Outline

Overview

Medicines save lives but they can be costly and can have serious adverse effects. Value-laden decisions are continuously being made at individual, institutional, national and international levels regarding the medicines we need, want and can afford. In this unit of study, we will explore and critique global and national policies and processes related to medicines, examining how research and development agendas are set; how medicines are assessed and evaluated; and how new technologies are translated into practice. We will also explore broader trends such as globalisation, commercialisation and changing consumer expectations. By the end of the course, students will understand the forces shaping the development, regulation, funding and uptake of medicines both nationally and internationally, and the political, ethical, legal and economic issues that are at stake. This course is designed to appeal to a wide range of students from ethics, law, public health, health care, policy, communications, economics, business, politics, administration, and biomedical science.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Public Health
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	A degree in science, medicine, pharmacy, nursing, allied health, philosophy/ethics, sociology/anthropology, history, law, communications, public policy, business, economics, commerce, organisation studies, or other relevant field, or by special permission
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Hojjat Soofi, hojjat.soofi@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 31 March 2026

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Written work	Argumentative Essay Written assessment	40%	Formal exam period Due date: 09 Jun 2026 at 23:59	2000 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Contribution	Participation and Engagement There are two components: (1) a live presentation followed by a Q&A, delivered in online seminars or an approved alternative; and (2) contributions to online discussion forums.	25%	Multiple weeks	N/A	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Argument Construction and Evaluation Written assessment	35%	Week 07 Due date: 17 Apr 2026 at 23:59	1500 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= hurdle task ?

Assessment summary

The assessments include:

(1) Argument Construction and Evaluation Essay

(2) Argumentative Essay

(3) Participation and Engagement, which includes:

Live presentation – Delivered in seminars or an alternative approved by the Unit Coordinator, and

Online discussion posts – Required. Participation in live seminar discussions is optional but can positively contribute toward this component.

Students must submit all essays in order to pass the Unit.

More details about assessments are provided on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

Written assignments:

Please see detailed marking rubric (on Canvas) for more detail on how essays will be assessed.

Online discussions:

Please see further information on Canvas.

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (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.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

You can use generative AI tools for open assessments. Restrictions on AI use apply to secure, supervised assessments used to confirm if students have met specific learning outcomes.

Refer to the assessment table above to see if AI is allowed, for assessments in this unit and check Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks and AI use.

If you use AI, you must always acknowledge it. Misusing AI may lead to a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

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:

Standard university penalties will apply.

Academic integrity

The University expects students to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

Our website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. This includes advice on how to avoid common breaches of academic integrity. Ensure that you have completed the Academic Honesty Education Module (AHEM) which is mandatory for all commencing coursework students

Penalties for serious breaches can significantly impact your studies and your career after graduation. It is important that you speak with your unit coordinator if you need help with completing assessments.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Learning support

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 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. 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

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Ongoing	BETH5209 is divided into six modules, each accompanied by recorded lectures and an online discussion board on a related topic. Students are expected to spend approximately 9 hours per week on average watching the recorded lectures, engaging with the required readings, and participating in online discussions.	Self-directed learning (117 hr)
Week 01	Online Seminar on Module 1 topics (1.1: Introduction to Ethics, Pharmaceutical Policy, and Pharmacoeconomics)	Seminar (2 hr)
Week 02	Online Seminar on Module 1 topics (1.2: Introduction to Ethical Analysis and Reasoning in Policy Decision-Making)	Seminar (2 hr)
Week 04	Online Seminar on Module 2 topic: Value-Laden Dimensions of Prescription Drug Requirements.	Seminar (2 hr)
Week 06	Online Seminar on Module 3 topic: Medicines Resource Allocation: Cost-Effectiveness and Orphan Drugs.	Seminar (2 hr)
Week 10	Online Seminar on Module 5 topic: Pharmaceutical Industry Influences: Direct-to-Consumer Advertising and Financial Support for Patient Advocacy Groups.	Seminar (2 hr)
Week 12	Online Seminar on Module 6 topic: Pharmaceutical Patents and Access to Essential Medicines.	Seminar (2 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

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

The list of required and recommended readings is available on Canvas.

Learning outcomes

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.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

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

LO1. Demonstrate a critical understanding of the key forces shaping the development, regulation, funding, uptake and use of medicines, both nationally and internationally
LO2. Demonstrate reasoning and deliberative skills in debating ethical, economic, and policy aspects and implications of the development, regulation, funding, uptake, and use of medicines
LO3. Critically evaluate current and proposed medicines policies from an ethical standpoint

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
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

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

Based on feedback from previous students, we have changed the assessment structure. We have also made the online discussions less directive to encourage more wide-ranging discussions.

Additional information

The schedule is as follows:

Module 1 (Weeks 1 & 2):
- 1.1: Introduction to Ethics, Pharmaceutical Policy, and Pharmacoeconomics
- 1.2: Introduction to Ethical Analysis and Reasoning in Policy Decision-Making
Module 2 (Weeks 3 & 4):
- Value-Laden Dimensions of Prescription Drug Requirements
Module 3 (Weeks 5 & 6):
- Medicines Resource Allocation: Cost-Effectiveness and Orphan Drugs
Module 4 (Weeks 7 & 8):
- Boundaries of Evidence: Off-Label Prescription and Accessing Unapproved Medications
Module 5 (Weeks 9 & 10):
- Pharmaceutical Industry Influences: Direct-to-Consumer Advertising and Financial Support for Patient Advocacy Groups
Module 6 (Weeks 11, 12, & 13):
- Pharmaceutical Patents and Access to Essential Medicines.

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

Important: the University of Sydney regularly reviews units of study and reserves the right to change the units of study available annually. To stay up to date on available study options, including unit of study details and availability, refer to the relevant handbook.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

BETH5209: Medicines Policy, Economics and Ethics

Semester 1, 2026 [Online] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links