Outline

Overview

This unit examines government regulation of health care and professional practice. With regard to each area of government decision-making, issues are analysed by reference to the interplay between social goals, human rights, legal rights and ethical considerations. Topics covered include the constitutional and statutory sources of government power with respect to health care: regulatory models and reform of public health legislation; therapeutic goods administration; health insurance; pharmaceutical benefits and the pharmacy industry; human tissue legislation; discipline of health professionals with a focus on the National Law; health care complaints tribunals; a right to health care; ethical theories in law and medicine; the ethics of human experimentation; and ethics committees. The unit is available as one of the core units for students enrolled in the MHL and GradDipHL in addition to LAWS6252. Refer to the Sydney Law School timetable - https://canvas.sydney.edu.au/courses/4533/pages/postgraduate-lecture-timetable

Unit details and rules

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

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Cameron Stewart, cameron.stewart@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 6 November 2026

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Presentation	Option 1: Case Presentation - Oral (20%) A prepared presentation to class on a selected case from the materials	0%	Multiple weeks	20 min presentation to class	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Conversation	Mandatory Capstone Interview (0%) Eligible students must undertake a 10min interview/Q&A prior to submission of a capstone essay.	0%	Ongoing Due date: 29 Oct 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 29 Oct 2026	10 mins	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Out-of-class quiz	Early Feedback Task (0%) Quiz	0%	Week 02 Due date: 26 Oct 2026 at 23:59	15 mins	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Option 2: Case Presentation - Recorded (20%) A prepared presentation on a selected case from the materials	0%	Week 02 Due date: 30 Oct 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 30 Oct 2026	20 min recorded presentation	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Mandatory Research Essay (80%) Research paper	0%	Week 05 Due date: 19 Nov 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 26 Nov 2026	7000 words incl references / 3 weeks	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Alternative, Capstone Essay (80%) Capstone essay	0%	Week 05 Due date: 19 Nov 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 26 Nov 2026	7000 words incl references / 3 weeks	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= early feedback task ?

Assessment summary

Early Feedback Task (0%) Students will complete a multiple-choice quiz designed to provide early feedback on their understanding and engagement with the early part of the unit. The EFT will be available via Canvas from 23 October 2026 at 09.00AM (Sydney, Australia time). The EFT must be completed by 26 October 2026 at 11:59pm (Sydney, Australia time). This task provides students with an opportunity to test their foundational knowledge of the sources of health care regulation.

Case Presentation (20%) Students will deliver a 20-minute class presentation based on one [1] of the cases listed under each topic in the Learning Guide. Students must then reserve a presentation time for delivering their case presentation in class by adding their name to the sign-up sheet available in Canvas. In class presentation times are limited and will be allocated in the order in which students sign up. This task assesses students’ ability to analyse relevant sources of regulation and regulatory forms and their appropriateness.

Case Presentation - Recorded (20%) Students will record a 20-minute class presentation based on one [1] of the cases listed under each topic in the Learning Guide. Recorded presentations are in lieu of being able to present in class. Students must upload their recorded case presentation to Canvas no later than 30 October 2026 at 11:59pm (Sydney, Australia time). This task assesses students’ ability to analyse relevant sources of regulation and regulatory forms and their appropriateness.

Research Essay (80%) Students must complete a 7,000-word research essay (including references) on either:

one of the topics provided, or
an approved topic concerning health law policy of their choosing.

Students proposing their own topic must discuss it with the unit coordinator before 29 October 2026 (Sydney, Australia time).

The essay must use documentary research only and be referenced using footnotes in accordance with the Australian Guide to Legal Citation. The essay must be submitted no later than 19 November 2026 at 11:59pm (Sydney, Australia time). This task assesses students’ ability to undertake advanced legal research, critical analysis of health law and policy, evaluation of existing regulatory frameworks, development of justified reform proposals, and persuasive written communication using logically-structured argument.

Students should not use AI to generate substantive legal analysis or written argument submitted in the research essay. AI-generated output is not legal authority. The final submission must represent the student’s own authentic work.

Capstone

Eligible students may undertake a Capstone Essay required for their course of study. The Capstone essay replaces the research essay (above).

Capstone Interview (0%) Students will participate in a 10-minute face-to-face interview and Q&A with the Unit Coordinator about their proposed capstone essay, addressing the topic and research question, table of contents/structure, literature review, research methodologies. Students completing a capstone must reserve an interview time (in-person or via Zoom/Teams) by adding their name to the sign-up sheet available in Canvas. The Interview must take place before the essay is submitted.

The interview assesses students’ ability to articulate a research proposal, development of a viable legal research question, understanding of research methodology, and preparedness for advanced independent research. It also provides an opportunity for students to receive feedback on their proposal in preparation for writing the essay.

