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Unit of study_

NURS5002: Social Contexts of Health

Semester 1, 2024 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

This unit of study focuses on the social determinants of health through a critical analysis of the relationships between social factors (e. g, ethnicity, race, gender, socio-economic status, employment, climate change) and patterns of health and illness across the lifespan in contemporary Australia. The unit introduces students to epidemiology, the study of causes and patterns of disease within defined populations and research, which provides the basis for understanding social determinants of health. This unit also explores ideas and beliefs about health, illness and care that are relevant in the Australian context and introduces students to the study of primary health care, cultural safety and cultural competence as these relate to nursing and health care more broadly in contemporary Australia.

Unit details and rules

Unit code NURS5002
Academic unit Nursing and Midwifery
Credit points 6
Prohibitions
? 
None
Prerequisites
? 
None
Corequisites
? 
None
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator Paul Beckett, paul.beckett@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s) Sue Dean, suzanne.dean@sydney.edu.au
Paul Beckett, paul.beckett@sydney.edu.au
Tutor(s) Horas Wong, horas.wong@sydney.edu.au
Type Description Weight Due Length
Oral exam
? 
Assessment 3: interactive oral
presentation
35% Formal exam period 15 minutes (oral)
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Assignment Assessment 1A: Individual critical response
Individual critical response
20% Week 03
Due date: 10 Mar 2024 at 23:59
700 -750 words
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO5
Assignment group assignment Assessment 2A: Team Case Studies
Case Studies Week 4
12.5% Week 04
Due date: 15 Mar 2024 at 23:59
In-Class Assessments
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO6
Assignment group assignment Assessment 2B: Team Case Studies
Case Studies Week 8
12.5% Week 08
Due date: 19 Apr 2024 at 23:59
In-Class Assessments
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO6
Assignment Assessment 1B: Individual critical response
Individual critical response
20% Week 09
Due date: 24 Apr 2024 at 23:59
700 -750 words
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO2
group assignment = group assignment ?

Assessment summary

Assessment 1A: Individual critical response  20% (Week 3)

Assessment 1B: Individual critical response  20% (Week 6)

Assessment 2A: In-Class Team Case Studies 12.5% (Week 4)

Assessment 2B: In-Class Team Case Studies 12.5% (Week 8)

Assessment 3: Interactive oral presentation 35% (Week 15) 

Please note: Each student is required to submit all assessment items in order to pass this unit. Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

Assessment grading is in line with the University and faculty policies. Please refer to the Coursework Policy 2021, which you can access here.

https://www.sydney.edu.au/students/handbooks-course-rules.html

For Grading details see https://www.sydney.edu.au/students/guide-to-grades.html

High Distinction 85-100 Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an exceptional standard.
Distinction 75-84 Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a very high standard
Credit 65-74 Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a good standard
Pass 50-64 Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an acceptable standard
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.

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:

Assessment 1A and 1B: Extensions of time are not possible unless formal Special Consideration is obtained. Assignment 2A and 2B: In-class team work. No extension of time possible. Assessment 3: Students will be required to attend the allocated date and time to complete this assessment. No extension of time possible.

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.

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 2023 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 2023. 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 Unit overview and introduction to research and epidemiology (Module 1 - Epidemiology, Social Determinants of Health and Social Models of Health) Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2
Week 02 Population health interventions: The biomedical model and social determinants of health (Module 1 - Epidemiology, Social Determinants of Health and Social Models of Health) Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO3
Introduction to social determinants of health (Module 1: Epidemiology, Social Determinants of Health and Social Models of Health) Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO6
Week 03 Social models of healthcare: Primary Health Care and the role of nursing. Participatory models and approaches in healthcare. (Module 1 - Epidemiology, Social Determinants of Health and Social Models of Health) Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4
Week 04 Equity and diversity in health: Socioeconomic status, race and health (Module 2 - Equity and Diversity in Health) Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO3 LO4
Case Study 1 (Assessment 2A) Collaborative care with individuals (Module 1: Epidemiology, Social Determinants of Health and Social Models of Health) Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO3 LO6
Week 05 Demography. Gender, sexuality and health. (Module 2 - Equity and Diversity in Health) Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4
Week 06 Community participatory models, advocacy, consumer engagement in health. Women's health. (Module 2 - Equity and Diversity in Health) Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4
Research and writing skills. Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Week 07 Refugee health. Homelessness and health. (Module 3 - Community Models of Health and Nursing Advocacy) Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO3 LO4
Week 08 Using participatory models to improve practice. (Module 3 - Community Models of Health and Nursing Advocacy) Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4
Assessment 2B - case study Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 09 Social contexts of death and dying. (Module 3 - Community Models of Health and Nursing Advocacy) Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 10 Culture and health, cultural safety and environmental determinants of health. Climate change and health (Module 3 - Community Models of Health and Nursing Advocacy) Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Review progress. Preparation for oral assessment Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Week 11 Unit summary, Self Directed Learning Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO3 LO4 LO5

Attendance and class requirements

  • Attendance: Attendance at lecture/seminar and tutorial class sessions is a requirement of the unit of study and students who are absent without good cause may not be eligible to achieve a minimum grade of PASS. The Sydney Nursing School Resolutions specifically outline attendance requirements. Resolution 7.2 states that if students are absent without leave for more than 10% of classes in a particular unit of study in any one semester, the Dean may call upon them to show cause why they should not be deemed to have failed that unit of study.
  • Referencing style: The Sydney Nursing School has adopted the American Psychological Association (APA) Referencing style, 7th Edition, 2020 as its official referencing style. This is an author-date style of referencing.
  • Assignment formatting guidelines: Unless the unit coordinator has indicated otherwise, please make sure your submitted assessments are formatted as follows:
    • Font: use Calibri or Times New Roman in 11 - 12 point
    • Double line spacing
    • Margins: 2.5cm each side
    • Use page numbers
    • Refer to assessment instructions for use of title and headings

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

Readings are listed on the Reading List in Canvas, available to all enrolled students. 

