BME3032 - Introduction to the health system - 2019

6 points, SCA Band 2, 0.125 EFTSL

Undergraduate - Unit

Refer to the specific census and withdrawal dates for the semester(s) in which this unit is offered.

Faculty

Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences

Organisational Unit

School of Biomedical Sciences

Chief examiner(s)

Dr Helen Ackland

Coordinator(s)

Dr Helen Ackland

Unit guides

Offered

Clayton

  • Second semester 2019 (On-campus)

Prerequisites

BMS1042.

Synopsis

This unit examines the ways in which the organisation and delivery of health services is structured. The broader context in which disease and illness occur is also discussed. The unit considers the Australian health care system in detail and the global context of health systems and health inequalities. It explores two areas: health policy and service delivery systems; and illness and health in the context of social, cultural and behavioural systems. Areas covered include: health systems, health policy, health funding, quality in health systems, models of health, population health, and health and human rights.

Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this unit, students should be able to:

  1. Understand key principles in the organisation and funding of health systems.
  2. Be able to apply an understanding of health and health services in the context of the Australian health care system.
  3. Recognise the key elements determining health policy.
  4. Recognise key determinants and models of health.
  5. Understand the complexities of improving population health and the ways in which this is evaluated.
  6. Recognise the basis of human rights in health care.
  7. Develop important professional skills, including those in oral and written communication, critical analysis, and interpersonal proficiencies.

Assessment

NOTE: From 1 July 2019, the duration of all exams is changing to combine reading and writing time. The new exam duration for this unit is 2 hours and 10 minutes.

  • Tutorial preparation and participation (15%)
  • Group presentation (15 minutes) and report (800 words) (20%)
  • Research essay (2500 words) (25%)
  • Written examination (MCQ/SAQ) (2 hours) (40%) (Hurdle)

Workload requirements

6 hours per week: 2 hour seminar, 2 hour interactive tutorial and 2 hours of tutorial preparation time.

See also Unit timetable information

This unit applies to the following area(s) of study