Genetic Counselling
Graduate Diploma in Genetic Counselling
(GradDipGC) KF060 or GNGENCOU1000
Master of Genetic Counselling
(MGC) KC095 or MAGENCOU1000
| Course | Credit points for award | Duration full-time |
|---|---|---|
| GradDipGC | 48 | 1 year |
| MGC | 96 | 2 years |
Overview
Knowledge in genetics and genomics directly impacting on human health has expanded rapidly in recent years. A genetic counsellor, as a member of a medical genetics team, provides families with information about: genetic conditions due to single gene variations or chromosome changes, genetic conditions due to multi-gene variations and gene-environment interactions; screening and genetic testing; genetic test results and risk estimates for genetic conditions; and provides support for decision making, the coming to terms with the impact of test results and family communication.
The Master of Genetic Counselling is a two-year full-time program consisting of coursework (30 credit points), clinical practice including a minimum of 14 weeks under supervision in a variety of genetics services (33 credit points), and a supervised research project (33 credit points). The research project constitutes the capstone experience of the program.
Course outcomes
Graduates will have current advanced knowledge of: medical genetics and genomics; community genetics and genomics; clinical practice and genetic counselling skills; ethical, legal and social issues of genetic medicine; and research training and skills.
Accreditation
The two year master program complies with international standards and fulfills the Human Genetics Society of Australasia (HGSA) requirements for Part 1 Certification and entry into Part 2 of the professional certification for genetic counselling.
Further information
Students are encouraged to undertake one or more clinical placements and/or their research project within their home state/country and clinical context under joint supervision. A Graduate Diploma of Genetic Counselling (48 credit points, one year full time) may be awarded to a candidate under exceptional circumstances or who has successfully completed Year 1 but is not permitted to proceed due to a supervisor report indicating insufficient skills to undertake advanced clinical practice. The master's program has reciprocity agreements with other countries facilitating links to international training programs. International clinical placement may be requested.
Assessment is by written examination, oral presentations, written assignments, supervisor reports, log books, case studies, audio and video assessment, development of education materials, and research project dissertation.
The majority of teaching takes place at the Kolling Institute, Sydney Medical School -Northern, Royal North Shore Hospital campus.
Sydney offers opportunities for a rich diversity of community and clinical placements for genetic counselling students. Invited speakers, including professionals with national and international standing, will present new developments and differing perspectives in genetics and genomics. Students will be encouraged to seek extra clinical placements supplementary to the minimum 14 weeks. Placement with leading researchers for the research project will be available. Mode of program delivery also includes: problem-based learning; didactic lectures; seminars and journal clubs; site visits to laboratories; counselling and communication skills development including role play, audio and video-taped feedback; supervised clinical placements governed by the development of competencies; reflective practice; log book documentation and case studies.
Ten to twelve students are enrolled each year. Small interactive classes will foster productive and enjoyable learning experiences.
The course has been designed with working professionals in mind. Classes are conducted on Wednesdays and/or Thursdays from 9am - 5pm, at the Sydney Medical School - Northern, Kolling Building, Royal North Shore Hospital, St Leonards, with occasional classes outside of this day. Attendance at 1, 4 (2 x two week blocks), 4 (2 x two week blocks) and 5 full time weeks clinic placements will also be required in Semester 1, 2, 3 and 4 respectively. In Year 1, 40 hours will also be spent in a variety of community placements to provide experience of the lived experience of a genetic condition. In Year 2, students are required to undertake 100 hours of professional development.
Applicants will have a relevant degree recognised by the University of Sydney. Preference will be given to those with a basic knowledge of human genetics and who can provide evidence of volunteer or work experience in a caring role. Applicants must also provide a 500 word essay outlining what they understand about the role of genetic counselling and why they have chosen a career in genetic counselling. International students will require an IELTS score of 7.0 (minimum score of 7.0 in listening and speaking).
A number of Commonwealth-Supported Places (CSP) may be available for residents of Australia and New Zealand. CSPs are allocated on academic merit.
Pattern of enrolment
In order to fulfill the Human Genetics Society of Australasia requirements for Genetic Counselling Part I certification and entry into Part 2 of the professional certification for genetic counselling, the course must be undertaken in the following sequence. All units of study are compulsory unless otherwise noted.
