Unit 2: Social Science

Unit Aim
This unit aims to introduce learners to the fundamentals of psychology, communication skills, sociology and social policy as a basis for further study in later public health management units. This unit is especially important in introducing the learners to the ethical foundations of society and is crucial for those who work or aspire to work in public health.

Unit Overview
It introduces learners to an overview of psychology: what it is, the main branches of study within psychology and the work of professional psychologists. This leads to work on communication skills which are core skills for those working at all levels in public health. The unit encourages learners to consider the importance of verbal and non-verbal communication, other forms of communication and barriers to communication. Specific skills such as active listening, counselling and persuasive communication are introduced. The unit ensures that all learners have a grounding in sociology (especially medical sociology) and social policy. This is an important unit as it challenges learners to begin to understand the ethical basis of society.

Learning Outcomes
After successfully completing this unit, the learner will:
1. Explain the main disciplines within psychology and the work of professional psychologists
2. Describe a range of communication methods
3. Describe the scope of sociology and the relevance of medical sociology to public health
4. Evaluate the impact of social policy on health care and social care
5. Explain the importance of ethics in public health