Program Overview

Introduction to Gezondheidswetenschappen

The bachelor's program in Gezondheidswetenschappen (Health Sciences) focuses on improving the health and well-being of groups of people. Students are trained to become professionals who can tackle current public health issues from various perspectives.

Program Description

The program is designed to provide students with a broad understanding of the field of health sciences. In the first year, students learn about the definition of health and well-being, health differences between groups, and the relationship between lifestyle, environment, and behavior. They also gain knowledge about the healthcare system in the Netherlands and work on a real health problem in collaboration with various social partners.

Curriculum

The program consists of three years, with each year building on the previous one. The curriculum includes a range of courses, such as:

• Inleiding gezondheidswetenschappen (Introduction to Health Sciences)
• Methodologie 1: beschrijven (Methodology 1: Describing)
• Taaltoets NL (Language Test NL)
• Perspectieven op gezondheid en welzijn (Perspectives on Health and Well-being)
• Methodologie 2: vergelijken (Methodology 2: Comparing)
• Gezondheids(zorg)systeem (Healthcare System)
• Leefstijl en gezondheid (Lifestyle and Health)
• Leefomgeving en gezondheid (Environment and Health)
• Leefstijlverandering: psychologische inzichten in gedrag (Lifestyle Change: Psychological Insights into Behavior)
• Interventies voor gezondheidsbevordering en preventie (Interventions for Health Promotion and Prevention)

Second Year

In the second year, students delve deeper into complex, socially relevant issues. They learn to approach these issues from different perspectives and work on two elective courses that align with their personal interests and potential master's programs.

Third Year

In the third year, students choose a minor, a set of five courses around the same theme. They can also design their own package of five courses. After completing their minor, students participate in a three-month internship, which they conclude by writing their bachelor's thesis.

Career Prospects

After completing the bachelor's program, students can specialize by pursuing a master's degree. Depending on their choices during their bachelor's program, they can qualify for various master's programs within or outside the VU. They can also start working in diverse functions.

Research Areas

The program covers a range of research areas, including:

• Gezond opgroeien (Healthy Growth)
• Gezond leven en werken (Healthy Living and Working)
• Gezond ouder worden (Healthy Aging)
• Organisatie van de zorg (Organization of Care)
• Van pathogeen tot pandemie (From Pathogen to Pandemic)

Conclusion

The Gezondheidswetenschappen program at the VU provides students with a comprehensive education in health sciences, preparing them for careers in research, healthcare, and related fields. With its strong focus on practical application and interdisciplinary approaches, this program equips students to address complex health issues and improve the well-being of individuals and communities.