Academic Year 1 Semester 1
| UoS code and name | Credit points |
|---|---|
| GENC5001 Clinical Genetics |
6 |
| GENC5002 Applied Clinical Genetics and Genomics |
6 |
| GENC5003 Counselling Theory and Skills |
6 |
| EDPK5003 Developing a Research Project |
6 |
Academic Year 1 Semester 2
| UoS code and name | Credit points |
|---|---|
| PSYC5012 Health Communication: Risks and decisions |
6 |
| GENC5004 Clinical Practice 1 |
6 |
| GENC5005 Diagnostic and Risk Assessment Analysis |
3 |
| GENC5006 Ethical, Legal and Social Issues |
3 |
| GENC5007 Research Project Implementation I |
6 |
Academic Year 2 Semester 1
| UoS code and name | Credit points |
|---|---|
| GENC5008 Clinical Practice 2 |
9 |
| GENC5009 Applied Clinical Genetics and Genomics |
6 |
|
GENC5014 |
9 |
Academic Year 2 Semester 2
| UoS code and name | Credit points |
|---|---|
| GENC5011 Clinical Practice 3 |
9 |
| GENC5012 Contemporary Issues Genetic Counselling |
3 |
| GENC5015 Research Dissertation and Capstone |
6 |
| Students also select one of the following units of study: | |
| EDPK5013 Quantitative Analysis |
6 |
| EDPK6012 Qualitative Analysis |
6 |
Further enquiries
Associate Professor Kristine Barlow-Stewart
Course Director
T +61 2 9462 9599?
F +61 2 9906 7529?
E
sydney.edu.au/medicine/genetic/
Degree resolutions
Sydney Medical School resolutions and the printed handbook are the official statement of faculty policy. The resolutions contained in the printed handbook are accurate as at August 2012. If a conflict is perceived between the content of the printed handbook and information available elsewhere, Sydney Medical School resolutions and the information available in the handbook online shall always take precedence. See the handbook online website:
sydney.edu.au/handbooks/medicine/
See the Policy Online website: sydney.edu.au/policy, for copies of University policies.
Master of Genetic Counselling
These resolutions must be read in conjunction with applicable University By-laws, Rules and policies including (but not limited to) the University of Sydney (Coursework) Rule 2000 (the 'Coursework Rule'), the Resolutions of the Faculty, the University of Sydney (Student Appeals against Academic Decisions) Rule 2006 (as amended) and the Academic Board policies on Academic Dishonesty and Plagiarism.
Course resolutions
1 Course codes
| Code | Course and stream title |
|---|---|
| KF060 | Graduate Diploma in Genetic Counselling |
| KC095 | Master of Genetic Counselling |
2 Attendance pattern
3 Master's type
0.
The master's degree in these resolutions is a professional master's course, as defined by the Coursework Rule.
4 Embedded courses in this sequence
(2)
Providing candidates satisfy the admission requirements for each stage, a candidate may progress to the award of any of the courses in this sequence. Only the longest award completed will be conferred.
5 Admission to candidature
(1)
Available places will be offered to qualified applicants based on merit, according to the following admissions criteria. In exceptional circumstances the Dean may admit applicants without these qualifications who, in the opinion of the Faculty, have qualifications, evidence of experience and achievement sufficient to successfully undertake the award.
6 Requirements for award
(1)
The units of study that may be taken for the course are set out in the Table of Units of Study: Genetic Counselling.
(2)
To qualify for the award of the Graduate Diploma in Genetic Counselling a candidate must successfully complete 48 credit points of Stage 1 units of study.
(3)
To qualify for the award of the Master of Genetic Counselling a candidate must successfully complete 96 credit points of units of study including:
7 Progression rules
(1)
Students will only be permitted to progress into Stage 2 of the Masters degree after successfully completing Stage 1. In addition a candidate must receive a Clinical Supervisor's Report indicating that the student has the necessary skills to proceed to advanced genetic counselling and further studies.
