HSBH3007: Intensive October - November, 2025

Units HSBH3007 Intensive October - November 2025 [Block mode]

Unit outline_

HSBH3007: Cancer: Prevention Through to Palliation

Intensive October - November, 2025 [Block mode] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Rehabilitation and exercise programs are a critical part of multi-disciplinary care for cancer patients. In this unit of study, students will be introduced to a range of issues related to the prevention, detection and intervention for cancer. you’ll learn about the prevention, pathophysiology, detection and treatment for cancer. Further topics that will be covered include: the role of exercise in the prevention through palliation for cancer; prevention and interventions for physical and psychosocial impairments that arise secondary to treatments, including pain, lymphoedema, and fatigue. A focus is placed on patient-centered care informed by current evidence.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Participation Sciences
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	Students must have completed at least 48 credit points
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	BHSC3021
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Paula Beckenkamp, paula.beckenkamp@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 7 November 2025

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Written exam ?	Final exam MCQ and short answer questions	50%	Formal exam period	2 hours	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Creative work	Program poster Individual poster handout linked to program	10%	STUVAC Due date: 14 Nov 2025 at 23:59	1 A4 page	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Written report Development of allied health program proposal (2 A4 pages); done in pairs	40%	Week 13 Due date: 07 Nov 2025 at 23:59	2 A4 pages- program proposal	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= group assignment ?

Assessment summary

Group written report; Final written examination

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
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 sydney.edu.au/students/guide-to-grades.

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.

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
Week 01	Lecture 1: Introduction to Cancer and Cancer Rehabilitation Lecture 2: Treatments for cancer Lecture 3: Cancer and cancer survivorship programs Lecture 4: Patient centered care in cancer survivorship	Lecture (4 hr)
Week 01	Working in cancer	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 02	Lecture 5: Impact of treatment for breast cancer Lecture 6: Impact of melanoma Lecture 7: Impact of treatment for head and neck cancers Lecture 8: Impacts of treatment for paediatric cancer	Lecture (4 hr)
Week 02	Implementing evidence and service development	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 03	Lecture 9: Lymphoedema I Lecture 10: Lymphoedema II Lecture 11: Pain and cancer Lecture 12: Communication after treatment for paediatric cancers	Lecture (4 hr)
Week 03	Lymphoedema assessment	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 04	Lecture 13: Exercise during treatment for cancer Lecture 14: Exercise for deconditioning from cancer treatment Lecture 15: Exercise and late-stage cancer Lecture 16: Exercise and paediatric cancers	Lecture (4 hr)
Week 04	Development of an exercise program	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 05	Lecture 17: Chemotherapy induced peripheral neuropathy Lecture 18: Culture and cancer Lecture 19: Palliative and end of life care Lecture 20: Fear of recurrence	Lecture (4 hr)
Week 05	Implementing and running an exercise program	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 06	Lecture 21: Memory and chemobrain Lecture 22: Fatigue Lecture 23: Case studies and content review Lecture 24: Working in oncology	Lecture (4 hr)
Week 06	Cultural impact of cancer diagnosis and treatment	Tutorial (2 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

You are required to attend the 4 hours of lectures per week associated with this unit of study and all the tutorials associated with this unit of study, which are designed as 2-hour tutorial blocks across 8 weeks of the semester.

Students are expected to attend a minimum of 90% of timetabled activities for a unit of study, unless granted exemption by the Head of School, or Professor most concerned. The Head of School or Professor most concerned may determine that a student fails a unit of study because of inadequate attendance. Alternatively, at their discretion, they may set additional assessment items where attendance is lower than 90%.

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

No specific textbooks are required for this unit of study.

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. explain the epidemiology of the common cancers.
LO2. examine the roles of the multidisciplinary team that manages cancer patients.
LO3. explain the physical and psychological impairments that may arise from treatment of cancer, including their pathophysiology and impact.
LO4. evaluate the treatment and management options for the physical and psychological impairments that may arise from the treatment of cancer.
LO5. demonstrate a critical understanding of the role of exercise in prevention (initial and recurrence), and management of cancer.
LO6. confidently prescribe exercise programs for patients with various cancer histories.
LO7. clearly discuss the assessment and treatment options for lymphoedema secondary to treatment of cancer.
LO8. evaluate the impact of patient-specific factors on a patient’s experience during diagnosis, treatment, survivorship and end of life decisions of cancer, including culture.
LO9. develop critical knowledge and analytical skill in processing evidence into clinical practices
LO10. conduct difficult conversations about cancer and cancer survivorship

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.

Some changes were made in the lecture and tutorial contents and the order of delivery to fit in the intensive November session.

Additional information

Student Administration Manual on the Faculty of Health Sciences

Work, health and safety

Further information will be provided about appropriate dress for Practical classes, however, closed-in footwear is required for Practical Classes

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)

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