Metabolic Health

Unit of study descriptions

BETH5104 Bioethics, Law and Society

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Professor Roger Magnusson and Professor Cameron Stewart Session: Semester 1 Classes: 4x6.5hr intensives or online. Attendance is compulsory if enrolled in face-to-face block mode Assessment: 1x2000wd problem (40%); 1x3500 word essay (60%). Online 'attendance' is also compulsory and will be demonstrated by engagement in at least 8 out of the 10 weekly discussion topics. No formal mark will be given for attendance, but failure to meet the attendance requirement may result in failure of the course. Mode of delivery: Block mode, Online
Note: Prerequisites: A three-year undergraduate degree in science, medicine, nursing, allied health sciences, philosophy/ethics, sociology/anthropology, law, history, or other relevant field, or by special permission.
BETH5104 Bioethics, Law and Society introduces students to interrelationships between health care, ethics, and the law. Students will explore the moral basis of law and the means by which law in turn, influences and directs clinical practice and health policy. We also look at the limits of law in solving ethical dilemmas, and consider what happens when the law falls out of step with the moral institutions of health care providers, patients, and the general public. Over the course of the semester, students will learn to critically read and analyse primary sources of law relevant to bioethics. Students will then examine a number of areas of law that have particular significance for bioethics and society including the law of consent, medical negligence, advance directives, maternal-foetal conflicts, abortion, reproduction, end-of-life decision-making, tissue regulation and infectious disease. Learning activities in BETH5104 include lectures, case discussions (during lectures), problem-based learning, online learning activities and written assessments.
Textbooks
Required: Kerridge, Lowe and Stewart (2013), Ethics and law for the health profession, 4th Edition (Federation Press). All other compulsory readings are provided to students in digital format. Most supplementary readings can be accessed through the library collection.
BETH5204 Clinical Ethics

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: TBC Session: Semester 1 Classes: 4x8hr Intensives or Distance Education (online). Attendance is compulsory if enrolled in face-to-face mode Assessment: 1x1500wd case study (30%); 1x2500wd essay (50%); continuous assessment (short weekly tasks) (10%); 2x400wd Short Tasks (10%) Mode of delivery: Block mode, Online
Note: If an insufficient number of students opt to attend seminars on campus, the co-ordinator may choose to teach this Unit of Study in online mode only. Students will be contacted if this occurs.
This unit will facilitate students to critically review the ethical issues that underlie the delivery of healthcare. Students will explore: major conceptual models for ethical reasoning in the clinical context; key ethical concepts in the clinical encounter (such as consent, professionalism and confidentiality); major contexts in which ethical issues arise in clinical practice; and the role of clinical ethics consultation. The unit will also consider specific issues and populations within clinical practice, such as ethical aspects of healthcare at the beginning and end of life.
Textbooks
All readings are accessed online via elearning.
BETH5209 Medicines Policy, Economics and Ethics

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Wendy Lipworth, Narcyz Ghinea Session: Semester 2 Classes: Fully online. Assumed knowledge: A degree in science, medicine, pharmacy, nursing, allied health, philosophy/ethics, sociology/anthropology, history, law, communications, public policy, business, economics, commerce, organisation studies, or other relevant field, or by special permission. Assessment: Online work (15%) 1x minor essay (35%) 1x major essay (50%) Mode of delivery: Online
Medicines save lives but they can be costly and can have serious adverse effects. Value-laden decisions are continuously being made at individual, institutional, national and international levels regarding the medicines we need, want and can afford. In this unit of study, we will explore and critique global and national policies and processes related to medicines, examining how research and development agendas are set; how medicines are assessed and evaluated; and how new technologies are translated into practice. We will also explore broader trends such as globalisation, commercialisation and changing consumer expectations. By the end of the course, students will understand the forces shaping the development, regulation, funding and uptake of medicines both nationally and internationally, and the political, ethical, legal and economic issues that are at stake. This course is designed to appeal to a wide range of students from ethics, law, public health, health care, policy, communications, economics, business, politics, administration, and biomedical science.
Textbooks
Readings will be provided
CEPI5100 Introduction to Clinical Epidemiology

