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Bachelor of Health Sciences

The information on this page applies to future students. Current students should refer to their faculty handbooks for course information.

BE A CORPORATE HEALTH PROFESSIONAL: The Bachelor of Health Sciences prepares graduates to work in corporate roles in health, in the professions that are crucial in keeping the health system running, but do not involve the direct treatment of patients. They include systems analysts, communications specialists, liaison officers as well as project and case managers, to name a few. Professions such as these are key drivers in the areas of health education, research, policy, management and health advocacy. See Course outcomes and further study below for more information.

The Bachelor of Health Sciences examines the political, social, behavioural, environmental, economic and international contexts of health and is modelled to meet the needs of the modern health care sector both in Australia and abroad. It will equip you with breadth and depth in your understanding and challenge you to critically analyse the current state of affairs in health, as well as promote finding new and creative solutions to the ‘big issues’ facing the health, disability and rehabilitation sector in Australia and internationally.
To download the Bachelor of Health Sciences brochure . http://sydney.edu.au/health_sciences/bhlthsci/bhlthsci_brochure.pdf

Majors

Units of study

Units of study overview

Full units of study list

Further course information

Study plan

Candidates complete 24 credit points (cp) in health sciences in first year, introducing the foundations of the discipline, approaches to research, health determinants and interventions, and health care resources and systems. As first year requires the completion of 48cp in total, candidates also complete core junior units of study in biology and psychology (minimum 6cp in each subject area) and 12cp from another subject area which will provide the prerequisites to commence a second major. Second year also comprises 48cp and candidates normally build on their health sciences foundation year while also exploring intermediate studies in their second major. Over second and third years, candidates are required to complete at least 24cp from a sequence of senior units of study in health sciences which include health and Indigenous populations, health service strategy and policy, health, ethics and the law, and evidence-based health care. Subject to meeting progression requirements, candidates admitted to the honours year in the Bachelor of Health Sciences complete a research proposal (6cp) in semester 2 of their third year of study.

Progression rules

A major in the Bachelor of Health Sciences requires the completion of 24 credit points (cp) of junior core units of study in the health sciences, a core psychology unit of study (6cp), a core biology unit of study (6cp), and 24cp chosen from senior units of study listed in the health sciences table for that major. Progression to senior units of study is subject to the satisfactory completion of all prerequisite junior units of study. A second major may be undertaken in health sciences or in a related discipline or subject area offered by another faculty. candidates complete these majors according to the progression of the faculty or discipline concerned.

What is a major?

A major is a sequence of units of study in a single subject area. Completion of two majors is a requirement of the Bachelor of Health Sciences. A health sciences major totalling 60 credit points (cp) requires the completion of 24cp of junior core units of study in the health sciences, a core psychology unit of study (6cp), a core biology unit of study (6cp), and 24cp chosen from senior units of study listed in the health sciences table for that major. A required second major may be chosen from the health sciences in hearing and speech or movement science. Alternatively, the second major may be completed in a discipline offered by another faculty.

Your choice of second major
In addition to the sequence of subjects within the health major that deliver broader knowledge in health systems, you can choose a second major in the area that best suits your career goals and interests. Nine second majors are offered from across the University, seven of which are from other faculties. Most second majors can be selected at the end of the first year of study, giving you time to make an informed choice about your preferred study path. Approved majors offered by other faculties are: anatomy and histology, industrial relations and human resource management, management, marketing, psychology, sociology and language.

What is an elective?

An elective is a unit of study within a degree, usually an option within a course. Electives allow more detailed study of a particular subject and may contribute to the completion of a major. Electives can be selected from the Faculty of Health Sciences or from other faculties within the university, subject to permission from the Faculty of Health Sciences.

