Course Description

Course Name

Introduction to Integrated Health Sciences Part II

Session: VCPF3125

Hours & Credits

35 Host University Units

Prerequisites & Language Level

PPH1001F, HUB1006F, PHY1025F and CEM1011F

Taught In English

  • There is no language prerequisite for courses at this language level.

Overview

The course introduces students to key principles and concepts of the basic health sciences of anatomy, biochemistry and physiology and of
public health and family medicine.
Problem-based learning (PBL) is the central learning activity of the course. Each student is allocated to a new PBL group that meets regularly to discuss and
analyse a number of carefully designed cases illustrating the key objectives of the course. In addition, students are provided with a range of activities (e.g.
lectures, practical sessions, computer-based sessions) to support their learning.
At the conclusion of this course, students will have acquired an integrated understanding of the key South African health challenges within a broader social and
environmental context; the epidemiology of the major causes of disease in South Africa; the basic structure and function of all organ systems of the human
body; and the basic structure and function of the biochemical components of the human body.
DP requirements: To qualify to undergo the end-of-course written assessment and the basic health sciences (BHS) practical examination, students are
expected to meet the following DP requirements:
Attend all lectures, problem-based learning sessions, tutorials and computer-based sessions (anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, quantitative literacy and
clinical skills/family medicine); attend all BHS practical sessions; and complete all written assignments and in-course assessment activities.
Students may not miss any scheduled activities without the written permission of the academic staff responsible for these activities, as attendance of these
activities is compulsory. A medical certificate or an explanatory letter from a medical professional, parent, relative or guardian must support absence on ground
of illness or personal/family difficulties.
Assessment: Students are required to write a number of in-course assessments and end-of-course assessments. In addition, regular self-assessment activities
provide feedback to students on their progress. The assessment components include written, computer-based and practical assessments. The written
assessments use a case-based format.
In cases where students are unable to sit a written in-course assessment or complete the BHS practical assessment, for what are considered to be legitimate
reasons, a deferred assessment will be given. In instances where students fail to provide legitimate reasons for being unable to complete an assessment activity,
or fail to take a scheduled deferred assessment, a mark of zero will be given for that assessment. A student will not be allowed to miss more than one
assessment or have more than one opportunity to take a deferred assessment.
The weighting of in-course assessment components is 40% and of end-of-course components is 60%. Subminima may be applied in certain areas of the
assessments. The course handbook, provided to students at the commencement

*Course content subject to change