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Fiona Stanaway Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: Offered online and face-to-face (daytime tutorials) Prohibitions: PUBH5010 Assessment: Completion of online quizzes (15%), tutorial participation (10%), assignment 1 (15%), assignment 2 (60%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day, Online
This unit introduces the concept of clinical epidemiology and provides students with core skills in clinical epidemiology at an introductory level. Topics covered include asking and answering clinical questions; basic and accessible literature searching techniques; study designs used in clinical epidemiological research; confounding and effect modification; sources of bias; interpretation of results including odds ratios, relative risks, confidence intervals and p values; applicability of results to individual patients; critical appraisal of clinical epidemiological research literature used to answer questions of therapy (RCTs and systematic reviews), harm, prognosis, diagnosis, screening and clinical guidelines.
Textbooks
Online readings and resources to be provided on the eLearning website.
CEPI5200 Quality and Safety in Health Care

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Professor Merrilyn Walton Session: Semester 1 Classes: offered online Assessment: online participation (20%); 4 x 1500 word assignments (80%) Mode of delivery: Online
Note: People working in health care will benefit from this course.
This course is specifically designed for health professionals who are working in health care. It will equip participants with underpinning knowledge about patient safety. The course modules cover quality and safety principles, professionalism and ethics, risk management and risk information, complexity theory, clinical governance and the impact of adverse events, methods to measure and make improvements in health care. The modules, tools and the discussions are designed to enable participants to change behaviours by understanding the main causes of adverse events-poor team work, busyness, hierachies. The course provides foundation knowledge about quality and safety; governments around the world are concerned to address unsafe care. The course will better prepare health professional to understand the complexity of health care and take steps to minimise the opportunities for errors and address vulnerabilities in the system.
Textbooks
Runciman, Bill, Merry A Walton M. Safety and Ethics in Healthcare: A Guide to Getting it Right. 2007 Asgate Publisher.
CEPI5215 Writing and Reviewing Medical Papers

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Associate Professor Angela Webster Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: 9 self-paced modules each comprising: course notes, lecture, demonstrations, exercises, quizzes Prerequisites: (PUBH5010 or CEPI5100) Prohibitions: CEPI5214 Assumed knowledge: Some basic knowledge of summary statistic is assumed Assessment: quizzes (30%), assignment 1 (20%), assignment 2 (50%) Mode of delivery: Online, Block mode
Note: Students without the pre-requisites are encouraged to contact the unit coordinator to discuss their motivation and experience.
Students will work at their own pace through 9 modules covering research integrity, medical style, abstracts, presentations and posters, constructing a paper, data visualisation, manuscript submission, responding to reviewers comments, publication dissemination, and reviewing a paper. This unit aims to teach students the principles of research integrity in writing for medical journals, typical issues they may face, and link to resources to help them maintain integrity through their publishing careers. It will guide them to reliable evidence based resources to improve their conference abstract, presentation and poster design, and manuscript style and writing.. Students will learn about reporting guidelines, common pitfalls in writing and presenting research, choosing a journal, keywords, improving tables and figures for manuscripts through open source software, copyright, writing cover letters and response letters to reviewers. Students will learn about measuring research impact and ways to improve your research reach, dealing with the media and press releases, using social media in dissemination, digital archiving and basic skills needed to act as a quality peer-reviewer. This is an online unit, but those needing to study in block mode will do online study as well as a workshop.
Textbooks
No mandatory text book-readings available online.
CEPI5300 Research Grants: theory and practice

