Outline

Overview

This unit of study will develop students' understanding of how to effectively manage overweight, obesity and pre-diabetes. It will facilitate increased confidence in the prevention and practical medical management of these conditions. Current data and concepts in epidemiology and classification and pathogenesis of overweight and obesity and pre-diabetes and related public health issues are addressed. An intensive focus on state of the art patient-centred management of obesity and pre-diabetes follows, including patient engagement with behavioural and psychological approaches, lifestyle interventions in nutrition and exercise, bariatric surgery, medication options and regimens, new technology and sustainability of outcomes. New technology to enhance health is a focus. Overweight and obesity, as well as pre-diabetes is examined with a personalised, case-based approach. Differing health care delivery methods, commercial options and team based approaches to care are explored.

Unit details and rules

Unit code	MBHT5003
Academic unit	Metabolic Health
Credit points	6
Prohibitions ?	None
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Sarah Parry, sarah.parry@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Timothy Gill, tim.gill@sydney.edu.au
	Sarah Parry, sarah.parry@sydney.edu.au
	Stephen Twigg, stephen.twigg@sydney.edu.au

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length
Online task	Module Quizzes Online task	20%	Multiple weeks	20 minutes each
Outcomes assessed:
Online task	Case Discussions Case studies	15%	Multiple weeks	300 words each
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Case Reports Case studies	30%	Multiple weeks	500 words each
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Written Debate Essay Essay	30%	Week 06	2000 words
Outcomes assessed:
Online task	Short Answer Question Short answer question	5%	Week 13	300 words
Outcomes assessed:

Assessment summary

Written Debate Essay: Students are required to write an essay based on one of 3 listed topics. These topics cover different aspects of understanding of the development and management of obesity which have been raised in the first 2 modules of this unit. The topics are written as statements or opinions and students are required to confirm the merits and validity of the statement by defining what issues are raised by the statement, undertaking a review of the literature around the issue/s raised and interpreting whether they feel the literature supports or refutes the statement.
Case discussions: There are three case studies which will be posted at set times during the semester. All students will be required to log onto the online discussion forum and contribute to the discussion around how to assess, plan and manage the hypothetical patient. Specific questions will be posted to help guide the discussion and keep it moving forward. Clinical tutors will be available online at set times to provide direction and answer questions. Each appropriate online student intervention which advances the discussion of the topic will be awarded 0.5 -1.0
marks up to a total of 3 marks. An additional 2 marks will be awarded for responding to clinical tutors questions.
Case reports: Following on from the Case Discussions you will be presented with a similar case for which you will write a 500-word report using a template provided. There are 3 Case Reports following each of the 3 Case Discussions.
Module quizzes: There are graded multiple choice quizzes at the end of each module that address learning outcomes in material
that students have covered. The quizzes are taken at a time of students’ choosing within an allotted time-frame. The quizzes are open for the duration of the relevant module. Students will have one attempt only. Questions are multiple choice.
Short Answer Question: Students are required to review learning material and then provide a response to a Short Answer Question. The response will need to be referenced appropriately and uploaded to Canvas.

Detailed information for each asssessment can be found on Canvas.

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.

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 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.

You may only use artificial intelligence and writing assistance tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator, and if you do use them, you must also acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section.

Studiosity is permitted for postgraduate units unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission.

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.

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	Module 1.1: energy balance and obesity, what is obesity and why is it a problem?	Online class (10 hr)
Week 02	Module 1.2: physiology of weight gain/loss	Online class (10 hr)
Week 03	Module 2.1: effectively manage overweight and obesity, initiating a weight management intervention	Online class (10 hr)
Week 04	Module 2.2: the basics of an effective weight control program	Online class (10 hr)
Week 05	Module 2.3: adjunctive interventions	Online class (10 hr)
Week 06	Module 3.1: applying the principles in practice, managing persons at high risk of weight-related illness	Online class (10 hr)
Week 07	Module 3.2: managing obesity in pregnancy and fertility issues	Online class (10 hr)
Week 08	Module 3.3: managing obesity in persons with mental health and disability issues	Online class (10 hr)
Week 09	Module 4.1: weight management in children and adolescence and other special cases, childhood obesity and obesity management	Online class (10 hr)
Week 10	Module 4.2: different approach to weight management	Online class (10 hr)
Week 11	Module 5.1: prediabetes, prediabetes definition and measurement	Online class (10 hr)
Week 12	Module 5.2: managing prediabetes and preventing transition to diabetes	Online class (10 hr)
Week 13	Module 6: the prevention of weight gain	Online class (10 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Students are required to participate in an online workshop either by attending live or watching a recording in the week following the workshop. Canvas analytics will be used to monitor participation.

Short Answer Question assessment associated with the online webinar is a compulsory task, you are not able to pass this Unit of Study without completing this task.

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.

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. provide participants with a clear understanding of the definition, development and consequences of weight gain and obesity
LO2. guide participants to define the appropriate outcomes of weight management interventions
LO3. enable participants to identify persons at high risk of weight related illness
LO4. provide participants with the skills and tools to plan, initiate and review weight management interventions
LO5. enable participants to tailor intervention to address specific weight management issues that arise with different conditions
LO6. guide participants on the application of weight management principles in children and adolescents
LO7. explain the condition of prediabetes, its definition and assessment and the appropriate process of management
LO8. provide participants with an understanding of the spectrum of obesity management and the importance of weight gain prevention.

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.

We value your feedback about any aspect of the unit of study and your experience as a student of Sydney Medical School. To help ensure our courses meet your needs and maintain a high standard, we welcome your feedback at any time and we ask you to complete the Mid-Semester Evaluation Survey and the unit of study Evaluation Survey at the end of the semester. You can also rate any component of the unit using our star rating system found at the bottom of many pages as you progress through the unit. Your ratings and comments are anonymous and specifying what you liked and didn’t like about any of the learning materials, assessment items, discussion forums, feedback etc will help us to target our improvement efforts. Please note that your participation in this unit of study permits de-identified information about your learning experience and interaction with learning resources to be used for the purpose of improving the student learning experience. No changes have been made since this unit was last offered.

Additional information

Student hub - Professional Medical Education

Work, health and safety

We are governed by the Work Health and Safety Act 2011, Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 and Codes of Practice. Penalties for non-compliance have increased. Everyone has a responsibility for health and safety at work. The University’s Work Health and Safety policy explains the responsibilities and expectations of workers and others, and the procedures for managing WHS risks associated with University activities.

General Laboratory Safety Rules

No eating or drinking is allowed in any laboratory under any circumstances
A laboratory coat and closed-toe shoes are mandatory
Follow safety instructions in your manual and posted in laboratories
In case of fire, follow instructions posted outside the laboratory door
First aid kits, eye wash and fire extinguishers are located in or immediately outside each laboratory
As a precautionary measure, it is recommended that you have a current tetanus immunisation. This can be obtained from University Health Service: unihealth.usyd.edu.au/

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

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

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

Media

Student links

About us

Connect

Current students

MBHT5003: Obesity and Pre-diabetes: Prevention and Care

Semester 1, 2022 [Distance education/intensive on campus] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

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

Media

Student links

About us

Connect