Health

LQB280 Genes, Genomes and Genetics

Molecular genetics underpins the diagnostics and treatment of many inherited and acquired diseases. Central to the approaches currently being applied to understand complex life processes is the ability to interrogate and interpret the molecular genetic information stored in DNA, RNA or protein (i.e., bioinformatics and genomics). Such information not only underpins our identification and understanding of the particular disease state but also points to potential options for treatment. Higher-level studies in the life sciences, and specifically the health-related sciences, require an understanding of these basic theoretical and practical concepts and approaches to interrogating the genomes of humans and other organisms.

LQB285 Pathophysiology for Health Professionals

This unit will introduce students to pathophysiology (study of disease processes), and will address the predominant disorders affecting Australians across the lifespan, particularly those identified by the National Health Priority Areas as contributing significantly to disability and death in Australia. This unit will build on foundational knowledge of the normal structure and function of the human body developed in your foundational Anatomy and Physiology unit. An understanding of diseases gained within this unit will prepare students for subsequent health assessment and nursing practice within the Integrated Nursing Practice units.

LQB286 Quantitative Skills for Health Scientists

Quantitative Skills for Health Scientists develops and reinforces key foundational numerical literacy, practical and quantitative skills which are required for practicing biomedical and/or medical laboratory scientists. The unit provides opportunities to apply these skills through collaborative workshops which provide a forum for practically applying numerical skills and data analysis, to enhance scientific communication in the biomedical sciences. This unit is designed to expand students' knowledge of important skills and competencies in numeracy, mathematical operations, data collection and analysis, and biostatistics, that provide a strong foundation for continuing studies in the broad range of biomedical disciplines and related health areas.

LQB382 Developmental Anatomy and Tissue Adaptation

The human body is very responsive to its environment, both in terms of genetic cues during embryological development and hormonal and mechanical signals during post-natal ageing. This unit will explore a number of key embryological processes where tissue patterning results in the formation of the nervous, muscular, skeletal and cardiovascular organ systems, and provides the foundational understanding of the mechanisms responsible for anatomical variation in the human body. Furthermore the ability of tissues to adapt to their environment will be discussed by building understanding of tissue biomechanics and the effects of trauma and ageing on the human body; where you will have the opportunity to design, implement and analyse experimental data in a bone strength research project. This developmental unit builds on foundational knowledge gained in first year anatomy and provides keystone knowledge and skills to advance into further units in Anatomical Sciences.

LQB389 Regional and Sectional Anatomy for Radiation Therapy

A detailed knowledge and understanding of regional and cross-sectional anatomy is a basic requirement for radiation therapists working in clinical and diagnostic settings to excel in their performance in radiotherapeutic procedures. This unit provides theoretical knowledge and practical skills in the identification and description of biological structures in the anatomical regions of the human body. These regions include the head, neck, back, thorax, abdomen, pelvis and perineum, with a focus on the lymphatic system.

LQB390 Regional and Sectional Anatomy for Medical Imaging

A detailed knowledge and understanding of regional and cross-sectional anatomy is a basic requirement for diagnostic and therapeutic radiographers to excel in their performance in imaging procedures. This unit provides theoretical knowledge and practical skills in the identification and description of biological structures in the anatomical regions of the human body. These regions include the head, neck, back, thorax, abdomen, pelvis and perineum, and the upper and lower limbs.

LQB429 Quality and Analysis in Clinical Biochemistry

Quality and Analysis in Clinical Biochemistry develops previous work undertaken in LQB286 and LQB381.  This second-year unit introduces quality assurance, analyses, automated technologies, and clinical topics relevant to real world chemical pathology laboratories.  Assays must be performed with accuracy and precision, and data and results validated according to quality standards, and troubleshooting skills also developed. With emphasis on the knowledge, skills and values required for good laboratory practice, and a commitment to high quality results, this unit prepares you for more complex procedures and clinical topics in the third-year unit LQB529 Chemical Pathology.

LQB462 Microbial Diagnostics

Medical microbiologists investigate microorganisms, those found within a human host as normal regional flora and those that cause human infectious diseases. This unit will introduce you to the diversity of microorganisms, the spectrum of infectious disease states, methods for the detection and identification of aetiological agents, and directed and supportive therapies for treating infections. In this unit you will develop expertise in the laboratory techniques applied in the diagnostic microbiology laboratory, the ability to interpret the significance of diagnostic testing results, and to communicate these results and your recommendations to medical professionals. This unit is positioned in the developmental phase of your course and assumes proficiency in the laboratory skills and theoretical learning from first and second year in LQB181, LQB292 and LQB362. Combined with LQB562 in third year, LQB462 will prepare you for employment in a diagnostic microbiology laboratory.

LQB481 Biochemical Pathways and Metabolism

The study of biochemistry, along with cell and molecular biology, provides you with the knowledge required for an effective understanding of the structure and function of living organisms at the molecular level. This unit advances the studies begun in LQB381 Biochemistry and further develops your knowledge and understanding of biochemical and molecular studies into metabolic pathways and processes occurring in living cells with a focus on human metabolism in health and disease. This unit provides you with a knowledge base and skills for advanced studies in biochemistry, as well as support for higher level units in life science and allied health courses.

LQB485 Cell Biology

Understanding the role of cells and how their cellular components are fundamental to a healthy life is crucial for your understanding of how they become disregulated in disease and how individual components might be targeted to treat diseases. This unit builds on your knowledge of cellular components to examine how these come together structurally and functionally to build cells and tissues that function as part of a whole organism capable of surviving and protecting itself from disease and trauma. It will provide a platform for students undertaking the final year cell and molecular biotechnology units. This unit will provide hands on laboratory experience working with cells and will enhance skills in assessing, summarising and placing biomedical research in the context of health and disease.

LQB488 Medical Physiology 2

An appreciation of how the human body works is an important prerequisite to understanding the basis of health, disease, diagnostic technologies and treatment strategies. This unit deals specifically with the physiological systems that are responsible for the maintenance of health in humans. It therefore provides a useful frame of reference for students enrolled in biomedical science, nutrition and dietetics, exercise science, medical engineering or any of the biological sciences. In the course of the semester you will investigate half the systems that constitute the human body with the remainder dealt with in the first semester unit Medical Physiology 1 (LQB388).

LQB494 Viruses and Viral Pathogenesis

This unit is designed for students in biomedical sciences, to provide a strong grounding in the field of virology and to expand on the fundamental mechanisms and processes that underpin the pathogenic potential of select viruses. This unit is a core unit in the infection and immunity strand, building on concepts introduced in Principles of Infection and Immunity (LQB292). LQB494 continues the study of the virus-host interactions with a focus on microbe-specific factors that underlie infectious disease progression, knowledge necessary for further studies of more advanced molecular virology analyses. You will develop a strong, fundamental knowledge of virology and industry-relevant skills, using cutting-edge technology in laboratory classes, to prepare you for a career in biomedical research, medical biotechnology and postgraduate studies in biomedical science.  