Table of units of study: Genetic Counselling
| Unit of study | Credit points | A: Assumed knowledge P: Prerequisites C: Corequisites N: Prohibition | Session |
|---|---|---|---|
Stage 1 units of study |
|||
| Students must complete all units of study from Stage 1 prior to progressing to Stage 2 | |||
| GENC5001 Clinical Genetics |
6 | Semester 1 |
|
| GENC5002 Applied Clinical Genetics |
6 | Semester 1 |
|
| GENC5003 Counselling Theory and Skills |
6 | Semester 1 |
|
| EDPK5003 Developing a Research Project |
6 | Semester 1 Semester 2 |
|
| PSYC5012 Health and Risk Communication |
6 | Semester 2 |
|
| GENC5004 Clinical Practice 1 |
6 | Semester 2 |
|
| GENC5005 Diagnostic and Risk Assessment Analysis |
3 | Semester 2 |
|
| GENC5006 Ethical, Legal and Social Issues |
3 | Semester 2 |
|
| GENC5007 Research Project Implementation I |
6 | Semester 2 |
|
Stage 2 units of study |
|||
| GENC5008 Clinical Practice 2 |
9 | P successful completion of all Stage 1 units of study |
Semester 1 |
| GENC5009 Genetic Counselling: Practice & Genomics |
6 | P successful completion of all Stage 1 units of study |
Semester 1 |
| GENC5014 Research Project Implementation II |
9 | P EDPK5003 and GENC5007 |
Semester 1 |
| GENC5011 Clinical Practice 3 |
9 | P GENC5008 |
Semester 2 |
| GENC5012 Contemporary Issues Genetic Counselling |
3 | P GENC5008 |
Semester 2 |
| GENC5015 Research Dissertation and Capstone |
6 | P GENC5014 |
Semester 2 |
| Students must also complete one of the following units of study: | |||
| EDPK5013 Quantitative Analysis |
6 | Semester 2 |
|
| EDPK6012 Qualitative Analysis |
6 | Semester 2 |
|
Units of study descriptions for 2013
EDPK5003 Developing a Research Project
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Rachel Wilson Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: 1x2hr seminar/week Assessment: weekly exercises (40%) and class presentation (20%) and research proposal (40%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) Day
This core unit is seen as the foundation unit in research methods and it provides an overview of the research process, with a focus on critical evaluation of research reports and the design of research projects. It covers a wide range of basic research techniques and introduces other research methods that are the focus of more in-depth study in other search methods units. Research design issues and various methods of data collection examined. Students explore the use of quantitative and qualitative approaches; various research strategies; observation, documents, questionnaires and assessments. The assessment in this unit is developed around students' own research interests and by the end of the unit students will have developed their own research proposal document.
EDPK5013 Quantitative Analysis
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Rachel Wilson Session: Semester 2 Classes: 1x2hr seminar/week Assessment: portfolio of statistical analysis methods (50%) and statistical modeling of data report/draft publication (50%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) Day
This unit provides the conceptual understanding and skills necessary for the analysis numeric data. Thus, it is useful for those students intending to employ questionnaires, tests or any other form of quantitative data collection in their research. A range of bivariate and multivariate analysis techniques are introduced and explored both conceptually and practically. The topics covered include levels of measurement,exploratory data analysis, statistical inference, correlation, t-tests, analysis of variance, linear regression, factor analysis and a review of emerging multivariate techniques. Direct experience in the use of appropriate software packages (SPSS) to carry out these analyses on real data sets will be provided and students are welcome to bring their own data along to work on.
EDPK6012 Qualitative Analysis
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Rachel Wilson Session: Semester 2 Classes: 1x2hr seminar/week Assessment: critical review (40%) and journal article draft (50%) and seminar presentation (10%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) Day
This unit introduces students to the major forms of qualitative data arising from social science and humanities-based inquiry, and the associated analytical techniques. Links between theory and methods are emphasised. Analytical techniques associated with grounded theory, ethnography, content analysis and narrative approaches are considered. The unit is oriented towards the analysis of data already collected by students and aims to provide them with skills to complete this aspect of a research project.
