Certificate in Health Sciences (Intermediate) Level 4

To provide students with the skills and knowledge required for employment or further training in the health sector.  The theoretical and practical skills taught in this qualification reflect intermediate skills and knowledge required for further study or work in the sector.

Please note: This programme is made up of local units, rather than unit standards. Local units are written by the institute. They are not available from the NZQA framework however the overall course is NZQA accredited.  Students will receive a SIT qualification/transcript with a list of local units, levels and credits.  We recommend the learners without experience in this area complete the Pre-entry Certificate before applying to this programme.

For learners who started the programme prior to 2013, the programme contains the following papers:

HSC101 Normal human structure and function in a health context (Level 3) 5 credits

In this paper your will learn about the structure and function of ten major body systems.

HSC102 Abnormal human structure and function in a health context (Level 3) 5 credits

In the paper you will learn about abnormal structure and function of the human system, complementary philosophies, and a range of health care interventions.

IHS103 Cells and tissues of the human body (Level 4) 2 credits

People credited with this local unit are able to describe cellular structure and function, and the fundamental tissues of the body.

IHS104 Blood and components in the human body (Level 4) 2 credits

People credited with this local unit are able to describe the composition of blood, blood and blood groups, and haemostasis.

IHS105 Human cardiovascular system (Level 4) 1 credit

People credited with this local unit are able to describe normal structure and function of the heart and major blood vessels, and factors influencing normal heart function, circulation and blood pressure.

IHS106 Human respiratory system (Level 4) 1 credit

People credited with this local unit are able to describe normal structure and function of the respiratory system and factors influencing respiratory function.

IHS107 Human musculoskeletal system (Level 4) 2 credits

Learners credited with this paper are able to describe normal structure and function of the bones of the skeleton.

IHS108 Human digestive system (Level 4) 2 credits

People credited with this local unit are able to describe: normal structure and function of the digestive system; the process of digestion; and the absorption and metabolism of the products of digestion.

IHS109 Human reproductive system (Level 4) 2 credits

People credited with this local unit are able to describe normal structure and function of the female reproductive system, and of the male reproductive system.

IHS110 Human integumentary system (Level 4) 1 credit

People credited with this local unit are able to describe the normal structure and function of the skin, hair and nails.

IHS111 Human urinary system (Level 4) 1 credit

People credited with this local unit are able to describe normal structure and function of the urinary system, and the formation, composition, storage, and excretion of urine.

IHS112 Human body defence mechanisms and immunity (Level 4) 2 credits

People credited with this local unit are able to describe: non-specific resistance to disease; antigen-antibody reactions of the immune response including allergic reactions; and specific resistance to disease through naturally and artificially acquired immunity. 

IHS113 Principles of chemistry in the human body (Level 4) 5 credits

People credited with this local unit are able to describe: the organisation of matter, forms of energy, chemical bonds, and chemical reactions of atoms; organic compounds and their role in the human body; and inorganic compounds and their role in the human body.

IHS114 Human metabolism (Level 4) 2 credits

People credited with this local unit are able to describe: the role of nutrients in human metabolism; the metabolic processes of the absorptive and post-absorptive states of human metabolism; and metabolic rate and body heat maintenance in human metabolism.

IHS115 Special senses of the human body (Level 4) 2 credits

People credited with this local unit are able to describe: the ear and the physiology of hearing and balance; the eye and the physiology of sight; the nose and the physiology of smell; and the tongue and the physiology of taste.

IHS116 Statistics and Data Analysis (Level 3) 6 credits

In this paper the learning outcomes are:

• To develop statistical understanding.
• To develop skills necessary for processing, presenting and interpreting data.
• To complete a statistical project involving collecting, presenting, and analysing data.

For learners new to the programme in 2013, the programme contains the following papers:

HSC101 Normal human structure and function in a health context (Level 3) 5 credits

People credited with this unit are able to describe normal human structure and function in a health context.

HSC102 Abnormal human structure and function in a health context (Level 3) 5 credits

Abnormal structure and function of the human system, complementary philosophies, and a range of health care interventions.

