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Unit outline_

HSBH1003: Health, Behaviour and Society

Semester 1, 2024 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Why do people make the health decisions they do, even though they sometimes seem like the wrong ones? How do social and psychological factors affect people’s health outcomes? This unit introduces you to key areas of psychology and sociology relevant to health and wellbeing that will be important tools for understanding and practicing in health and wellbeing, by helping you to understand the lives of those people you will help through your work. The unit aims to develop a 'sociological imagination', which is a quality of mind that will be used to prompt you to question common­sense assumptions regarding health and wellbeing. You will also gain familiarity with some key areas of contemporary psychology.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit Health Sciences
Credit points 6
Prerequisites
? 
None
Corequisites
? 
None
Prohibitions
? 
BACH1130 or BACH1132 or BACH1133 or BACH1134 or BACH1161 or BACH1165
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

No

Teaching staff

Coordinator Ryan Naylor, ryan.naylor@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s) Roxanna Pebdani, roxanna.pebdani@sydney.edu.au
Ryan Naylor, ryan.naylor@sydney.edu.au
Lisa Vaccaro, lisa.vaccaro@sydney.edu.au
Andrew Baillie, andrew.baillie@sydney.edu.au
Leigh Wilson, leigh.wilson@sydney.edu.au
Elise Bogart, elise.bogart@sydney.edu.au
Shane Clifton, shane.clifton@sydney.edu.au
Melanie Keep, melanie.keep@sydney.edu.au
Tutor(s) Robyn Johnson, robyn.johnson@sydney.edu.au
Anita Amorim, anita.amorim@sydney.edu.au
Don Nocum, don.nocum@sydney.edu.au
Gianina Raymundo, gianina.raymundo@sydney.edu.au
Kate Thomson, kate.thomson@sydney.edu.au
The census date for this unit availability is 2 April 2024
Type Description Weight Due Length
Skills-based evaluation Communication skills demonstration
Demonstration of effective variation of communication skills with audience
30% Formal exam period
Due date: 01 Jun 2024 at 23:59
30 min equivalent
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO3 LO2
Assignment Reflective portfolio
Portfolio of professionalism plans and skill development reflection
30% Formal exam period
Due date: 01 Jun 2024 at 23:59
1500 words equivalent
Outcomes assessed: LO4 LO5
Assignment Case study analysis
Analysis of a case study using the frameworks presented in the unit
40% Formal exam period
Due date: 01 Jun 2024 at 23:59
2000 words or equivalent
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Creative assessment / demonstration hurdle task Interdisciplinary learning (IPL) Introductory Workshop
Compulsory attendance week 3 or 4 online and written activities.
0% Week 03 2 hour workshop plus written activities
Outcomes assessed: LO5
Creative assessment / demonstration Communication skills demonstration
#earlyfeedbacktask
0% Week 03
Due date: 04 Mar 2024 at 23:59
1 min
Outcomes assessed: LO2
Skills-based evaluation hurdle task Academic Honesty Module
Online skills assessment. Complete via the academic honesty Canvas site.
0% Week 04
Due date: 15 Mar 2024 at 23:59
1 hour
Outcomes assessed: LO4
hurdle task = hurdle task ?

Early feedback task

This unit includes an early feedback task, designed to give you feedback prior to the census date for this unit. Details are provided in the Canvas site and your result will be recorded in your Marks page. It is important that you actively engage with this task so that the University can support you to be successful in this unit.

Assessment summary

There are three main assignments in this unit, to assess your development of relevant knowledge and clinical skills. They are a: 

  • Case study analysis, in which you will submit an analysis of a case study, using the frameworks presented in this unit, along with a description of how healthcare professionals can influence the patient to make good healthcare decisions. Students will work in groups to perform the analysis, but can choose to submit their assignments alone if they prefer. Generative AI can be used to develop the ideas behind the analysis and improve the structure and writing. 
  • Demonstration of comunication skills, in which you will provide 3 short videos or live demonstrations of your ability to effectively moderate your communication style to be appropriate for patients from diverse backgrounds. You are not permitted to use generative AI for this assignment.
    • Additionally, as an early feedback task, you will submit a short recording to demonstrate your communication skills and introduce yourself to your tutor.
  • Reflective portfolio. During the course of the semester you will prepare a number of documents to demonstrate your professionalism skills (including an assessment plan), which you will submit alongside a short essay reflecting on your skill development during this course. Generative AI can be used to develop the ideas behind the analysis and improve the structure and writing. 