LQB495 Molecular Genomics

This unit provides high-level training in human molecular pathology to provide clinical and research scientists with the core knowledge and practical skills for the detection and clinical interpretation of germline and somatic chromosomal genomic disorders. This unit will provide a foundation applicable to diagnostic molecular genomic and research laboratories.

LQB600 Pharmacology

An understanding of pharmacology and how drugs interact with physiological systems is important for biomedical scientists. This unit will extend your knowledge of systems physiology/pathophysiology gained in Medical Physiology 1 (LQB388) and Medical Physiology 2 (LQB488) and help you understand the principles behind the use of medicines, as well as the rationale for the development of new drugs. There will be an emphasis on learning about the major mechanisms of drug action. This unit will focus on common diseases and a number of body systems, including the peripheral and central nervous systems, cardiovascular system, respiratory system and endocrine system. This unit will prepare you for working in the field of clinical physiology, or for further studies in allied health, or medicine, and provide an understanding of the physiological basis of pharmacology for students interested in undertaking research in this exciting specialism.

LQB601 Cancer Biology

Cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide and research into its treatment and prevention has significantly improved cancer mortality rates. This unit will build upon knowledge and skills acquired from Cell and Molecular Biology (LQB182); Human Health and Disease Concepts (LQB281), Cell Biology (LQB485), and other Biomedical Science units to specifically inform the study of cancer biology and the implementation of technologies employed to investigate this complex group of diseases. This unit has a substantial practical focus and will prepare students for further study in medical or biomedical fields, or for biomedical research. Cancer is a major research priority at QUT and this unit will provide a strong foundation for undertaking Higher Degree Research in this field. The unit will also deliver a hands-on experience in cancer research laboratory techniques that will ably equip cell and molecular biology students intending to enter the workforce following graduation.

LQB608 Extreme Physiology

This unit is designed for students undertaking the human physiology major in the Bachelor of Biomedical Science. You will integrate and apply knowledge obtained from Medical Physiology 1 (LQB388) and Medical Physiology 2 (LQB488) to study a number of advanced topics in physiology. In addition you will develop your ability to discuss, interpret and critically analyse important scientific issues. By successfully completing this unit you will be able to demonstrate a range of important skills including critical thinking, team work, planning, scientific writing, time-management, problem-solving and organisation skills. This unit has a very strong practical focus and you will investigate physiological problems independently and as a member of a team. These skills will prepare you for postgraduate study (such as the Bachelor of Biomedical Science - Honours), to work in biomedical research or for a career in clinical physiology.

LQB670 Anatomical Dissection

The ability to navigate the human body and its composite tissues is strengthened through the dissection of human donor bodies. This unit focuses on developing anatomical dissection skills at the Medical Engineering Research Facility at Prince Charles Hospital campus on whole human donor bodies. In teams, through the synthesis of an anatomical prosection for teaching purposes your skills in entrepreneurial thinking, communication, self-management, judgement, digital problem solving, digital creation and interpersonal relationships will be tested. The semester will conclude with an Anatomical Showcase, where peers and academics are invited to view your designs and critically evaluate your technical and communicative skills. This advanced unit forms the capstone for Study Area A Anatomical Sciences in the Bachelor of Biomedical Science and provides ideal skills for those considering research careers utilising animal models and graduate destinations in Medicine and Allied Health.

LQB682 Biomolecular Design

Biomolecular Design provides an advanced theoretical and practical foundation for careers in biomedical research, development, and biotechnology. It focuses on the methodologies and applications of protein-based analytical technologies, which are relevant for biomedical research, and therapeutic development. You will explore these technologies gaining hands-on experience in laboratory-based approaches while also developing the critical thinking skills required for evaluating emerging technologies. Building on prior studies in biochemistry and molecular biology, this unit equips you with essential competencies for experimental design, data analysis, and problem-solving in biological research. Additionally, it extends your understanding for broader applications, including regulatory considerations, technology assessment, and intellectual property.

LQB683 Diagnostic Cytopathology

The goal of cytopathology is to predict the underlying histology of lesions using small samples obtained by minimally invasive methods. The results are used to direct patient management and often involve the integration of diagnostic tests you have developed and applied in earlier units, such as histology, immunohistochemistry and molecular pathology. This unit builds on the knowledge and practical skills you have gained in LSB466 and LSB566 to expand your practical/technical and diagnostic skills. This unit prepares you for employment in a diagnostic cytopathology laboratory and introduces the types of specimens reported, methods of processing applied and the cytological features used to diagnose tumours and benign conditions.

LQB684 Advances in Medical Biotechnology

This unit has a focus on learning by doing.  Students design their own experimental methods, conduct research, collect data and analyze their results. Students focus their research project on one of the below questions in personalized medicine; Bio-Organoids: A cellular based research project utilizing 3D tissue culture, cellular assays and immunofluorescence. Genomic medicine: A dry-lab research project using GWAS to gain biological insight and tailor patient clinical management. Biomolecular analysis: Using advanced level biochemical assays including chromatographic and electrophoretic techniques. The research is complemented by an understanding of emerging treatments for health problems in remote Australia and Indigenous communities. You will further develop your scientific research and analytical skills and design innovative solutions for improving modern healthcare.

LQB693 Immunological Approaches for Research

Our immune system has evolved to discriminate between self and non-self in order to protect us against disease and to avoid autoimmune responses and disease. Understanding how our immune system works will allow an appreciation of the analyses, and their performance, required to monitor its function in health and disease. As one of the final units in the infection and immunity learning progression, this unit will collate the fundamental and advanced knowledge of immunology covered in the Biomedical Sciences' Infection and Immunity study area and illustrate the application of this knowledge and understanding by immunologists to recent real-world research focus areas. This approach will assist with your transition from university study into research career paths that understand and employ immunological research methods to investigate immunological study areas.

LQB694 Infectious Disease Outbreaks

Infectious diseases continue to be a major public health concern in Australia and globally. The emergence of drug-resistant bacteria and viruses that cause disease outbreaks and epidemics is a significant global health burden. Microbiologists play an essential role in the detection and management of infectious diseases, they research the pathogenesis and epidemiology of microbial pathogens, and develop new diagnostic, preventative and therapeutic technologies to prepare for disease outbreaks. You will apply your knowledge and understanding of infectious diseases to recent, real world disease outbreaks. This unit will also expose you to researchers and industry experts from universities, hospitals, and government organisations that deal with infectious diseases on a daily basis and will provide you with insights into career opportunities in this field.