IHS103 Cells and tissues of the human body (Level 4) 2 credits

People credited with this local unit are able to describe cellular structure and function, and the fundamental tissues of the body.

IHS109 Human reproductive system (Level 4) 2 credits

People credited with this local unit are able to describe normal structure and function of the female reproductive system, and of the male reproductive system and the formation, composition, storage, and excretion of urine.

IHS112 Human body defence mechanisms and immunity (Level 4) 2 credits

People credited with this local unit are able to describe: non-specific resistance to disease; antigen-antibody reactions of the immune response including allergic reactions; and specific resistance to disease through naturally and artificially acquired immunity.

IHS113 Principles of chemistry in the human body (Level 4) 5 credits

People credited with this local unit are able to describe: the organisation of matter, forms of energy, chemical bonds, and chemical reactions of atoms; organic compounds and their role in the human body; and inorganic compounds and their role in the human body.

IHS114 Human metabolism (Level 4) 2 credits

People credited with this local unit are able to describe: the role of nutrients in human metabolism; the metabolic processes of the absorptive and post-absorptive states of human metabolism; and metabolic rate and body heat maintenance in human metabolism.

IHS119 Describe the human musculoskeletal system (level 4) 2 Credits

People credited with this local unit are able to describe: The normal structure and function of the bones of the skeleton; the normal structure and function of joints of the skeleton; and the normal structure and function of the muscular system.

IHS117 Describe the human cardiovascular system (Level 4) 3 Credits

People credited with this local unit are able to describe: basic composition and function of blood; and normal structure and function of the heart and blood vessels.

IHS120 Describe the human digestive system (Level 4) 2 Credits

People credited with this local unit are able to describe: normal structure and function of the digestive system; the process of digestion; and the absorption and metabolism of the products of digestion.

IHS118 Describe the human respiratory System (Level 4) 3 Credits

People credited with this local unit are able to describe the normal structure and function of the respiratory system and the factors influencing respiratory function.

IHS121 Describe the integumentary system of the human body (Level 4) 1 Credit

People credited with this local unit are able to describe the normal structure and function of the skin, hair and nails.

IHS123 Describe the special senses of the human body (Level 4) 4 Credits

People credited with this local unit are able to describe: the ear and functional process of hearing and balance; the eye and the normal functional process of sight: the nose and the functional process of smell; and the tongue and the functional process of taste.

IHS122 Describe the urinary system of the human body (Level 4) 2 Credits

People credited with this local unit are able to describe the normal structure and function of the urinary system, and the formation, composition, storage, and excretion of urine.

IHS124 Applied number and measurement (Level 4) 1 Credit

People credited with this local unit will be able to apply rates, ratios and percentages.

At the completion of this certificate you may gain employment as a junior technician or laboratory assistant, or continue on with further study in our:

SUGGESTED STUDY PATH/COMBINATIONS

Full time study:

Completing all 16 units (41 Credits) within one 12 week intake will make you a full time student. This is roughly 37 hours per week of study. (Please see the Study Load Calculator below.)

Part time study:

Part time study is available to fit in with busy schedules.  The units you choose to study in each intake must be completed within the 12week intake. Please see the Study Load calculator below to work out how many hours each paper will take you to complete within the intake.

We suggest that leaners select alternate intakes to avoid date overlaps i.e. intakes # 1 & #3 or #2 & #4 or #3 & #5.

