Health Informatics

Programme Structure:

Level 4

There is a strong vocational emphasis to your studies throughout Level 4. You will develop practical skills, use software tools, and learn and apply sound techniques and principles, which can be applied in your work place. You will combine this academic knowledge with your work place learning experiences to bring about appropriate innovation and improvement in your work place.

However, you will also develop the skills that will make you a good employee and scholar, which means being proficient at finding and evaluating information, presenting a rational argument, communicating with colleagues and others, and working effectively as an individual and in a team.

After studying four modules there is the opportunity in the double credit module Informatics in the Work Place to apply the academic knowledge gained in your work place.

Level 4 study comprises:

• Individuals, Organisations and Information (20 credits)
• Professional Skills for Health Informatics (20 credits)
• Health Informatics Systems (20 credits)
• Informatics for Effective Communication (20 credits)
• Informatics in the Work Place (40 credits)

Level 5

The vocational element of Level 5 study focuses on extending your understanding and skill with technology in a healthcare context. You will use more advanced features of software tools, work with moderately complex structures, begin to develop mastery of sophisticated methods and concepts, and learn to manage uncertainty and risk.

You will develop important cognitive and professional skills, including modelling, analysis, creativity and innovation, design, testing, and evaluation.

After studying four modules there is the opportunity in the double credit module Implementation Project to investigate and implement a solution in your work place.

Level 5 study comprises:

• Issues, Policies and Priorities in Health Informatics (20 credits)
• Informatics in the Management of Uncertainty and Risk (20 credits)
• Capture and Management of Data (20 credits)
• Electronic Networks and Telemedicine (20 credits)
• Implementation Project (40 credits)

The blended learning method of study and assessment provides flexibility - minimising disturbance of workplace commitments, reducing the need to travel, and helping you to balance study, work and other responsibilities.

The combination of online delivery, supplemented by face to face session, means that attendance at University is once every four weeks from 1 pm to 7 pm for trimesters 1 and 2 (16 weeks). In trimester 3 the tutor visits the work place.

It is a requirement of the programme that every student has access to a computer which has an Internet connection. The University's virtual learning environment (IBIS) provides facilities to view learning materials and collaborate with fellow students and tutors:

Email

Each student has a university email address which they use for communication with tutors, work-place facilitator and fellow students. This is most appropriate for one-to-one communication, particularly where the topic is confidential.

Discussion Boards

These are used extensively for students to:

• Post deliverables from learning activities and self assessment of the activity, and receive feedback from tutors and fellow students
• Make comments and give advice to fellow students
• Engage in programme-relevant discussion on issues and shared experiences

Web-based learning materials

The student is able to access the module schedule, weekly study guides, PowerPoint lecture notes, briefings and materials for directed and independent study activities.

Online Register

IBIS logs the student's 'virtual attendance' - use of learning materials and postings to discussion boards. This online register alerts the tutor if it appears that a student has not accessed the materials or engaged with learning activities and thus the student can be offered help and support.

Face-to-face sessions

A fifteen-week study block normally includes four face-to-face sessions. The student should make every effort to attend because they are specifically to tackle aspects of study that can be done more satisfactorily face to face than on-line. Typically, the sessions will be run in weeks 1, 5, 9 and 13, using week 1 to introduce the module content and to encourage tutor group cohesion, week 5 as an assessment workshop, week 9 to include assessment feedback, and week 13 to undertake group work and for the delivery of student presentations where appropriate.

Socialisation

Students are encouraged to participate in formal and informal discussion and on-line 'cafe culture chats' with fellow students. For part-time students this provides an important element of student experience - meetings over coffee and lunch breaks - traditionally only available to full-time students. It is also a mechanism by which student representatives can obtain input from their fellow students.

Best Practice

The Programme Team believes that blended learning in a friendly, relaxed but purposeful environment overcomes the isolation experienced by many part-time students, and gives the student a sense of identity with the course and their fellow students, all of which enhances the learning experience and enjoyment of the course.