Outline

Overview

In this capstone unit students work independently to develop a complete proposal for a policy that could be implemented in the real world. This unit builds on the skills developed in HPOL5003 and HPOL5008 and enables students to apply the knowledge they have gained across their degree. Drawing on their work experience or interests, students will choose a topic for their policy project, which must be approved by the Unit Coordinator. By the conclusion of the project, students will have developed a complete policy document including: a clearly articulated policy problem; an appraisal of relevant evidence and possible options; identification of an appropriate policy solution; an analysis of the environment in which the policy will be introduced; and a plan for implementation and evaluation. The project will be presented at the final workshop or online via recorded video. By the end of this unit students will be able to: Identify and articulate a problem that is amenable to a policy solution; Identify factors and stakeholders supporting and resisting policy change, and strategies required to facilitate adoption of policy change; Identify policy options and advocate for a policy solutions; Develop a clear plan for policy implementation, evaluation and funding; Effectively research, write and communicate a new policy.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Public Health
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	HPOL5003 and HPOL5008
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	Operational knowledge of the structures and financing of health systems including the organisation of health systems, funding priorities and mechanisms, administration of health care, and the public-private mix, governance and accountability, and national and international health budgets and funding programs.
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Gai Moore, gabriel.moore@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Gai Moore, gabriel.moore@sydney.edu.au
Tutor(s)	Rakhee Raghunandan, rakhee.raghunandan@sydney.edu.au
	David Primrose, david.primrose@sydney.edu.au
	Amanda Rush, amanda.rush@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 2 September 2024

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length
Assignment	Written detailed policy proposal Written assessment	70%	Formal exam period Due date: 15 Nov 2024 at 23:59	5000 words
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Presentation Presentation	0%	Week -01 Due date: 26 Jul 2024 at 08:00	3 minutes
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Policy proposal questions Written assessment	0%	Week 03 Due date: 16 Aug 2024 at 23:59	350 words
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Detailed draft proposal Written assessment	10%	Week 06 Due date: 06 Sep 2024 at 23:59	1000-2000 words
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Presentation of the policy proposal Presentation	20%	Week 10 Due date: 11 Oct 2024 at 08:00	10 minutes
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Extensive draft of policy proposal Written assessment	0%	Week 12 Due date: 25 Oct 2024 at 23:59	4000-5000 words
Outcomes assessed:

Assessment summary

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85 - 100	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an exceptional standard, as defined in marking rubrics for individual assessments.
Distinction	75 - 84	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a very high standard, as defined in marking rubrics for individual assessments.
Credit	65 - 74	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a good standard, as defined in marking rubrics for individual assessments.
Pass	50 - 64	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an acceptable standard, as defined in marking rubrics for individual assessments.
Fail	0 - 49	When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see sydney.edu.au/students/guide-to-grades.

For more information see guide to grades.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The Current Student website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

You may only use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator. If you do use these tools, you must acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section. The assessment instructions or unit outline will give guidance of the types of tools that are permitted and how the tools should be used.

Your final submitted work must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of generative AI tools that have been used in the assessment, and any material that forms part of your submission must be appropriately referenced. For guidance on how to acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the AI in Education Canvas site.

The unapproved use of these tools or unacknowledged use will be considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and penalties may apply.

Studiosity is permitted unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission as detailed on the Learning Hub’s Canvas page.

Outside assessment tasks, generative AI tools may be used to support your learning. The AI in Education Canvas site contains a number of productive ways that students are using AI to improve their learning.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy 2023 reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy 2023. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Formal exam period	Submit your final detailed policy proposal (see Assessments)	Independent study (10 hr)
Week -01	Familiarise yourself with the documents under ‘Getting Started,’ ‘Unit Outline,’ Assessment, and Timetable on Canvas, including Supervisory expectations; Policy checklist; How you will be assessed.	Independent study (1 hr)
	Prepare a presentation on a policy problem/issue that you would like to address with your policy proposal (see Assessments)	Independent study (2 hr)
	Attend Workshop 1 where you will present your policy problem/issue and work through a series of tasks to develop skills in identifying problems and formulating policy solutions	Workshop (6 hr)
Week 03	Submit your policy proposal overview (see Assessments)	Independent study (5 hr)
	Attend webinar on developing policy solutions (including objectives, and aligning with drivers of problem)	Online class (2 hr)
	Work independently on your policy project, taking into account supervisor feedback.	Independent study (10 hr)
Week 04	Work independently on your policy project	Independent study (10 hr)
Week 05	Attend webinar on policy implementation and costing	Online class (2 hr)
Week 05	Work independently on your policy project	Independent study (10 hr)
Week 06	Work independently on your policy project, contacting supervisor as needed. Submit detailed policy proposal outline (see Assessments)	Independent study (10 hr)
Week 07	Work independently on your policy project.	Independent study (10 hr)
	Attend webinar on policy evaluation and communicating policy	Online class (2 hr)
	Review the resources on Writing a good policy proposal	Independent study (1 hr)
Week 08	Work independently on your policy project	Independent study (10 hr)
Week 09	Work independently on your policy project	Independent study (10 hr)
Week 10	Attend Workshop 2 where you will present your policy proposal (see Assessments)	Workshop (6 hr)
Week 11	Work independently on your policy project	Independent study (10 hr)
Week 12	Submit a draft of your policy proposal (see Assessments)	Independent study (10 hr)
Week 13	Work independently on your policy project	Independent study (10 hr)
Week 14 (STUVAC)	Work independently on your policy project	Independent study (10 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Students are required to attend both full day workshops (Week -1 and Week 10) either face-to-face or via zoom. Online students who cannot attend on the day of the workshop are expected to watch workshop recordings and complete associated online activities.

All students are expected to attend the three evening webinars via zoom (Weeks 3, 5 and 7).

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

All readings for this unit can be accessed through the Library Leganto reading list service, available on Canvas.

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. Identify and articulate a problem that is amenable to a policy solution
LO2. Identify factors and stakeholders supporting and resisting policy change, and strategies required to facilitate adoption of policy change
LO3. Identify policy options and advocate for a policy solution
LO4. Develop a clear plan for policy implementation, evaluation and funding
LO5. Effectively research, write and communicate a new policy

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

In response to feedback, a template for the policy brief is provided to guide students in preparing their policy proposal.

Additional information

Work, health and safety

There are no specific WHS requirements for this unit.

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

Media

Student links

About us

Connect

Current students

HPOL5009: Health Policy Project

Semester 2, 2024 [Block mode] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

Media

Student links

About us

Connect