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. Critically discuss the social and cultural underpinnings of contemporary Australian society, and the relationship between these and patterns of health and illness across the lifespan.
  • LO2. Develop a beginning understanding of quantitative research, particularly epidemiology.
  • LO3. Critically analyse and reflect upon the main ideas and beliefs that have shaped contemporary discourses in health, illness and care, and the meaning of these for the provision of healthcare, particularly nursing care.
  • LO4. Develop a beginning understanding of the ways in which nursing practice is informed by, and responds to, the culturally diverse nature of contemporary Australian society.
  • LO5. Search for, locate, critique and use the international literature that explores key concepts, research evidence and current debates related to this unit of study.
  • LO6. Work collaboratively and effectively with peers in group learning activities and assessments

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
LO1         
LO2         
LO3         
LO4         
LO5         
LO6         

Alignment with Competency standards

Outcomes Competency standards
LO1
Registered Nurses Standards for Practice - NMBA
1. Standard 1: Thinks critically and analyses nursing practice
1.2. Develops practice through reflection on experiences, knowledge, actions, feelings and beliefs to identify how these shape practice
1.3. Respects all cultures and experiences, which includes responding to the role of family and community that underpin the health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and people of other cultures
2.3. Recognises that people are the experts in the experience of their life
3.7. Identifies and promotes the integral role of nursing practice and the profession in influencing better health outcomes for people
4.1. Conducts assessments that are holistic as well as culturally appropriate
4.3. Works in partnership to determine factors that affect, or potentially affect, the health and well being of people and populations to determine priorities for action and/or for referral
7. Standard 7: Evaluates outcomes to inform nursing practice
LO2
Registered Nurses Standards for Practice - NMBA
1. Standard 1: Thinks critically and analyses nursing practice
1.1. Accesses, analyses, and uses the best available evidence, that includes research findings for safe quality practice
4.4. Assesses the resources available to inform planning.
7. Standard 7: Evaluates outcomes to inform nursing practice
LO3
Registered Nurses Standards for Practice - NMBA
1. Standard 1: Thinks critically and analyses nursing practice
1.2. Develops practice through reflection on experiences, knowledge, actions, feelings and beliefs to identify how these shape practice
1.3. Respects all cultures and experiences, which includes responding to the role of family and community that underpin the health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and people of other cultures
5.2. Collaboratively constructs nursing practice plans until contingencies, options priorities, goals, actions, outcomes and timeframes are agreed with the relevant persons
6.1. Provides comprehensive safe, quality practice to achieve agreed goals and outcomes that are responsive to the nursing needs of people
LO4
Registered Nurses Standards for Practice - NMBA
1.3. Respects all cultures and experiences, which includes responding to the role of family and community that underpin the health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and people of other cultures
2.2. Communicates effectively, and is respectful of a person’s dignity, culture, values, beliefs and rights
2.7. Actively fosters a culture of safety and learning that includes engaging with health professionals and others, to share knowledge and practice that supports person- centered care
2.8. Participates in and/or leads collaborative practice
3.2. Provides the information and education required to enhance people’s control over health
LO5
Registered Nurses Standards for Practice - NMBA
1. Standard 1: Thinks critically and analyses nursing practice
1.1. Accesses, analyses, and uses the best available evidence, that includes research findings for safe quality practice
1.2. Develops practice through reflection on experiences, knowledge, actions, feelings and beliefs to identify how these shape practice
4.4. Assesses the resources available to inform planning.
5.1. Uses assessment data and best available evidence to develop a plan
Registered Nurses Standards for Practice -
Competency code Taught, Practiced or Assessed Competency standard
1.1 T P A Accesses, analyses, and uses the best available evidence, that includes research findings for safe quality practice
1.2 T P A Develops practice through reflection on experiences, knowledge, actions, feelings and beliefs to identify how these shape practice
1.3 T P A Respects all cultures and experiences, which includes responding to the role of family and community that underpin the health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and people of other cultures
2.2 T P A Communicates effectively, and is respectful of a person’s dignity, culture, values, beliefs and rights
2.7 T P A Actively fosters a culture of safety and learning that includes engaging with health professionals and others, to share knowledge and practice that supports person- centered care
2.8 T P A Participates in and/or leads collaborative practice
3.7 T P A Identifies and promotes the integral role of nursing practice and the profession in influencing better health outcomes for people
4.2 T P A Uses a range of assessment techniques to systematically collect relevant and accurate information and data to inform practice
4.4 T P A Assesses the resources available to inform planning.
5.2 T P A Collaboratively constructs nursing practice plans until contingencies, options priorities, goals, actions, outcomes and timeframes are agreed with the relevant persons
5.3 T P A Documents, evaluates and modifies plans accordingly to facilitate the agreed outcomes

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

No changes have been made since the unit was last offered.

Sensitive materials in teaching: Due to the nature of the content of this unit, some topics that will be covered may make you feel uncomfortable or uneasy (e.g., discrimination,  domestic violence, discussions of illnesses, death and dying). If you feel uncomfortable, it is important that you contact the unit of study coordinator or another member of the academic team as soon as possible to discuss this with them. You are not required to share confidential information with us if you do not wish. If you attend the class and at any point feel uncomfortable or distressed, you are free to leave upon informing the class tutor of your intention.

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.