Sexual Function and Dysfunction

Subject 505-441 (2009)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2009. Search for this in the current handbook

Credit Points: 12.50
Level: 9 (Graduate/Postgraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2009:

Semester 1, - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period not applicable
Assessment Period End not applicable
Last date to Self-Enrol not applicable
Census Date not applicable
Last date to Withdraw without fail not applicable

Semester 2, - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period not applicable
Assessment Period End not applicable
Last date to Self-Enrol not applicable
Census Date not applicable
Last date to Withdraw without fail not applicable

Distance

Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Total Time Commitment:

8 hours per week

Prerequisites:

None

Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: None
Non Allowed Subjects: None
Core Participation Requirements:

Special Computer Skills: Students will be expected to be proficient with a Web browser, e-mail application and word processing application prior to enrolment in this subject.

Coordinator

Dr Henrietta Megan Williams

Contact

Melbourne Sexual Health Centre

School of Population Health

Subject Overview:

This subject aims to provide detailed and current evidence based information on diagnosing, treating, and caring for people experiencing sexual dysfunction. The subject will use two models as a framework for students to develop their knowledge and skills. These two models are the ‘Plissit model' and the ‘Depor model'. The topics covered will include the normal sexual response, anatomy and physiology, an overview of assessment and counselling, working with special groups, female desire problems, male desire problems, female arousal problems, male arousal problems and ED, female orgasm problems, male orgasm problems, genital pain syndromes and special medical conditions and relevant special needs e.g. HIV disease, diabetes, spinal cord problems and cardio-vascular disease.

Objectives: On completion of this subject students will:
  • Have gained a greater understanding and insight into human sexual behaviour, the sexual cycle, and sexual dysfunction.
  • Be able to evaluate a clinical sexual dysfunction problem and provide support, sensitivity and empathy for those experiencing sexual dysfunction.
  • Have the knowledge to advise on treatment options and outcomes and initiate treatments (if appropriate).
Assessment:

6 short answer questions totalling 1500 words due mid semester (50%) and written assignment of 2000 words due end of semester (50%).

Prescribed Texts:

Russell, D., Bradford, D. and Fairley, C., (Eds.) Sexual Health Medicine: A Clinical Approach, IP Communications, 2005.

Special Computer Requirements: Students are required to have access to a computer with e-mail application, Web browser and CD ROM facility. Technical support is not available from the University of Melbourne in setting up such a system.

Recommended Texts: None
Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:
  • To enhance critical thinking skills;
  • To develop advanced written and oral communication skills;
  • To be able to incorporate evidence based information into clinical practice.
Links to further information: http://www.sph.unimelb.edu.au/
Notes:

This subject is a Group 1 elective in the Master of Public Health. This subject is an elective subject in the Postgraduate Certificate in Public Health (Sexual Health).

Related Course(s): Postgraduate Certificate in Public Health (Sexual Health)

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