Outline

Overview

Evidence plays a critical role in informing the direction of health policy and planning, yet the nature of this contribution is more complex than may often appear to be the case. This unit aims to facilitate a broader understanding of the multifaceted relations between evidence and health policy and planning. In doing do, it seeks to build students' skills in critically engaging with how evidence has been utilised within existing programs, and also their ability to deploy it more effectively to help implement future evidence-based changes in policy and planning. This entails rethinking how the links between health and practice have been conceptualised, considering how different forms of evidence may be more or less appropriate to a given policy or planning problem, reflecting on where evidence fits in relation to other political considerations informing policy and planning dynamics, and identifying how different groups can utilise and communicate their findings to advocate for policy reform. By the end of this unit, students will be able to: use evidence to identify areas that require policy change; search for and critically appraise evidence for policy design and implementation; understand key theories of the use of evidence in policy and practice; critically analyse the role of evidence in policy and political processes; understand citizen and community experience as evidence; use evidence effectively in a case for policy change. Attendance at two Saturday workshops is expected for students, whether face-to-face or online.

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	Gai Moore, gabriel.moore@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Carmen Huckel Schneider, carmen.huckelschneider@sydney.edu.au
	David Primrose, david.primrose@sydney.edu.au
	Andrew Wilson, a.wilson@sydney.edu.au
	Gai Moore, gabriel.moore@sydney.edu.au
	Alex de Souza, alexandra.desouza@sydney.edu.au
Tutor(s)	Sarah Norris, sarah.norris@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 31 March 2025

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length
Assignment	Systematic literature search strategy Online written assessment	10%	Week 05 Due date: 28 Mar 2025 at 23:59	1 page
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	A case for change Written assessment	30%	Week 07 Due date: 11 Apr 2025 at 23:59	2000 words
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Online presentation of case for change Oral presentation	20%	Week 10 Due date: 08 May 2025 at 20:00	10 minutes
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Individual Q&A based on case for change Individual Q&A based on the case for change	10%	Week 11 Due date: 16 May 2025 at 16:00	10 minutes
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Submission to a government inquiry Written assessment	30%	Week 13 Due date: 30 May 2025 at 23:59	2000 words
Outcomes assessed:
= AI allowed ?

Assessment summary

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 guide to grades.

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

Except for supervised exams or in-semester tests, you may use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessments unless expressly prohibited by your unit coordinator.

For exams and in-semester tests, the use of AI and automated writing tools is not allowed unless expressly permitted in the assessment instructions.

The icons in the assessment table above indicate whether AI is allowed – whether full AI, or only some AI (the latter is referred to as “AI restricted”). If no icon is shown, AI use is not permitted at all for the task. Refer to Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks for this unit.

Your final submission must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of automated writing tools or generative AI, and any material generated that you include in your final submission must be properly referenced. You may be required to submit generative AI inputs and outputs that you used during your assessment process, or drafts of your original work. Inappropriate use of generative AI is considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and penalties may apply.

The Current Students website provides information on artificial intelligence in assessments. For help on how to correctly acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the  AI in Education Canvas site.

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.

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
Week 01	Aim of the week: To critically understand the meaning of evidence-based policy and planning. Students will complete an introductory poll.	Online class (10 hr)
Week 02	Aim of this week: To think critically about the evidence to policy relationship. Students attend an evening seminar online.	Online class (10 hr)
Week 03	All students attend an intensive 1-day online workshop this week. Online students may attend online or face to face. During the workshop, students will discuss and debate the role of evidence in policy making processes and develop skills in the critical appraisal of evidence for policy.	Online class (10 hr)
Week 04	Aim of this week: To gain and practice skills in searching for and using literature in developing cases for change. Students attend an evening seminar online.	Online class (10 hr)
Week 05	Aim of this week: To understand and critically review perspectives on the use of evidence and its application. Students submit their online quiz.	Online class (10 hr)
Week 06	Aim of this week: To understand and critically review perspectives on the use of evidence and its application in policy and practice.	Online class (10 hr)
Week 07	Aim of this week: Students work independently on their assignments and submit their case for policy change.	Independent study (10 hr)
Week 08	Aim of this week: To gain insight into planning in health policy and health care delivery.	Online class (10 hr)
Week 09	Aim of this week: To examine perspectives on barriers and facilitators to the use of evidence for policy change in the workplace	Online class (10 hr)
Week 10	All students attend a 1-day intensive online workshop this week. Students will expand conceptualisations of evidence for policy to include consumer experience and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledge and experience. Students will also engage in a practice and critique of oral presentations for policy change.	Online class (10 hr)
Week 11	Aim of this week: To gain insights into the use of evidence in public debate, including official inquiries and the media. Students attend an evening seminar online. Students complete their individual Q&A on their case for policy change.	Online class (10 hr)
Week 12	Aim of the week: To critically analyse the interplay of evidence, politics and advocacy for change.	Online class (10 hr)
Week 13	Aim of this week: To work on the final assignment: Writing a submission to a public inquiry	Independent study (10 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Class requirements: Students are expected to attend two 1-day intensive compulsory workshops on-campus, online lectures, online discussions and other online activities.

