Bachelor of Environmental Health
Health Sciences and Social Services - Preventive Health
Purpose and Rationale
Purpose
Environmental Health comprises those aspects of human health, including the quality of life, that are determined by physical, chemical, biological, social, socio-economic and psycho-social factors in the environment. It also refers to the theory and practice of ascertaining, correcting, controlling, minimizing and preventing those factors in the environment that can potentially and adversely affect the health of present and future generations. Environmental Health Practitioners (EHP) will further give credence to the right of individuals to an environment that is conducive to health and well-being as contained in the Constitution of SA (including, but not limited to Section 24 A and B, Section 26, Section 27, Schedule 4 of the Constitution of SA). Changing norms and standards compounded by traditional and emerging challenges, both nationally and internationally, require a new cadre of professionals competent to deal with the complexity of environmental and public health issues. The EHP will be functioning as an independent practitioner within respective government sectors, private industry, and as consultants.
Rationale
Learners satisfying the requirements for this qualification will be able to register with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) as Environmental Health Practitioners (EHPs) functioning as independent practitioners. The EHP will function within the scope of the profession to improve the health of the community and the environment and contribute to sustainable development. They will be able to evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency of control measures to make necessary improvements. Additionally, they will be able to apply research skills, interpret and apply legislation, regulations, and policies related to Environmental Health, and advise/educate role players on specific issues. The EHP will function as a member of a multi-disciplinary team of professionals in accordance with the scope of the profession. As such, this person will be able to communicate effectively, foster entrepreneurship, uphold professional and Environmental Health ethics, and manage human, financial, and physical resources within the scope of the profession.
Outcomes
- Apply the principles of ethics, relevant legislation and professional behaviour within the Environmental Health milieu.
- Integrate and apply foundational, scientific principles and knowledge to Environmental Health sciences. Range of scientific principles and knowledge includes, but is not limited to Chemistry, Microbiology, Physics, Mathematics, Ecology/Geology, Anatomy and Physiology (human and animal), Sociology and Anthropology.
- Undertake Work Integrated Learning (WIL) practices in the institution and in the workplace. WIL practices includes theoretical Work-directed theoretical learning (WDTL) and Problem-based learning (PBL) to more practical forms (Project-based learning (PBL) and Workplace learning (WPL).
- Manage Environmental Health risks within natural, socio-economic, built and working environments within the scope of profession.
- Manage Environmental Health programmes focussing on prevention. Range: Manage refers to: design, develop, implement and evaluate.
- Manage Environmental Health services. Range: Manage will involve financial, human, physical resources, as well as the planning, control and utilisation thereof.
- Demonstrate project management skills within a project management life-cycle.
- Conduct and participate in Environmental Health research.
- Demonstrate interpersonal relations and professional behaviour in terms of the ethical code.
Assessment Criteria
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
- Application of ethical and legal responsibilities in interactions with clients, colleagues, and the community.
- Assumption of various roles within the Environmental Health milieu or community setting.
- Fulfilment of requirements for registrations with the HPCSA and professional bodies.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
- Integration and application of physical, chemical, biochemical, and biological principles in identifying, assessing, managing, and controlling Environmental Health risks.
- Integration of anatomical, physiological, pathophysiological, and mathematical principles in identifying, assessing, managing, and controlling Environmental Health risks.
- Integration of social and behavioural principles in community outreach and related Environmental Health services.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
- Demonstration of expected outcomes in collaboration with workplace mentors and supervisors.
- Completion of portfolios in accordance with expected outcomes and workplace requirements.
- Demonstration of the ability to initiate, plan, manage, monitor, and evaluate community projects.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
- Identification and assessment of current and potential health risks within the Environmental Health field.
- Compilation of a comprehensive risk management plan in accordance with relevant legislation.
- Evaluation of intervention measures and application of various strategies for addressing health risks.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
- Performance of a situational analysis in the community.
- Design, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of sustainable health promotion programmes.
- Use of participatory methodologies to promote Environmental Health in communities.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
- Application of administrative skills in an Environmental Health context.
- Development of a skills development plan.
- Review and development of policies, legislation, and guidelines.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
- Planning, implementation, management, and assessment of projects.
- Application of time management and financial management principles.
- Communication of project results to relevant stakeholders.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:
- Identification of research needs/themes/problems.
- Application of research principles in investigation design and conduct.
- Management of research data and communication of results.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 9:
- Development and management of communication strategies for improving Environmental Health services.
- Handling of all forms of communication promptly, politely, and professionally.
- Facilitation of conflict resolution and development of communication and marketing strategies.
Integrated Assessment:
- Use of a variety of assessment options to measure applied competence.
- Assessment of foundational, practical, and reflexive competence.
- Evaluation of learners' ability to recognize, identify, assess, and make changes based on internal and external environmental factors influencing human health.
Qualification Details
- Type
- National First Degree(Min 480)
- NQF Level
- 08
- Min. Credits
- 499
- SAQA Source
- More Information
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