GENC5001 Clinical Genetics
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Clinical Associate Professor Kristine Barlow-Stewart, Sydney Medical School Session: Semester 1 Classes: 12 x 1.5h lectures integrated with 10 x 3/4h PBL, 2h pathology lab visit Assessment: Family history (30%), written assignment 1500wd (40%), 1.5hr exam (30%), Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) Day
This unit of study provides a broad overview of the genetics of common single-gene human genetic disorders and the genomics of common multi-gene human genetic disorders. A review of Mendelian inheritance, principles of biochemical genetics, current knowledge of the molecular basis of human inheritance and risk assessment will be presented using case examples. More complex patterns of inheritance including mitochondrial and uniparental disomy as well as epigenetic mechanisms will be explored. The unit will include lab based field work covering genetic testing used in diagnostic and screening contexts including molecular, cytogenetics and molecular cytogenetics.
Textbooks
Read A, Donnai D. New Clinical Genetics. 2nd Edition 2011
GENC5002 Applied Clinical Genetics
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Professor David Sillence, Sydney Medical School Session: Semester 1 Classes: 12 x 1.5 h lectures integrated with 10 x 3/4 h PBL Assessment: PBL participation (30%), assignment 1500wd (40%), 1.5 hr exam (30%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) Day
Applied clinical genetics and genomics will be co-presented and integrated with the Unit of Study: Clinical genetics and genomics. Students will be introduced to the management of clinical and genomic information and databases. Molecular genetic theory will underpin the understanding of the basis of genetic, syndromes of paediatric and adult onset, cancer genetics, neurogenetics, connective tissue genetics and cardio-respiratory genetics. Application to screening and diagnosis of genetic conditions in the prenatal, paediatric and adult contexts, and current treatment therapies and preventive strategies will be presented. Public Health genetics, genetic epidemiology and population screening, genome scans, and kinship testing will be studied as important aspects of community genetics.
Textbooks
Read A, Donnai D. New Clinical Genetics. 2nd Edition 2011
GENC5003 Counselling Theory and Skills
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Clinical Associate Professor Kristine Barlow-Stewart, Sydney Medical School Session: Semester 1 Classes: 8 x 1.5 h lectures/role plays/ reflective practice and a 2-day intensive Practical: 1 day observation in a metropolitan genetics clinic, 1 week full time clinic placement in a genetics service associated with NSW Health, 1 week full time equivalent placement in community genetics eg support groups for genetic conditions; high school genetic carrier testing programs. Assessment: Counselling theory 1250 wd (50%), 1250 wd essay (50%), clinical placement assessment (satisfactory/unsatisfactory) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) Day
The aim of this unit of study is to provide students with an overview of counselling theory including Psychoanalytic Theory, Systems Theory, and Cognitive Behaviour Theory. The unit will provide an introduction to the development of counseling skills underpinned by these theories in the context of genetic counselling. Client-centred counselling and Rogerian techniques will be demonstrated and practiced under supervision during role plays. Strategies for the communication of risk will be developed and available tools to assist will be reviewed.
Textbooks
Geldard D, Geldard K. Basic Personal Counselling. A Training Manual for Counsellors. 6th Edition 2009.
GENC5004 Clinical Practice 1
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Clinical Associate Professor Kristine Barlow-Stewart, Sydney Medical School Session: Semester 2 Classes: 6 x 1.5h lectures/ tutorials/ reflective practice and 1 day intensive including audio-taped role play. Practical: 2 X 2 week full time clinic placement with a metropolitan or outreach genetic counselling service associated with NSW Health, including time in prenatal/paediatric and adult units. Students will be allotted a supervisor(s), observe Genetic Counsellors in session, participate in the everyday running of a service including use of KinTrak database for recording family history, attend relevant meetings, Journal Clubs, hospital clinics, and other associated activities. 1 week full time equivalent placement in community genetics eg support groups for genetic conditions; high school genetic carrier testing programs. Assessment: Audiotaped consultation analysis (60%); team presentation - counselling theory (40%); supervisor report (satisfactory/unsatisfactory) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Clinical Experience
GENC5005 Diagnostic and Risk Assessment Analysis
Credit points: 3 Teacher/Coordinator: Professor David Sillence, Sydney Medical School Session: Semester 2 Classes: 4 x 1.5h lecture integrated with 4 x 1.5h PBL Assessment: Pedigree, risk analysis for cancer case study (100%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) Day
This unit provides practical training in risk assessment and probability of outcomes that are important in genetic counselling for families with chromosomal rearrangements including cryptic anomalies, Mendelian disorders and polygenic disorders. Sources for a priori and empiric estimates of risk and Bayesian approaches to final risk perception will be taught. An introduction to web data sources and critical appraisal of studies of Association and Relative Risk for their relevance to genetic counseling will be provided.
