Health
Study in the Health stream and major is offered by the Discipline of Behavioural and Social Sciences in Health at the Faculty of Health Sciences. Units of study are interdisciplinary and offered at the standard level.
About the stream
A stream in Health will equip you with a comprehensive understanding of health and health systems at the local, national, and global levels. Through our active, real-world learning approaches, your ability to navigate the complexity of health in different sociocultural, political and economic contexts will be nurtured and refined. You will develop core skills in critical thinking, complex problem solving, communication and empathy. The Health major provides you with a strong foundation in health and healthcare, while giving you the flexibility for in-depth study in particular areas of health of interest to you.
Requirements for completion
The Health stream requires 60 credit points, consisting of:
(i) 6 credit points of 1000-level core units
(ii) 6 credit points of 1000-level selective units
(iii) A 48 credit point major in Health
A major in Health requires 48 credit points, consisting of:
(i) 12 credit points of 1000-level core units
(ii) 12 credit points of 2000-level core units
(iii) 6 credit points of 3000-level research units
(iv) 6 credit points of 3000-level interdisciplinary project units
(v) 6 credit points of 3000-level disciplinary project units
(vi) 6 credit points of 3000-level selective units
First year
Core to Major: HSBH1012 Introduction to Health and Health Care and HSBH1013 Society and Health
Core to Stream: PSYC1002 Psychology 1002
and 6 credit points from a selection of: BIOL1XX6 Life and Evolution, BIOL1XX7 From Molecules to Ecosystems, BIOL1XX8 Human Biology
Our first year curriculum is designed to introduce you to the different ways in which people understand and study health and healthcare in Australia and globally. Through interactive learning experiences, you will learn about the healthcare system, how health funding works, and the complex relationships that influence health policy. You will learn from the experiences of guest speakers about the health workforce, both paid professionals working in multidisciplinary teams to advocates and activists, and carers. You will learn about the social determinants of health and how these interact with how we approach health at an individual and societal level. By the end of your first year, you will have core skills and knowledge to design innovative, evidence-based approaches to big picture health issues.
Second year
Core: HSBH2007 Research Methods in Health and HSBH2009 Innovations in eHealth
In second year, we build on your understanding of health, the healthcare systems in Australia and abroad, and the people in health. These units introduce you to health research and eHealth innovations. You will have more in-depth discussions and case studies around knowledge creation in health, and how technology impacts our health, and can be used to enhance health. This understanding will support you in being effective in the eHealth-enabled healthcare environment that you will be working in.
Third year
Students must select 6 credit points of 3000-level research units, 6 credit points of 3000-level interdisciplinary project units, 6 credit points of 3000-level disciplinary project units and 6 credit points of 3000-level selective units. Details of selectives available can be found in the unit of study tables for the Health major
By the time you enter third year, you will have an understanding of the breadth health careers and study, and the areas that you are most curious about. The range of third year units allow you choose the areas of health that you’re interested in, and study these in greater depth. The units will provide you with interdisciplinary experiences, project-based learning, and opportunities to engage in health research about aspects of health that fascinate you.
Fourth year
The fourth year is only offered within the combined Bachelor of Science/Bachelor of Advanced Studies course.
Advanced coursework
The Bachelor of Advanced Studies advanced coursework option consists of 48 credit points, with a minimum of 24 credit points at 4000-level or above. Of these 24 credit points, you must complete a project unit of study worth at least 12 credit points. Advanced coursework will be included in the table for 2020.
Honours
Meritorious students in the Bachelor of Science/Bachelor of Advanced Studies may apply for admission to Honours within a subject area of the Bachelor of Advanced Studies. Admission to Honours requires the prior completion of all requirements of the Bachelor of Science, including Open Learning Environment (OLE) units. If you are considering applying for admission to Honours, ensure your degree planning takes into account the completion of a second major and all OLE requirements prior to Honours commencement.
Unit of study requirements for Honours in the area of Health: completion of 36 credit points of project work and 12 credit points of coursework. Honours units of study will be available in 2020.
Contact and further information
W sydney.edu.au/health-sciences/about/campus.shtml
T 1800 793 864
Dr Melanie Keep
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Learning Outcomes
Students who graduate from Health will be able to:
- Exhibit a broad and coherent body of knowledge in health research methods and examine current trends in health research.
- Work collaboratively and effectively in interdisciplinary and/or multicultural teams.
- Advance knowledge of health and health systems through research and critical enquiry.
- Communicate concepts and findings in health research effectively and sensitively with individuals and communities from diverse backgrounds and reflect critically on this process.
- Apply knowledge of regulatory frameworks and ethical principles relevant to health in effective, responsible and safe research practice.
- Design evidence-based, ethical and innovative approaches to health at the individual, national and global levels that are sensitive to the needs, perspectives and experiences of individuals and communities.
- Work with integrity, accountability and social responsibility in professional and community settings.
- Act ethically and with cultural sensitivity in their interactions with others and approaches to designing, implementing and evaluating health solutions.
- Advocate for health equity through synthesis of evidence, critical reflection and analysis, and awareness of the sociocultural and political factors that affect health decisions.