Outline

Overview

This unit will deepen your philosophical, theoretical, and practical understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories, cultures, and societies within the context of public health. Through case studies grounded in diverse urban, regional, and remote communities as well as the lived experiences of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, we will explore critical constructs such as transgenerational trauma, systemic racism, political structures, cultural determinants of health, ethical frameworks, and global Indigenous epistemologies. Together, we will critically examine why Australia has struggled to close the gap across most health and wellbeing indicators, and investigate innovative, ethical, and effective responses. Throughout the unit, you will be encouraged to engage with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander academics, health professionals, community members, your unit coordinator, tutors, and peers. This is a space where asking difficult questions and engaging in robust, respectful dialogue is both supported and expected. Our goal is to equip you with the conceptual insight and practical tools necessary to work in culturally safe, respectful, and effective ways alongside Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples across the nation.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Public Health
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	PUBH5118
Assumed knowledge ?	PUBH5036
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Kate Robinson, catherine.robinson2@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 31 August 2026

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Out-of-class quiz	Workshop engagement Workshop participation or online activities	15%	Multiple weeks	5 activities	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Contribution	Discussion posts Online posts	15%	Multiple weeks	5 discussions - 200 words per post	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Reflexive essay Written assessment	20%	Week 07 Due date: 14 Sep 2026 at 23:59	1000 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Ethics, research or project proposal Written assessment	50%	Week 12 Due date: 26 Oct 2026 at 23:59	3500 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= early feedback task ?

Assessment summary

Discussion posts: Engage in five online discussions around workshop material with the aim of providing a forum to ask and answer questions and produce a number of reflexive essay topics to choose from.
Reflexive essay: The reflexive essay will be based on learnings from workshops 1-3 and the associated learning materials. You will choose one of the topics developed during discussions 1 and 2 to write about.
Ethics, research or project proposal: Choose a topic and write a hypothetical or real proposal using decolonised thinking and practice.

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

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	To be awarded to students who, in their performance in assessment tasks, demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an exceptional standard as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars established by the faculty.
Distinction	75 - 84	To be awarded to students who, in their performance in assessment tasks, demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a very high standard as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars established by the faculty.
Credit	65 - 74	To be awarded to students who, in their performance in assessment tasks, demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a good standard as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars established by the faculty.
Pass	50 - 64	To be awarded to students who, in their performance in assessment tasks, demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an acceptable standard as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars established by the faculty.
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.

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
Multiple weeks	canvas modules	Self-directed learning (50 hr)
Week 01	Workshops 1-5	Workshop (4.5 hr)
Week 03	Workshops 1-5	Workshop (4.5 hr)
Week 05	Workshops 1-5	Workshop (4.5 hr)
Week 08	Workshops 1-5	Workshop (4.5 hr)
Week 10	Workshops 1-5	Workshop (4.5 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

This unit combines online learning with five scheduled workshops. We encourage you to complete each module's online activities before the workshop — this is where concepts come together and deeper understanding is built. Online Learning and Workshop Participation is worth 15% of your final grade, with marks in each module for both online activity completion and workshop participation.

Workshops run as half-day sessions, in person or live via Zoom. Attending live is VERY STRONGLY encouraged for the best learning experience. That said, we understand that life doesn't always allow for real-time attendance — if you're unable to join a workshop live, you can watch the recording and complete the associated quiz, which will be available for one week after the workshop.

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

Please see the reading list in canvas to view all prescribed readings.

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. Understand the concept of self determination and its connections to State power
LO2. Understand theories and approaches to self determination
LO3. Be able to describe structural racism and to distinguish structural racism from individual and overt forms
LO4. Understand concepts of epistemology and epistemic values
LO5. Gain insight into Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander epistemologies
LO6. Understand connection between culture and health
LO7. Students will be able to label and describe different forms of racism
LO8. Students will be able to identify different theories used when confronting racism as a public health issue for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
LO9. Students will learn what helps with healing from the negative health impacts of racisms
LO10. Students will discuss and consider what works in countering racism in one's self; among one's personal and professional networks; and in institutions, with an emphasis on communication skills
LO11. Students will be able to critically analyse and discuss a decolonising approach to health related research theory and practice
LO12. Students will consider how to design respectful yet rigorous research or project plans/proposals using their critical thinking and reflective skills to inform Indigenous health research
LO13. Students will discuss and consider how to work/walk alongside Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples as co-researchers in health-related projects using decolonising theory and methods
LO14. Students can formulate their own framework(s) for research, work and practice in relation to Aboriginal health
LO15. Students identify needed skills to support the implementation of these frameworks
LO16. Students can anticipate, describe and analyse challenges and potential problems in work in Aboriginal health and can identify strategies for mitigating and managing these

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.

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

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

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

PUBH5120: Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander Health

Semester 2, 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

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links