Outline

Overview

This unit of study will focus on developing students' understanding of public health and the health care system, including the role of pharmacy, health policy and regulation affecting health in Australia and internationally. Students will develop skills in identifying, accessing and interpreting relevant policy, regulation and literature. Topics which underpin understanding of public health including epidemiology/pharmacoepidemiology and pharmacoeconomics will also be addressed. Through workshops and assignments, students will be given the opportunity to integrate their learning and apply this knowledge to address population health care problems with a special emphasis on achieving the quality, safety and judicious use of medicines in health care.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Pharmacy
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	PHAR5911 and PHAR5712 and PHAR5713 and PHAR5714 and PHAR5715 and PHAR5716 and PHAR5717
Corequisites ?	PHAR5927 and PHAR5928
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Kellia Chiu, kellia.chiu@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 1 September 2025

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Written exam ?	Final Exam MCQs and SAQs	50%	Formal exam period	1.5 hours	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Contribution	Workshop Pre-work and Participation Participation	10%	Ongoing	12 hours before and during Workshops	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Research skills assignment Research skills assignment	10%	Week 05 Due date: 07 Sep 2025 at 23:59 Closing date: 07 Sep 2025	Structured questions; 500-800 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Briefing paper Project briefing paper	10%	Week 07 Due date: 21 Sep 2025 at 23:59 Closing date: 21 Sep 2025	1 page	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Final public health report Final public health report	20%	Week 12 Due date: 02 Nov 2025 at 23:59 Closing date: 02 Nov 2025	10 pages	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= hurdle task ?

Assessment summary

Workshop prework and participation: Students are expected to actively participate in workshop activities, to complete pre-work before each workshop, and to have done the relevant readings and either attended or listened to linked lectures. Some workshops may include brief in-class quizzes on linked lectures and readings. These formative quizzes will not be marked but added to allow self-evaluation.
Research skills assignment: Students will apply literature searching and critical appraisal skills to identify relevant literature for their project.
Project briefing paper: Students will be required to consider a public health issue and identify contributing risk factors, a target population, highlight existing strategies to address the issue, and pitch the need for a strategy/intervention.
Final project report: The final project report provides an overview of the project in written format.
Final written exam: The final exam will consist of multiple choice questions and short answer questions. Questions are framed around the course learning objectives and will focus on the main content in lectures and workshops. Students must pass this assessment task to satisfy the requirements for this Unit of Study (50%). Failure to pass this assessment will result in students being awarded a maximum of 45FA regardless of the cumulative marks obtained in the Unit of Study.

AI allowed (Workshop pre-work and participation, Research skills assignment, Project briefing paper, Final project report)

You are permitted to use automated writing tools and generative artificial intelligence (AI) to facilitate your learning and completion of this assignment.  Please adhere to the following guidelines:
- Do not enter confidential, personal, copyrighted or otherwise sensitive information into any AI tool.
- Do not rely on the accuracy of outputs. You remain responsible for your work. This means you must independently verify and edit AI-generated content to ensure the integrity, accuracy, and suitability of the output.
- If you use these tools, you must be aware of their limitations, biases, and propensity for fabrication.
- Your final submitted work must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of AI tools that have been used in the assessment, and any material that forms part of your submission, must be appropriately referenced. For guidance on how to reference and acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the AI in Education Canvas site.
- You are advised to keep copies of the prompts you provided and AI outputs as evidence of your research and writing process. This allows you to produce an accurate acknowledgement of AI use when you submit your work. This can be requested by the unit coordinator if there is any uncertainty about the originality of your work.

No use of AI (Written exam)

The use of automated writing tools and generative artificial intelligence is prohibited in this assessment. You are not allowed to use AI or any other software to create information or answers, to alter your own original writing, or to generate or modify text from other sources. This includes translation software, editing/paraphrasing software and other generative artificial intelligence tools.
- Unapproved use is considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and may result in penalties, which can include a fail for the assessment.

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Supplementary Yr assessments: Students may be offered re-assessment of compulsory-to-pass assessments as described in the relevant local provisions in the RE1 or RE2 formal exam periods. For more information see Canvas.

Repeating students: Exemption from components (tutorials, workshops etc) for students repeating PHAR5725 will not be granted.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy (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	At HD level, a student demonstrates an aptitude for the subject and a well-developed understanding of the unit material. A ‘High Distinction’ reflects exceptional achievement and is awarded to students who demonstrate the ability to apply their subject knowledge and understanding to produce original solutions for novel or highly complex problems and/or comprehensive critical discussions of theoretical concepts.
Distinction	75 - 84	At DI level, a student demonstrates an aptitude for the subject and a well-developed understanding of the units material. A ‘Distinction’ reflects excellent achievement and is awarded to a student who demonstrates an ability to apply their subject knowledge and understanding of the subject to produce good solutions for challenging problems and/or a reasonably well-developed critical analysis of theoretical concepts.
Credit	65 - 74	At CR level, a student demonstrates a good command and knowledge of the unit material. A ‘Credit’ reflects solid achievement and is awarded to a student who has a broad general understanding of the units material and can solve routine problems and/ or identify and superficially discuss theoretical concepts.
Pass	50 - 64	At PS level, a student demonstrates proficiency in the material. A ‘Pass’ reflects satisfactory adequately referencing the original source of the work.
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.