LQB697 Cytogenomics

This unit provides high-level training in human cytogenomics to provide clinical and research scientists with the knowledge and skills for the detection and clinical interpretation of germline and somatic chromosomal genomic disorders. This unit will provide a strong foundation applicable to diagnostic cytogenomic and research laboratories.

LQN102 Diagnostic Genetics

This foundational genomics unit examines the different types of molecular lesions encountered in human diagnostics and provides insight into how to select the most appropriate diagnostic platform to detect them.  You will learn about how to interpret results in order to communicate them to colleagues and referring physicians. Clinicians requesting and/or interpreting genetic test results for their patients will become familiar with these concepts to improve clinical practice. Students are required to verify their identification in this unit by displaying their student identification card during the assessment 1 oral presentation. Authentication of learning and verification of identity may be assessed by an online viva with the unit coordinator. 

LQN103 Genetic Technologies

This foundational genomics unit examines the key molecular technologies that can be applied to clinical diagnosis and human genetics research. Examples of different types of molecular lesions encountered in human genomics are used to demonstrate the selection of the most appropriate diagnostic platform.  You will learn about how to interpret results in order to communicate them to colleagues and referring physicians. Clinicians who interpret genetic test results for their patients will become familiar with these concepts to improve clinical care. Students are required to verify their identification in this unit by displaying their student identification card at the beginning of their assessment 2 oral presentation.

LQN202 Genomics Analysis

LQN203 Ethical, Legal and Social Issues in Genetics and Genomics

This unique interdisciplinary unit is specifically designed for students to gain in-depth perspectives of the ethical implications of genetics and genomics including the additional considerations which apply to genetic testing related to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples. In this unit, you will explore the ethical, legal, and social implications surrounding the practice of clinical genetics, medical testing, and scientific research. By examining these crucial issues, you will gain valuable insights into the complexities that govern the field and understand how you can contribute to shaping responsible and equitable practices in genetics.

LQN206 Cytogenomics

This unit provides high-level training in human cytogenomics and develops the skills to identify and appropriately investigate chromosomal abnormalities. This unit will enable scientists to apply critical thinking to interpret the clinical significance and prognosis of chromosomal abnormalities and to apply this reasoning to drive a wholistic, genome-wide approach to patient management. Clinical and research scientists working in cytogenomic laboratories will become knowledgeable of some of the germline and somatic conditions which are commonly referred to diagnostic cytogenomic laboratories and the pipelines using the technology currently employed in diagnostic cytogenomic laboratories to investigate these genomic abnormalities.  

LSB235 Anatomy of the Lower Limb

This is a foundational anatomy unit for clinical practice in Podiatry which requires a detailed understanding and knowledge of the systemic and regional anatomy of the lower limb. This unit introduces you to the theoretical and practical concepts of these two areas of anatomy. It builds on LQB187 Human Anatomy and prepares you for your clinical studies.

LSB466 Histological Techniques

Histological techniques are often essential for the diagnosis and management of disease, and therefore constitute an important skill set for medical laboratory scientists. Histological techniques are also widely used as a research tool for the analysis of tissue structure and thus are also valuable for biomedical scientists, especially for those interested in anatomical science. The purpose of this unit is to provide you with the opportunity to learn the theory underpinning basic histological techniques routinely used in clinical as well as research laboratories, and how they are applied and interpreted. The unit LSB466 Histological Techniques incorporates and builds upon your learning in LQB187 Human Anatomy.

LSB492 Microbiology

Optometrists require a strong knowledge base in microbiology for their professional practice and on which to base future studies within their discipline.A detailed knowledge of infectious agents, their structure, prevalence and pathogenicity will enable you to apply these concepts to infection control to prevent the transmission of disease and to understand the mode of action of antimicrobials. You will also study infectious agents that are aetiological agents of disease states of the eyes or of public health significance, and appropriate methods for the management and treatment of these disease states. Basic knowledge of biology and chemistry is assumed for this unit.

LSB655 Applied Clinical Haematology

Haematology is the study of blood and investigates non-malignant and malignant blood cell disorders, and abnormalities of the haemostatic system leading to an increased risk of bleeding or thrombosis. In order for you to work effectively and with confidence in a diagnostic haematology laboratory. It is essential you are able to identify and investigate the less frequently encountered disorders and complex malignancy cases. This unit is positioned in the developmental phase of the course and assumes knowledge and practical skills from LSB555.

LSB658 Clinical Physiology

Clinical Physiology (LSB658) is an advanced unit that will build upon your existing knowledge of disease processes gained in previous units. You will also utilise your accrued background knowledge gained throughout your course in anatomy and physiology, pharmacology and clinical practice to solve, and suggest treatment for, complex clinical cases.This unit will give you an in-depth understanding of the pathophysiology of a wide range of diseases/disorders with particular emphasis on disorders that are currently identified as areas of national health priority by the Australian National Medical Health and Research Council (NHMRC). The unit will further your skills in managing emergency situations by exposing you to new clinical scenarios with complex background pathophysiology, and assist you in developing new practical skills in clinical physiology instrumentation and data analysis.

LSB665 Transfusion and Transplantation Science

Medical scientists must be knowledgeable of transfusion and blood compatibility environment and competent in the laboratory procedures and practices required to provide a safe and reliable blood transfusion service. This involves immunohaematological knowledge, testing of blood samples for donors and patients, mainly in transfusion and pregnancy scenarios, and vigilance for quality outcomes. Transplantation science similarly involves compatibility assessment of donors and recipients, but for tissues other than blood. This unit is positioned in the late developmental phase of the course and requires that you have foundational knowledge in human immunology and haematology. This unit prepares you for employment in laboratories that participate in transfusion services, such as pathology/hospital bloodbanks.

CSB542 Professional Placement 2

This unit is a work integrated learning (WIL) unit in which you will complete clinical placements at external placement sites. This unit will build upon and broaden your clinical experience through exposure to a variety of WIL environments, while consolidating knowledge and skills acquired across the course. An appreciation of social determinants of health, foot health needs in the community, sustainability, healthcare innovation, entrepreneurial thinking and the professional role of podiatrists and their responsibilities within the community will be explored. This unit will develop your capacity for reflection, lifelong learning and entrepreneurial thinking in professional practice.  You will experience teamwork and collaboration with a range of health professionals in an interdisciplinary environment. This final semester unit is designed to prepare you for entry into the workplace upon graduation as a registered health professional.

CSB549 Podiatric Medicine 6

This unit is a work integrated learning (WIL) unit in which you will complete clinical placements in the QUT Podiatry Clinic. In this final semester, you should demonstrate proficiency in integrating knowledge and skills obtained throughout the course, applying them in a supervised clinical setting. Your clinical decisions should be person centered, culturally responsive, and informed by ethical and legal frameworks and evidence-based medicine. National and international medical, orthopaedic, pharmacological and podiatric perspectives guide the design, implementation and evaluation of complex patient management plans. At this point in the course (capstone unit), you should demonstrate clinical competencies at a level commensurate with professional capabilities for podiatrists, professional guidelines and codes of conduct.

