Outline

Overview

This unit will provide foundational skill development for clinical practice in allied health later in your career. The unit will develop skills in professionalism, as well as developing your understanding of how social factors affect people's understandings of health, health opportunities and outcomes. The unit will also provide foundational understandings of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health and the Australian healthcare system.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Health Sciences
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	HSBH1012
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Ryan Naylor, ryan.naylor@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Gianina Raymundo, gianina.raymundo@sydney.edu.au
	Lisa Vaccaro, lisa.vaccaro@sydney.edu.au
	Nathaniel Tamwoy, nathaniel.tamwoy@sydney.edu.au
	Alex de Souza, alexandra.desouza@sydney.edu.au
Tutor(s)	Robyn Johnson, robyn.johnson@sydney.edu.au
	Zakia Hossain, zakia.hossain@sydney.edu.au
	Kate Thomson, kate.thomson@sydney.edu.au
	Anita Amorim, anita.amorim@sydney.edu.au
	Sue Meikle, sue.meikle@sydney.edu.au
	Bruna Berger Roisenberg, bruna.bergerroisenberg@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 31 March 2025

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length
Skills-based evaluation	Communication skills demonstration Demonstration of effective variation of communication skills with audience	40%	Formal exam period Due date: 09 Jun 2025 at 23:59	30 min equivalent
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Reflective portfolio Portfolio of professionalism plans and skill development reflection	15%	Formal exam period Due date: 09 Jun 2025 at 23:59	1500 words equivalent
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Case study analysis Analysis of a case study using the frameworks presented in the unit	45%	Formal exam period Due date: 30 May 2025 at 23:59	2000 words or equivalent
Outcomes assessed:
Creative assessment / demonstration	Communication skills demonstration #earlyfeedbacktask	0%	Week 03 Due date: 10 Mar 2025 at 23:59	1 min
Outcomes assessed:
Creative assessment / demonstration	Interdisciplinary learning (IPL) Introductory Workshop Compulsory attendance week 3 or 4 online and written activities.	0%	Week 03	2 hour workshop plus written activities
Outcomes assessed:
Skills-based evaluation	Academic Honesty Module Online skills assessment. Complete via the academic honesty Canvas site.	0%	Week 04 Due date: 23 Mar 2025 at 23:59	1 hour
Outcomes assessed:
= hurdle task ? = AI allowed ?

Early feedback task

This unit includes an early feedback task, designed to give you feedback prior to the census date for this unit. Details are provided in the Canvas site and your result will be recorded in your Marks page. It is important that you actively engage with this task so that the University can support you to be successful in this unit.

Assessment summary

There are three main assignments in this unit, to assess your development of relevant knowledge and clinical skills. They are a:

Case study analysis, in which you will submit an analysis of a case study, using the frameworks presented in this unit, along with a description of how healthcare professionals can influence the patient to make good healthcare decisions. Students will work in groups to perform the analysis, but can choose to submit their assignments alone if they prefer. Generative AI can be used to develop the ideas behind the analysis and improve the structure and writing.
Demonstration of comunication skills, in which you will provide 2 short videos or live demonstrations of your ability to effectively moderate your communication style to be appropriate for patients from diverse backgrounds. You are not permitted to use generative AI for this assignment.
- Additionally, as an early feedback task, you will submit a short recording to demonstrate your communication skills and introduce yourself to your tutor.
Reflective portfolio. During the course of the semester you will prepare a number of documents to demonstrate your professionalism skills (including an assessment plan), which you will submit alongside a short essay reflecting on your skill development during this course. Generative AI can be used to develop the ideas behind the analysis and improve the structure and writing.

Hurdle assessments:

You must also successfully complete these tasks in order to pass this unit:

Interdisciplinary learning activity: Students are required to attend their timetabled learning activity (scheduled in either Week 3 or 4). They must also complete online and written activities. Information about this activity is available via the IPL Canvas site.

Academic honesty module: Students are required to successfully complete the academic honesty module by Week 4. The module is available via a separate Canvas site. For more information please refer to this site: https://sydney.edu.au/students/academic-integrity.html

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on the HSBH1003 Canvas site.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2021 (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) 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.

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:

The Academic Honesty Module and Interdisciplinary Learning Activities are barrier tasks which means they must be completed or students will not pass the unit. The early feedback task will not be available for simple extensions or special consideration. Other assignments will be subject to late penalties as described in university policy.

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	Being a clinician: Professionalism	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 02	Being a clinician: Models of health	Lecture and tutorial (4 hr)
Week 03	Being a clinician: Professional behaviour	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 04	Being a clinician: Effective communication	Lecture and tutorial (4 hr)
Week 05	Being a clinician: Learning and behaviour change	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 06	Being a clinician: How the healthcare system works	Lecture and tutorial (4 hr)
Week 07	Social determinants of health	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 08	Professional panel	Lecture and tutorial (4 hr)
Week 09	Social determinants of health: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 10	Social determinants of health: Rethinking disability	Lecture and tutorial (4 hr)
Week 11	Social determinants of health: Mental health	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 12	Social determinants of health: Ethnicity, culture and cultural safety	Lecture and tutorial (4 hr)
Week 13	Conclusion: Final questions and assignment help	Lecture (2 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Class requirements:

All seminars and tutorials/workshops will be face-to-face. Seminars take place in weeks 1-13. Seminar recordings will be uploaded to Canvas following the seminar. Tutorials/workshops take place in weeks 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12. Tutorials/worshops will not be recorded.

Attendance: Students are expected to attend all scheduled classes. Attendance is not compulsory, but is strongly recommended. Students who choose not to attend classes and learn only from seminar recordings achieve significantly lower average marks.

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

A list of set readings for each week is available on the HSBH1003 Canvas site.

You should study any set readings as they will help you understand material presented in the seminars and tutorials.

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. Analyse the factors that influence health decision-making, including the individual's context, and explore the ways in which health professionals can influence these decisions to promote health and wellbeing.
LO2. Demonstrate effective communication skills when interacting with patients from diverse backgrounds, fostering mutual understanding and enhancing the quality and safety of healthcare.
LO3. Articulate the unique health contexts of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, recognising the social, cultural, and historical factors that impact health and wellbeing, and apply them to professional practice.
LO4. Evaluate and apply professionalism skills, as demonstrated through effective planning, organisation, self-care and self-regulation strategies.
LO5. Develop and apply interdisciplinary learning and knowledge of the Australian healthcare systems

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.

This unit has been redesigned with a student co-design to better support the needs of students. Changes in 2025 include having shorter seminars, longer tutorials, and changing tutorial activities.

Additional information

The Canvas E-Learning Management System (LMS) supports the teaching in this unit. Material presented in seminars will be posted in the week prior to the seminar on the LMS site. Seminar recordings will be posted after the seminar.

The site also contains information about assessment, links to the weekly online quizzes, set readings, tutorial information, announcements and updates. You should go to the site at least twice a week. You will access online learning activities that complement the online quiz program through the LMS site.

You must read all unit materials, announcements on the site and all emails sent to your student email address to ensure you do not miss important announcements about assessment, classes or content.

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

Early feedback task

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

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

HSBH1003: Health, Behaviour and Society

Semester 1, 2025 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Early feedback task

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

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links