BJC Health Science study plan
BJC Health Science · Give each week a clear focus.
8 weeks · About 6 hours per week
Human Body Systems and Functions
Label all major organ systems and their primary functions on a blank diagram from memory
Describe the pathway of blood through the heart, naming chambers, valves, and major vessels in sequence
Explain the structure and function of the respiratory tract from nasal cavity to alveoli
Define homeostasis and give three examples of negative feedback loops in the body
Your checkpoint
A hand-drawn or digital body-systems map covering at least six systems with labeled structures and one-sentence functions, scored at 90% or higher on self-check
Human Body Systems and Functions
Trace the path of food through the digestive tract and state the role of each accessory organ
Compare the functions of the nervous and endocrine systems in regulating body activity
Describe how the kidneys and skin contribute to fluid, electrolyte, and temperature balance
Distinguish skeletal muscle, smooth muscle, and cardiac muscle by location and control
Your checkpoint
A 20-question self-written quiz on body systems with an answer key, completed with at least 85% accuracy
Disease Prevention and Control
Classify pathogens by type and give one example disease caused by each
Explain the chain of infection and identify one break point for each link
Distinguish innate from adaptive immunity and describe the role of antibodies and memory cells
Summarize the purpose and schedule logic of common adult vaccinations
Your checkpoint
A one-page chain-of-infection diagram with at least two prevention strategies per link
Disease Prevention and Control & Health and Wellness
List standard precautions and demonstrate correct hand-hygiene sequencing in writing
Describe transmission-based precautions and match them to example conditions
Define the six dimensions of wellness and give one personal example of each
Identify modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors for the leading causes of death
Your checkpoint
A written infection-control scenario response (three short cases) choosing correct precautions and justifying each choice
Nutrition and Physical Activity
Identify the six nutrient classes and state one primary function and one food source for each
Read a nutrition label and calculate the percent of daily calories from fat, carbohydrate, and protein
Apply the FITT principle to design a balanced weekly activity plan for an adult
Explain how hydration and energy balance relate to weight maintenance
Your checkpoint
A seven-day meal and activity log with calculated macro percentages and a two-paragraph reflection on gaps versus guidelines
Mental and Emotional Health
Differentiate stress, anxiety, and depression by signs, duration, and functional impact
List warning signs of suicide risk and describe appropriate referral steps
Describe three coping strategies supported by evidence and when each is appropriate
Explain how stigma and social support influence help-seeking behavior
Your checkpoint
A role-play script or written response to two mental-health scenarios showing recognition, communication, and referral steps
Safety and First Aid
Sequence the steps of CPR and AED use for an adult according to current guidelines
Describe first-aid response for bleeding, burns, choking, and suspected fracture
Identify common home and workplace hazards and one control for each level of the hierarchy of controls
Explain when to call emergency services versus manage a minor injury at home
Your checkpoint
A first-aid quick-reference card covering five emergencies with ordered steps, checked against a verified guideline source
Health Careers and Ethics & Health and Wellness & Disease Prevention and Control
Compare the roles and training pathways of at least five health careers
Apply four core ethical principles to two short clinical scenarios
Review missed items from weeks 1 to 7 and correct each misconception in writing
Complete a timed mixed-topic practice set under exam conditions
Your checkpoint
A full-length timed practice exam with an error log listing each missed item, the correct concept, and a corrected explanation
Milestones
Week 2: Score 85% or higher on a self-made 20-question body-systems quiz and explain any missed item aloud without notes
Week 4: Correctly select precautions for all three infection-control cases and define all six wellness dimensions from memory
Week 6: Identify referral steps in both mental-health scenarios with no critical step omitted
Week 8: Achieve 80% or higher on the timed mixed-topic practice exam with a completed error log