Bachelor of Health Sciences in Environmental Health
Health Sciences and Social Services - Promotive Health and Developmental Services
Purpose and Rationale
Qualification: Bachelor of Health Sciences in Environmental Health
Purpose
The purpose of this qualification is to develop a learner to be competent in the knowledge, attitudes, insight, and skills required for the Environmental Health profession. Upon completion, learners can register with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) as independent Environmental Health Practitioners. These practitioners will work to improve community and environmental health, contribute to sustainable development, evaluate control measures, apply research skills, interpret legislation, and advise role players. They will also collaborate within a multi-disciplinary team, communicate effectively, uphold ethics, and manage resources within the profession's scope.
The Human Resource Plan of the Department of Health aims to create a workforce fit for purpose to enhance quality health care access by 2030. This program addresses the shortage of Environmental Health Practitioners in South Africa and equips learners to work in various sectors. It aims to produce well-rounded professionals with investigative, research, critical thinking, and communication skills, suitable for municipal, provincial, or private practice.
Rationale
Primary Health is crucial for preventative health in South Africa, with Environmental Health playing a significant role in the new health system. This qualification develops cognitive, technological, and scientific inquiry capabilities, emphasizing research, innovation, and management skills for the Environmental Health profession's development. Learners will practice in urban and rural South African contexts, understanding the multi-disciplinary approach to health care and adapting to the country's unique circumstances. The program encourages equity in health care, social upliftment, and disease burden reduction, promoting life-long learning and further professional development.
The curriculum renewal and development began in 2005 through collaboration amongst South Africa's seven Universities of Technology offering Environmental Health qualifications. External stakeholders, including the HPCSA, guided the transition from the three-year Diploma to the four-year Bachelor's Degree, which will be the minimal requirement for Environmental Health Practitioner registration with the HPCSA after 2019. The program ensures international portability and addresses environmental health challenges specific to the African continent.
Made in collaboration with all seven Universities of Technology and external stakeholders, this qualification aims to meet the evolving needs of the Environmental Health profession and contribute to public and environmental health improvement.
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].
- Demonstrate competency in specified workplace skills. > [Work Integrated Learning practices includes theoretical (Work-Directed Theoretical Learning (WDTL) and Problem-based learning (PBL), to more practical forms (Project-based learning (PjBL) and Integrated Work-based learning activities (WBL)].
- Manage Environmental Health risks within natural, socio-economic, built and working environments within the scope of profession.
- Manage Environmental Health programmes focussing on prevention of environmental health risks. > [Range: manage refers to design, develop, implement and evaluate].
- Effectively manage Environmental Health services. > [Range: "Manage" includes financial, human and 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.
- Growth through assuming various roles within the Environmental Health milieu.
- Interactions handled with tact, objectivity, and cultural sensitivity.
- Fulfilment of registration requirements with relevant professional bodies.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
- Integration and application of physical, chemical, biochemical, and biological principles in managing Environmental Health risks.
- Integration of anatomical, physiological, and social principles in service provision.
- Application of social and behavioural principles in community outreach.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
- Demonstration of competency in Work Integrated Learning (WIL) with mentor and supervisor assessment.
- Completion of portfolios in agreement with workplace mentors.
- Initiation, management, and evaluation of WIL activities according to institutional policies.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
- Identification and assessment of health risks in compliance with legislation.
- Compilation of risk management plans and evaluation of intervention measures.
- Monitoring and reviewing the effectiveness of risk management plans.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
- Performing situational analysis in the community and designing sustainable health promotion programs.
- Effective participation in multi-disciplinary health promotion programs.
- Using participatory methodologies for Environmental Health promotion.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
- Application of managerial strategies and administrative skills in Environmental Health.
- Review and development of policies, legislation, and guidelines.
- Management of human resources and financial matters within Environmental Health context.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
- Planning, implementation, and management of projects adhering to project management principles.
- Application of time-management and financial management principles.
- Communication of project results to relevant stakeholders.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:
- Identification and investigation of research problems.
- Application of research methodology principles and management of research data.
- Communication of research results in appropriate formats.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 9:
- Development and management of communication strategies for Environmental Health services.
- Handling of all forms of communication promptly and professionally.
- Demonstration of conflict resolution skills.
Integrated Assessment:
- Assessment practices ensure transparency, fairness, and validity.
- Integration of various assessment methods to evaluate competencies.
- Assessment of outcomes and critical cross-field outcomes in an integrated manner.
Qualification Details
- Type
- National First Degree(Min 480)
- NQF Level
- 08
- Min. Credits
- 516
- SAQA Source
- More Information
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