This course provides an introduction to the health arena. Students completing the course will learn about the biological, behavioural, social and ecological determinants of health and will develop a capacity to view health issues from scientific, social, cultural and policy perspectives using a transdisciplinary approach. Students will gain insight into current and historical health challenges faced locally and globally. They will be introduced not only to issues raised in relation to health service delivery and public health, but also the intersections between them.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

1. Discuss transdisciplinary perspectives, differentiate between health/wellness and disease/disability, drawing on various health traditions and cultures;
2. Explain burden of disease indicators and apply this knowledge in analysing the impact of health conditions locally and globally;
3. Describe the concept of health determinants (biological, behavioural, social and environmental), and their relative contributions to health and wellbeing. This includes the provision of examples of the intersections between these determinants;
4. Describe the major components of the Australian health system and their roles in health governance, management and practice;
5. Explain key principles in providing equitable health care across diverse population groups;
6. Explain the relationship between health service delivery, public health and global health and apply this knowledge to health policy challenges.

Research-Led Teaching

All lecturers will make use of evidence drawn from relevant disciplinary research to benefit student learning and outcomes. Some may share their own research findings with students. This will provide students with special insights into the specific topics discussed. Having access to guest lecturers who are also key leaders in the field may mean that the listed lecture sequence may change to another week in order to accommodate access to these experts.

Examination Material or equipment

Examination Material: The final examination for this course will be administered in-person during the semester 1 final examination period. Students must be on campus to attend the exam. Information about the scheduling of the examination will be posted by the University at http://www.anu.edu.au/students/program-administration/assessments-exams/examination-timetable

You will be required to bring your university ID card and writing implements. See the Canvas site for details.

Required Resources

Required readings and other resources will be listed or uploaded on Canvas throughout the semester. These will be provided for each week.

Recommended Resources

Students will need to access online readings and resources.

Recommended student system requirements 

Whether you are on campus or studying online, there are a variety of online platforms you will use to participate in your study program. These could include videos for lectures and other instruction, two-way video conferencing for interactive learning, email and other messaging tools for communication, interactive web apps for formative and collaborative activities, print and/or photo/scan for handwritten work and drawings, and home-based assessment. ANU outlines Recommended student system requirements to ensure you are able to participate fully in your learning. Other information is also available about the various Learning platforms you may use.

Staff Feedback

Students will be given feedback in the following forms in this course:

• Written comments on assignments;
• Verbal comments;
• Feedback to the whole class;
• To groups; and
• To individuals.

Student Feedback

ANU is committed to the demonstration of educational excellence and regularly seeks feedback from students. Students are encouraged to offer feedback directly to their Course Convener or through their College and Course representatives (if applicable). Feedback can also be provided to Course Conveners and teachers via the Student Experience of Learning & Teaching (SELT) feedback program. SELT surveys are confidential and also provide the Colleges and ANU Executive with opportunities to recognise excellent teaching, and opportunities for improvement.

Other Information

Please note that lecture topics and dates for individual lectures may change due to availability of expert guest lecturers - you will be notified in advance if this is the case.

Class Schedule

Week/Session	Summary of Activities	Assessment
1	Introduction: Conceptualizing health and disease, illness and wellness in the 21st century
2	Theories and determinants of health: Microbial resistance to antibiotics as a case study (online lecture)
3	Burden of disease, determinants of health and public health interventions	Please note that Canberra Day (9 March) is a public holiday. There will be no live classes presented on that date. You will be expected to complete a Kuracloud lesson (online). Instructions will be provided.
4	Communicable disease: Key concepts and case studies
5	Non communicable disease: Chronic disease, impairment and disability	During week five a practice quiz (formative assessment) will be provided in tutorials to assist you in preparing for the first quiz (in week 6).
6	Culture and Health A	First Quiz will be held in tutorials. Please bring pens and your university ID card
7	Culture and Health B
8	Health Technologies in the 21st century (Students are required to complete the KuraCloud lesson online)	Please note that ANZAC DAY (27 April) is a public holiday. There will be no live classes presented on that date. You will be expected to complete a Kuracloud lesson (online). Instructions will be provided.
9	Rural Health	Critical Analysis Assessment is due at the end of the week. This summative assessment must be submitted online using the Turnitin drop box in the CANVAS HLTH1001 site.
10	Health systems and health policy	Second Quiz (summative assessment) will be held in tutorials. Please bring pens and your university ID card.
11	Bioethics into the 21st century: Clinical and public health contexts with case studies
12	Revision	In addition to usual tutorial activities, students will complete a short practice exam (formative assessment) in tutorials and participate in other revision activities. These will be marked in class.
13	Examination Period	End-of-Semester ExaminationExamination Material: "The final examination for this course will be administered in-person during the semester 1 final examination period. Students must be on campus to attend the exam. Information about the scheduling of the examination will be posted by the University at http://www.anu.edu.au/students/program-administration/assessments-exams/examination-timetable"Refer to ANU examination timetable for the date of your exam: You will be required to bring your university ID card and writing implements. See the Canvas site for details.