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Associate Professor Germaine Wong Session: Semester 1 Classes: 12 online or face-to-face sessions and 1 face-to-face workshop (June) Prerequisites: (PUBH5010 or CEPI5100) and PUBH5018 Prohibitions: CEPI5505 Assessment: 1 x written research proposal(40%); online class presentations (30%); peer assessment (30%) Mode of delivery: Block mode, Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) evening
In this unit of study, the student will develop his/her own research proposal, to a standard suitable for a peer-reviewed granting body. Each section of a grant proposal (Aims, Background/Significance, Methods, Analysis) will be discussed, with the student presenting and refining the corresponding section of his/her own proposal in a synchronous online workshop setting. This will then be complemented by online presentations from experienced researchers on the practical aspects of clinical research, followed by synchronous online class discussion. Topics include: observational studies, randomized controlled trials, diagnostic test evaluation, qualitative studies, funding application, ethical approval, publication strategies and grant administration. The unit will conclude with a one-day, face- to-face, mandatory workshop- where students will learn about budgeting, peer review of research grants, and present their completed research proposal.
CEPI5315 Introduction to Systematic Reviews

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Sharon Reid, Professor Jonathan Craig Session: Semester 1 Classes: all students will work through four online-modules and participate in weekly tutorials (online or on-campus depending on mode enrolled) over 12 weeks Corequisites: CEPI5100 or PUBH5010 Prohibitions: CEPI5203 or CEPI5102 or CEPI5314 Assessment: module assessment tasks (30%) and 1 x 4000 word assignment (70%) after the modules are completed Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day, Online
In this unit of study, we aim to introduce you to systematic reviews and meta-analyses of relevance to healthcare with a particular focus on systematic reviews of randomized controlled trials. Students can choose to learn in online or normal day (on-campus) mode. All students will work through four online modules, delivered over twelve weeks, addressing the following topics at an introductory level: What and why systematic reviews (and meta-analysis); How to formulate answerable healthcare questions and searching for systematic reviews; how a systematic review is conducted and understanding the principles of meta-analysis; and how to appraise, interpret and apply the results of systematic reviews (and meta-analyses). Students will have the opportunity to discuss unit of study learning materials in online tutorials or via weekly (on-campus) tutorials. Readings and other learning materials will be available via eLearning.
Textbooks
Readings and access to other learning resources are available through the unit's elearning site
MBHT5001 Diabetes Management

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Albert Hsieh Session: Semester 1 Classes: Weekly online lectures and podcasts. Practical on campus half day workshop and 3x90 minute online tutorials. It is compulsory that all of these sessions be attended/viewed live or by download. Attendance at the workshop is strongly encouraged but if you are unable to attend the workshop you will be required to complete an alternative ungraded practical learning activity that will relate to the viewing of the workshop. Assessment: 3 clinical case study tasks of 500 words (3 x 10%), 1 x 1500 word assignment (25%), online exam (25%) and participation in online discussion boards/webinars (20%) Mode of delivery: Distance education/intensive on campus
This unit of study aims to enable students to manage diabetes mellitus effectively. Current data and concepts in epidemiology and classification, pathogenesis, and screening for diabetes and its complications will be addressed. This will be followed by an intensive focus on patient centred management of diabetes, including patient engagement, lifestyle interventions, bariatric surgery, medication options and regimens, new technology and monitoring. Type 1 and type 2 diabetes as well as prediabetes and diabetes in pregnancy will each be explored with a personalised, case-based approach. Differing health care delivery methods in diabetes and team based approaches to care will be discussed. Learning will be enhanced by individual and group online methods plus a practical on campus half-day workshop.
Textbooks
Endocrinology Expert Group. Therapeutic Guidelines: Endocrinology. Version 5. Melbourne: Therapeutic Guidelines Limited; 2014.ISBN9780980825374; additional required reading: Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes. Diabetes Care January 2014 vol. 37 no. Supplement 1 S14-S80; NHMRC Clinical Care Guidelines in Diabetes, especially: Craig ME, Twigg SM, Donaghue KC, Cheung NW, Cameron FJ, Conn J, Jenkins AJ, Silink M, for the Australian Type 1 Diabetes Guidelines Expert Advisory Group. National evidence-based clinical care guidelines for type 1 diabetes in children, adolescents and adults, Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing, Canberra 2011.
MBHT5002 Advanced Diabetes Management