GENC5006 Ethical, Legal and Social Issues
Credit points: 3 Teacher/Coordinator: Clinical Associate Professor Kristine Barlow-Stewart, Sydney Medical School Session: Semester 2 Classes: 8 x 1.5h lectures/tutorials Assessment: 1500 word essay (100%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) Day
Students will be provided with an overview of the current social, cultural, legal and ethical issues generated by the diagnosis or identification of risk for a genetic condition including privacy at the family and wider community levels, discrimination, ownership of genetic information, informed consent, genetic testing of children, professionalism and paternalism, access and equity to services, gene patenting, national and jurisdictional laws, regulations and guidelines governing genetics services delivery and practice and research ethics. Additionally, the associated psychosocial impact at both the individual and family levels will be explored, as well as the educational materials and tools developed to minimise the impact and assist in informed choice. At the societal level, the students will explore the issues associated with the developments and establishment of biobanks and genetic registers, the storage of genetic information and its access, the implementation of public health genetics programs and non-medical applications of genetic technologies including kinship testing and sport. Finally, students will explore challenges likely to be encountered due to the rapid developments and applications including whole genome scans and nanotechnologies.
GENC5007 Research Project Implementation I
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Mona Saleh, Lecturer and Research Coordinator, Sydney Medical School Session: Semester 2 Classes: 2 h weekly lectures; 2h weekly self-directed learning and independent research. Assessment: Project Presentation (20%); Ethics Presentation (30%) Project Progress Reports (20%) and Supervisors Report (30%). Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) Day
In this unit of study, students will begin developing and preparing their research project. Students will work with their supervisors and academic staff to ensure that the research is not only viable, but fulfils the requirements of University of Sydney Human Research Ethics Committee and is conducted in the University of Sydney's culture of responsible research.
GENC5008 Clinical Practice 2
Credit points: 9 Teacher/Coordinator: Clinical Associate Professor Kristine Barlow-Stewart, Sydney Medical School Session: Semester 1 Classes: 14 x 1.5h lectures/tutorials/reflective practice/videotape student counselling session Practical: 2 X 2 weeks full time clinic placement. Prerequisites: successful completion of all Stage 1 units of study Assessment: skills test (10%), assignment (30%), supervisor report and log cases (30%), long case (30%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Clinical Experience
The development and evaluation of values, attitudes and skills in professional helping will be presented, with an emphasis on patient advocacy, crisis counselling, cross-cultural counselling and disability awareness/sensitivity training. The unit includes clinic placement with a metropolitan or outreach genetic counselling service associated with NSW Health, including time in prenatal/paediatric and adult units. Students will be allotted a supervisor(s), observe Genetic Counsellors in session, participate in the everyday running of a service including use of KinTrak database for recording family history, attend relevant meetings, Journal Clubs, hospital clinics, and other associated activities. Following the placement, students will be assisted in the development of case study reports reflecting on their practice, skills gained and challenges faced.
GENC5009 Genetic Counselling: Practice & Genomics
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Clinical Associate Professor Kristine Barlow-Stewart, Sydney Medical School Session: Semester 1 Classes: 12 x 1.5h lectures/tutorials Prerequisites: successful completion of all Stage 1 units of study Assessment: Essay (20%); assignment (30%); exam 50% Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) Day
This unit aims to further develop understanding of the complex underpinning of genetics science and its current applications. The unit also examines genetic counselling in general practice, oncology, cardiology, and neurology currently and in the future. The students will explore how their role may develop as genetics moves into mainstream medicine and the challenges that may be faced.