Capstone Essay (80%) Students must complete a 7,000-word capstone essay (including references) addressing an approved topic in health law policy discussed in the Capstone Interview (above). The essay must use documentary research only and be referenced using footnotes in accordance with the Australian Guide to Legal Citation.

A Capstone Essay must be submitted following the Capstone Interview via Canvas no later than 19 November 2026 at 11:59pm (Sydney, Australia time). This task assesses students’ ability to undertake advanced legal research, critical analysis of health law and policy, evaluation of existing regulatory frameworks, development of justified reform proposals, and persuasive written communication in the context of their overall studies.

Word limit penalty: A piece of assessment which exceeds the prescribed word limit will attract a penalty of 10% of the total marks available for the piece of assessment for every 100 words, or part thereof. The total word count for essay and other written assessments will include all footnotes and any bibliography (if required), and exclude acknowledgements of assistance from editors, automated writing tools or generative AI (where use is permitted).

Referencing: The Sydney Law School expects you to use the Australian Guide to Legal Citation (4th edition, 2018) for your footnoting style, although you should confirm this with your lecturer. A link to the library website where this is set out comprehensively is available at Referencing and Citation Styles: AGLC4.

Special consideration: Successful grants of Special Consideration may involve alternative tasks, as appropriate.

Assessment requirements to pass a unit of study: A student must make a genuine attempt at all assessment tasks set out in this Unit of Study in order to obtain a Pass mark and grade (or above); otherwise an Absent Fail grade will be recorded as the student’s result for this Unit of Study. As the EFT is an early diagnostic tool, this task is not included in the final grade for the unit.

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	Completely answers the question. Contains striking originality of approach or analysis. Demonstrates exhaustive or innovative research (where independent research required). Exceptionally well written, structured and expressed. Is otherwise exceptional in some way.
Distinction	75 - 84	Completely answers the question. Achieves a critical and evaluative approach to the issues. Content and structure is well organised in support of the argument. Demonstrates extensive research and analysis to support a well-documented argument. Generally well expressed and free from errors. Has a clear structure and is well articulated.
Credit	65 - 74	Covers main issues fairly well in answering the question. Contains no significant errors. Demonstrates an attempted critical approach to the issues. Demonstrates reasonably sound research and analysis in addressing the key issues. Has a clear structure and reasonably clear expression.
Pass	50 - 64	Identifies the key issues, but does not follow through with a reasoned argument. Contains some significant errors. Displays satisfactory engagement with the key issues. Offers a descriptive summary of material relevant to the question. Superficial use of material, and may display a tendency to paraphrase. Demonstrates little evidence of in-depth research or analysis. Adequate expression. Overall, demonstrates the minimum level of competence in the assessment and satisfies the requirements to proceed to higher-level studies in the degree or subject area.
Fail	0 - 49	Does not answer the question. Contains significant or numerous errors. Few or no identifiable arguments. Content that is inappropriate or irrelevant. Lack of research or analysis. Difficult or impossible to understand through poor grammar, expression or structure. Overall, does not demonstrate the minimum level of competence in the assessment.

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.

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 late submission of a piece of assessment, without an approved extension, will attract a penalty of 10% of the total marks available for the piece of assessment per 24 hours or part thereof, after the due time on the due date. Penalties for late submission will be applied strictly.

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	1. Introduction to principle-based ethics; 2. Constitutional power with respect to health care, therapeutic goods and pharmaceutical benefits	Seminar (6.5 hr)
Week 01	1. Constitutional power with respect to health care, therapeutic goods and pharmaceutical benefits; 2. Health care complaints systems; 3. Disciplinary procedures under the national law	Seminar (6.5 hr)
Week 02	1. Health care complaints systems; 2. Disciplinary procedures under the national law	Seminar (6.5 hr)
Week 02	Human tissue legislation; Completion of the student feedback survey for this unit of study	Seminar (6.5 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance: All students are required to attend 70% of classes to satisfy the pass requirements for this unit. Failure to meet this requirement will result in an Absent Fail grade being recorded as the student’s result for this unit (see The University of Sydney Law School Resolutions: Coursework Awards cl 11).

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 are available in the Learning Guide which will be posted 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.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

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

LO1. Identify and critically analyse the sources of regulation governing health care and professional practice in Australia.
LO2. Evaluate the appropriateness of regulatory forms in health law and policy by reference to social goals, human rights, legal rights and ethical considerations.
LO3. Critically appraise existing health care regulation and formulate justified options for legal or policy reform.
LO4. Apply relevant legal research methodologies to the independent development of logically-structured arguments and communicate these to specialist and non-specialist audiences.

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.

Introduction of a Capstone Essay option requiring students to complete an oral interview hurdle task to be eligible to undertake the essay.

Additional information

Resources - Sydney Law Students

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.

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

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

LAWS6052: Govt Regulation, Health Policy and Ethics

Intensive October - November, 2026 [Block mode] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

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

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links