Significant Issues in Women's Health

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2011:

Students are required to have access to a computer with e-mail application and a web browser. Technical support is not available from the University of Melbourne in setting up such a system.

For the purposes of considering requests for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Objectives, 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 the Disability Liaison Unit: http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/

This subject addresses the impact of significant milestones across the lifecycle on women’s well-being and sense of self. It includes issues from adolescence, the childbearing years and parenting, the middle years, menopause and after. It aims to engender knowledge of the issues that impact on women’s health including depression and other mood disorders, body image, sexuality, abuse, work and family and aspects of loss and grief.

At the completion of this subject students should be able to:

• Describe the impact of socio-psychological factors on women’s health and well-being
• Critically discuss the impact of women’s roles and responsibilities on their health and well-being
• Explain how significant biological milestones in a woman’s life affect her health and well-being
• Discuss the health challenges faced by women from minority groups, including cultural minorities, women with disabilities and lesbian women.

• 1,500-word written assignment due mid semester (30%)
• 2,000 word assignment covering all key aspects of the subject due mid semester (40%)
• Preparation of a presentation including all materials equivalent to 1,500 words due end of semester (30%)
• Reflective journal equivalent to 2,000 words due end of semester (pass/fail hurdle requirement)

Students must achieve a cumulative mark of at least 50% and a pass in the hurdle requirement in order to pass the subject.

None

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

At the completion of this subject, students should be able to demonstrate:

• enhanced critical thinking skills
• further developed written and oral communication skills
• further developed skills working in a multidisciplinary time