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: DrAlbert Hsieh Session: Semester 2 Classes: Weekly online lectures and podacsts. Practical on-campus half-day workshop. It is compulsory that the workshop be attended/viewed live or by download. If you do not attend you will be required to complete an alternative practical ungraded learning activity that will relate to the viewing of the workshop. Prerequisites: MBHT5001 Assumed knowledge: It is recommended that students first complete MBHT5001 (Diabetes Management) unless they have a reasonable working knowledge of how to approach assessment and management of diabetes mellitus in a variety of clinical settings. Assessment: 3 clinical case study tasks of 500 words (3 x 10%), 1 x 1500 word assignment (25%), online exam (25%) and participation in online discussion boards (20%) Mode of delivery: Distance education/intensive on campus
Note: Departmental permission required unless MBHT5001 satisfactorily completed.
This unit of study provides students with an advanced level of understanding of the effective management of diabetes mellitus. It will build on the Diabetes Management unit of study by focusing on more complex cases of diabetes, with a particular focus on type 1 diabetes. Topics addressed will include atypical, unusual and difficult to classify diabetes, intensive therapy in diabetes including complex insulin regimens, and managing diabetes related complications such as heart failure, painful neuropathy, diabetic foot disease, advanced retinopathy, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and end-stage renal disease. New technologies including state of the art insulin pump therapy and real time continuous blood glucose monitoring will be exemplified using real life cases. The role of pancreas transplant and closed loop systems in diabetes will also be addressed. Diabetes translational research across the bench, clinic and bedside, will be examined. Learning will be enhanced by individual and group online methods plus a practical on-campus half-day workshop.
Textbooks
Required reading (accessible on line): Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes. Diabetes Care January 2014 vol. 37 no. Supplement 1 S14-S80; NHMRC Clinical Care Guidelines in Diabetes, especially: Craig ME, Twigg SM, Donaghue KC, Cheung NW, Cameron FJ, Conn J, Jenkins AJ, Silink M, for the Australian Type 1 Diabetes Guidelines Expert Advisory Group. National evidence-based clinical care guidelines for type 1 diabetes in children, adolescents and adults, Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing, Canberra 2011.
MBHT5003 Obesity and Pre-diabetes: Prevention and Care

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Prof. Tim Gill Session: Semester 1 Classes: Weekly online lectures and podcasts. Practical half day on campus workshop and 1hr introductory webinar. It is compulsory that all of these sessions be attended/viewed live or by download. If you do not attend the workshop you will be required to complete an alternative practical ungraded learning activity that will relate to the viewing of the workshop. Assumed knowledge: This unit is intended for students who have experience in clinical care of patients. Most of the subject matter and assessments are based on clinical management processes. Assessment: 3 clinical case study work tasks including participation in online discussion boards (39%); 1500 word critical thinking essay on key topics (25%); short answer questions (36%) Mode of delivery: Distance education/intensive on campus
This unit of study will develop your understanding of how to effectively manage overweight, obesity and pre-diabetes. It will facilitate increased confidence in the prevention and practical medical management of these conditions. Current data and concepts in epidemiology and classification and pathogenesis of overweight and obesity and pre-diabetes and related public health issues will be addressed. This will be followed by an intensive focus on state of the art patient-centred management of obesity and pre-diabetes, including patient engagement with behavioural and psychological approaches, lifestyle interventions in nutrition and exercise, and bariatric surgery, medication options and regimens, new technology and sustainability of outcomes. New technology to enhance health will be a focus. Overweight and obesity, as well as pre-diabetes will be examined with a personalised, case-based approach. Differing health care delivery methods, commercial options and team based approaches to care will be explored. Learning will be enhanced with discussion boards and webinars plus a practical on campus workshop.
Textbooks
Recommended text including guideline reading: There is no required textbook for this unit but suggested reading is provided within each module. General background texts include: World Health Organization .Obesity: preventing and managing the global epidemic. Report of a WHO Consultation (WHO Technical Report Series 894) Geneva 2000, http://www.who.int/nutrition/publications/obesity/WHO_TRS_894/en/; 'NHMRC Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Management of Overweight and Obesity for Adults, Adolescents and Children in Australia' (2013), https://www.nhmrc.gov.au/guidelines-publications/n57; National Preventative Health Taskforce. Australia: the healthiest country by 2020 A discussion paper, Canberra, Commonwealth of Australia 2008. https://www.nhmrc.gov.au/_files_nhmrc/publications/attachments/di20.pdf
MBHT5004 Cardiovascular Metabolic Management

