University of Technology Sydney

96026 Health Promotion

Warning: The information on this page is indicative. The subject outline for a particular session, location and mode of offering is the authoritative source of all information about the subject for that offering. Required texts, recommended texts and references in particular are likely to change. Students will be provided with a subject outline once they enrol in the subject.

Subject handbook information prior to 2024 is available in the Archives.

UTS: Health
Credit points: 6 cp

Subject level:

Postgraduate

Result type: Grade and marks

Anti-requisite(s): 92721 Health Education in Diabetes

Description

Students undertaking this subject establish an expanded knowledge base in the theory and processes of health promotion, which can be applied in a range of settings in both the health sector and the wider community. These include pedagogical approaches to behavioural change, social learning and communication frameworks. The subject provides students with useful frameworks to plan and evaluate health education programs in their workplace and beyond.

Subject learning objectives (SLOs)

Upon successful completion of this subject students should be able to:
A. Describe and critique the key theories and principles, including pedagogical approaches to health promotion
B. Discuss the scientific, social, cultural and economic bases of health promotion, as well as the political and ethical issues that affect health promotion activities
C. Critically assess research evidence and policy priorities as they pertain to quality health promotion
D. Appropriately apply the theories and frameworks, including pedagogical approaches used in the health education of patients of all ages and their families
E. Analyse and synthesise appropriate strategies and approaches for developing and evaluating individual, community and media levels of health promotion

Course intended learning outcomes (CILOs)

This subject also contributes specifically to the following graduate attributes:

  • Demonstrate reflective critical thinking to enable critical appraisal of current practice, policy and research with the aim to enhance health care and healthcare outcomes, and transform health (1.0)
  • Are effective, collaborative and responsive health professionals and potential leaders in a particular health field (2.0)
  • Communicate effectively and appropriately in challenging, complex and diverse situations (4.0)
  • Embody the international standard of professional qualities appropriate to the scope of their role in regional, national and global health (5.0)

Contribution to the development of graduate attributes

1. Demonstrate reflective critical thinking to enable critical appraisal of current practice, policy and research with the aim to enhance health care and health care outcomes, and transform health (CRITICAL THINKING)

3. Are socially, culturally and ethically accountable when engaging with individuals, families, interdisciplinary teams, communities, organisations and jurisdictions) (ACCOUNTABILITY)

Teaching and learning strategies

The subject will actively involve students in practical exercises before, during and after the face-to-face workshops that will build the required skills and knowledge in health promotion program planning and evaluation. Online and in class workshop activities will collaboratively engage students in the examination of actual program case studies. These will be augmented by presentations from practitioners who will provide expert insights and snap-shots from the field. The online activities will take 1 hour per week and prepare students for participation in the workshops and assessment tasks in a phased and iterative manner. Early feedback will be provided on moderated discussion board activities in week 1 and assessment will be explained in the face-to face-workshops as well as via the discussion board.

Content (topics)

  • Definitions, history and key concepts in health promotion
  • Behaviour change theories:
    • Individuals
    • Groups
    • Organisations
    • Communities
  • Health promotion in action-examples of programs and the health promotion agenda:
    • Local programs
    • Disease specific programs
    • National programs
    • International programs
  • Selecting the right theoretical framework for health promotion
  • Evaluation of health promotion programs
    • Selecting strategies
    • Collecting data

Assessment

Assessment task 1: Weekly Online Activities

Intent:

To assess students’ ability to apply key concepts of health promotion.

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, 2.0, 4.0 and 5.0

Weight: 30%
Length:

200 - 250 words each

Assessment task 2: Identifying Populations and Health Behaviours

Intent:

To identify specific populations, their health behaviours and underlying psycho-social, medical, and political factors.

Objective(s):

This assessment task addresses subject learning objective(s):

B, C and E

This assessment task contributes to the development of graduate attribute(s):

2.0, 4.0 and 5.0

Weight: 20%
Length:

1,000 words maximum excluding reference list

Assessment task 3: Understanding Health Promotion Theories

Intent:

To understand theories commonly used in health promotion and their standing in contemporary health promotion.

Objective(s):

This assessment task addresses subject learning objective(s):

A and C

This assessment task contributes to the development of graduate attribute(s):

1.0 and 4.0

Weight: 20%
Length:

15 minutes presentation + Abstract - Discuss length with subject coordinator if you chose a mode of submission other than presentation in class

Assessment task 4: Intervention Planning

Intent:

To understand the process of planning health promotion interventions and searching for evidence-based components of health promotion interventions.

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, 2.0 and 5.0

Weight: 30%
Length:

1,500 words maximum excluding reference list

Minimum requirements

In order to pass this subject, students must complete ALL assessment tasks.

Required texts

There is no required textbook for this subject. Essential readings will be made available on Canvas.

Recommended texts

All recommended texts can be found in your reading list.

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 UTSOnline at: https://online.uts.edu.au/webapps/login/

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.