95730 Psychosocial Perspectives in Health
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particular session, location and mode of offering is the authoritative source
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Subject handbook information prior to 2025 is available in the Archives.
Credit points: 6 cp
Subject level:
Undergraduate
Result type: Grade and marksThere are course requisites for this subject. See access conditions.
Description
This subject explores different conceptualisations of health, and the social, cultural and environmental influences that determine the health of individuals and communities. Students are introduced to psychological theories about how human development, behaviour, society and culture can impact on health and wellbeing. This subject also outlines Indigenous approaches to health and wellbeing and provides students with an understanding of how the social determinants of health impact on specific populations across the globe. Students are also introduced to research methods and assessments designed to further their academic writing skills.
Subject learning objectives (SLOs)
| A. | Identify key concepts of health and wellness, and different perspectives on these |
|---|---|
| B. | Recognise key stages of human development and different theoretical approaches within health psychology and how these impact on our understanding of health and wellbeing |
| C. | Discuss the social determinants of health and recognise health inequities in society |
| D. | Demonstrate the process of effectively researching psychosocial perspectives in health |
| E. | Analyse and apply good academic writing skills in health and psychology |
| F. | Recognise the impacts of health disparities on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and how these might be addressed |
Course intended learning outcomes (CILOs)
This subject also contributes specifically to the following graduate attributes:
- Advocate for and engage with individuals and communities to reduce health inequities and promote social justice in a global context. (1.0)
- Evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency of health projects and programs. (2.1)
- Use an assets-based approach to engender effective communication, collaboration and leadership. (3.0)
- Translate and communicate knowledge and research effectively to various audiences. (3.3)
- Public Health graduates will have knowledge of health programs and policies to evaluate and inform professional practice and capabilities to work with and for Indigenous Peoples as reflexive public health practitioners (6.0)
Contribution to the development of graduate attributes
1.0. Advocate for and engage individuals and communities to reduce health inequities and promote social justice in a global context
1.3. Promote and enhance the health of diverse groups through evidence-based advocacy strategies and techniques
2.1. Evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency of health projects and programs
3.0. Use an assets-based approach to engender effective communication, collaboration and leadership
3.3. Translate and communicate knowledge and research effectively to various audiences
3.4. Demonstrates a capacity for autonomy, accountability and critical self-assessment
6.0. Public health graduates will have knowledge of health programs and policies to evaluate and inform professional practice and capabilities to work with and for Indigenous Peoples as reflexive public health practitioners
Teaching and learning strategies
This subject uses a blended learning approach using face-to-face tutorials as well as online learning opportunities, with an emphasis on critical thinking and knowledge application using a range of real-world scenarios. Students will benefit from both the real time delivery of content and access to online resources including podcasts, videos and learning modules. Online materials will include scenario-based learning which unfolds at each student's pace. Each week, preparatory activities will be set that introduce students to key concepts to be explored in more detail within the modules and tutorials. Quizzes will test student understanding of preparatory work set each week to assist the tutor in targeting face-to-face time to learning needs. This will allow students to deepen their understanding of concepts and theories and to prepare for tutorials.
Tutorials will help students explore health related ideas and scenarios to learn concepts, interpret information, form judgements and develop creative solutions to complex problems. Students' critical thinking will be developed through analysis of a broad range of issues and challenges. Students will be involved in discussions, debates and group presentations.
Assessments allow students to practically apply their knowledge using realistic case studies. They will also evaluate the students acadmic writing and critical thinking skills and enhance their understanding of Indigenous health and wellbeing. Students will receive feedback from the subject coordinator and peers in tutorials, and in online discussion forums throughout the semester.
