Health Sciences
As an OU health sciences student you’ll gain a broad scientific understanding of the causes of human diseases, their impacts on people’s lives and their diagnosis, prevention and treatment. The programme takes a global view of chronic conditions, genetic and nutritional disorders, mental health problems and infectious diseases. Some courses include the interpretation of epidemiological data or current policy and practice in disease management. Courses at different levels establish and reinforce basic concepts and terminology from a range of science disciplines in the context of public health, including human physiology and anatomy, microbiology, chemistry, physics and human psychology.
Whether you’re just starting out in your career or looking for new challenges in your current role, our Certificate, Diploma or Foundation Degree in Health Sciences can take you in several directions in a range of health and healthcare-related professions and laboratory-based occupations.
Where to start in Health Sciences
If you are just getting started in this subject area, you could start with Introducing health sciences: a case study approach (SDK125), a 30-point, case-study-based course that covers a wide range of health topics.
Students new to OU study or to science ought to begin with our 10-point course Science starts here (S154), specifically aimed at those students who aren’t sure about distance learning, who have done little or no science in the past and whose maths is rusty (or non-existent!).
Worried about your ability? Or the time it will take? If you're a UK resident you can start with one of our Openings courses: 10-point courses with lots of support and no exams, giving you a gradual introduction to your subject and to the world of studying.
Don't forget that if you need help considering options you can talk to an adviser. And if you have some previous study experience you may qualify for credit transfer.
Degrees
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Open degree
The BA/BSc Open Degree provides a flexible way to combine a range of courses from different subjects either to suit your particular career or personal interests, or to complete studies you have started elsewhere.
Foundation Degrees
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Health Sciences
This work-based degree is ideal for support staff working in clinical laboratories. You must be supported by your employer for the work-based courses. -
Operating Department Practice
Develop the knowledge, skills and competencies which underpin practice in operating departments and perioperative care situations. You must be supported by your employer for the work-based courses. -
Paramedic Sciences
Develop the knowledge, skills and competencies which underpin paramedic practice in emergency care settings. You must be supported by your employer for the work-based courses.
Diplomas
Certificates
Courses in Health Sciences
See the list of all our individual courses in Health Sciences.
Postgraduate options
If you already have a degree, you may want to see postgraduate courses and qualifications in Science.
Spotlight on Health Sciences
Short courses on health issues
If you’ve got a particular interest you might consider one of our 10-point short courses that examine one particular aspect of health: such as Understanding human nutrition (SK183), Human genetics and health issues (SK195), Molecules, medicines and drugs: a chemistry story (SK185), or the role of statistics in Chance, risk and health (SMK184). Other subjects, covered in our equally fascinating 15-point courses, are Diabetes care (SK120), Understanding cardiovascular disease (SK121) and Challenging obesity (SDK122).
Understanding cancers (SK123)
If you’re working in a health-related occupation, if you have a general interest in health sciences, or if you have been affected by cancer, this new Level 1 15-point course will appeal. Understanding cancers (SK123) provides a scientific introduction to cancers – a complex group of diseases that presents a major global health problem. The course is available from September 2008.
Got a question?
Contact an adviser in our Student Registration & Enquiry Service
Email or call +44(0) 845 300 60 90
