Diploma of Higher Education in Health Sciences

Knowledge and understanding

On completion of this diploma, you will have knowledge and understanding of:

• The essential concepts, principles, theories and current issues in the health sciences
• The structure and function of systems, organs, cells and processes in the human body and their interaction with external factors
• The scientific basis of human physical and mental health, disease and disability and the use of diagnosis, screening and interventions in defined health conditions.

Cognitive skills

On completion of this diploma, you will be able to:

• Use your knowledge and understanding of essential health sciences facts, concepts and principles outside the context in which they were first studied, and/or in the deployment of routine materials, techniques and practices in the health sciences
• Gather, analyse and interpret information and data from a range of different sources, including texts, tables, graphs, diagrams, numerical data and visual and interactive media
• Critically evaluate information from different sources and recognise the potential uncertainty, ambiguity and limits of information and knowledge in the health sciences.

Practical and/or professional skills

On completion of this diploma, you will be able to:

• Use a range of practical and professional science skills, including designing, conducting and reporting on health science investigations or practical tasks, and demonstrate an awareness of relevant ethical and business/commercial issues in the health sciences
• Review and manage your own personal and professional development and/or career plans and be able to identify and articulate to others your attributes, knowledge and skills
• Use skills that support life-long learning, including reflecting on your progress and using feedback from others to identify your strengths and weaknesses and improve your performance.

Key skills

On completion of this diploma, you will be able to:

• Use appropriate knowledge and techniques to identify and solve problems and discuss issues associated with the health sciences
• Collect, process, analyse and present data using appropriate quantitative (numerical) and qualitative (descriptive) methods
• Comprehend health sciences information and communicate it accurately and effectively using written, visual, and numerical forms in a style and language appropriate to your purpose and audience
• Use digital (IT) tools and resources effectively to find, use, create, analyse and communicate scientific information and data
• Plan and organise tasks effectively, recognising the necessity for personal responsibility and initiative
• Work with others to enhance your learning or achieve joint outcomes.

This diploma of higher education has two stages, each comprising 120 credits.

• In Stage 1, you’ll study two 60-credit modules.
• In Stage 2, you’ll study two 30-credit modules and one 60-credit module.

Stage 1 (120 credits)

You'll study both of the following:

• Science and health: an evidence-based approach (SDK100)
• Human biology: a body in balance (SK190)

Stage 2 (120 credits)

You'll study all three of the following:

• Infection, immunity and public health (SK297)
• Brain, mind and mental health (SK298)
• Investigating human health and disease (S290)

Assessment

Our assessments are all designed to reinforce your learning and help you show your understanding of the topics. The mix of assessment methods will vary between modules.

Computer-Marked Assignments

• Usually, a series of online, multiple-choice questions.

Tutor-Marked Assignments

• You’ll have a number of these throughout each module, each with a submission deadline.
• They can be made up of essays, questions, experiments or something else to test your understanding of what you have learned.
• Your tutor will mark and return them to you with detailed feedback.

End-of-Module Assessments

• The final, marked piece of work on most modules.
• Modules with an end-of-module assessment won’t usually have an exam.

Exams

• Some modules end with an exam. You’ll be given time to revise and prepare.
• You’ll be given your exam date at least 5 months in advance.
• Most exams take place remotely, and you will complete them at home or an alternative location.
• If a module requires you to take a face-to-face exam, this will be made clear in the module description, and you will be required to take your exam in person at one of our exam centres.

Skills for career development

Science graduates are in demand in the jobs market – particularly those with some workplace experience who are adaptable and multi-skilled, able to work in a multidisciplinary environment, with good communication and interpersonal skills. In addition to specific learning outcomes, this diploma develops a variety of transferable skills highly valued in the labour market, including analytical, numerical and communication skills; teamwork; problem-solving; and proficiency in using computers.

Career relevance

While this course is not attached to a specific professional endorsement, it provides a broad base of subject knowledge and skills appropriate to occupations such as biomedical research, diagnostic services, health promotion, health and safety, health therapy, and health services administration and management.

Other careers

People with science qualifications are well placed to enter both scientific and non-scientific jobs. The logical, reasoned approach needed for science study is relevant to a wide range of financial, business and public sector employment.

In addition to improving your career prospects, studying with the OU is an enriching experience that broadens your horizons, develops your knowledge, builds your confidence and enhances your life skills.

With our unique approach to distance learning, you can study from home, work or on the move.

You’ll have some assessment deadlines to meet, but otherwise, you’ll be free to study at the times that suit you, fitting your learning around work, family, and social life.

For each of your modules, you’ll use either just online resources or a mix of online and printed materials.

Each module you study will have a module website with

• A week-by-week study planner, giving you a step-by-step guide through your studies
• Course materials such as reading, videos, recordings, and self-assessed activities
• Module forums for discussions and collaborative activities with other students
• Details of each assignment and their due dates
• A tutorial booking system, online tutorial rooms, and your tutor’s contact details
• Online versions of some printed module materials and resources.