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 OU level 1 study.

This certificate 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 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 certificate, 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
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.

Practical and/or professional skills

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

conduct and report on health science investigations or practical tasks and demonstrate an awareness of relevant ethical issues
review and manage your own personal and professional development and/or career plans
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 certificate, you will be able to:

collect, process, analyse and present data using appropriate quantitative (numerical) and qualitative (descriptive) methods
communicate health sciences information accurately and effectively in written, visual, and spoken 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.