 

Hurdle assessments:

You must also successfully complete these tasks in order to pass this unit:

Interdisciplinary learning activity: Students are required to attend their timetabled learning activity (scheduled in either Week 3 or 4). They must also complete online and written activities. Information about this activity is available via the IPL Canvas site.

Academic honesty module: Students are required to successfully complete the academic honesty module by Week 4. The module is available via a separate Canvas site. For more information please refer to this site: https://sydney.edu.au/students/academic-integrity.html 

 

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on the HSBH1003 Canvas site.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2021 (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

 

Distinction

75 - 84

 

Credit

65 - 74

 

Pass

50 - 64

 

Fail

0 - 49

When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

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.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

The Academic Honesty Module and Interdisciplinary Learning Activities are barrier tasks which means they must be completed or students will not pass the unit. The early feedback task will not be available for simple extensions or special consideration. Other assignments will be subject to late penalties as described in university policy.

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.

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

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Week 01 Introduction to health and decision making: How do people make decisions? Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO3
Week 02 Introduction to health and decision making: What is health? Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Week 03 How to support health decisions as a clinician: Learning and behaviour change Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 04 How to support health decisions as a clinician: How healthcare works Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 05 How to support health decisions as a clinician: Effective communication Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 06 Individual and social determinants of health: Models of disability Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Week 07 Individual and social determinants of health: Mental health Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 08 Individual and social determinants of health: What does this mean in your discipline? (Academic panel) Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 09 No seminar due to ANZAC Day holiday. Tutorials will go ahead. Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 10 Individual and social determinants of health: Ethnicity, culture and cultural safety Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Week 11 Individual and social determinants of health: Gender and women's health Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Week 12 Being a clinician: Professionalism Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 13 Conclusion: Final questions and assignment help Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5

Attendance and class requirements

Class requirements:

All seminars and tutorials will be face-to-face. Seminars take place in weeks 1-13. Seminar recordings will be uploaded to Canvas following the seminar. Tutorials take place in weeks 2-13. Tutorials will not be recorded.

Attendance: Students are expected to attend all scheduled classes. Attendance is not compulsory, but is strongly recommended. Students who choose not to attend classes and learn only from seminar recordings achieve significantly lower average marks.

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

A list of set readings for each week is available on the HSBH1003 Canvas site.

You should study any set readings as they will help you understand material presented in the seminars and tutorials.

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.

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

  • LO1. Analyse the factors that influence health decision-making, including the individual's context, and explore the ways in which health professionals can influence these decisions to promote health and wellbeing.
  • LO2. Demonstrate effective communication skills when interacting with patients from diverse backgrounds, fostering mutual understanding and enhancing the quality and safety of healthcare.
  • LO3. Articulate the unique health contexts of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, recognising the social, cultural, and historical factors that impact health and wellbeing, and apply them to professional practice.
  • LO4. Evaluate and apply professionalism skills, as demonstrated through effective planning, organisation, self-care and self-regulation strategies.
  • LO5. Develop and apply interdisciplinary learning and knowledge of the Australian healthcare systems

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
GQ1 GQ2 GQ3 GQ4 GQ5 GQ6 GQ7 GQ8 GQ9

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

This unit has been redesigned to better support the needs of students.

The Canvas E-Learning Management System (LMS) supports the teaching in this unit. Material presented in seminars will be posted in the week prior to the seminar on the LMS site. Seminar recordings will be posted after the seminar.

The site also contains information about assessment, links to the weekly online quizzes, set readings, tutorial information, announcements and updates. You should go to the site at least twice a week. You will access online learning activities that complement the online quiz program through the LMS site.

You must read all unit materials, announcements on the site and all emails sent to your student email address to ensure you do not miss important announcements about assessment, classes or content.

 

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.