Certificate in Health Sciences - Learning Outcomes
Educational aims
This certificate aims to provide a broad introduction to health sciences. Your studies will:
- introduce you to a range of basic concepts, data and terminology relevant to the health sciences
- expose you to different lines of evidence and key debates relating to topics in the health sciences
- present health topics in their wider personal, cultural and social contexts
- enable you to develop basic skills in: written and computer-based communication; information literacy using a variety of text-based, graphical, numerical and online sources; presenting and interpreting numerical data; and using a computer to support your learning
- foster enthusiasm and confidence in studying the health sciences by providing a framework that will equip you with the study skills necessary for undergraduate Level 1 study.
Learning outcomes
The award provides opportunities for you to develop and demonstrate knowledge and understanding, qualities, skills, and other attributes in the following areas:
Knowledge and understanding
On completion of this certificate, you will have knowledge and understanding of:
- the terminology, nomenclature, classification systems, conventions and units appropriate to the Health Sciences
- the structure and function of the human body, together with a basic knowledge of health, disease, disorder, dysfunction and pathology
- the existence of a theoretical basis of diagnosis and intervention
- appropriate methods of acquiring, interpreting and analysing scientific data and information
- the ability to recognise different lines of evidence and appreciate the uncertainty, ambiguity and limits of current knowledge
the social, psychological and ethical issues surrounding health sciences.
Cognitive skills
On completion of this certificate, you will be able to:
- use and apply knowledge and understanding of essential facts, concepts, principles and theories relating to the Health Sciences
- apply such scientific knowledge and understanding to address familiar situations
- analyse, interpret, synthesise and summarise simple scientific data and information.
Practical and/or professional skills
On completion of this certificate, you will be able to:
- interpret data derived from health-related investigations with respect to current subject knowledge
- manage own learning, organise own time and work independently in a way appropriate for continuing personal and professional development
- link study plans with personal and/or career goals.
Key skills
On completion of this certificate, you will be able to:
- locate, receive and respond to a variety of information sources (e.g. textual, numerical, graphical and computer-based)
- communicate scientific information accurately and effectively using written, visual and numerical forms in a style that suits purpose and audience
- prepare, process, present and interpret data using appropriate qualitative and quantitative techniques
- use skills to improve your own learning
- use ICT for enhancing your own learning, for simple data analysis and for communicating scientific information with others.
Teaching, learning and assessment methods
Teaching will be by a blend of text, video material, interactive DVD and internet activities.
Assessment will use OpenMark for both formative and summative assessment, and more conventional TMAs, exams and EMAs.