Outline

Overview

This unit introduces students to a range of practice and research issues in rural health care. Topics covered include: the nature and variety of rural settings; special populations and cultural safety; rural health needs and access to health services; relevant models of health service delivery; and the rural health workforce and inter-professional practice.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Participation Sciences
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	48 credit points of units
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Scott Denton, scott.denton@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Gianina Raymundo, gianina.raymundo@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Scott Denton, scott.denton@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 31 March 2025

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length
Assignment	Individual report Written assessment	40%	Formal exam period Due date: 10 Jun 2025 at 23:59	2500 words
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Group project Presentation and written submission	40%	Multiple weeks	Multimedia task, individual reflection
Outcomes assessed:
Participation	Tutorial and discussion board participation Contribution to tutorials -weeks 1,4,8,12; weekly discussions -other weeks	20%	Weekly	Weekly participation Weeks 1-13
Outcomes assessed:
= group assignment ? = AI allowed ?

Assessment summary

Participation:

Students are expected to participate consistently throughout the semester. Participation occurs every week and consists of:

a. Live Zoom tutorials 1.00pm-2.00pm Thursdays, held in Weeks 1, 4, 8 and 12

b. Discussion board contributions, Weeks 2,3,5,6,7,9,10,11 and 13

Individual report:

You will create an individual research project on an assigned topic in relation to the delivery of health and social care services in rural Australia. Due week 14.

Group Multimedia Presentation:

For this assignment, you will collaborate in groups of 4–5 to create a 10-minute multimedia presentation on a pre-assigned rural healthcare topic. Presentation due dates will vary between Weeks 6 and 12, depending on the week assigned to your topic.

In addition to the group presentation, each student must submit a written report documenting their individual contribution to the multi-media project. Due Week 14.

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.

It is a requirement of this Unit of Study that all assessment items are attempted.

Failure to attempt any assessment item will result in you being awarded an Absent Fail grade (0-49 AF), regardless of your cumulative marks in the Unit of Study.

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:

Written work submitted electronically after the due date will be considered to have been submitted late. For every calendar day up to and including ten calendar days after the due date, a penalty of 5% of the maximum awardable marks will be applied to late work. For work submitted more than ten calendar days after the due date 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	Introduction to rural health in Australia	Individual study (2 hr)
Week 01	Compulsory attendance. Familiarisation with unit content and assessments. Connect with fellow group members on Assessment 2.	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 02	Social determinants of rural health	Individual study (2 hr)
Week 02	Discussion board participation. Must be completed weekly.	Online class (1 hr)
Week 03	Overview of rural healthcare delivery models	Individual study (2 hr)
Week 03	Discussion board participation. Must be completed weekly.	Online class (1 hr)
Week 04	Investigation of the Multi-Purpose Service program	Individual study (2 hr)
Week 04	Tutorial class - live in-class activities and assessment check-in.	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 05	Indigenous health in rural Australia	Individual study (2 hr)
Week 05	Discussion board participation. Must be completed weekly.	Online class (1 hr)
Week 06	Rural health workforce	Individual study (2 hr)
Week 06	Discussion board participation. Must be completed weekly.	Online class (1 hr)
Week 07	Digital health and technology in rural healthcare	Individual study (2 hr)
Week 07	Discussion board participation. Must be completed weekly.	Online class (1 hr)
Week 08	Rural-focused acute care and chronic disease management	Individual study (2 hr)
Week 08	Tutorial - live in-class activities and assessment check-in.	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 09	Mental health and well-being in rural communities	Individual study (2 hr)
Week 09	Discussion board participation. Must be completed weekly.	Online class (1 hr)
Week 10	Health disparities among rural population groups	Individual study (2 hr)
Week 10	Discussion board participation. Must be completed weekly.	Online class (1 hr)
Week 11	Additional health needs of specific demographics	Individual study (2 hr)
Week 11	Discussion board participation. Must be completed weekly.	Online class (1 hr)
Week 12	Living with disability in rural Australia	Individual study (2 hr)
Week 12	Tutorial - live in-class activities and assessment check-in.	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 13	Rural health policy, advocacy and research	Individual study (2 hr)
Week 13	Discussion board participation. Must be completed weekly.	Online class (1 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance

HSBH3011 Rural Health is a fully online, self-paced unit delivered remotely through CANVAS.

Active participation each week is encouraged, as contributions over the full 13 weeks will form the foundation of the 20% participation mark. There are two elements to the participation:

a. Live one-hour Zoom tutorials held on Thursdays at 1:00 PM (Weeks 1, 4, 8, and 12)

b. Discussion board posts - these must be completed weekly in Weeks 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, and 13.

The discussion boards will open at 9 AM each Monday and remain active for one week, closing at 9 AM the following Monday. Once closed, they will be in read-only mode, and additional posts will be unavailable.

If you are unable to participate in a particular week's discussion, please inform the unit coordinator at the earliest opportunity.

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

Refer to the CANVAS page for unit readings for each week.

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. identify and discuss the factors that impact health, and apply these to the health status of rural and remote populations
LO2. reflect on the influence of community and cultural contexts in health service delivery, including the concept of cultural safety, what it means, and why it is important for health professionals
LO3. demonstrate an understanding of the different types of health services available in rural and remote Australia
LO4. identify and describe who the rural and remote health workforce are, what they do, and identify the factors impacting on recruitment and retention of health care workers
LO5. reflect on the role of infrastructure and new technologies on health, including telehealth and eHealth in rural areas
LO6. reflect on research relevant to rural areas, and identify key areas of research required for the health of rural populations
LO7. Discuss and collaborate with others to develop your knowledge of rural health.

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.

Implemented improvements to enhance the overall learning experience. Refinements to course content, including diversification to tutorial activities, and more succinct assessment guidelines.

Additional information

Teaching and learning style:

Content will be made available each successive week throughout the semester, and will consist of: a recorded lecture, supplementary material (including videos), and readings.

Required materials:

Online units of study have the following requirements:

desktop computer or laptop (not tablet),
webcam and microphone (built-in or external),
connection to the network with sufficient internet speed (at least 3 Mbps download speed and 3 Mbps upload).

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

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

HSBH3011: Rural Health

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

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links