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Kelly Stanton Session: Semester 2 Classes: Weekly online lectures and online discussion forums and/or webinar tutorials. Assumed knowledge: This unit is intended for students who have experience in clinical care of patients and includes a significant Pharmacology component. Assessment: 3 clinical case study tasks of 500 words (3x 10%); 1 x 1500 word assignment on a key topic (25%); online exam (25%); and participation in quizzes and online discussion boards (20%) Mode of delivery: Online
This unit will develop enhanced understanding of how to effectively manage both cardiovascular risk to optimise health, and the cardiovascular complications that may occur in metabolic disease. It will facilitate increased confidence in the prevention and practical medical management of cardiovascular disease in its broadest sense. Epidemiology, changing demographics and classification will be considered. Atherogenesis, prothombotic and pro-inflammatory as well as profibrotic pathogenic concepts will be addressed before detailed exploration of large and small vessel disease and implications for brain, kidney and heart function (including ischaemic cardiomyopathy, diabetic cardiomyopathy and hypertensive cardiomyopathy). Peripheral arterial and venous disease, arrhythmogenic disturbances and platelet dysfunction and rheology will all be considered. This will be followed by an intensive focus on characterisation of cardiovascular risk and state of the art patient-centred management in these conditions, including screening methods, lifestyle interventions, evidence-based medication regimens, non-invasive monitoring and new technology. Health care delivery methods will be explored. Learning will be enhanced by individual and group online methods.
Textbooks
Vascular Medicine: A Companion to Braunwald's Heart Disease. Braunwald's Heart Disease: A Textbook of Cardiovascular Medicine Guidelines: NHMRC Clinical Care Guidelines for the Management of Absolute Cardiovascular Risk (2012), https://www.nhmrc.gov.au/guidelines-publications/ext10 Reducing risk in heart disease - an expert guide to clinical practice for secondary prevention of coronary heart disease (updated 2012), http://www.heartfoundation.org.au/SiteCollectionDocuments/Reducing-risk-in-heart-disease.pdf Therapeutic Guidelines Cardiovascular version 6
MBHT5005 Evidence and Ethics in Metabolic Health

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Albert Hsieh Session: Semester 2 Classes: Weekly online lecture and regular online discussion and/or webinars (from week 5) Prerequisites: CEPI5100 and 18 credit points of stream specific units of study Prohibitions: BETH5208 or PAED5005 or CRIT5008 Assessment: 1 x 1,000-1,200 wd ethics assignment (20%); 4x ethics discussion board tasks (10%); and 6 x Evidence Based Medicine written assignments (70%) Mode of delivery: Online
This capstone unit of study will develop the ethical and critical thinking needed to inform and develop best practice and is divided into three parts: commencing with an introduction to key ethical concepts and methods of ethical analysis relevant to health care practice and research, followed by learning about the key research and major milestones that inform the practice of evidence-based metabolic medicine and health care. Subsequently, students will critically appraise either the evidence base for an area of practice relevant to their workplace. This will require the selection of a clinical question, a literature review, then an appraisal of the literature and application to individual patient care.
Textbooks
On line readings
MEDF5002 Teaching in the Clinical Environment

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Marguerite Tracy Session: Semester 2 Classes: 1 day face to face workshop 9am - 3pm (not compulsory) and online learning. students who do not attend the face to face will be required to complete an alternative ungraded learning activity. Assessment: 20% personal learning plan (1500 words); 20% online activities; 60% portfolio of evidence of learning (4500 words equivalent) Mode of delivery: Distance education/intensive on campus
Almost all healthcare professionals are involved in education and training throughout their careers. This unit of study provides a practical introduction to the theory and practice of teaching and learning in the health environment. The unit will cover 3 main areas: planning for and facilitating learning in the clinical environment; assessing performance and providing constructive feedback; and fostering the development of students as professionals. Each of these areas will be underpinned by best evidence from clinical education research and will address current challenges and opportunities in the learning environment. This will include the role of new technologies from the perspective of both educators and learners. Participants in the course will gain a framework they can use to support their teaching, and will develop a portfolio of evidence to support their professional development as clinician educators.
MEDF5301 Project (Advanced Masters)

