This course will require students to apply their understanding of the principles of health research and health/medical ethics to complex case studies of health issues of the past and current century. This will be complemented with professional development workshops on self-awareness, effective teamwork and leadership, developing an evidence based curriculum vitae, addressing key selection criteria and interview skills. An introduction to career paths in Health Science will be given through a series of invited speakers who will present their career experiences and highlights. 

 

Learning Outcomes

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

1. Demonstrate good academic practice and teamwork in researching health topics and participating in collaborative learning activities. 
2. Demonstrate capacity to work within a team to devise potential solutions to complex problems. 
3. Demonstrate an ability to apply principles of health and/or medical ethics in the context of real world problem facing global health. 
4. Develop insight into how personal ambitions and concepts of success map onto opportunities for health careers by learning from the experience of health professionals. 

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 lecturers who are also key leaders in the field may mean that the listed lecture sequence, that is, the lecture topics may change to another week in order to accommodate access to these experts.

Field Trips

none

Additional Course Costs

none

Required Resources

Required readings and other resources will be listed or uploaded on the LMS throughout the course. These will be provided for each session (lectures and tutorials).

Recommended Resources

Recommended student system requirements 

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;
• 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.

Class Schedule

Week/Session	Summary of Activities	Assessment
1	Week 1In class activities;Welcome and introductions.Introduction to the course and outline assessments/rubrics.Select a tutor group rep. 1 per tutor groupReview advanced reading Personal reflections Discuss online learning materialTutorial activities - case studies/activities/discussion on learning materialPost class activities (defined on the worksheet)	3.1) Submit completed worksheet 1 (end of week 1)
2	Week 2 Careers in Health:In class activities;Review advanced reading What skills sets will be needed to tackle health problems that emerge from the effects of an emerging public health issue i.e. bush fires, flooding, drought although you could also tackle skills needed to tackle new or re-emerging diseases (ongoing COVID-19 / monkey pox, ross river, dengue fever etc) Discuss online learning materialTutorial activities - case studies/activities/discussion on learning materialPost class activities (defined on the worksheet)
3	Week 3 Critical Analysis:In class activities;Review advanced reading Introduction to Health Stewardship Analysis of other elements of Health Stewardship Discuss online learning materialTutorial activities - case studies/activities/discussion on learning materialPost class activities (defined on the worksheet)	3.2) Submit completed worksheet 3 (end of week 3)
4	Week 4 Critical Analysis:In class activities;Review advanced reading The Public Health Response to COVID-19 (good planning or just dumb luck) Global National and local response Wider health and economical impacts of COVID policy Discuss online learning materialTutorial activities - case studies/activities/discussion on learning materialPost class activities (defined on the worksheet)	Assessment 1 - Collaborative project (20%) infographic + video - group task
5	Week 5 Employability I - Understanding Yourself:In class activities;Review advanced reading Navigating the ANU Careers Resources Self directed completing of activities on the ANU Careers website. Discuss online learning materialTutorial activities - case studies/activities/discussion on learning materialPost class activities (defined on the worksheet)	3.3) Submit completed worksheet 5 (end of week 5)
6	Week 6 Employability II - Understand the labour marketIn class activities;Review advanced reading; Davos agenda World economic forum - future jobs Shaping future health care Discuss online learning materialTutorial activities - case studies/activities/discussion on learning materialPost class activities (defined on the worksheet)	3.4) Submit completed worksheet 6 (end of week 6)
7	Week 7 Employability III - Find and secure workIn class activities;Review advanced reading; careers guide skill builder graduate careers resources Discuss online learning materialTutorial activities - case studies/activities/discussion on learning materialPost class activities (defined on the worksheet)	3.5) Submit completed worksheet 7 (end of week 7)
8	Week 8 Employability IV - Create and Maintain WorkIn class activities;Review advanced reading; skill builder series Discuss online learning materialTutorial activities - case studies/activities/discussion on learning materialPost class activities (defined on the worksheet)	Assessment 2 - Panel Interviews and Reflections 20% (group + individual tasks)
9	Week 9 Professionalism I - History of ProfessionalismIn class activities;Review advanced reading; concept of professionalism and ethics Discuss online learning materialTutorial activities - case studies/activities/discussion on learning material	3.6) Submit completed worksheet 9 (end of week 9)
10	Week 10 Professionalism II - Challenges in the workplaceIn class activities;Review advanced reading; working as a health professional in todays environment Discuss online learning materialTutorial activities - case studies/activities/discussion on learning material	3.7) Submit completed worksheet 10 (end of week 10)4) Balanced Critical Analysis 30%
11	Week 11 Professional and work expectations I - What does it mean to be a health professional?In class activities;Review advanced reading; Physician citizens Papers by Gruen and Campbell Discuss online learning materialTutorial activities - case studies/activities/discussion on learning material	3.8) Submit completed worksheet 11 (end of week 11)
12	Week 12 Professional and work expectations II - Standards of behaviourIn class activities;Review advanced readingDiscuss online learning material; roles and responsibilities of a professional Tutorial activities - case studies/activities/discussion on learning material

Tutorial Registration

ANU utilises MyTimetable. To enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities/labs/tutorials. This enables students to better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage."

