title: The teaching of behavioural sciences.
abstract: Medical science over the last few decades has undergone vast changes. Technologically it has advanced at a rapid pace. There has been a realization as well that the behaviour of individuals and communities also influences the occurrence of disease. Medical schools around the globe have realized the need for incorporating behavioural sciences as an integral part of the basic sciences taught to medical students. This paper presents the experience of Christian Medical College, Vellore in teaching behavioural sciences. Students are taught sociology, psychology and medical anthropology through a community-based, problem-oriented teaching programme. The students have first-hand experience of living in a community and learn by observation and interaction. Pre- and post-assessment has shown a significant improvement of their knowledge and attitude. Feedback from students also indicates that they find this programme relevant and interesting.
authors.affiliation: Community Health Department, Christian Medical College, Vellore.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Joseph
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Abraham
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Bhattacharji
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Muliyil
authors.forename: K R
authors.initials: KR
authors.lastname: John
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Mathew
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Norman
mesh_terms: D001525:Behavioral Sciences / Q000193:education*; D004504:Education, Medical, Undergraduate; D005246:Feedback; D007194:India; D011340:Problem Solving; D015397:Program Evaluation; D013663:Teaching / Q000379:methods*