CSN025 Principles of Medical Ultrasound

The field of medical ultrasound is scientifically based in an environment that is rapidly changing and undergoing considerable technological advancement. Understanding the physical processes of ultrasound, the equipment design features and the interactions of sound in human tissue are essential for professionals working in this field. This unit is offered as a foundation unit early in the program to ensure you have a fundamental understanding of the physical principles of ultrasound; the knowledge gained can then be applied directly to practice and to other units offered in the ultrasound courses.  

CSN037 Foundations of Ultrasound Imaging

This foundational unit will introduce the sonographic profession, regulatory bodies and professional standards, and equips practitioners with basic skills to perform high-quality, patient-centred ultrasound examinations. A particular emphasis of this unit is to provide a foundation for practical knowledge and skills. You will also obtain insights into the importance of scan ergonomics, sonographic anatomy and scientific literacy as they apply to the sonography profession. It is offered in the first semester to ensure you understand these primary skills before progressing to more advanced techniques. 

CSN500 Clinical Therapeutics for Health

The Clinical Therapeutics for Health unit provides you with specialised knowledge of biomedical science, pharmacology and clinical therapeutics in the context of professional clinical practice. More specifically, the unit focuses on advanced knowledge and skills for the safe and effective use of therapeutics and medicines using a Quality Use Medicines (QUM) framework relevant to your scope of practice as a health practitioner. The unit provides essential foundational knowledge in clinical therapeutics for health and QUM principles as per Australia's National Medicines Policy. It utilises contemporary resources such as NPS MedicineWise as well as relevant clinical, legal and professional guidelines, including National Safety and Quality Health Service Standards.

XNB251 Nutrition Science

Nutrition Science investigates the biochemistry and physiology of the macro and micro nutrients essential to human health. This unit examines the bioavailability, health impacts, food sources (including native Australian foods), intake requirements and status assessment methods for these nutrients. You will estimate intake of nutrients in human subjects, developing dietary data analysis skills using industry relevant digital technologies used in nutrition and dietetics. You will develop a critical and advanced understanding of the complex features of individual and inter-connected nutrients. You will explore and develop research-informed strategies to enhance health and prevent disease in individuals, groups and populations within diverse ethnicities and cultures considering evidence-based barriers and enablers to change. This unit underpins further advanced studies and provides a critical step in your journey as a lifelong learner within the nutrition and dietetics fields.

XNB252 Food and Nutrition Across the Lifecycle

This unit fits within the suite of units designed to give an overall coverage of basic and complex nutrition principles for all age groups and introduces nutrition related chronic disease. It explores in depth how food intake and promotion of diet-related health across the lifecycle in more depth than previously covered in first year and underpins primary and secondary prevention of chronic disease for individuals, groups and populations. The unit focuses on nutrition requirements and practical food based advice for each lifecycle stage beginning with pre-conception and continuing with each major life stage through to old age. Universal nutrition recommendations are considered and applied adaptively to select socio cultural populations and settings, such as schools; and food patterns such as vegetarianism. It introduces population health approaches which will be further explored in XNH350 Community and Public Health Nutrition.

XNB272 Biomechanics

This unit is designed to develop a basic understanding of how human movement is analysed from a biomechanical perspective and the skills necessary to complete simple analyses of human motion. Knowledge of basic biomechanical concepts is essential for all health-related professionals. This unit aims to understand the biomechanical principles of human movement, measure and analysis human movement and apply the biomechanical principles to optimise human movement and understand mechanical reasons for injuries or movement disorders.

XNB278 Skill Acquisition

This unit focuses on skill acquisition for the sport and exercise domains. It is important for movement practitioners to fully grasp the ramifications of their learning designs in physical activity settings. To do this, a comprehensive understanding of contemporary skill acquisition theory and practice is crucial. The disciplinary content underpinning this unit is central in the design of quality practice activities in the clinical, teaching, and sporting domains associated with human movement. The unit aims to provide you with the fundamental knowledge required to design practice tasks to improve skilled performance.

XNB282 Resistance Training

This unit will develop theoretical understanding and practical skills in strength training for general fitness, health and wellbeing. A combination of theoretical knowledge and practical skills is required to safely and effectively prescribe appropriate exercise for diverse populations. This unit is designed to introduce you to theoretical concepts, apply them to practical situations and develop basic skills and competencies for the implementation and prescription of resistance training for general fitness. You will build on prior knowledge of functional anatomy and physiology to understand the acute physiological stresses and chronic adaptations to resistance training.

XNB360 Cardiovascular, Respiratory and Metabolic Disorders

This unit develops key clinical knowledge required for exercise physiology practice. This unit specifically focuses on cardiovascular, respiratory, and metabolic disorders, including their epidemiology, aetiology, pathophysiology, clinical course, diagnostic and assessment procedures, and treatments. By identifying the underlying mechanisms that affect movement capacity, you will learn how and why these disorders respond to movement, exercise, and physical activity. You will be required to describe the aetiology, epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical course, diagnostic and assessment procedures and treatments and medications associated with cardiovascular, respiratory and metabolic disorders.

XNB361 Musculoskeletal, Neurological and Occupational Disorders

This unit develops key clinical knowledge required for exercise physiology practice. This unit specifically focuses on musculoskeletal, neurological, and occupational disorders, including their epidemiology, aetiology, pathophysiology, clinical course, diagnostic and assessment procedures, and treatments. By identifying the underlying mechanisms that affect movement capacity, you will learn how and why these disorders respond to movement, exercise, and physical activity. You will be required to describe the aetiology, epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical course, diagnostic and assessment procedures and treatments and medications associated with musculoskeletal, neurological, and occupational disorders.

XNB365 Applied Exercise and Sport Psychology

A key aspect of exercise and sport science is the role psychology plays in optimising performance levels. This unit explores the application of psychological principles underpinning sports performance and the common tasks and decision-making processes involved in the work of an exercise and sport psychologist. This unit builds upon the foundational first-year unit, XNB165 Exercise and Sport Psychology.

XNH370 Performance Analysis

This unit is designed to integrate knowledge from the core areas of exercise science (exercise physiology, biomechanics, skill acquisition and functional anatomy) and apply them to analysing sports performance in a capstone project. An ever-increasing range of quantitative information about human performance is available, including training and workload data, individual motion and kinematics, and competition results, creating exciting new career opportunities. Extracting key information from this data to support decision-making is an increasingly important process, whether in optimising training, talent identification, or tracking performance in sport; informing clinical and rehabilitation decisions following injury, or in more specialised settings in exercise and movement science research. A key component will be utilising available technology to collect, analyse and make sense of the data for the athletes and coaches.