Assessment Summary

Assessment task	Value	Learning Outcomes
Collaborative project	20 %	1,2,3
Panel Interviews and reflections	20 %	1,2,3,4
Tutorial assessments	30 %	3,4
Balanced Critical Analysis	30 %	3,4

* 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 ‘Wattle’ 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

Students will be participating in discussions and other activities during class time. You will also be undertaking readings prior to lectures which provide vital foundations for lecture content and activities. Students are not formally assessed on these tasks, but they provide the foundation for understanding key concepts and skills related to the course, and assessable components of the course, and therefore important to enrich your engagement with content and learning as a result. As such, students are expected to attend and participate in all aspects of the course to support their learning, including readings before each class.

Examination(s)

none

Assessment Task 1

Collaborative project

Students will work in small groups of 3-4 per group (notify me by email of the group members and group name) to develop an informative and engaging Infographic + video infomercial/video advert (around 5 minute in length +/- 30seconds) about a contemporary health problem and the skill sets that will be required to manage the associated burden of disease.

Assignment scope: The group will submit the work products via turnitin. The work product should be informative and engage the audience. The infographic should be 1 or 2 A4 pages in length. References in the infographic or on a separate document as appropriate.

You can define the audience for the work products (peers, public target audience etc),

You need to research what an infographic + video informercial/video advert is from peer publications and information sites on the web. You should consider What is an Infographic?

Further information is available at the Wikipedia page on infographics + video informercial/video advert

 In this assignment, you have full creative license to develop your work products. For instance, You may use Powerpoint to create a kiosk presentation or you can use freeware to develop a short video or brochure (e.g. https://www.videoscribe.co/en/ 7day free trial period or Biteable: https://biteable.com/ Freeware; Canva https://www.canva.com/create/infographics/, freeware)

Topics to be agreed by Course Convenor in advance AND confirmed in writing.

Please refer to the LMS site for more information

Value: 20%

Word Limit: see additional guidance on the LMS

Due: 23.59 (Canberra Time) Sunday (see the LMS) week 4

Estimated return date: first week after the break

Rubric will be posted week 1 on the LMS

Submission via Turnitin

Assessment Task 2

Panel Interviews and reflections

Students will work in groups of 4-6 (notify me by email of the group members and group name). Groups can be the same or different as you wish.

Task 1 (10% total)

As a group review two prerecorded interviews, discuss the content, style and format of each interview and then write a short personal reflection on each interview (150 words each +/- 10%) (2 X 5%)

Task 2 (2 X 5% =10 total) - Panel Interview Guidelines

Each group to carry out one interview

Pre-interview - The panel should meet and assign roles. All group members must be seen to participate in the interview

1. Chair: Schedules the interview with the interviewee. At the interview, greet and thank the interviewer, introduce the team. The Chair reminds the interviewee that the interview will be recorded and asks them if this is OK. Responsible for communicating with the facilitator to ensure facilitator is available to support the interviews. (Course Convenor)
2. Research: Conducts a web-based background research on the person or organization. And share information with panel. 
3. General members: Develop and ask questions. 
4. Scribe: A general member who also is responsible for collating the group’s comments about the interview and who prepares the “Precis” for when the recording is posted to WATTLE.

 Communicating with the interviewee and scheduling the interview.

1. Chair determines when panel members are not available.
2. Chair contacts the interviewee and introduces herself/himself/themself and requests the interviewee to suggest a suitable time when they are available.  It is OK to note that some panel members are unavailable at a key time (no need to clash with studies) but try to be as available as possible.
3. Chair then confirms the time of the interview and again thanks the invitee for participating.
4. Chairperson confirms the time with the Course Convenor who will attend as an observer/marker).

 After the interview

1. Assuming all goes well, the interview will be uploaded about a week after it takes place. 
2. Each panel member will draft an individual reflective statement (250 words each +/- 10%) outlining the key personal learnings from participating in the interview. This can be about your performance, the performance of others or any insights about your thoughts on your future career. It should not be a summary of the facts stated or simply commentary on the group.
3. The Chair will send a follow-up thank you to the interviewee.

Please refer to the the LMS site for more information

Submission

Each student will submit a reflection on 2 watched interviews + reflection on an interview they actively participated in.

Value: 20%

Length: see word count above

Due: Panel interviews will take place between weeks 6-8.