Tutorial Registration

You will need to enrol in a lab/tutorial time for this course. ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities/labs/tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.

Assessment Summary

Assessment task	Value	Due Date	Return of assessment	Learning Outcomes
Weekly Tutorial Reading	10 %	*	*	3,4,5,6
Progressive Summative Quizzes	20 %	*	*	2,3,4,5,6
Critical Analysis Assessment	30 %	09/05/2026	01/06/2026	1,3,4,5,6
End of Semester Examination	40 %	*	*	1,2,3,4,5,6

* If the Due Date and Return of Assessment date are blank, see the Assessment Tab for specific Assessment Task details

Policies

ANU has educational policies, procedures and guidelines , which are designed to ensure that staff and students are aware of the University’s academic standards, and implement them. Students are expected to have read the Academic Integrity Rule before the commencement of their course. Other key policies and guidelines include:

• Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
• Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure
• Extenuating Circumstances Application
• Student Surveys and Evaluations
• Deferred Examinations
• Student Complaint Resolution Policy and Procedure
• Code of practice for teaching and learning

Assessment Requirements

The ANU is using Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the Academic Skills website. In rare cases where online submission using Turnitin software is not technically possible; or where not using Turnitin software has been justified by the Course Convener and approved by the Associate Dean (Education) on the basis of the teaching model being employed; students shall submit assessment online via ‘Canvas’ outside of Turnitin, or failing that in hard copy, or through a combination of submission methods as approved by the Associate Dean (Education). The submission method is detailed below.

Moderation of Assessment

Marks that are allocated during Semester are to be considered provisional until formalised by the College examiners meeting at the end of each Semester. If appropriate, some moderation of marks might be applied prior to final results being released.

Participation

In addition to lectures, attendance and participation in tutorials is crucial to successful completion of HLTH1001. Tutorials supplement and consolidate material covered in lectures and may introduce entirely new material pertinent to the objectives of the course. Students are expected to participate in discussions and other varied activities during class time. The materials covered in tutorials are assessable. Please note that two summative assessments take place during your tutorials (Quiz 1 in Week 6 and Quiz 2 in Week 10).

You will also be undertaking readings prior to lectures and tutorials which provide vital foundational elements for engagement in class activities and most importantly for understanding key concepts and skills related to the course.

Examination(s)

The final examination for this course will be administered in-person during the end of semester examination period. Students must be on campus to attend the exam. Information about the scheduling of the examination will be posted by the University at http://www.anu.edu.au/students/program-administration/assessments-exams/examination-timetable

Please check the ANU Examination Timetable at the link listed above to confirm the date, time, and location of the exam. This information is decided and provided by ANU Central Examinations. The exam will take place within the official, end-of-semester exam period.

The progressive summative quizzes and final examination are composed of multiple question types including multiple choice, extended matching and short answer questions. These examinations are comprehensive and can address any aspect of the curriculum and associated independent study requirements.

Please check the ANU Examination Timetable http://www.anu.edu.au/students/program-administration/assessments-exams/examination-timetable to confirm the date, time, and location of the exam. This information is decided and provided by ANU Central Examinations. The exam will take place within the official, end-of-semester exam period.