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

All readings for this unit can be accessed through the Library eReserve, 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.

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

LO1. use evidence to identify areas that require policy change
LO2. search for, and critically appraise, evidence for policy design and implementation
LO3. understand key theories of the use of evidence in policy and practice
LO4. (critically) analyse the role of evidence in policy and political processes
LO5. identify facilitators and barriers to the use of evidence in policy
LO6. understand expanded conceptualisations of evidence for policy
LO7. use evidence effectively in a case for policy change.

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

Alignment with Competency standards

Outcomes	Competency standards
	Public Health Dentistry - 1.a. recognising the personal limitations and scope of the specialty and knowing when to refer or seek advice appropriately 1.c. providing patient-centred care, including selecting and prioritising treatment options that are compassionate and respectful of patients’ best interests, dignity and choices and which seek to improve community oral health 1.d. understanding and applying the moral, cultural, ethical principles and legal responsibilities involved in the provision of specialist dental care to individual patients, to communities and populations 1.e. displaying appropriate professional behaviour and communication towards all members of the dental team and referring health practitioner/s 1.f. understanding and applying legislation including that related to record-keeping 1.g. demonstrating specialist professional growth and development through research and learning 1.h. supporting the professional development and education for all members of the dental and/or health community, and 1.i. demonstrating leadership in the profession. 2.a. identifying and understanding a patient’s, or their parent’s, guardian’s or carer’s expectations, desires and attitudes when planning and delivering specialist treatment 2.b. communicating effectively with patients, their families, relatives and carers in a manner that takes into account factors such as their age, intellectual development, social and cultural background 2.e. interpreting and communicating knowledge, skills and ideas. 3.a. critically evaluating scientific research and literature, products and techniques to inform evidence-based specialist practice, and 3.b. synthesising complex information, problems, concepts and theories. 4.1.a. historical and contemporary literature 4.1.b. the scientific basis of dentistry including the relevant biological, medical and psychosocial sciences 4.2.a. the epidemiology of oral health and disease 4.2.b. the principles of oral health service delivery 4.2.c. the principles of public health research oral disease prevention at a population level, and 4.2.d. the analysis of oral health needs and services in community and public health settings. 5.2.a. designing, implementing, monitoring and evaluating population oral health programs, and 5.2.b. writing reports.
	Public Health Dentistry - 1.a. recognising the personal limitations and scope of the specialty and knowing when to refer or seek advice appropriately 1.b. practising with personal and professional integrity, honesty and trustworthiness 1.g. demonstrating specialist professional growth and development through research and learning 1.h. supporting the professional development and education for all members of the dental and/or health community, and 1.i. demonstrating leadership in the profession. 2.c. use of technological and telecommunication aids in planning and delivering specialist treatment 2.d. communicating effectively in all forms of health and legal reporting, and 2.e. interpreting and communicating knowledge, skills and ideas. 3.a. critically evaluating scientific research and literature, products and techniques to inform evidence-based specialist practice, and 4.2.a. the epidemiology of oral health and disease 4.2.b. the principles of oral health service delivery 4.2.c. the principles of public health research oral disease prevention at a population level, and 4.2.d. the analysis of oral health needs and services in community and public health settings. 5.2.a. designing, implementing, monitoring and evaluating population oral health programs, and 5.2.b. writing reports.
	Public Health Dentistry - 1.g. demonstrating specialist professional growth and development through research and learning 1.h. supporting the professional development and education for all members of the dental and/or health community, and 1.i. demonstrating leadership in the profession. 3.a. critically evaluating scientific research and literature, products and techniques to inform evidence-based specialist practice, and 3.b. synthesising complex information, problems, concepts and theories. 4.1.a. historical and contemporary literature 4.1.b. the scientific basis of dentistry including the relevant biological, medical and psychosocial sciences 4.1.c. development, anatomy, physiology and pathology of hard and soft tissues of the head and neck 4.2.a. the epidemiology of oral health and disease 4.2.b. the principles of oral health service delivery 4.2.c. the principles of public health research oral disease prevention at a population level, and 4.2.d. the analysis of oral health needs and services in community and public health settings. 5.2.a. designing, implementing, monitoring and evaluating population oral health programs, and 5.2.b. writing reports.
