Interdisciplinary bachelor program of health of universidade federal da Bahia (UFBA): Prevailing factors in student's choice

Abstract

Based on the model of cycles, the Interdisciplinary Bachelors (BI) of the UFBA are configured by interdisciplinary and non-professional training. Because it is the first cycle, upon completion, students may choose to migrate to a Linear Progression Course (CPL), a postgraduate course or the job market. This article aims to identify the predominant factors that constitute the student's choice for the Interdisciplinary Bachelor in Health. Using the qualitative research, 14 students participated in this study. Semi-structured interviews and focus groups were used. The results, analyzed from the discourse analysis, show that the students seek the BI in Health because they aim for a CPL, especially in Medicine, driven by an expectation of economic and social ascension. However, the reports also indicated that the interdisciplinary nature of the course contributed to a more elaborate and considered choice of students.