Unit outline_

HSBH4109: Gender Equity in Health, Exercise and Sport

Semester 1, 2026 [Block mode] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Students will learn about the impact of menstruation, pregnancy, menopause and other hormonal changes on experiences in health, exercise, and sport settings. This unit takes an intersectional approach to educating students about the impact of gender and other identities in health, exercise, and sport settings. This unit will provide a dedicated space to address these contemporary issues and help students develop advocacy skills essential for creating inclusive, client-centred spaces in their future practice. This unit builds on the social determinants of health that most students in health sciences were introduced to in earlier years and their personal and professional experiences in health, exercise, and sport

Unit details and rules

Academic unit Movement Sciences
Credit points 6
Prerequisites
? 
A minimum of 90 credit points
Corequisites
? 
None
Prohibitions
? 
None
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator Kotryna Lewis, kotryna.lewis@sydney.edu.au
Guest lecturer(s) Diego Silva, diego.silva@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s) Roxanna Pebdani, roxanna.pebdani@sydney.edu.au
Tutor(s) Brooke McGregor, brooke.mcgregor@sydney.edu.au
The census date for this unit availability is 31 March 2026
Type Description Weight Due Length Use of AI
Out-of-class quiz Early Feedback Task Lecture Quizzes
Lecture quizzes are due before each tutorial.
14% Multiple weeks 10 untimed questions, one attempt AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2
Written work Reflection papers
Individual written task (2 reflections in total) due in Weeks 4 and 8.
20% Multiple weeks 350 words each AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3
Presentation Assessment 3 Part 1: Media Article Presentation
Select a suitable article, present and discuss it in class during the tutorial.
10% Week 04
Due date: 16 Mar 2026 at 10:00

Closing date: 16 Mar 2026
In-class 5-minute oral presentation AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO4
Written work Assignment 3 Part 2: A Letter to the Editor
A written, individual assignment.
20% Week 05
Due date: 26 Mar 2026 at 23:59

Closing date: 05 Apr 2026
500 words (upper limit) AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO4
Written work group assignment Assignment 4 Part 1: Advocacy paper
A written group task requiring the application of advocacy skills to a provided case study.
30% Week 10
Due date: 10 May 2026 at 23:59

Closing date: 20 May 2026
2,000 words AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Contribution Assignment 4 Part 2: Groupwork Skills and Professionalism
Individual, anonymous evaluation of assignment 4 group members' groupwork skills, communication, and professionalism.
6% Week 10
Due date: 10 May 2026 at 23:59

Closing date: 20 May 2026
5 minutes AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO3 LO5
group assignment = group assignment ?
early feedback task = early feedback task ?

Assessment summary

  • Assignment 1 Weekly Quizzes (14%): Seven weekly quizzes gauging engagement with and understanding of the study material before each tutorial. The quizzes are due on Sunday in Weeks 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, and 8. Five of seven quizzes must be attempted to be eligible to pass the unit. 

 

  • Assignment 2 Reflections (20%): Two individual reflections worth 10% each. Each reflection will be on any topic addressed in the previous three weeks of content. Both reflections must be attempted to be eligible to pass the unit. 

 

  • Assignment 3 Media Article and a Letter to the Editor (30%): This is a two-part assignment. Part 1 is worth 10% and requires each student to identify a media article they recently read that is relevant to this Unit of Study. The students will be required to critically analyse and discuss the identified article during the Week 4 tutorial and provide constructive feedback. Part 2 requires each student to write a Letter to the Editor, worth 20%, discussing the article identified in Part 1. Students are expected to implement peer feedback to develop stronger arguments. Both parts must be attempted to be eligible to pass the unit. 

 

  • ​​​​​​Assignment 4 Advocacy Paper (36%): Part 1 is a group assignment, worth 30%, where students will choose one of the provided case studies. Students are expected to identify present issues and propose solutions to create a more diverse, inclusive, and welcoming environment, taking cultural competence into account. Part 2 is an individual, anonymous evaluation of the groupwork skills, communication, and professionalism of assignment group members, worth 6%. Part 2 is completed online and is due in Week 7 (not assessed; opportunity to provide peer feedback and check-in with the teaching staff) and in Week 10 (assessed). Uneven contributions to Part 1 may result in subsequent investigation and additional penalties. Both Part 1 and Part 2 of this assignment must be attempted to be eligible to pass the unit. 