Credit points: 12 Teacher/Coordinator: Students must have a University of Sydney staff member or university approved supervisor for their project. Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: Students will be required to have regular contact with their supervisor to discuss the progress of their project. Assessment: 2,000 wd written project proposal (30%) and written final work of up to 10,000 wds, or a publication (as negotiated) (70%) Mode of delivery: Supervision
Note: Approval of the project and supervisor by the course coordinator must be confirmed prior to commencing the project.
Candidates will work on an independent research project in an area of specific interest relevant to their master's degree. The project may take the form of analysis of an existing data set, a systematic review of the literature, a case series, survey or other project acceptable to the project supervisor. In some streams, critical care for example, projects may be available for students to select. It is essential, where there is the use of patient information or recruitiment of patient study subjects, that appropriate ethics approval is gained from the governing body where the project will take place. The candidature will be guided through the steps required to plan and execute a substantial research project, and prepare a scholarly work which may be a paper for publication. A candidate must enrol in a minimum of 12 credit points of project units of study in order to submit their final written work.
MEDF5302 Project (Advanced Masters) (Part A)

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Students must have a University of Sydney staff member or clinical associate supervising their project. Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: Students will be required to have regular contact with their supervisor to discuss the progress of their project Assessment: 2,000 wd written project proposal (30%) and written final work of up to 10,000 wds, or a publication (as negotiated) (70%) Mode of delivery: Supervision
Note: Approval of the project and supervisor by the course coordinator must be confirmed prior to commencing the project.
Candidates will work on an independent research project in an area of specific interest relevant to their master's degree. The project may take the form of analysis of an existing data set, a systematic review of the literature, a case series, survey or other project acceptable to the project supervisor. In some streams, critical care for example, prjects may be available for students to select. It is essential, where there is the use of patient information or recruitment of patient study subjects, that appropriate ethics approval is gained from the governing body where the project will take place. The candidate will be guided through the steps required to plan and execute a substantial research project and prepare a scholarly work which may be a paper for publication. Where appropriate students will prepare a work suitable for publication. A candidate must enrol in a minimum of 12 credit points of project units of study in order to submit their final written work.
MEDF5303 Project (Advanced Masters) (Part B)

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Students must have a University of Sydney staff member or clinical associate supervising their project. Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: Students will be required to have regular contact with their supervisor to discuss the progress of their project Assessment: 2,000 wd written project proposal (30%) and written final work of up to 10,000 wds, or a publication (as negotiated) (70%) Mode of delivery: Supervision
Note: Approval of the project and supervisor by the course coordinator must be confirmed prior to commencing the project.
Candidates will work on an independent research project in an area of specific interest relevant to their master degree. The project may take the form of anlysis of an existing data set, a systematic review of the literature, a case series, survey or other project acceptable to the project supervisor. In some streams, critcal care for example, projects may be available for students to select. It is essential where there is the use of patient information or recruitment of patient study subjects that appropriate ethics approval is gained from the governing body where the project will take place. The candidate will be guided through the steps required to plan and execute a substantial research project and prepare a scholarly work which may be a paper for publication. A candidate must enrol in a minimum of 12 credit points of project units of study in order to submit their final written work.
NTDT5608 Community and Public Health Nutrition

