Society and Health 1A

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2012:

For the purposes of considering request 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 Description, Subject Objectives, Generic Skills and Assessment Requirements of this entry.

The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the disability support scheme can be found at the Disability Liaison Unit website: http://www.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, students 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) basic skills in electronic retrieval, library searching, electronic mail, the use of LMS and accessing the Internet.

(3) Appreciate:
a) the 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 (50% each). An overall assessment mark of 50% is required to pass this subject.

• The developing person through childhood and adolescence, Berger KS, Worth, 2003
• Second Opinion. An Introduction to Health Sociology, Germov J, Oxford University Press. Melbourne, 2009, 4th ed
• Behavioural Sciences for Dentistry, Humphris G and Ling MS, Churchill Livingstone, 2000
• Achieving Oral Health: The Social Context of Dental Care, Kent G and Croucher R, Wright, 1998

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

On completion of this subject, students should have developed the following skills:

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