GENC5011 Clinical Practice 3
Credit points: 9 Teacher/Coordinator: Clinical Associate Professor Kristine Barlow-Stewart, Sydney Medical School Session: Semester 2 Classes: 12 x 1.5h lectures/tutorials/reflective practice; Practical: 5 weeks clinic placement including Group supervision 2h/wk for 4 weeks with course clinical supervisor by tele- &/or video conference. Prerequisites: GENC5008 Assessment: long case study (40%), logbook, progressive activities report and supervisor report (60%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Clinical Experience
Students will have some choice according to interest regarding a 5 week full time Clinical placement with metropolitan or outreach genetic counselling services associated with NSW Health. Students will be allotted a supervisor(s), work alongside Genetic Counsellors in session, participate in the everyday running of a service including use of KinTrak database for recording family history, attend relevant meetings, Journal Clubs, hospital clinics, and other associated activities. Student will present two formal Case Studies.
GENC5012 Contemporary Issues Genetic Counselling
Credit points: 3 Teacher/Coordinator: Clinical Associate Professor Kristine Barlow-Stewart, Sydney Medical School Session: Semester 2 Classes: 8 x 1.5h lectures/tutorials Prerequisites: GENC5008 Assessment: production of education aid (20%), presentation on contemporary issue (20%), 1000 word essay (60%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) Day
This unit will allow students to draw on previous course content as they examine and debate contemporary issues in genetic medicine, such as Direct to Consumer testing, mental health and genetics, pharmacogenomics and other issues as they arise.
GENC5014 Research Project Implementation II
Credit points: 9 Teacher/Coordinator: Mona Saleh, Research Coordinator and Clinical Lecturer, Sydney Medical School Session: Semester 1 Classes: Supervised research project Prerequisites: EDPK5003 and GENC5007 Assessment: Research Supervisor Progress Report
Literature Review Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Supervision
This unit is a continuation of the supervised research project initiated at the beginning of the course and to be concluded in the final semester. The unit involves independent research including a comprehensive review of the literature and regular meetings with a supervisor. It is anticipated this semester will account for the majority of data collection according to the USyd HREC approved protocol.
The Research project will culminate in an original 10,000-word dissertation. Successful completion of the project may also provide students with the research experience required for the pursuit of a higher degree.
The Research project will culminate in an original 10,000-word dissertation. Successful completion of the project may also provide students with the research experience required for the pursuit of a higher degree.
GENC5015 Research Dissertation and Capstone
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Mona Saleh: Research Coordinator and Clinical Lecturer, Sydney Medical School Session: Semester 2 Classes: Supervised research project Prerequisites: GENC5014 Assessment: 10,000 word Dissertation Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Supervision
This unit is a continuation of the supervised research project initiated at the beginning of the course and to be concluded in the final semester of the course.
The unit involves independent research and regular meetings with a supervisor.
The Research project will culminate in an original 10,000-word dissertation. Successful completion of the project may also provide students with the research experience required for the pursuit of a higher degree.
The unit includes a Capstone experience consisting of a presentation of the research findings and their implications for genetic counselling practice.
The unit involves independent research and regular meetings with a supervisor.
The Research project will culminate in an original 10,000-word dissertation. Successful completion of the project may also provide students with the research experience required for the pursuit of a higher degree.
The unit includes a Capstone experience consisting of a presentation of the research findings and their implications for genetic counselling practice.
PSYC5012 Health and Risk Communication
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 2 Classes: lectures, videos, interactive exercises, case study discussions and small group-work. This unit will be taught in a block intensive mode over five days Assessment: Major or two minor essays (100%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Block Mode
In this unit of study students will consider health communication in the context of the health professional-patient relationship and in the public sphere. This unit of study seeks to develop a critical awareness of the determinants of effective communication, particularly in relation to health risks to the individual and society. The unit of study will investigate: theories of health communication, including patient centred care and shared decision making; evidence regarding the impact of good and poor communication on patient and health professional outcomes; research paradigms in this area including interaction analysis; cross-cultural communication issues in health care; risk communication in the context of informed consent to clinical trials, discussing prognosis and responding to public health risk events; and theories of risk perception and communication. The aim of this unit of study is to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the key issues related to communication in health care and health policy settings.