Course opportunities

Faculty of Health Sciences (FHS) students have been working collaboratively on community projects in the developing world for more than 30 years, enriching their understanding of global health and making a lasting difference in communities worldwide. As part of the Bachelor of Health Sciences eligible candidates have the opportunity to take part in the FHS Abroad program which involves academic study and a four to six week placement with non-government organisations and other development agencies in one of a small number of countries in South and South East Asia. This 6 credit point elective unit of study is available to candidates in their senior years and offers a hands-on understanding of global health challenges in an overseas community through work with two well established Australian volunteer agencies.

Course outcomes and further study

Graduate opportunities

THE RISE OF CORPORATE ROLES IN HEALTH:
The direction of health care is changing. Increasing demand for cutting-edge health services has created employment opportunities within the private and public health sectors. This environment requires a broader perspective of health in order to align teams of different health professionals within various health contexts. The professionals who do this must have sound project management skills and the ability to coordinate health programs. They must be able to critically evaluate from an overarching viewpoint, and be without preconceived biases from any particular health profession. They must also have standard business skills like financial management to be able to cost various treatments and manage budgets. These types of professionals occupy corporate roles in health, disability and rehabilitation and the Bachelor of Health Sciences equips graduates with the skills needed to get there.

KEEPING THE HEALTH SYSTEM RUNNING: Like broader arts and science degrees, professions leading from the Bachelor of Health Sciences cannot always be specifically defined. They often cross industries and departments and are not limited to any particular profession. A Bachelor of Health Sciences could lead to a number of careers http://sydney.edu.au/health_sciences/forms/bhlthsci_corporate_roles_in_health.pdf

Course accreditation

The Bachelor of Health Sciences is not a course providing opportunities for professional accreditation, but rather a foundation award to prepare students for corporate roles in health or for admission to specialised further study, such as one of our graduate entry master's courses, a higher degree by research, or other training toward a professional qualification.

Further study

The Bachelor of Health Sciences can lead you onto research in any number of areas due to the exposure you will gain across the health sciences disciplines. Students can pursue research by undertaking Honours under the supervision of researchers working on cutting-edge projects. In addition to obtaining an education that can lead to a corporate role in health or research, you can also use the BHlthSci as a foundation to undertake one of the many graduate entry master’s programs and become a qualified health professional. This route to professional practice has several advantages.
MAKE AN INFORMED CHOICE: you do not need to be certain on your profession straight out of high school - take the time to find your niche. This is ideal if you feel you need to take time to explore the options available to you in health.
SHIFT THE FOCUS OF YOUR CAREER AT A LATER STAGE: the broader skills you acquire as part of your BHlthSci make professional transition smoother; e.g. if you wish to progress to management roles after practising for several years.
ENTER YOUR PROFESSION WITH A BACHELOR'S AND A MASTER'S DEGREE: this will make you a competitive candidate for a broad range of careers.
APPROACH YOUR PRACTICE WITH AN UNDERSTANDING OF HEALTH CONTEXTS: The BHlthSci examines the political, social, behavioural, environmental, economic and international contexts of health. Your ability to review and analyse these issues will contribute to your professional practice, making you a well rounded health professional.
FOLLOW THE INTERNATIONAL MODEL: to work overseas, some countries require professional qualifications to be gained at the master’s level.

About honours

The Honours program allows you to specialise in a niche area of personal interest, develops your research skills and increases your employment prospects. Admission is competitive, and students who are offered a place in the honours program must have demonstrated consistent, high level performance throughout their studies; be eligible for the award of a pass degree and be judged to have the aptitude to conduct a research project.

Here is just a small number of potential honours projects you could work on:

• Friction and strength: Investigation of the grip performance of
rock climbers
• Can you learn pathology in less than a second?
• Community attitudes towards older people
• Breast screening practices among South East Asian women
living in Sydney
• Injury prevalence and characteristics in elite junior rugby
league players
• Energy drink and alcohol consumption in Australia
• Risk status and resilience in families with parents with
intellectual disability
• Life history and health
• Improving MRI according to human perception
http://sydney.edu.au/health_sciences/future_students/undergraduate/honours

Admission

Admission requirements

Admission to this course is on the basis of a secondary school leaving qualification such as the NSW Higher School Certificate (including national and international equivalents), tertiary study or an approved preparation program. English language requirements must be met where these are not demonstrated by sufficient qualifications taught in English. Special admission pathways are open for domestic mature aged applicants who do not possess a school leaving qualification, educationally disadvantaged applicants and for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Applicants are ranked by merit and offers for available places are issued according to the ranking.