HLN405 Qualitative Research

The unit offers the opportunity to study, explore and understand a range of qualitative research methodologies and methods. In so doing, the unit exposes students to a knowledge base that may inform post graduate qualitative research. It encourages students to question and contest knowledge and to constructively defend points of view. Key principals, concepts and skills will be developed to inform qualitative research across a range of disciplines and contexts. The dominance of the positivist or natural science approach in health research has come into question because of its singular emphasis on producing 'objective' truths. In response, it is argued that culture, power and ideology must be understood as integral components of any research. Qualitative inquiry, in all its forms, is underpinned by the assumption that the social world can only be interpreted.

HLN450 Clinical Therapeutics for Health Professionals

This unit enables registered health professionals from multiple disciplines to pursue postgraduate non‑medical prescribing pathways. Examples include registered nurses (RNs) and physiotherapists. It provides an overview of Quality Use of Medicines (QUM), pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, drug interactions, and safe use of medicines—including complementary therapies—for diverse patient groups across common health conditions. You will develop a framework for appropriate medicine selection using pharmacology and clinical therapeutics knowledge. Core learning includes high‑quality evidence‑based medicines information databases that build digital capability and support safe, effective medicines management for improved patient outcomes. The unit complements HLN451 QUM and Safe Prescribing for Health Professionals. Enrolment is capped at 100 under Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia accreditation conditions.

HLN451 Quality Use of Medicines and Safe Prescribing for Health Professionals

This unit develops health professionals’ knowledge, skills, and attitudes to prescribe medicines safely within their scope of practice as members of the multidisciplinary healthcare team, improving patient outcomes. The unit equips approved professionals (e.g registered nurses, physiotherapists) with principles of National and State Poisons and Medicines Regulations, Therapeutic Goods Administration requirements, Quality Use of Medicines, and Australia’s National Prescribing Competency Framework—essential for person‑centred prescribing within legislative parameters. Evidence‑based digital resources support real‑world safe prescribing in collaborative team settings. The unit complements HLN450 Clinical Therapeutics for Health Professionals. Student enrolment is capped at 100 under Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia accreditation conditions.    

NSB132 Integrated Nursing Practice 1 On campus

This beginning-level unit aims to establish cognitive skills in clinical reasoning which inform provision of safe, person-centred, and evidence-based nursing practice. This unit directly links to subsequent Integrated Nursing Practice units. Unit learning activities develop your understanding of the nurse role and skills in clinical reasoning relevant to fundamental care provision. Practice reflecting the Aged Care Quality Standards is a particular focus, and this is then further explored and consolidated in subsequent integrated nursing practice units.

NSB203 Inquiry in Clinical Practice

This unit at a developmental level of your course, explores inquiry in clinical practice by examining the role of evidence-based practice and application of research processes in nursing practice further synthesised in your final year. Skills in interpretation of evidence will be developed and an overview of various approaches to research are examined to enable students to be effective consumers of research. The relationship between research, evidence, and safety and quality in health care is explored. This knowledge is foundational to all remaining units in the course. Contemporary nursing work requires the ability to seek, interpret, analyse, synthesise, and integrate evidence into practice. The facilitation of ongoing improvement in nursing practice requires critical thinking, broader perspectives, and decision making informed by evidence.

NSB204 Mental Health: Self and others

This unit focuses on the National Health Priority of mental health and explores the social determinants, legislation and policies that inform nursing care provision. Mental health issues are a universal human experience across the lifespan and affect one in 4 Australians. In this unit, learning activities embed the concepts of recovery and cultural safety as well as trauma informed care in promoting positive messages that challenge stigma and discrimination. Emphasis is given to the development of the professional self and attributes of trust, rapport building, and a non-judgemental approach to practice. Focus is also given to developing skills in assessing and responding to people who experience symptoms of mental illness. This includes history-taking, mental state, and risk assessment, while utilising the recovery framework.

NSB236 Integrated Nursing Practice 3 On Campus

This unit consolidates cognitive skills in clinical reasoning by integrating prior knowledge and skills and further develop your understanding of decisions that informs nursing practice at a developing level. Peoples’ experiences of the continuum of care in different contexts of health care are emphasised to highlight chronic and acute dimensions of illness using complex clinical cases. The critical thinking and analyses of nursing practice elements of the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia Registered Nurse Standards for Practice are particularly emphasised. This unit links to subsequent integrated nursing practice units.

NSB609 Pain Management and Nursing Practice

Making decisions about pain and its management is a key component of nursing practice across a wide variety of patient groups and health service contexts. This unit examines the experience of peoples’ pain and explores the nurse role in relation to pain assessment and management, to facilitate effective pain relief.   The unit builds on foundational knowledge developed earlier in the course through more detailed exploration of key concepts and relevant evidence.

NSN124 Specialist Gastroenterology Nursing

This unit builds on your knowledge and skills in the specialist area of gastroenterology to enhance the delivery of evidence-based nursing care for patients in a variety of settings. There is an emphasis on developing your problem solving and analytical skills to make effective clinical decisions related to the upper and lower gastrointestinal tract, liver, and pancreas. Common diagnostic investigations and, contemporary issues that impact specialist nursing practice for the diverse patient populations with gastrointestinal disease, will also be explored.

NSN430 Clinical Therapeutics

This unit focuses on clinical therapeutics, integral to the Nurse Practitioner scope of practice. It enables you to develop and apply a framework for safe, appropriate medicine selection using pharmacology, clinical therapeutics knowledge and the principles of Quality Use of Medicines (QUM) to optimise patient outcomes.You will develop skills in the application of digital medicines databases, including the AMH, eTG, AusDI, MIMs and other evidence‑based resources to inform pharmacological and non‑pharmacological management plans and strengthen clinical decision‑making.Your clinical skills will be strengthened to prescribe, administer and evaluate medicines. Completion of this unit provides a strong foundation aligned with clinical, organisational, professional and legislative requirements, building the pharmacotherapeutic knowledge, digital capability and QUM‑aligned decision‑making essential for safe, effective practice. 

NSN803 Specialist Emergency Nursing

Emergency nurses working across a range of emergency service delivery models, require specialist knowledge and skills to deliver evidence informed care across the lifespan. The health care environment is dynamic and complex, as specialist emergency nurses you must have the ability to adapt and augment decisions based on scope of practice, and with a range of individuals from diverse socio-economic and cultural backgrounds including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders experiencing varying health presentations. This unit will develop your specialist knowledge and skills as an emerging leader in the area of emergency nursing practice.

