Units

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Sample subject outline - Semester 1 2013

Note: Subject outlines often change before the semester begins. Below is a sample outline.

Rationale

This unit is relevant for students in professional roles including public health, prehospital care and health service management. The unit is designed to give a broad overview of the system of health care in Australia and its operation. This knowledge is essential for anyone who is seeking to achieve the best outcomes for patients and the community.

Aims

The aim of this unit is to develop your understanding of the system of health care in Australia and its methods of operation.

Objectives

On completion of this unit students should be able to:
1. Describe the context of health and health care in Australia
2. Describe health care services, their organisation, governance and methods of operation
3. Explain current and emerging trends in the Australian health care system
4. Analyse and discuss current health care delivery issues.

Content

Topics addressed include:

1. The context in which health care is provided including historical, social, demographic and epidemiological influences, the impact of government, policy and politics, the conceptual and ethical basis of health, the organisation of health services and the economic influence on health.
2. The organisation and governance of health services including the roles of governments, the legislative framework, systems of governance and the perspectives of stakeholders.
3. Health resources including finance, human resources, technology, pharmaceuticals and capital infrastructure.
4. Current issues in the health industry including the role and scope of health services, demand, quality and safety and performance.
5. Health reform including the principles for health reform, current proposals for health reform and national and international models of reform.

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

This unit will be available in internal and external mode permitting flexible approaches to learning.

We will provide information through multiple sources including lecture, tutorials and on-line podcasts and discussions supported by written materials including a study guide and contemporary readings. Students will supported by your tutors through both face to face and on-line means. Key industry based experts will be involved in some of the lectures presenting current and real health system issues.

Items of assessment have been designed as a means of learning and to complement the information provided.

Assessment

This unit has three (3) assessments to be completed as you progress through the semester.You will be provided with written feedback on each piece of assessment as these occur throughout the semester. You will be required to complete the workbook exercises for Module 1 by week 4 and to discuss these with your tutor. This will provide you with feedback on your grasp of the workbook material.

Assessment name: Examination (Theory)
Description: Invigilated exam
The examination (a closed book exam of multiple choice and short answer questions) will test your knowledge and understanding of the unit content. It will be held on campus during examination week.
Relates to objectives: 1-4
Weight: 40%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Examination Period

Assessment name: Workbook
Description: Short answer questions
The study guide includes exercises that test and reinforce your comprehension of the material. Students will complete these exercises and submit responses on the Blackboard site.
Relates to objectives: 2-3
Weight: 20%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Mid semester

Assessment name: Essay
Description: Students will be required to write a 1,500 word essay on a topic to be presented to you at the beginning of the semester. This topic will be a current issue confronting the health system and will test your ability to demonstrate your understanding of the system and the way in which this issue will be influenced by the system's structure, organisation and performance.
Relates to objectives: 1-4
Weight: 40%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: End of semester

Academic Honesty

QUT is committed to maintaining high academic standards to protect the value of its qualifications. To assist you in assuring the academic integrity of your assessment you are encouraged to make use of the support materials and services available to help you consider and check your assessment items. Important information about the university's approach to academic integrity of assessment is on your unit Blackboard site.

A breach of academic integrity is regarded as Student Misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties.

Resource materials

There is no prescribed textbook for this unit. You will be provided with a detailed study guide and reference materials at the commencement of the unit.

Risk assessment statement

There are no out of the ordinary risks in this unit except for those associated with substantial computer-based work. You should ensure that you take regular rest breaks when engaging in prolonged computer-based work.

Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of semester.

Last modified: 17-Oct-2012