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
Department of Community Emergency Health and Paramedic Practice
Chief examiner(s)
Coordinator(s)
Unit guides
Synopsis
This unit uses the framework of human development to examine health throughout the lifespan.
Physical, cognitive, emotional, behavioural and psychosocial development and the impact of culture on health will be examined.
An introduction is provided to the course of disease for common health conditions relevant to paramedic practice, and their impact on individuals and populations. The unit outlines different types of disease, and explores common diseases from pathophysiological, psychosocial, and epidemiological perspectives.
The course of disease, and contributing and risk factors at the individual and social levels are explored, as well as the consequences for individuals, health systems, and society.
Particular conditions considered will vary but will include diseases across the communicable, non-communicable, acute, chronic and degenerative conditions relevant to paramedic practice.
Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
- Describe physical, cognitive, and psychosocial milestones of human development throughout the lifespan, applying contemporary theories of development.
- Describe the biological basis, epidemiology, pathophysiology and course of disease for common acute and chronic health issues that occur across the lifespan.
- Identify the individual, social and cultural factors contributing to selected human disease health and development.
- Explain the consequences of selected human diseases for health systems and society.
- Summarise theoretical perspectives on grieving and loss.
- Develop organisational and communication skills in a small team environment.
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.
- Weekly in-class quizzes (20%)
- iSAP case and group presentation (1,200 words and 10 minutes) (40%) (hurdle)
- Exam (2 hours) (40%) (hurdle)
Workload requirements
On-campus: A combination of lectures, tutorials, and online activities (6 hours per week), and self-directed study (6 hours per week).
See also Unit timetable information