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Unit outline_

HPOL5003: Analysing Health Policy

Semester 2, 2024 [Online] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Health policy analysis involves examining the components of health policy and the health policy process. It is the study of both the causes of policy decisions and the consequences of these decisions. Health policy analysis requires us to consider the complexity of policy making, and the political, economic, social, cultural and historical context within which this occurs. This unit aims to develop skills for undertaking health policy research and analysis and is underpinned by systems thinking principles to equip students with the skills to embrace complexity in researching and evaluating health policy. We take a multidisciplinary approach to familiarise students with fundamental frameworks and methodologies that can be applied to health policy research and analysis. By the end of the unit students will be able to: Define policy and formulate research questions that can be used to analyse policy and policy processes; Understand and apply systems thinking approaches to policy analysis; Understand and explain the different methodological approaches and research paradigms that can be applied in policy analysis; Apply a critical analysis to a case study of policy success or failure; Identify appropriate study designs, research methodologies, data collection methods and analysis frameworks for specific policy research questions; Design a systems thinking-informed analysis of a current policy.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit Public Health
Credit points 6
Prerequisites
? 
None
Corequisites
? 
None
Prohibitions
? 
None
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

No

Teaching staff

Coordinator David Primrose, david.primrose@sydney.edu.au
The census date for this unit availability is 2 September 2024
Type Description Weight Due Length
Assignment Research Project Proposal
Research Proposal
50% Formal exam period
Due date: 15 Nov 2024 at 23:59
3000 words
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Small continuous assessment Assessable Learning Tasks
Participation
15% Multiple weeks 1000 words
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO4 LO3
Assignment Case Study Analysis
Report
35% Week 08
Due date: 20 Sep 2024 at 23:59
2000 words
Outcomes assessed: LO2

Assessment summary

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

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

Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an exceptional standard, as defined in marking rubrics for individual assessments.

Distinction

75 - 84

Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a very high standard, as defined in marking rubrics for individual assessments.

Credit

65 - 74

Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a good standard, as defined in marking rubrics for individual assessments.

Pass

50 - 64

Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an acceptable standard, as defined in marking rubrics for individual assessments.

Fail

0 - 49

When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see sydney.edu.au/students/guide-to-grades.

For more information see guide to grades.

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.

Academic integrity

The Current Student website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

You may only use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator. If you do use these tools, you must acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section. The assessment instructions or unit outline will give guidance of the types of tools that are permitted and how the tools should be used.

Your final submitted work must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of generative AI tools that have been used in the assessment, and any material that forms part of your submission must be appropriately referenced. For guidance on how to acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the AI in Education Canvas site.

The unapproved use of these tools or unacknowledged use will be considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and penalties may apply.

Studiosity is permitted unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission as detailed on the Learning Hub’s Canvas page.

Outside assessment tasks, generative AI tools may be used to support your learning. The AI in Education Canvas site contains a number of productive ways that students are using AI to improve their learning.

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 2023 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 2023. 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

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Week -01 Watch the 'welcome' video, and familiarise yourself with the resources in ‘Modules', 'Discussions', ‘Unit Outline,’ Assessment', and 'Timetable' pages on Canvas Independent study (1 hr)  
Week 01 Introduction to health policy analysis and systems thinking Independent study (7 hr) LO1
Week 02 The complex politics of health policy and policy-making Independent study (7 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Workshop 1: Approaching the politics of health policy and policy-making Workshop (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Week 03 Overlapping systems and systems thinking Independent study (7 hr) LO2 LO3
Week 04 The effects of health policy: Evaluating success and failure Independent study (7 hr) LO1 LO2
Workshop 2: Governing health policy and cui bono? Workshop (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Week 05 Frameworks I: The rational model Independent study (7 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Week 06 Frameworks II: The normative and conflict models Independent study (7 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Workshop 3: Why theorise? Critically engaging with health policy research Workshop (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 07 SWOT Week (work on A1) Independent study (7 hr)  
Week 08 Frameworks III: The institutional and interpretive models Independent study (7 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Workshop 4: The power of models and models of power Workshop (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 09 Designing health policy research Independent study (7 hr) LO1 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 10 Conventional methods of analysis Independent study (7 hr) LO3 LO4
Workshop 5: Formulating research questions for health policy analysis Workshop (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 11 Alternative methods of analysis Independent study (7 hr) LO3 LO4
Week 12 Wrap-up Independent study (7 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5

Attendance and class requirements

All students are expected to attend their scheduled workshop sessions (evening workshops via Zoom are available for online students).

Please get in touch with the unit coordinator if you are unable to attend your timetabled workshops. 

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

Required readings will be available on the Canvas site.

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.

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

  • LO1. define policy and formulate research questions that can be used to analyse policy and policy processes
  • LO2. apply a critical analysis to questions of policy success or failure
  • LO3. understand and explain the different methodological approaches that can be applied in policy research
  • LO4. identify appropriate research methodologies, data collection methods, and analysis for specific policy research questions
  • LO5. design a systems thinking informed health policy research project

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
GQ1 GQ2 GQ3 GQ4 GQ5 GQ6 GQ7 GQ8 GQ9

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

In response to student feedback, we have introduced improvements to this unit in 2024. These include use of in-class activities and discussion board initiatives to ensure that all students feel included and engaged - regardless of whether they participate in-person or online. Relatedly, time will be taken at the beginning of each lesson to contextualise that week's topic within the broader narrative of the course, and clarify any questions students may have in relation to readings or assignments. A combination of small-group work and larger discussions will also be utilised to encourage, and provide space for, contributions from all students. To facilitate a quality learning experience, students will be offered the chance to indicate what was helpful and what could be improved during the semester.

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

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