Content (topics)
- Defining and understanding health and wellbeing
- Introduction to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health and wellbeing
- Domains of human development and psychological theories
- Introduction to research methodologies and ethics
- Understanding the social determinants of health
- Evaluating research and academic writing skills
- Health behaviour theories
- Health literacy and global wellbeing
Assessment
Assessment task 1: Short answer writing task: Impact of developmental domains on wellbeing
| Intent: | For students to demonstrate their understanding of domains of human development and how these might influence social, emotional and psychological wellbeing. |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses subject learning objective(s): A, B, D and E This assessment task contributes to the development of graduate attribute(s): 1.0, 3.3 and 6.0 |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 30% |
| Length: | 800 words (excluding references and table) |
Assessment task 2: Group presentation: Indigenous health and wellbeing
| Intent: | For students to develop their understanding of factors that contribute to the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Students will also develop an understanding of how community driven health initiatives can benefit the wider community and think about the impact that they can have within their own practice. |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses subject learning objective(s): A, C, D, E and F This assessment task contributes to the development of graduate attribute(s): 1.0, 2.1, 3.0, 3.3 and 6.0 |
| Groupwork: | Group, group and individually assessed |
| Weight: | 30% |
| Length: | 10 minute group presentation |
Assessment task 3: Academic writing and critical thinking task
| Intent: | Students will apply theoretical knowledge and academic writing skills to a quasi-real world scenario that demonstrates critical thinking about population health and wellbeing. |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses subject learning objective(s): A, B, C, D and E This assessment task contributes to the development of graduate attribute(s): 1.0, 3.0 and 3.3 |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 40% |
| Length: | 1000 words (excluding references) |
Required texts
There is no essential text for this subejct. All necessary readings and material will be posted on Canvas
References
Jones, K. & Creedy, D. 2008, Health and Human Behaviour, 2nd edn, Oxford University Press, Melbourne.
Keleher, H. & Macdougall, C. 2016, Understanding Health, 4th edn, Oxford University Press, Melbourne.
Glanz, K., Rimer, B.K., & Viswanath, K. (eds) 2008, Health behavior and health education: Theory, research, and practice, 4th edn, Jossey-Bass, San Francisco.
Other resources
UTS Student Centre
Building 10
Monday to Friday: 9am - 5pm
Tel: 1300 ASK UTS (1300 275 887)
Details for student centres: www.uts.edu.au/current-students/contacts/general-contacts
For other resources/ information refer to the Faculty of Health website (www.uts.edu.au/about/faculty-health) and Canvas at: https://canvas.uts.edu.au/.
UTS Library
The Library has a wide range of resources, facilities and services to support you including textbooks, subject readings, health literature databases, workshops and bookable study rooms. There is also a team of librarians to help you with your questions available via online chat, phone and in person. W: lib.uts.edu.au, Facebook: utslibrary, Twitter: @utslibrary Tel: (02) 9514 3666.
Improve your academic and English language skills
Marks for all assessment tasks such as assignments and examinations are given not only for what you write but also for how you write. If you would like the opportunity to improve your academic and English language skills, make an appointment with the HELPS (Higher Education Language & Presentation Support) Service in Student Services.
HELPS (Higher Education Language & Presentation Support)
HELPS provides assistance with English language proficiency and academic language. Students who need to develop their written and/or spoken English should make use of the free services offered by HELPS, including academic language workshops, vacation intensive courses, drop-in consultations, individual appointments and Conversations@UTS (www.ssu.uts.edu.au/helps). HELPS staff are also available for drop-in consultations at the UTS Library. Phone (02) 9514 9733.
Please see www.uts.edu.au for additional information on other resources provided to students by UTS.
The Accessibility and Financial Assistance Service
The Accessibility Service can support students with disabilities, medical or mental health conditions, including temporary injuries (e.g., broken limbs). The Accessibility Service works with Academic Liaison Officers in each Faculty to provide ‘reasonable adjustments’ such as exam provisions, assistive technology, requests and strategies for managing your studies alongside your health condition. If you’re unsure whether you need assistance, we recommend getting in touch early and we can provide advice on how our service can assist you. Make an appointment with an Accessibility Consultant (AC) on +61 2 9514 1177 or Accessibility@uts.edu.au.
The Financial Assistance Service can assist you with financial aspects of life at university, including Centrelink information, tax returns and budgeting, interest-free student loans and grants to assist with course-related costs. Check eligibility and apply online and make an appointment on +61 2 9514 1177 or Financial.assistance@uts.edu.au.