NSN805 Specialist Intensive Care Nursing

Registered nurses working in intensive care require specialised knowledge and skills to plan, provide and evaluate safe evidence-based nursing care. Working in a complex and dynamic healthcare environment, the specialist intensive care nurse is required to have the ability to respond, adapt, implement, evaluate and communicate decisions based on the scope and context of practice for a range of critically ill individuals and their families across the lifespan. Contemporary healthcare service delivery in the intensive care setting is constantly changing. You will be encouraged to critique and employ innovative technologies and therapies. 

NSN807 Specialist Cancer Nursing Practice

Cancer nursing practice utilises complex evidence-based knowledge and management protocols that require specialist theoretical knowledge and technical skills to apply in the provision of person-centered care. The complex and dynamic healthcare environment requires you as the specialist cancer care nurse to have the ability to respond, adapt, implement, evaluate and communicate decisions based on the scope and context of practice in a range of settings. This unit will equip you with the theoretical and practice concepts required to provide effective, person-centered nursing care within a variety of cancer care contexts. 

NSN809 Specialist Acute Nursing Practice

This unit will develop your theoretical knowledge and clinical skills to apply evidence-based practice in acute healthcare contexts. Individuals in acute care environments experience a wide range of complex health care problems. Drawing on the National Safety and Quality Health Service (NSQHS) Standards, you will examine patient care in your acute care setting taking into consideration cultural safety for diverse populations including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. You will apply specialist knowledge and evidence to guide your clinical reasoning and decision-making to optimise patient outcomes.

NSN811 Specialist Paediatric and Adolescent Nursing

The focus of this unit is the application of specialist knowledge and evidence in varied paediatric settings to support you to become an emerging leader. Through the examination of issues that impact on caring for children and families, you will apply specialist knowledge to guide your clinical reasoning and decision-making in the health-related concerns of children and families. You will explore various models and potential threats to paediatric and adolescent care, and consider approaches to optimising child and family outcomes.

PYB102 The Mind and the Brain

Psychology is a broad-ranging and multifaceted discipline which encompasses the scientific study of human behaviour and the systematic application of knowledge gained from psychological research to a broad range of real-world issues. The goal of this foundational unit is to introduce you to the areas of biological (physiological) and cognitive psychology and to develop your understanding of the methods used to critically evaluate, ethically conduct, and effectively communicate psychological research. This unit will include discussion of responsible and ethical use of generative artificial intelligence technologies, which may include the critical evaluation of generative artificial intelligence capabilities, limitations, accuracy and biases.  

PYB204 Perception and Cognition

Cognitive psychology is a major empirical and theoretical area of psychology which explores the processes and structures involved at each stage of information processing within the brain. The structures and processes involved in perception provide the brain with basic information about both the external world and many of the current states of the individual. Higher level cognitive processes and structures provide the foundation upon which more complex aspects of behaviour are based. This unit is to build on the concepts and issues in perception and cognitive psychology, and to develop an appreciation of the major contemporary theories of how we process and perceive information. The unit is placed in second semester of second year so that students following the normal course structure have an adequate background in research design and data analysis. With this background, students will carry out experiments in tutorial classes and analyse real data.

PYB208 Counselling Theory and Practice 1

Counselling processes, skills and knowledge have broad applicability in the modern world of work. In this unit you will have the opportunity to engage with the most prominent counselling models and approaches. Through an experiential learning process, you will learn about the theories and philosophies that underpin different approaches and develop skills and techniques required to apply these models in your future work. Self-awareness is widely recognised in the health and community sector as key to effective and ethical practice. By participating in counselling exercises, group discussions and individual reflections, you will be supported to deconstruct and examine your existing beliefs and values and consider the role they will play in your work with individuals, families and groups. You will then have the opportunity to develop your practice framework that you will take forward to guide your work in the real world.

PYB215 Forensic Psychology and the Law

Forensic Psychology will introduce you to the overlap between psychology and the law; assist you to understand the influence and impact of this branch of psychology within the criminal justice system; and to provide you with an overview of the practice of forensic psychology, across diverse populations, including First Nations People. The study of psychology and law draws from a multi-disciplinary base for the application of specialised knowledge. As a student of this discipline area, you will acquire an appreciation of (and a critical perspective on) psychology and the law across the three criminal justice domains of the police, the courts, and corrections.

PYB306 Psychopathology

This unit covers the principles of diagnosis and treatment for psychopathology. Disorder aetiology, treatment approaches, and the standard of evidence that underpins our knowledge of psychopathology are discussed. You will learn about the formal systems that are used to define a clinical disorder, and how to apply classification systems for the identification of psychopathology. An integrative approach to the understanding of psychopathology is emphasised, highlighting the reciprocal influence of biological, psychological, cultural and social factors on pathological functioning. This unit will provide you with a strong understanding of the evidence and scientific methods underpinning contemporary approaches for the identification, classification, and treatment of major classes of mental illness.

PYB307 Health Psychology

This unit examines the psychological dimension of physical illness, health, and health care. There is a strong focus on health psychology in an Australian context with a focus on cross-cultural and Indigenous health-related issues. The unit examines definitions of health and health psychology; the role of health psychology; the determinants of health behaviours (e.g., cognitive, attitudinal, motivational, personality, social, developmental); community health; medical settings and patient behaviour; patient and practitioner communication; stress, illness, and coping; and chronic illness.

PYB321 Introduction to the Psychology of Trauma

More than half the population experiences trauma across the lifetime. Trauma is acknowledged as playing a key role in the development of mental and physical health issues. There is an increased understanding and interest in society around the prevalence and impact of trauma including domestic violence, child abuse, sudden bereavement and war. Despite this, most professionals across disciplines including psychology, social work, education and law, receive no systematic training in trauma. This introductory unit provides you with foundational knowledge about the psychology of trauma and vicarious trauma as it applies to people who experience trauma firsthand or those in professions likely to assist people who have experienced trauma. This elective complements learning across disciplines including social work, psychology, law, education and nursing. The unit is linked to core psychology units PYB100 and PYB102 and is linked to PYB304 regarding neurobiological aspects of trauma.

PYB350 Advanced Statistical Analysis

PYB350 extends on the analytical methods you learnt in PYB210 to more complex research designs. Research design, data analysis and associated digital capabilities are core skills in the discipline of psychology and integral to the scientist-practitioner model of professional psychological practice and research. The skills are highly valued by employers of psychology graduates. A sound understanding of research design and data analysis enables you to become critical consumers of research and to apply a strong evidence based approach to problem solving. This unit will provide you with a thorough grounding in analysis of variance techniques, multiple regression, and qualitative analysis methods, data analytic tools used in a broad range of research across the social sciences. The unit is both theoretical and practical, providing you with the ability to employ analytic software to analyse quantitative and qualitative data and to appropriately interpret and report these analyses.