Assessment criteria

Result Name Mark Range Description
High distinction 85 - 100 Demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an exceptional standard. 
Distinction 75 - 84 Demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a very high standard. 
Credit 65 - 74 Demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a good standard. 
Pass 50 - 64 Demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an acceptable standard. 
Fail 0 - 49 Fail to demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an acceptable standard. 

 

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.

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:

As per University's policy.

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.

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

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Week 01 (Pre-recorded lecture content) Introduction: Defining the problem & key concepts Self-directed learning (3 hr) LO1 LO3 LO4
Week 02 Introduction: Defining the problem & key concepts Tutorial (1.5 hr) LO1 LO3 LO4
(Pre-recorded lecture content) Hormonal changes across one's lifespan and gendered experiences in health, exercise and sport Self-directed learning (3.5 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4
Week 03 Hormonal changes across one's lifespan and gendered experiences in health, exercise and sport Tutorial (1.5 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4
(Pre-recorded lecture content) Intersectionality in Health & Sport: Ethnicity, Disability & Religion Self-directed learning (3.5 hr) LO1 LO3 LO4
Week 04 Intersectionality in Health & Sport: Ethnicity, Disability & Religion Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO3 LO4 LO5
(Pre-recorded lecture content) Strenuous exercise, training guidelines and hormonal changes Self-directed learning (3.5 hr) LO2 LO5
Week 05 Strenuous exercise, training guidelines and hormonal changes Tutorial (1.5 hr) LO2 LO5
(Pre-recorded lecture content) Current challenges & debates in health, exercise & sport Self-directed learning (3.5 hr) LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 06 Current challenges & debates in health, exercise & sport Tutorial (2 hr) LO3 LO4 LO5
(Pre-recorded lecture content) Ethics & Moral values in health, exercise & sport Self-directed learning (3 hr) LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 07 Ethics & Moral values in health, exercise & sport Tutorial (1.5 hr) LO3 LO4 LO5
(Pre-recorded lecture content) Advocacy skills & ALLYship Self-directed learning (3 hr) LO4 LO5
Week 08 Advocacy skills & ALLYship Tutorial (1.5 hr) LO4 LO5
(Pre-recorded lecture content) Interdisciplinary approach in health, exercise & sport Self-directed learning (3 hr) LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 09 Interdisciplinary approach in health, exercise & sport Tutorial (1.5 hr) LO3 LO4 LO5

Attendance and class requirements

Assessment Submission Requirements: Please note an attempt and submission at each assessment listed is required to attain an overall unit percentage and grade. If an assessment is not attempted, and there is no evidence/information related to special consideration, then an ‘Absent Fail’ grade for the assessment and overall ‘Fail’ grade for the unit will be attained. Candidates cannot attain an overall percentage and attainment grade if they have not submitted in any one of the unit assessments. 

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

See Weekly Modules on the HSBH4109 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. Demonstrate understanding of gender identity and intersectionality as they apply to lived experiences in health, exercise, and sport settings.
  • LO2. Critically analyse the impact of menstruation, pregnancy, menopause and other hormonal changes on experiences in health, exercise, and sport settings.
  • LO3. Develop and refine self-awareness and reflection skills to further engage in the life-long process of developing a culturally competent practice in health, exercise, and sport settings.
  • LO4. Develop and utilise advocacy skills in areas of equity, diversity, and inclusion in health, exercise, and sport settings.
  • LO5. Apply an interdisciplinary approach to develop a more inclusive and diverse professional practice in the student’s own area of expertise.

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.

Students offered helpful suggestions to improve AI-based tutorial activities and perceived benefit. Some students also suggested minor changes to the deadline for lecture quizzes to help them with workload planning and self-organisation.

Students are responsible for keeping a record of their work, including drafts, AI prompts, or contributions to a groupwork assignment, for 12 months after submission. Students may be requested to submit these materials in response to an allegation of an academic integrity breach (Academic Integrity Policy 2022, Part 3 (7)).

Disclaimer

Important: the University of Sydney regularly reviews units of study and reserves the right to change the units of study available annually. To stay up to date on available study options, including unit of study details and availability, refer to the relevant handbook.

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