African Health OER Network: Postgraduate Diploma in Occupational Health: Occupational Medicine and Toxicology I

The third module of a total of 8 modules for a two year part-time flexible distance learning course aimed primarily at medical doctors currently practising occupational health. It includes a residential block release component which consists of between 3 or 4 weeks over the two year cycle for practicum. While the course is aimed primarily at medical doctors currently practicing occupational health, it is also suited to selected graduates with appropriate University qualifications in relevant health sciences, as long as these individuals are currently practicing professionally in an occupational health setting. There are 8 modules (the two included here cover Occupational Hygiene and Epidemiology and Biostatistics). Each module has a theme around which the inputs are organised. Teaching inputs are intended to be non-didactic, and to allow student participation wherever possible. Candidates are expected to undertake substantial homework preparation and activities as well as self-directed learning. They will be expected to read widely and intensively around topics, and to provide teaching inputs themselves either directly or by way of specially structured interactive debates and role-play simulations. The content of these activities will include critical appraisal of the occupational health literature, project work, presentations by students as well as epidemiological, bio statistical, toxicological and occupational clinical assignments. Module 3 deals with basic occupational medicine and toxicology. Module 4 covers intermediate occupational medicine and toxicology, and Module 5 is advanced occupational medicine and toxicology.

Institution: University of Cape Town

Authors: Mohamed Jeebhay & Jonny Myers