Society and Health 1A

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2009:

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

This subject comprises two modules:

Community Studies: An introduction to health sociology; the influences of socio-demographic, cultural and economic factors on health; accessibility, utilisation and quality of health and welfare services; and an examination of selected contemporary health issues.

Human Development, Behaviour and Learning: The physical and psychological growth of children and adults; theories of cognitive, psychological and psychosocial development; and the theoretical foundations to psychosocial problems.

On completion of this subject the student should:

(1) Comprehend:
a) the basic concepts of community and social structures and the implications for health;
b) the value of cultural sensitivity in the delivery of health care;
c) the relevance of psychology and human development to the broader field of health care, teaching and learning and dental practice;
d) the principles of management of relationships with patients and carers.

(2) Demonstrate:
a) the ability to plan and present written communications incorporating a respect for enquiry, scholarship and intellectual integrity;
b) beginning skills in electronic retrieval, library searching, electronic mail, the use of Blackboard multimedia programs and accessing the Internet.

(3) Appreciate the:
a) range of differing healthcare needs of individuals and groups within the community and diversity of the methods needed to provide them.

Two written assignments, each of no more than 1500 words. A pass in each assignment is required for an overall pass in this subject.

• The developing person through childhood and adolescence (KS Berger), Worth, 2003
• Health in Australia: Sociological Concepts and Issues (C Grbich (ed)), 2nd edn, Prentice Hall, 2004
• Behavioural Sciences for Dentistry (G Humphris and MS Ling), Churchill Livingstone, 2000
• Achieving Oral Health: The Social Context of Dental Care (G Kent and R Croucher), Wright, 1998

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

• Planning and presenting
• Critical appraisal of research papers
• Multimedia
• Value and application of evidence