PYB359 Working with Families and Groups

In today’s health settings, counsellors and psychologists increasingly work with families, couples, and groups.  In PYB359, you will explore how systemic thinking shapes therapeutic work with more than one person. Through the lens of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy and Narrative approaches, you’ll learn how to adapt and apply key ideas and techniques to relational and group contexts. Taught from a collaborative, practice-based perspective, the course invites multiple viewpoints and encourages critical reflection. This helps develop cultural safety, ethical sensitivity, and deeper self-awareness in your work. Experiential tutorials support skill development in group facilitation, managing group dynamics, and building meaningful relationships with multiple people. These experiences will strengthen your confidence and contribute directly to your professional practice framework.

PYN016 Collaborative Practice 2 - Narrative Therapy

Building on the introduction to constructionist philosophy and therapeutic practices offered previously, this unit is designed to provide you with an in depth understanding of the history, philosophy, and practice of Narrative Therapy. You will be introduced to its application in individual, relational and collective contexts, examining its relationship with social justice, collective action, and its contemporary interdisciplinary integration with affective, body based and neuroscience informed practices.

HLN707 Research Methods in Health

This is a capstone-type unit that you are expected to complete as a culmination of the learnings throughout your course. It provides you with the opportunity to consider a real world problem (that you have identified from within your workplace and prior engagement in the course) and examine the issue from a realistic, scholarly perspective, bringing to bear your research skills and applying your domain knowledge.

PUB101 Introduction to Clinical Classification

Clinical classification (clinical coding) is one of the specialist roles for a health information manager. Clinical classification responds to demands for health information to support management decision making, research, public health initiatives and education. Coded data underpins decisions relating to hospital funding, meaning that there is an imperative for the codes to be assigned correctly to ensure hospitals receive appropriate financial resources. PUB101 aims to develop foundational skills in interpreting clinical documentation and clinical code selection. It involves detailed study of all five classification volumes, comprising the International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision, Australian Modification; the Australian Classification of Health Interventions; and the Australian Coding Standards (ICD-10-AM/ACHI/ACS). Application of coding principles and standards to complete practical exercises using digital tools will be undertaken.

PUB406 Taking Action for Health Promotion

This unit focuses on critically analysing and planning health promotion using health promotion frameworks. Applying these frameworks to design contemporary health promotion solutions is essential for those who wish to work in a health promotion or related field. This unit extends the fundamental health promotion knowledge learnt in PUB530, Health Education and Behaviour Change to enable the translation of knowledge into practice. PUB406 provides essential learning for PUB875 Professional Practice.

PUB416 Research to Change the World

An understanding of the research process and tools, different types of research, and how to interpret and critically evaluate research in its multiple forms is needed to work effectively in Public Health and related areas. The unit explores a range of research methods - quantitative, qualitative, mixed methods. It will develop your skills in how to develop research questions and design surveys to address them.

PUB490 Quality Management in Health

Quality and risk management are important areas of activity for health care professionals, particularly in relation to clinical and administrative services, patient advocacy and more generally within health services as a whole. This unit provides you with the necessary knowledge and skills to develop a quality management program, perform quality improvement activities, and expand outcomes into process improvements and organisational change. Methods of health care performance measurement are explored, and a clinical quality framework model is introduced. Issues relating to administrative and clinical data quality, safety and privacy in an increasingly digital health care environment are also considered. This unit aims to provide a broad overview of health service and clinical management and is suitable for all undergraduates enrolled in a health-related degree.

PUN015 Environmental Management and Sustainability

Population growth, non-renewable energy use, pollution and consumption are threatening the Earth's planetary systems that enable human health and wellbeing. With strong community pressure, government and private organisations are increasingly interested in environmental management, corporate compliance with environmental laws and showcasing their adoption of sustainable practices that reduce their ecological footprint. Organisations rely on environmental management, sustainability and HSE professionals to effectively manage environmental protection and lead in the adoption of new ideas and technologies that advance sustainable ways of working and living. It assumes high level understanding of the science, sustainability principles and imperative legal frameworks for environmental management. It promotes collaboration in complex thinking and collective capacity for effective action to address both local and major planetary challenges.

PUN230 Health Management Principles and Practice

Health Managers require appropriate knowledge, competencies and attitudes to confront the challenges facing the health of modern communities. Acquisition of management competencies can best occur through reflective practice and the application of the theoretical principles that underlie organisational behaviour and the systems, structures and processes that characterise modern healthcare. This unit forms the knowledge and competency basis for contemporary Health Managers and lays the foundation for more advanced management units in the Master of Health Management and Leadership. 

PUN231 Operational Management in Healthcare

Health service managers require appropriate knowledge and competencies to address operational challenges facing health organisations. The ability to apply the foundational operational management competencies that underpin delivery of health services is a fundamental skill requirement of managers and clinician-managers of all professional backgrounds. This unit develops knowledge and competencies with sustainable operational management approaches required by health managers in complex systems and organisations. It also explores entrepreneurial approaches to operational health management issues.

PUN301 Occupational Health and Safety Law and Policy

This Unit provides an overview of the different law and policy aspects of occupational health and safety at an enterprise level.The Unit focuses on legislative compliance for organisations, the relevant Acts and Regulations, as well as how Policy is used to design implementation and verification strategies. In addition, the Unit has an emphasis on preparing the student with the requirements to appropriately analyse and inform employers within the scope of practice of a senior safety advisor/safety manager.The Unit assessments provide students with the opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills gained in an organisational context. OHS Professionals are expected to appropriately inform an organisation's senior management (Duty Holders) to assist them in exercising their due diligence. The assessments address both strategic analysis of policy and law, as well as application in response to incidents or breaches.

PUN364 Food Safety

Food is a fundamental human need and a prerequisite to good health. Ensuring that the food we eat is safe is a major function of both government and industry. The food sector is one of the largest industries in Australia, with over 20 billion meals provided each year. Even though the food supply in Australia is one of the safest in the world, government data indicates that each year over 5 million cases of gastroenteritis are believed to be caused by contaminated food (most of these being unreported to health authorities). The aim of this unit is to develop a detailed understanding of food contaminants, food safety principles and legislation and their application so that future health professionals are able to identify and implement processes to ensure a safe food supply and prevent food-borne illness in the community. The material in this unit focuses on food safety regulation, but is also relevant to professionals working in the areas of food service management and nutrition.

PUN454 Leadership in Disaster Management

The unit addresses the key leadership and strategic concepts and issues related to disaster risk management. It provides opportunities for stakeholder mapping, crisis communication and decision-making in rapidly changing environments. It examines case studies of leadership in disaster management responses and recovery, and further opportunities for research and learning in this area. Upon completion of this unit, you will have a greater understanding of the critical role of disaster risk management and how to prepare and deliver a media briefing using effective communication strategies and protocols.