	Public Health Dentistry - 1.g. demonstrating specialist professional growth and development through research and learning 1.h. supporting the professional development and education for all members of the dental and/or health community, and 1.i. demonstrating leadership in the profession. 2.d. communicating effectively in all forms of health and legal reporting, and 2.e. interpreting and communicating knowledge, skills and ideas. 3.a. critically evaluating scientific research and literature, products and techniques to inform evidence-based specialist practice, and 3.b. synthesising complex information, problems, concepts and theories. 4.1.a. historical and contemporary literature 4.1.b. the scientific basis of dentistry including the relevant biological, medical and psychosocial sciences 4.1.c. development, anatomy, physiology and pathology of hard and soft tissues of the head and neck 4.1.d. the range of investigative, technical and clinical procedures, and 4.1.e. management and treatment planning with multidisciplinary engagement for complex cases, including compromised patients. 4.2.a. the epidemiology of oral health and disease 4.2.b. the principles of oral health service delivery 4.2.c. the principles of public health research oral disease prevention at a population level, and 4.2.d. the analysis of oral health needs and services in community and public health settings. 5.1.a. applying decision-making, clinical reasoning and judgement to develop a comprehensive diagnosis and treatment plan by interpreting and correlating findings from the history, clinical examinations, imaging and other diagnostic tests 5.1.b. managing complex cases, including compromised patients with multidisciplinary management, and 5.1.c. managing complications. 5.2.a. designing, implementing, monitoring and evaluating population oral health programs, and 5.2.b. writing reports.
	Public Health Dentistry - 1.h. supporting the professional development and education for all members of the dental and/or health community, and 1.i. demonstrating leadership in the profession. 2.a. identifying and understanding a patient’s, or their parent’s, guardian’s or carer’s expectations, desires and attitudes when planning and delivering specialist treatment 2.b. communicating effectively with patients, their families, relatives and carers in a manner that takes into account factors such as their age, intellectual development, social and cultural background 2.c. use of technological and telecommunication aids in planning and delivering specialist treatment 2.e. interpreting and communicating knowledge, skills and ideas. 3.a. critically evaluating scientific research and literature, products and techniques to inform evidence-based specialist practice, and 3.b. synthesising complex information, problems, concepts and theories. 5.1.c. managing complications. 5.2.a. designing, implementing, monitoring and evaluating population oral health programs, and 5.2.b. writing reports.
	Public Health Dentistry - 1.e. displaying appropriate professional behaviour and communication towards all members of the dental team and referring health practitioner/s 1.f. understanding and applying legislation including that related to record-keeping 1.g. demonstrating specialist professional growth and development through research and learning 1.i. demonstrating leadership in the profession. 2.c. use of technological and telecommunication aids in planning and delivering specialist treatment 2.d. communicating effectively in all forms of health and legal reporting, and 2.e. interpreting and communicating knowledge, skills and ideas.
	Public Health Dentistry - 1.h. supporting the professional development and education for all members of the dental and/or health community, and 1.i. demonstrating leadership in the profession. 2.c. use of technological and telecommunication aids in planning and delivering specialist treatment 2.d. communicating effectively in all forms of health and legal reporting, and 2.e. interpreting and communicating knowledge, skills and ideas. 3.b. synthesising complex information, problems, concepts and theories. 5.2.b. writing reports.

Responding to student feedback

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

Feedback from students was positive regarding content, the evening seminars, the relevance of the assignments, quality of the teaching, and student support. Improvements wanted were greater interactivity in class, faster feedback on assessments, fewer readings, and a greater integration of theory and practice.

Additional information

More information can be found on Canvas.

Additional costs

There are no additional costs for this unit.

Site visit guidelines

There are no site visit guidelines for this unit.

Work, health and safety

There are no specific WHS requirements for this unit.

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.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

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

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

Alignment with Competency standards

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Additional costs

Site visit guidelines

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

HPOL5008: Evidence into Health Policy and Planning

Semester 1, 2025 [Online] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

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

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

Alignment with Competency standards

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Additional costs

Site visit guidelines

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links