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Vasant Hirani Session: Semester 2 Classes: 4 hours lectures and 2 tutorials per week Corequisites: NTDT5305 and NTDT5307 Assessment: 2 hour exam (50%); two assignments (50%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
Note: NTDT5608 is available as an elective to students in the Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma and Master of Medicine as well as the Master of Science in Medicine (Metabolic Health). For these students, there are no prerequisites for entry into NTDT5608. However, these students must apply for Special Permission from the unit of study coordinator in order to be enrolled.
This unit of study introduces students to the concepts and principles underlying, and issues associated with, nutrition in community and public health contexts. It covers the principles of health promotion and teaches the students how to plan, implement and evaluate nutrition promotion strategies. The scope and distribution of chronic diseases and the role of nutrition in the etiology of diseases such as cancer, heart disease, diabetes and obesity is examined. This unit of study also investigates the food habits of culturally and linguistically diverse groups, nutritional intakes and requirements of people across the lifespan, and the current nutrition policies and guidelines aimed at preventing chronic diseases.
Textbooks
Lawrence M and Worseley (eds). Public Health Nutrition - from Principles to Practice. Sydney: Allen and Unwin. 2007.
NURS5012 Assessment and Clinical Judgement

Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1 Classes: four intensive, on-campus study days Assessment: essay (45%), online work (10%) and report (45%) Mode of delivery: Block mode
The ability to undertake a focused and comprehensive patient assessment is fundamental to nursing practice. Conducting patient assessment allows nurses to gather the requisite information to make sound clinical judgements. With an emphasis on the systematic collection of reliable and valid assessment data, this unit of study examines the knowledge, capabilities and clinical skills required to undertake comprehensive health assessment, inclusive of physical, mental health, social, ethnic and cultural dimensions in complex clinical situations. Underpinning any patient assessment is a detailed understanding of normal physiological processes and the ways in which illness and injury alters these processes.
PAIN5002 Pain Mechanisms and Contributors

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Professor Michael Nicholas and Dr Christopher Vaughan Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: Online, approximately 10 hours of study per week (equals 140 hours in total) Assessment: participation in online discussion (20%), 4000-5000 word written assignment/s or equivalent (80%) Mode of delivery: Online
To introduce and develop participants understanding about the basic neuroscience of pain and the interrelationship between psychological, physiological and environmental processes in pain. Neuro-anatomical, physiological, pharmacological, and biochemical mechanisms involved in nociception, including peripheral and central sensitisation are discussed. Theoretical bases are introduced and the ways in which psychological and environmental factors modify or maintain pain perception and behaviour are explored.
PAIN5003 Pain Treatment and Management Principles

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Charles Brooker Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: Online, approximately 10 hours of study per week (equals 140 hours in total) Assessment: participation in online discussion (20%), 4000-5000 word written assignment/s or equivalent (80%) Mode of delivery: Online
To introduce participants to the core principles of pain assessment, treatment and management. Participants consider the biopsychosocial model and the scientific basis for assessment, diagnosis and treatment. They explore principles of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, together with routes of drug administration. The role of physiotherapy and rehabilitation management, and the use of procedures such as neural blockade, simulation techniques and surgery are also considered.
PMED5102 Paediatric Nutrition and Obesity

This unit of study is not available in 2018

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Professor Louise Baur, Dr Shirley Alexander Session: Semester 2 Classes: Online. Students will spend approx 10 hours/week (x 13 weeks) engaging in case-based learning, incl. online discussion of case scenarios, self-directed case reviews and literature appraisal. Regular access to an internet connected computer is vital. Corequisites: Students who commence after 01 January 2016 are required to complete the Blackboard Academic Honesty Education Module. It is recommended that this is completed as soon as possible after enrolment into your first unit of Study Assessment: 2x1000word essay (40%), MCQ exam (10%), and participation in online forum (50%) Mode of delivery: Online
Note: This unit of study is only offered in odd numbered years
This unit examines the worldwide status and trends in child and adolescent obesity, incorporating a focus on paediatric nutrition. It explores the determinants, clinical assessment, medical complications, management and prevention of this important public health problem. There is a close integration of epidemiology, basic science and best available evidence in management and prevention into clinically based scenarios. Our aim is to provide you with a broad knowledge base and ability to apply scientific theory and clinical evidence to the diagnosis and management of obesity in childhood. This will include grounding in the complex social, cultural and environmental factors contributing to the continuance of childhood obesity throughout the world.
PUBH5033 Disease Prevention and Health Promotion