PUN465 Environmental Protection

A pollutant is defined as 'a particular chemical or form of energy that can adversely affect the health, survival, or activities of humans or other living organisms' (Miller 2000). Pollutants in the form of solids, liquids, gases or energy emissions enter our environment by natural or anthropogenic means. With the potential for pollution to severely impact the life support system of humans and other organisms, it is necessary to implement a variety of approaches to protect the environment and ensure its sustainability. This unit builds on the environmental health concepts covered in PUN620 and the legal concepts of environmental protection covered in PUN363.

PUN466 Communicable Diseases

Public health practice originated from the study and prevention of communicable diseases. Whilst public health practice has widened in scope, reducing the incidence of both existing and emerging communicable diseases (nationally and internationally) remains one of the greatest challenges to public health practitioners. Relevant activities undertaken by local/state health agencies include public health surveillance and outbreak investigation measures, immunisation programs, monitoring and enforcing infection control standards, and vector control programs.A comprehensive overview of communicable diseases is provided as well as a focus on the prevention and control of communicable diseases.  

PUN617 Health, Safety and Environment Leadership and Management

To successfully manage health, safety and environmental hazards, practitioners need to be able to communicate effectively and select and implement appropriate tools and management strategies to . Recognising and developing leadership skills is also crucial for achieving their full potential in the field, This unit is therefore designed to integrate the theory and practice covered in other environmental health/occupational health and safety units, and equip students with management, leadership and communication tools and strategies that can be applied in a range of contexts.

PUP037 Program Planning and Evaluation

Program planning and evaluation is at the core of effective health promotion practice. This Unit will enable you to develop knowledge and understanding of planning models and theories and acquire skills to apply these to design informed programs that address the needs of communities and populations and contribute to positive health outcomes. Evaluation is an integral component of program planning and should be considered throughout the planning process. Recognised frameworks will be introduced throughout this Unit to guide and inform the design of robust evaluations and demonstrate the vital role of evaluation in gathering evidence upon which to make judgements about program effectiveness. Throughout this Unit you will be provided opportunities to build, practice and provide evidence of your analysis and problem-solving skills for the development of a health promotion program and evaluation proposal.

PUP116 Human Factors and Ergonomics

Human Factors and Ergonomics is the scientific discipline concerned with the fundamental understanding of interactions among humans and other elements of a system and the application of appropriate theory and methods to improve human performance and well-being with benefits for the overall work system. Ergonomics promotes a holistic, systems approach by considering cognitive, physical and broader factors (e.g., social, organisational and environmental). Knowledge of current methods and techniques commonly used in ergonomics is essential for the occupational health and safety professional to contribute to the design and evaluation of tasks,  work systems, product/service systems and environments.

SWB202 Health, Wellbeing and Social Work

Social workers frequently work in the health system and when working in other fields of practice, the health and wellbeing of clients, families and more broadly the community, remains of central importance. This unit is placed in the second year of the social work course, providing opportunity for you to build upon existing knowledge and self-awareness to enable critical exploration of theories and systems relevant to health and wellbeing and living a 'good life'. In this unit a social justice and anti-oppressive perspective is applied to the health of communities not just individuals. This means considering health and wellbeing in its many dimensions (social, psychological, cultural, structural and spiritual), and their historical and political context. It also means understanding the way that burden of disease and social determinants of health are related to oppressed populations; how colonisation and neoliberalism affect health and wellbeing.

SWB219 Legal and Ethical Dimensions of Social Work and Human Service Practice

Human service and social work professionals engage with people in a wide variety of situations across a range of fields of practice. The legal dimensions of practice range from the nature of legislative provisions to the legal accountabilities of direct practice. Practitioners often work with vulnerable and/or marginalised persons, groups and communities and need to understand the law as both context and as a dynamic resource with which they can engage. Legal and ethical considerations in practice often intersect and are usefully examined in conjunction with each other. An understanding and capacity to respond to ethical dimensions of practice situations is central to professional capability and requires you to develop literacy about key ethical approaches and concepts, and the capability to critically apply social work and human service professional Codes of Ethics.

SWB320 Mediation

This unit is focused on working with confict including family disputes, interpersonal conflict and domestic and family violence. This unit builds on the generic communication skills taught in other units, enhancing student's repertoire of specific knowledge and skills which can be applied in professional contexts.It is taught in third year after students have had a practicum experience and can relate to a personal and/or professional conflict experience where they consider how they work with conflict. A professional context is provided - for example family mediation and developing child-focused support plans in a safe and empowering way through mediation. 

SWB322 Gender, Diversity and Cultural Safety

This unit introduces you to social and cultural justice by recognising the uniqueness of each individual and acknowledging personal cultural perspectives in professional relationships. It emphasises the key tenets of cultural safety to decolonise social work knowledge, fostering culturally safe and anti-oppressive practices through the recognition of diverse perspectives. The unit addresses various contexts related to gender, age, race, and ethnicity, socio-cultural positioning, professional identities, and organizational and community contexts. The purpose is to develop knowledge, skills, values and dispositions for working respectfully, inclusively and safely with others. Part of the work involves examining your own critical practice and personal histories which shape and influence your critical practice. Cultural safety and decolonisation are core concepts embedded in the unit and encompasses a broad range of diverse lived experiences.  

SWH312 Real Utopias, Social Alternatives and Policy Possibilities

This unit critically explores a wide range of proposals, models and social alternatives for radical social change in Australia and globally. Students develop knowledge through combining discussions of the values and rationales for different emancipatory visions (‘utopias’) with the analysis of (‘real’) empirical cases of institutional design in real-world existing institutions and policy experiments. The unit connects the professional discipline of social work with the idea of emancipatory agency in practice to generate potentialities about what is possible for changing and restructuring our social institutions in a direction that fits fundamental values of social justice, self-determination and sustainability better than the present institutions do.

SWH404 Climate Justice in Local and Global Worlds

This unit orients you to the interface between climate justice, social justice and social work to refine your critical framework for practice in relation to climate change and climate justice. You will apply critical theories and social, economic and political philosophical positions to address social problems including climate change, food insecurity, forced migration, and global poverty, which shape communities and nations. Social workers and human service workers are at the forefront of developing sustainable thinking and cooperative social actions grounded in environmental and social justice as a way to respond to social problems. This unit integrates and applies knowledge and theories, values, ethics and different practices learnt across the course journey with the addition of green social work practice.

SWN020 Practice Research Project

Research skills are a required competency for Social Workers. Social workers need to have an understanding of relevant social research methods but must also be capable of implementing these methods to produce research outcomes of significance. This is a capstone (final) unit that synthesises the knowledge and skills gained across your degree, in particular your learning in SWN019 Research Skills for Social Work. Within this unit you will design and implement a research project in a rigorous and ethical manner. This research project is a major scholarly endeavour and serves as a critical component of the capstone experience as it assesses the application of your 'whole of course' knowledge, skills and values and aligns with the completion of your final placement and your Professional Learning Plan.