insight into the philosophy of scientific research. They all need an understanding of the place of medicine and the health professions in society, and they each need their specialized studies to a third-year level. This degree will often be the springboard for an Honours or Masters Qualification that would develop people for careers such as laboratory scientists, public or private sector managers, and health care professionals.
Developments in the Natural Sciences and Social Sciences basic to Medicine
The scientific basis of medicine has developed rapidly in the last few years, particularly in the field of molecular and cell biology. This qualification will offer courses in molecular medicine as part of an undergraduate bachelor's qualification. Many areas in the social sciences and humanities have developed a specific focus on health and medicine. They are now affluent areas of research in their rights.
Thus, in this qualification, some areas, such as Sociology, Applied Philosophy, Psychology, Economics, Policy Studies, and History of Medicine, may wish to offer modules with a specific health focus developed for this qualification. In other areas, learners will be able to choose from an extensive menu of courses currently offered by various faculties which are not specifically adapted for this qualification but offer a broader education and context.
The qualification has the potential to open new avenues of postgraduate study at Wits. This should also assist the Institution in its mission to increase the proportion of graduate learners.
The Changing Medical Qualification
Rationale:
Outcomes
- At the end of the qualification the learner will be competent in problem solving (collecting, researching, documenting, analysing, organising and critically evaluating information).
- At the end of the qualification the learner will be competent to apply knowledge and skills acquired to problems related to medical science and/or the health care industry.
- In the contexts of the whole individual and his or her place in the family, society, the population and the environment, at the end of the qualification the qualifying learner will have knowledge of health economics and management.
- At the end of the qualification the qualifying learner will understand the value of working with others as a member of a team, organisation or community.
- At the end of the qualification the qualifying learner should have acquired appropriate attitudes and values essential to the practice of medical research and /or operating in the field of health care delivery, and should demonstrate the attitudes necessary for the achievement of high standards of ethical behaviour, both in relation to conduct and commitment in the workplace as well as to his or her own personal development.
- At the end of the qualification the qualifying learner will be competent to communicate effectively.
- At the end of the qualification the qualifying learner will have acquired and will be aware of the need to develop self-direction and independence in his/her learning in order to become a lifelong learner, and will recognise personal educational needs, utilise appropriate learning situations and evaluate his/her own progress.
Assessment Criteria
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes
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Demonstrate a sound understanding of scientific investigative procedures and their application to problem-solving:
- Apply a problem-solving model to assess scientific or administrative problems.
- Develop and test hypotheses.
- Analyse information from scientific investigative procedures.
- Interpret and evaluate results.
- Demonstrate enterprise in solving problems.
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Biomedical Sciences Track:
- Apply fundamental knowledge of natural sciences like chemistry, biology, and other areas like physics, sociology, and psychology.
- Utilize core knowledge of normal human structure and function, anatomy, physiology, and biochemistry.
- Apply core knowledge of molecular medicine and pharmacology.
Human Sciences Track:
- Apply fundamental knowledge of natural sciences such as biology, chemistry, and humanities like sociology, psychology, philosophy, and economics.
- Utilize core knowledge of humanities, mathematical sciences like actuarial science, economics, marketing, philosophy, psychology, sociology, and statistics.
Both Tracks:
- Apply core knowledge of abnormal human structure, the health care system, and the patient-health care team relationship.
- Critically evaluate relevant literature and keep up-to-date with new developments using a modern library.
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Collect and Record Health-Relevant Information:
- Identify health problems and manage them using systematic and reliable data.
- Analyse the burden of disease, its determinants, and ways of disease spread.
- Apply disease surveillance, prevention principles, and health promotion.
- Play a role in organizing, managing, and providing health care considering economic and practical constraints.
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Recognize the Nature and Scope of Medical Science Disciplines:
- Make informed career decisions.
- Work effectively in project teams and understand essential roles in health care, education, and research.
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Incorporate Ethical and Legal Issues:
- Consider ethical and legal issues in medical research and health care delivery.
- Respect colleagues and clients, embracing diversity and rights.
- Demonstrate moral and ethical responsibilities in patient care and community provision.
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Communicate Effectively:
- Communicate orally and in writing with colleagues using appropriate structure, language, and style.
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Acknowledge Vocational Training and Professional Education:
- Take responsibility for vocational training and continuing professional education.
Integrated Assessment:
- Utilizes various strategies like research reports, written exams, projects, field trips, and practical exams.
- Criteria may be observed during classes.
Qualification Details
- Type
- National First Degree
- NQF Level
- 07
- Min. Credits
- 360
- SAQA Source
- More Information
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