Assumed knowledge

There are no prerequisites for admission, however candidates who have studied chemistry at HSC level find this to be advantageous.

How to apply

Domestic students

How to apply

Applications for the University's undergraduate courses are made through the Universities Admission Centre (UAC) www.uac.edu.au. On-time applications for the March Semester close on the last working day of September. There is no July intake for any of our undergraduate courses. For more information visit: http://sydney.edu.au/future_students/domestic_undergraduate/admissions/

International students

How to apply

Overseas applicants may apply (i) directly to the University's International Office, (ii) through a University overseas representative (education agent), or (iii) through the Universities Admissions Centre, for students applying on the basis of a current Australian Year 12 secondary school examination, or studying either an International Baccalaureate in Australia or a New Zealand Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA) Level 3.
For more information http://sydney.edu.au/future_students/international_undergraduate/admissions/how_to_apply/

Fee disclaimer

Domestic students

Indicative Undergraduate Student Contribution Amount

This student contribution amount for a Commonwealth Supported Place is an indication only of the fees that are payable by you in the calendar year you commence your course, commencing in 2012 for a standard annual full time load of 48 credit points (1.0 EFTSL). The exact student contribution that you pay will depend on the specific units of study in which you ultimately enrol. If you are a Commonwealth supported student and was enrolled in a University course before 1 January 2011 your student contribution may differ.

For further information about how to calculate your specific total student contribution, please refer to the University's Future Student's online webpages at http://sydney.edu.au/future_students/domestic_undergraduate/costs/calculating_costs.shtml

Annual review

Importantly, student contribution amounts are subject to annual review by the University, and are likely to increase each year of your period of study (subject to a Commonwealth specified cap), effective at the start of each calendar year.

Additional incidental fees

For some courses there are incidental fees additional to the student contribution. Some of those fees are significant, for example, faculty-specific materials, tools, protected clothing, and equipment. For further information about these additional incidental fees, please visit the University's Future Student's online webpage at http://sydney.edu.au/future_students

Potential for inaccuracy

Whilst every reasonable effort has been made to include correct and up to date information here, you are also advised to consult directly with the Student Centre for domestic students or the International Office for international students so that they can provide you with specific and up to date information about those fees.

International students

Indicative international tuition fees for undergraduate students

This international tuition fee is an indication only of the fees that are payable by you in the calendar year you commence your course, commencing in 2012 for a standard annual full time load of 48 credit points (1.0 EFTSL). The exact tuition fees that you pay will depend on the specific units of study in which you ultimately enrol.

For further information about how to calculate your specific total tuition fees, please refer to the University's webpage at http://sydney.edu.au/future_students/international_undergraduate/costs_scholarships/index.shtml

Annual review

Importantly, tuition fees are subject to annual review, and are likely to increase each year of your period of study, effective at the start of each calendar year.

Additional incidental fees and health insurance

For some courses there are incidental fees additional to the tuition fees. Some of those fees are significant, for example, faculty-specific materials, tools, protected clothing, and equipment. For further information about these additional incidental fees, please visit the University's Future Student's online webpage at http://sydney.edu.au/future_students/international_undergraduate

In addition to the fees indicated here for the course of study, International Students studying on an Australian Student Visa must have appropriate health insurance for the duration of their studies on a Student Visa through an approved provider of the Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) scheme. This is a requirement of the Australian Government, unless otherwise exempted by the Government.

Potential for inaccuracy

Whilst every reasonable effort has been made to include correct and up to date information here, you are also advised to consult directly with the Student Centre for domestic students or the International Office for international students so that they can provide you with specific and up to date information about those fees.