End of semester course results are released on ANUHub.

Assessment Task 1

Weekly Tutorial Reading

Tutorials will begin in Week 2 of the course and are compulsory given the associated summative assessment requirements. Please note there are multiple activities associated with this task, each with individual due dates, check the HLTH1001 Canvas site for details.

Tutorial pre-reading component: Students are required to complete a set of weekly tutorial pre-readings and/or viewing of videos (beginning in Week 2) and then respond to questions about these resources in the weekly template provided on Canvas. The completed template must be submitted on Canvas prior to the tutorial. This tutorial activity constitutes 10% of your HLTH1001 total mark for the semester and is an important process not only in your learning, but also in encouraging strong study skills and behaviours. This activity will help you to be better prepared for the quizzes and the end-of-semester exam.

Please note that AI may not be used in your submissions.

Feedback on submitted templates: Once the weekly templates have been submitted by all tutorial groups, students will receive a mark for their submission. If errors are noted in your submission, a deduction from this mark will be made. A weekly general summary comment will be posted on Canvas regarding the cohort's responses in the templates. In addition, each student will receive detailed feedback on two randomly chosen template submissions.

Value: 10%

Due date: Begin in Week 2 and continue for the duration of the semester. Please check the HLTH1001 Canvas site for specific details.

Assessment Task 2

Progressive Summative Quizzes

Tutorials will begin in Week 2 of the course and are compulsory given the associated summative assessment requirements. Please note the two activities associated with this task, each with individual due dates. Please check the course Canvas site for specific details.

Each of these assessment tasks (Quiz 1 and Quiz 2) is worth 10%. In total they equal 20% of your total mark.

(A) Quiz 1 will be held in Week 6 and will examine course material covered in Weeks 1-5 inclusive. The quiz will take place in your tutorial session. Course materials include lecture material, learning in tutorial sessions, weekly readings and other resources provided. This component of the Assessment Task (Quiz 1) is worth 10%. Estimated return date of quiz results: approximately 1 week after completion.

(B) Quiz 2 will be held in Week 10 of the course and will examine course material covered in Weeks 6-9 inclusive. The quiz will take place in your tutorial session. Course materials include lecture material, learning in tutorial sessions, weekly readings and other resources provided. This component of the Assessment Task (Quiz 2) is worth 10%. Estimated return date of quiz results: approximately 1 week after completion.

Total Value of both components: 20%

Assessment Task 3

Critical Analysis Assessment

Students will be provided with essay topics in Week 2. The topics will be accompanied by the assessment rubric and a set of detailed instructions. These instructions will include formatting and presentation requirements and will be available on Canvas.

Word Count: Guide - 2,500 words

Value: 30%

Due date: 9th May

Estimated return date: approx. 29th May - 1st June

Assessment Task 4

End of Semester Examination

The examination will include questions drawn from lecture material, tutorial sessions, Kuracloud materials, required readings and other resources provided across the entire semester. This may include multiple choice questions and short answer questions. It is expected that the completion of the tutorial pre-reading templates will provide a solid basis for student revision of readings in preparation for the end -of-semester examination. (Students will be provided with a practice exam in the final week of semester to assist in their study preparation).

Value: 40%

Please check the ANU Examination Timetable http://www.anu.edu.au/students/program-administration/assessments-exams/examination-timetable to confirm the date, time, and location of the exam. This information is decided and provided by ANU Central Examinations. The exam will take place within the official, end-of-semester exam period.

The course results will be released on ANUHub.

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a core part of the ANU culture as a community of scholars. The University’s students are an integral part of that community. The academic integrity principle commits all students to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support, academic integrity, and to uphold this commitment by behaving honestly, responsibly and ethically, and with respect and fairness, in scholarly practice.

The University expects all staff and students to be familiar with the academic integrity principle, the Academic Integrity Rule 2021, the Policy: Student Academic Integrity and Procedure: Student Academic Integrity, and to uphold high standards of academic integrity to ensure the quality and value of our qualifications.