Sample study plans for learners who started the programme prior to 2013:

Part time (Light study load) Complete within 2 years

Year 1

• Intake 1          103, 104, 112     
• Intake 3          113, 107               
• Intake 5          114,105, 108, 106

Year 2

• Intake 1          101, 110, 111
• Intake 3          102, 109, 115
• Intake 5          116

Part time (Heavy study load) Complete within 1 year

• Intake 1:        103, 104, 112, 113, 107, 105
• Intake 3:        108, 106, 101, 110, 111, 109, 114
• Intake 5:        102, 115, 116

Sample study plans for learners how are new to the programme in 2013:

Part time (Light study load) Complete within 2 years

Year 1  

• Intake 1          103, 113
• Intake 3          112, 119, 114
• Intake 5          117, 120, 118

Year 2

• Intake 1          121, 109, 123
• Intake 3          112, 101
• Intake 5          102, 124

Part time (Heavy study load) Complete within 1 year

• Intake 1:        103, 113, 112, 119, 114
• Intake 3:        117, 120, 118, 121, 109, 123
• Intake 5:        101, 102, 112, 124

CROSS CREDITS/RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING (RPL)

Students who have previously completed any NZQA unit standards relating to the above papers can apply to have the unit(s) recognised on their record of learning at SIT2LRN.  This is done by filling in a ‘Recognition of Prior Learning’ (RPL) application form and attaching proof of achievement. The RPL application form is available on MySIT or from the Programme Administrator on 0800 748 257 ext. 3320.

If you have completed HSC101 and HSC102 in the Pre-Entry programme, these can be credit transferred to the Intermediate programme.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• As a guideline, one credit equates to approximately 10 hours study within an intake period.  Click HERE to download a Study Load Calculator (spreadsheet).
• All papers selected within a particular intake must be completed within that intake unless a transfer is requested (conditions apply; see FAQs).
• Application forms are filled out on a year by year basis and students are welcome to apply for multiple intakes on the one application form.  Further enrolment is the responsibility of individual students.  There is no automatic enrolment rollover. 

Assessments for this programme typically include essays, short answer and multi-choice questions. There are no exams for this programme.

The Zero Fees Scheme applies to this course, so there are no tuition fees as long as you are a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident (residing in NZ), BUT there is a student direct material cost of $6.50 per credit of study undertaken, plus a non-refundable administration fee of $50.00 for each application processed, and the required textbook/s listed below.  You must maintain satisfactory academic progress to retain your Zero Fees Scheme entitlement.

Fees must be paid by the due date shown on the invoice.

All SIT2LRN courses are approved by Studylink.  Any queries regarding Studylink allowances, loans, and terms and conditions should be made directly to Studylink on 0800 88 99 00 or www.studylink.govt.nz.

Please check the textbook list to see if you need a textbook for the unit(s) that you are applying for. The list is available here:

http://www.sit.ac.nz/documents/pdf/textbooklist.pdf

All SIT2LRN courses require you to have a computer and internet access. Students are required to use their SIT webmail only for all SIT2LRN communications. All course materials and information, including assessments and due dates, are located on the online Blackboard system. Once you have been accepted into a programme you will receive a Welcome Kit that includes information that you can use to familiarise yourself with our online Blackboard learning environment. From the intake start date you will have access to the online course materials to work through.

Facilitator Assistance:  During the enrolled intake period, students have email access to Facilitators, who endeavour to respond to emails within 48 hours (week days only).  All students are required, within the first two weeks of an intake, to send an email to their Facilitator confirming their start on the programme of study.  Students who have not emailed their facilitator or embarked upon their course of study by the end of the 2^nd week of an intake, will be Faculty Withdrawn from the programme.  Such withdrawals may impact on future access to SIT Zero Fees Scheme and Student Direct Material Costs are still liable for payment.

We recommend students new to SIT2LRN read through the ‘Frequently Asked Questions’ section of our website at http://www.sit.ac.nz/pages/FAQs for further study and enrolment information.

All applicants should demonstrate a keen interest in health sciences and have academic attributes which demonstrate that applicants have a reasonable likelihood of successful completion of the programme.  A minimum of 18 years of age, with a minimum of three years secondary education is required.  School leavers should have attained a minimum of 12 credits at NCEA level 2 in each of four subjects.

For students to be considered to have satisfactorily completed this programme, and be eligible for the awarding of the qualification Certificate in Health Sciences (Intermediate) they must have completed all scheduled course work requirements and assessments, successfully completed assessment requirements for all modules/unit standards and or local units, and achieved a total of 41 credits as specified in the programme schedule.