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.

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
Ongoing	You will need to prepare pre-work and review lecture materials and undertake research in order to prepare and complete your groupwork project. This is is estimated to take 60 hours across the semester.	Independent study (56 hr)
Week 01	L1) Introduction to PHAR5725; L2) Pharmacists' roles in public health; L3) Public health history; L4) Health and illness measures	Lecture (4 hr)
Week 02	L5) Aboriginal health	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 02	WORKSHOP 1: Introduction to public health and projects	Workshop (3 hr)
Week 03	L6) Literature searches in public health; L7) Critical appraisal; L8) Tobacco control; L9) Drugs and alcohol	Lecture (4 hr)
Week 03	WORKSHOP 2: Key concepts in public health	Workshop (3 hr)
Week 04	L10) Health promotion; L11) Evaluation of interventions; L12) Obesity; L13) Screening services in Australia	Lecture (4 hr)
Week 05	L14) Pharmacoepidemiology 1; L15) Pharmacoepidemiology 2; L16) Pharmacists' roles in mental health	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 05	WORKSHOP 3: Literature searches and critical appraisal	Workshop (3 hr)
Week 06	L17) Health systems; L18) Health policy; L19) Q&A and revision; L20) Opioid-related harms	Lecture (4 hr)
Week 06	WORKSHOP 4: Assessment work	Workshop (3 hr)
Week 07	L21) Health economics 1; L22) Health economics 2; L23) Health literacy	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 07	WORKSHOP 5: Pharmacoepidemiology	Workshop (3 hr)
Week 08	L24) Health economics for pharmacy practice; L25) Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme; L26) Antimicrobial stewardship; L27) Pharmacists' roles in vaccinations	Lecture (4 hr)
Week 08	WORKSHOP 6: Sustainability in healthcare and pharmacy services	Workshop (3 hr)
Week 09	L28) Corporate influences in public health; L29) Drug regulation; L30) Q&A and revision; L31) Pharmaceutical advertising	Lecture (4 hr)
Week 10	L32) Overtreatment and deprescribing; L33) Assessing benefits of screening	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 10	WORKSHOP 7: Pharmacoeconomics	Workshop (3 hr)
Week 11	L34) Quality use of medicines; L35) Medication safety	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 11	WORKSHOP 8: Assessment work	Workshop (3 hr)
Week 12	L36) Ethics in public health; L37) Exam review discussion	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 12	WORKSHOP 9: Health advertising and communication in pharmacy practice	Workshop (3 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance: In accordance with the MPharm Course Resolutions (https://www.sydney.edu.au/handbooks/medicine_health_PG/coursework_pz/pharmacy.shtml), students must attend a minimum of 85% of Compulsory Learning Activities. In this Unit of Study, workshops are compulsory to attend.

Students arriving more than 10 minutes after the commencement of the Workshop will be marked as absent (unless prior permission to arrive late for a particular Workshop has been sought). Students swapping a Workshop group without prior approval from the UoS co-ordinator will also be marked as absent.

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 for each Workshop will be provided to you via Modules created for each Workshop in your Canvas page or via the Reading List.

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. demonstrate an understanding of public health practice
LO2. demonstrate an understanding of pharmaceutical policies in Australia and internationally
LO3. demonstrate an understanding of the public health role of pharmacists
LO4. develop the skills to maximise patient safety through quality use of medicines
LO5. develop an understanding of basic principles in pharmacoepidemiology and pharmacoeconomics
LO6. demonstrate skills in the design of public health and health promotion projects
LO7. be able to apply ethical principles in planning pharmacy public health services

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.

All lectures and workshops will be delivered in person unless otherwise stated. As a novel element, twice during semester, your coordinator will have optional office hours to discuss any queries you have about the lecture content or course. We have streamlined/renewed the workshop content compared to previous years so that it is more contextualised to pharmacist roles. We have kept a few weeks of the Unit of Study timetable relatively free for revision activities. For example: In Weeks 1, 4, 9, and 13 there are no workshops; In Weeks 2 and 13 there are no lectures. In Week 12, the scheduled lecture is to allow you some exam revision, and we will work through mock exam questions together. After USS feedback from students, the group assessment has been changed to individual assessments, including one focused on developing literature searching skills. This will allow students to work on topics of their choosing, with dedicated workshops to assist with assessments.

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)

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

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

PHAR5725: Public Health and Pharmaceutical Policy

Semester 2, 2025 [Normal day] - 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

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links