The Academic Integrity Rule 2021 is a legal document that the University uses to promote academic integrity, and manage breaches of the academic integrity principle. The Policy and Procedure support the Rule by outlining overarching principles, responsibilities and processes. The Academic Integrity Rule 2021 commences on 1 December 2021 and applies to courses commencing on or after that date, as well as to research conduct occurring on or after that date. Prior to this, the Academic Misconduct Rule 2015 applies.

 

The University commits to assisting all students to understand how to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support academic integrity. All coursework students must complete the online Academic Integrity Module (Epigeum), and Higher Degree Research (HDR) students are required to complete research integrity training. The Academic Integrity website provides information about services available to assist students with their assignments, examinations and other learning activities, as well as understanding and upholding academic integrity.

Online Submission

You will be required to electronically sign a declaration as part of the submission of your assignment. Please keep an electronic and hard copy of the assignment for your records until the end of the academic year. Unless an exemption has been approved by the Associate Dean (Education) submission must be through Turnitin.

Hardcopy Submission

For some forms of assessment (hand written assignments, art works, laboratory notes, etc.) hard copy submission is appropriate when approved by the Associate Dean (Education). Hard copy submissions must utilise the Assignment Cover Sheet. Please keep a copy of tasks completed for your records.

Late Submission

Late submission not permitted. Submission of assessment tasks without an extension after the due date is not permitted, a mark of 0 will be awarded. 

Referencing Requirements

The Academic Skills website has information to assist you with your writing and assessments. The website includes information about Academic Integrity including referencing requirements for different disciplines. There is also information on Plagiarism and different ways to use source material. Any use of artificial intelligence must be properly referenced. Failure to properly cite use of Generative AI will be considered a breach of academic integrity.

Returning Assignments

Critical Analysis Assessments must be submitted electronically via the Turnitin link attached to the Canvas site and will be returned approximately three weeks after the submission date.

Extensions and Penalties

Extensions and late submission of assessment pieces are covered by the Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure. Extensions may be granted for assessment pieces that are not examinations or take-home examinations. If you need an extension, you must request an extension in writing on or before the due date. If you have documented and appropriate medical evidence that demonstrates you were not able to request an extension on or before the due date, you may be able to request it after the due date.

Resubmission of Assignments

Resubmissions are not permitted. However, there may be exceptional circumstances. In such a case, please contact the convenor.

Privacy Notice

The ANU has made a number of third party, online, databases available for students to use. Use of each online database is conditional on student end users first agreeing to the database licensor’s terms of service and/or privacy policy. Students should read these carefully. In some cases student end users will be required to register an account with the database licensor and submit personal information, including their: first name; last name; ANU email address; and other information.
In cases where student end users are asked to submit ‘content’ to a database, such as an assignment or short answers, the database licensor may only use the student’s ‘content’ in accordance with the terms of service – including any (copyright) licence the student grants to the database licensor. Any personal information or content a student submits may be stored by the licensor, potentially offshore, and will be used to process the database service in accordance with the licensors terms of service and/or privacy policy.
If any student chooses not to agree to the database licensor’s terms of service or privacy policy, the student will not be able to access and use the database. In these circumstances students should contact their lecturer to enquire about alternative arrangements that are available.

Distribution of grades policy

Academic Quality Assurance Committee monitors the performance of students, including attrition, further study and employment rates and grade distribution, and College reports on quality assurance processes for assessment activities, including alignment with national and international disciplinary and interdisciplinary standards, as well as qualification type learning outcomes.

Since first semester 1994, ANU uses a grading scale for all courses. This grading scale is used by all academic areas of the University.

Support for students

The University offers students support through several different services. You may contact the services listed below directly or seek advice from your Course Convener, Student Administrators, or your College and Course representatives (if applicable).

• ANU Health, safety & wellbeing for medical services, counselling, mental health and spiritual support
• ANU Accessibility for students with a disability or ongoing or chronic illness
• ANU Dean of Students for confidential, impartial advice and help to resolve problems between students and the academic or administrative areas of the University
• ANU Academic Skills supports you make your own decisions about how you learn and manage your workload.
• ANU Counselling promotes, supports and enhances mental health and wellbeing within the University student community.
• ANUSA supports and represents all ANU students