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: A/Professor Philayrath Phongsavan, James Kite Session: Semester 1 Classes: 3 half-day workshops, face-to-face tutorials and online discussion; fully online version available Assessment: 1x1500 word assignment (25%); 1 presentation (15%); 1 x 2500 word assignment (50%); tutorial participation (10%) Mode of delivery: Block mode, Online
This core unit of study introduces students to evidence-based health promotion as a fundamental approach to preventing disease and reducing health inequalities in populations. The unit is divided into three modules: (i) building blocks of disease prevention and health promotion, (ii) using evidence and evaluating disease prevention and health promotion programs, and (iii) using research to inform policy and practice. This unit will give students an understanding of disease prevention and health promotion and their relationship to public health, introduce design, implementation, and evaluation of disease prevention and health promotion interventions, and develop and refine students' research, critical appraisal, and communication skills. The unit will also illustrate how prevention and health promotion principles are applied in Aboriginal settings. The role of translation of research into policy and practice to enhance public health impact will also be explored.
Textbooks
Course Readings Provided
PUBH5422 Health and Risk Communication

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Claire Hooker, Associate Professor Julie Leask, Professor Phyllis Butow Session: Semester 2 Classes: Block/intensive 2 blocks of 2 x 9-5 full days; please check with the coordinator for scheduling Assessment: Assignment 1: 1 x 2500 word (35%), Assignment 2: 1 x 2500 words or equivalent (35%), online activities (30%). Attendance at intensives is compulsory and 80% attendance is required to pass the unit of study. Mode of delivery: Block mode
In this unit, students learn how to communicate effectively with respect to health risks, both to individuals with health concerns, and with respect to risks to the public. The first half covers individual health risk communication in clinical settings, including: theories of health communication, patient centred care and shared decision making; evidence-based communication skills; research paradigms including interaction analysis; cross-cultural communication in health care; discussing prognosis; and informed consent. The second half explores risk communication for public health, including: how to effectively manage outbreak or other crisis situations; how to communicate about issues where the risk is low but ublic concern is high (such as with respect to the fluoridation of water); and how to best manage controversies. We teach theories of risk perception and communication with particular application to public health incident responses. We give practical guides to media messages, risk message framing, public engagement, traditional and social media, and the ethical aspects of public communication. The unit offers students the opportunity to learn from outstanding guest lecturers who work in these areas and interactive opportunities for students to try their skills in risk communication and decision making.
Textbooks
Students are provided with a list of readings (in digital format). Most supplementary readings can be accessed through the library or online.
PUBH5555 Lifestyle and Chronic Disease Prevention

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Associate Professor Philayrath Phongsavan, Dr Josephine Chau Session: Semester 2 Classes: 2-hour x12 weekly lectures 9 weeks of online tutorials Prerequisites: PUBH5033 Assessment: 1x1500 words individual assignment (25%) 1x2500 words individual assignment (50%) 1x5mins online oral presentation (10%), anonymised peer evaluation according to pre-determined criteria based on academic content using peer evaluation form; final mark will be the median of all the peer marks asynchronous tutorial participation (15%) defined as making at least 4 considered posts per tutorial, posts that contribute and build on the discussion rather than just endorse earlier posts of others Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
The prevention and control of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) or chronic diseases - mainly diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, chronic respiratory diseases, and cancers - involves shared risk factors. This unit introduces students to the principles of primordial and primary prevention and control of NCD risk factors, specifically tobacco use, harmful use of alcohol, physical inactivity, unhealthy diets, salt reduction, and obesity prevention. This unit provides an integrated exploration of the current state-of-the-art in research and practice for addressing these preventable 'lifestyle' risk factors. The emphasis is on primordial and primary prevention strategies, rather than the management of NCDs in those already with chronic disease. This solutions-focused unit comprises specific modules about each of tobacco control, harmful alcohol consumption, physical activity, nutrition and health, salt and health, and obesity prevention. By the end of this unit, students will understand the dynamic relationships between the key risk factors, and the important role of primary prevention approaches to reducing lifestyle risks that are precursors to NCDs.
Textbooks
None, Readings will be provided