 Introduction to Health Sciences

Certificate of Higher Education

USHESC

Core

The Introduction to Health Sciences programme incorporates 5 core modules. The numbers of allocated credits indicate the relative proportions of subject matter for each module.  

Stage 1

Programme Structure

Introduction to Health Sciences is offered as a one-year full-time programme of study. The programme will offer an introduction to clinical and professional healthcare. Your programme of study will equip you with an introduction to the appropriate knowledge, skills and values to meet the changing needs of complex healthcare in the 21st Century across a range of healthcare disciplines. You will be expected to demonstrate professional values, champion diversity and challenge inequalities.  
The programme provides a thorough education in the core components required to study one of the following health related BSc (Hons) programmes at City St George’s, University of London:  
<ul><li>BSc (Hons) Nursing (Adult Nursing) </li><li>BSc (Hons) Nursing (Children&#39;s Nursing) </li><li>BSc (Hons) Nursing (Mental Health Nursing) </li><li>BMid (Hons) Midwifery </li><li>BSc (Hons) Speech and Language Therapy </li></ul>
The programme comprises the following modules: 
<ul><li>HS1926 Introduction to Science Related to Health Care </li><li>HS1927 Academic Skills </li><li>HS1928 Key Skills in Health Sciences </li><li>HS1929 Personal and Professional Development </li><li>HS1930 Introduction to the Healthcare Professions </li></ul>
In ‘Introduction to Science Related to Healthcare’ you will be introduced to some of the concepts and principles of science that inform health care. This will prepare you for future health science studies at BSc level.  
In &#39;Academic Skills&#39; you will receive thorough preparation in the academic skills you will need for successful study at university level.  
In &#39;Key Skills in Health Sciences&#39; you will develop your knowledge of the main sources of research evidence and data in relation to health and social care. This will enhance your intellectual and practical skills in the collection, interpretation, and evaluation of such data in preparation for future studies at BSc level. 
In &#39;Personal and Professional Development&#39; you will develop as an independent and reflective learner. This will enhance your ability to work effectively and collaboratively with others. 
In &#39;Introduction to the Healthcare Professions&#39; you will be acquainted with the roles of different providers of health and social care services. You will have the opportunity to select four out of the five BSc health related programmes on offer for taster sessions related specifically to that discipline.

Access and use a range of learning resources 

Skills

Operate collaboratively as part of a team 

Demonstrate that you have acquired a wide range of transferable, lifelong and independent learning skills 

Discuss the key principles of science that inform health care 

Knowledge

Demonstrate respect of the cultural needs of others 

Values and attitudes

Show integrity and promote diversity, equity and dignity in all encounters with other students and staff 

Apply Information Technology skills relevant to the activities of health care professionals 

Describe a range of interdisciplinary approaches to the collection, interpretation and analysis of healthcare data 

Behave in a responsible and professional manner 

Examine the roles of different providers of health and social care services 

Communicate using multiple media including verbal, written, presentation, and word processing skills 

Accurately record observations in various contexts, which can be transferred to this key aspect of a health professional’s life 

Discuss the key principles of the Key Skills in Health Sciences 

Demonstrate an ability to comprehend new knowledge 

Use appropriate interpersonal and communication skills  

Use numerical methods in solving problems 

USHESC - Introduction to Health Sciences

The Introduction to Health Sciences programme is designed to satisfy the academic development needs of potential BSc healthcare students. Teaching and assessment methods are tailored to the learning objectives of each module component. The range of teaching methods used is wide and includes lectures, tutorials and practical classes. Lectures are used to communicate core material and as a foundation for further reading. Lectures are based around presentations and hand-outs provide core notes e.g. definitions and diagrams. Interaction with you in lectures is encouraged. Lecture notes are provided on the virtual learning environment Moodle. However, you are expected to take your own notes too. In addition, during your self-directed study time you will undertake thorough background reading. Reading lists are provided for this purpose. Tutorials develop problem-solving skills in an environment that encourages an interactive approach to learning. Practical classes provide opportunities to develop clinical skills and to give demonstrations of techniques covered in lectures. Your self-directed study time will also be used to prepare for the practical sessions, and also to practice the techniques being taught during the labs. Formative feedback (oral or written) will provided based on online exercises or in class tasks to aid you with your progress. 
The programme consists of around 30% contact time and 70% self-directed independent study time. Independent study times are for you to revise and prepare for teaching sessions, including preparation of coursework. This programme will include an average of 16 contact hours per week - around 336 contact hours per year.  In addition, you will be expected to undertake 30 independent study hours per week (around 900 per year).  Some of these hours will include use of online learning tools such as Moodle. Attendance &gt;80% in all modules is strongly advised. 
Entrants to the programme will attend for a week of induction at City St George’s, University of London. During this week, you will be given an introduction to the structure and organisation of the programme.

Curriculum Catalogue

Introduction to Health Sciences - CertHE

USHESC