Universities and Online Degrees Guide

North West University

Bachelor of Health Sciences with Physiology and Biochemistry

The Bachelor of Health Sciences with Physiology and Biochemistry in Physics is offered by North West University.

Program Length: 3 YEARS.

Bachelor of Health Sciences with Physiology and Biochemistry offered by the North West University at the Faculty of Health Sciences

In this programme there are curricula of which the major modules resort under both the Faculties of Health Sciences and Natural and Agricultural Sciences.

The curricula composed in this programme give a good basic training in the Health Sciences. In the composition of the curricula consideration was given to career possibilities and occupational needs of our country. These curricula also prepare the student for postgraduate study in the various majors.

The purpose of the programme is to contribute to the personal development of students and to give students the opportunity to obtain degree level skills, views and applied scientific competencies.

After following this programme those who had qualified will be able to:
a) demonstrate contextual relevant scientific knowledge and/or competencies and comprehension of it within the broad terrain of the Health Sciences;

b) demonstrate sound scientific knowledge and applied competencies in specific contexts such as schools, work-places and the community in an ethically accountable manner with regard to: basic aid and programme presentation within the context of the various health science subject disciplines;

c) practice the identification and prevention of health problems in such a way that responses will indicate that responsible decisions have been taken by thinking scientifically, critically and creatively;

d) to work from a fortigenic perspective through application of expert knowledge and experience focused on basic preventive and health-promoting interventions;

e) understand the specific behaviour of the various communities in South Africa that can be injurious to health and to investigate it and communicate it in a scientifically accountable way;

f) address the changing indigenous needs, requirements and circumstances of the South African society – be it that of the past or the expected future – and in such a way to demonstrate insight into the world as a collection of related systems;

g) apply contextually relevant health science approaches, methodologies, techniques and skills within a culturally diverse environment in order to facilitate human and organizational development where applicable;

h) effectively work with others at an individual level, as well as together in a team, group, organization and community, and to fulfil a leadership role;

i) effectively, ethically and responsibly apply self-management and management of own activities;

j) collect, analyse and organize information, as well as the critical and grounded evaluation of information, in order to demonstrate insight in the collection of knowledge and coherence of science;

k) effectively apply listening, reading, writing, discourse and argumentation skills;

l) demonstrate language skills by effectively communicating by means of visual and/or audiovisual devices in oral, writing and/or audio-visual presentations;

m) implement acquired expert knowledge, competencies and views in a working environment;

n) develop personally and to contribute to the social and economic development of society by:

i) knowing and respecting North-West University’s views with regard to human nature and practicing science;

ii) reflection on and continuous investigation of a variety of learning and intellectual strategies in order to learn more effectively and efficiently as lifelong learner;

iii) exploring educational and occupational possibilities within the field of health sciences as well as the development van entrepreneurial opportunities; and by

iv) the development of work ethics that includes responsibility, integrity, punctuality, realisation of vocation, readiness to serve, accuracy and drive.

What is Human Physiology?

Human Physiology is the science of life – the part of biology that focusses on how the human body functions. A cell is the smallest unit that can carry out life’s activities. A group of cells forms tissue, a group of tissue forms organs, and different organs form organ systems. The human body is made up of many physiological organ systems, including for instance the cardiovascular-, endocrine-, nervous-, and muscle systems. Physiology helps us to understand how these systems function together to respond to changes in the body’s internal and external environment to maintain healthy homeostasis (balance). Another reason for studying physiology is to determine how changes in the body’s physiology lead to the development of disease so that we can help to develop treatment options for such diseases.

What do Physiologists do?

Physiology forms the basis of where science is translated to clinical medicine. Physiologists research and teach how the various aspects of the human body functions. Physiologists mainly work in education and research institutions (such as in universities and universities of technology as lecturers and researchers, in high schools as teachers in Life Sciences, the South African Medical Research Council, medical schools, etc.). They can also work in research laboratories, in the pharmaceutical industry, in pathological companies, and in clinical trials monitoring companies. Because Physiology is integrated with so many other aspects of life, professionals from other industries, such as dietitians, psychologists, clinicians, pharmacists, microbiologists, zoologists, and nurses, should all be familiar with physiology as well.