A look inside the Health studies BA (Hons) degree
Find out more about Health studies BA (Hons) at the University of the Highlands and Islands.
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Nature of health
This module will present health as an arena for debate. It will introduce a range of health accounts to develop awareness of the pluralism that surrounds health in today's society. Each dimension of the bio-psycho-social approach will be examined across the age range from birth to old age to ensure an understanding of the necessity for a holistic and multidisciplinary response to health issues. Particular focus on health inequalities and social determinants of health support a broad understanding of the scope of the subject and this is further developed through an overview of relevant Scottish/ UK health policy.
In addition the module develops generic study skills through extensive developmental feedback on formative written tasks using health theory as the basis of such work. It aims to develop the ability to locate, collect, interpret, evaluate and use information to develop a coherent argument and to write in the appropriate style. As a result it develops academic confidence and facilitates progression by the use of highly supportive teaching methods.
Healthy people, healthy places: Challenges for public health
The values shaping health and social care provision have changed considerably over the last century. This module aims to enable students to analyse the reasons behind these changes. Students will also be encouraged to engage with current debates relating to values and standards of health and social care provision within Scotland and further afield. There will be a focus upon critically evaluating the effects of shifting value systems on the lives of service users.
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Your PAT tutors
I view my role as ‘PAT’ as the ‘Gate-Keeper’ to services, people and knowledge.
Firstly services. During your studies, yes the focus is on learning, but accessing the right services can make learning much easier. For example, you may need additional support with proof reading, if yes, we have the services to support this.
'Whatever the question, your PAT can either answer it or find the right person to answer it'
Secondly people. Who should you turn to and when? Whatever the question, your PAT can either answer it or find the right person to answer it.
And finally knowledge. A PAT will generally have a sound knowledge base of education and the programme you are studying on. This enables you to receive an induction onto your programme, advice as you study and support as you progress. (Lesley Boddie, Moray College)
As the PAT for Health Studies at Inverness College UHI – I am the first point of contact for the students, their “link” person, who can put them in touch with the other support services and facilities that the college provides.
'Organising a couple of social “get-togethers” at the end of the semester each year is a lovely part of my role'
Providing induction and introducing the students to the VLE, study skills, the Learning Centre and the library facilities, helps students to feel like they are part of the college. How online module selection works, and how to negotiate cybercafé and access their learning resources is an integral part of settling into the course and becoming familiar and confident with the material.
Students who undertake online degrees do so for many reasons. It means that they have to be able to work independently and be disciplined with regard to their time management. I think that it’s important however, for the students to be able to share their experiences of online learning, and to support each other when appropriate. Organising a couple of social get-togethers at the end of the semester each year is a lovely part of my role, as is sharing in a some of the achievement and a feeling of success when they graduate. (Elspeth Macqueen, Inverness College)
Much of the communication between tutors and students, and students and students, takes place via the VLE. The VLE has a variety of communication tools which you and your tutors may use in modules.
Announcements
The Announcements page is the first thing you see after logging into the VLE. They can contain text, images, links and even multi-media. Your tutors will use the Announcements page to tell you about the week to come, to keep you on track and sometimes respond to comments:
Announcements screen from Introduction to Psychology module
The discussion board
The discussion board is tool for sharing thoughts and ideas where you can post and read messages. It is used by tutors and students for both general, informal communication and for activities as part of the learning process. On your module, you may work in groups, individually or as a class.
Discussion board
The collaboration chat room
Students and staff may be located in different areas and may also work full- or part-time while they are on the course. The chat room provides an opportunity for everyone to meet online and use chat to share their thoughts via chat messages.
Collaboration sessions
“The reason I chose this course, was that I was looking to change career. Previously I worked with a local construction manufacturer, but I’d always wanted a career working with young people, which is something I’ve been committed to ever since leaving school…The BA Health Studies “fitted the bill” in terms of the qualification I needed, but the clinching factor for me was that it was available on-line through my local college.
The most impressive thing for me while doing the course, was how friendly and supportive were the students and the college staff. They all made me feel part of a family rather than a number.
If I was to be asked what it was about the course that worked for me, it would be that although it was available on-line, I never felt that I was studying from a distance, as great library facilities and supportive tutors were available locally."
(Eric Macleod, BA Health Studies)
“After coming back to the Island in 2005, I had picked up a prospectus but didn't have the confidence to apply for courses until the summer of 2010, when my lone parent adviser prompted me to "take a stroll up and see what's on offer"! Very sheepishly I proceeded to the college, not believing there would be anything suitable for someone of my age (a young 40!) and with my lack of qualifications!! Twenty minutes later, after speaking with some of the staff, I left but with a new label - STUDENT!!”
(Carol Maclean, 2nd year BA Health Studies)
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Formative assessment
In the example above this formative assessment is in the form of a brief essay. The document from which this screen shot is taken contains full guidance on what is expected. In The Nature of Health formative assessments counts for 10% of the overall module mark.
Guidelines and support for assessments is provided on each of your modules.
General assessment guidance
In the example above this assessment is in the form of an academic essay. The document from which this screen shot is taken contains full guidance on what is expected.
Guidelines and support for assessments is provided in each of your modules.
General assessment guidance
The following marking criteria, supplied along with guidance on word limits, referencing and how to submit, relates to a summative assessment in Nature of Health.
Practice test