Due: 23.59 (Canberra time) Sunday (see the LMS site) week 8

Estimated return date: End of week (see the LMS site)

Rubric will be posted week 1 on the LMS

Submission via Turnitin

Assessment Task 3

Tutorial assessments

Students receive worksheets 1-2 weeks in advance of each tutorial session. Worksheets outline a series of tasks that have to be completed independently. Typically these tasks will include advanced reading, a short written reflection on the reading and a series of questions to be researched and discussed in the tutorial session. At the end of the tutorial you will also have to write a synopsis of the key topics covered in the discussion.

Students have to complete the worksheets and submit them online (via Turnitin) by a prescribed date (usually by 23:59 on the Sunday immediately after the tutorial). Please note there are multiple activities (8) associated with this assessment task, each with individual due dates (usually by 23:59 on the Sunday immediately after the tutorial). Check the course LMS site for specific details.

Students will receive up to 5% per completed worksheet. The best 6 worksheets out of the maximum of 8 worksheets will be recorded as the provisional mark for submission at the end of the semester.

Please refer to the LMS site for more information

Value: 30%

Word Limit: see weekly worksheets word count (+/- 10%)

Due: 23.59 (Canberra Time) Sunday week (see the LMS site)

Estimated return date: End of week (see the LMS site)

Rubric will be posted week 1 on the LMS site

Submission via Turnitin

Assessment Task 4

Balanced Critical Analysis

Overview:

You are required to submit an individual written critical analysis (600 words) on a challenging or controversial health topic at the local, regional, or global level. The purpose of this assignment is to help you develop critical thinking, research, professional judgement, and transdisciplinary skills essential for health-related careers.

This task is designed to deepen your understanding of complex health issues, improve your ability to engage with differing perspectives, and strengthen your capacity to use evidence in forming balanced, well-reasoned conclusions and proposals.

Assignment Objectives:

• Demonstrate an understanding of a health issue that is considered challenging or controversial.
• Identify and critically evaluate both sides of the issue using high-quality, peer-reviewed evidence.
• Show balanced judgement and avoid bias.
• Propose a reasoned, evidence-informed solution or approach to address the issue.
• Develop academic writing and analysis skills relevant to professional practice.

What You Need to Do:

Choose a Topic ... conduct brief literature review, refine topic and discuss potential suitability with tutor

Select a health-related topic that is contested or problematic in some way. Your topic could involve ethical dilemmas, policy debates, health inequalities, access to care, vaccination hesitancy, digital health surveillance, etc.

Examples:

• The ethics of vaccine mandates.
• The use of AI in patient diagnosis.
• Health impacts of climate change.
• Sugar taxes and public health.
• Mental health and social media.

Once agreed, research thoroughly:

Conduct balanced research using credible sources, such as:

• Peer-reviewed journal articles
• Official reports from WHO, CDC, NHS, etc.
• Government or NGO policy briefs
• Systematic reviews or meta-analyses

1. Ensure you understand both (or multiple) perspectives on the issue.
2. Structure Your Analysis:
3. Your submission should follow a clear and logical structure, such as:

• Introduction (approx. 100 words):
• Briefly introduce your chosen topic.
• State why it is controversial/challenging.
• Outline what your analysis will cover.
• Main Body (approx. 400 words):
• Present both sides of the issue with reference to key arguments, data, and studies.
• Critically evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of each side.
• Identify any gaps in evidence or biases in common narratives.
• Conclusion & Proposed Solution (approx. 100 words):
• Offer a reasoned summary of your position.
• Propose a solution or approach that reflects an informed, balanced perspective.
• Highlight the importance of your conclusion in the context of real-world practice.

Use Evidence:

• Every claim should be supported by reputable sources.
• Avoid anecdotal or unsupported assertions.
• Cite all sources appropriately using the required referencing style.

Skills You Are Developing:

• Critical Thinking – evaluating complex problems from multiple angles.
• Research Literacy – interpreting evidence from diverse sources.
• Professional Practice Skills – making informed, ethical decisions based on current evidence.
• Graduate Attributes – communication, reasoning, and decision-making in health-related contexts.
• Transdisciplinary Awareness – engaging with issues that cross public health, ethics, policy, law, and science.

Please refer to the LMS site for more information

Value: 30%

Word Limit: 600 words (+/-10%)

Due: 23.59 (Canberra Time) Sunday week (see the LMS site) week 10

Return date: End of semester course marks are released on ISIS.

Rubric will be posted week 1 on canvas

Submission via Turnitin

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 a copy of the assignment for your records. 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

Individual assessment tasks may or may not allow for late submission. Policy regarding late submission is detailed below:

• Late submission permitted by prior agreement with the course convener and/or with an appropriate medical certificate (covering the period in question)
• Late submission of assessment tasks without an extension are penalised at the rate of 5% of the possible marks available per working day or part thereof. Late submission of assessment tasks is not accepted after 10 working days after the due date, or on or after the date specified in the course outline for return of the assessment item unless an extension has been granted.

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

Assignments are required to be submitted electronically via the Turnitin link attached to the Wattle site and will be returned approximately four 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

Not permitted

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