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Curtin University
Courses Handbook 2012

This handbook contains information for courses and units at Curtin in 2012.
Information for current year courses and units is available at Courses Handbook 2011.

155599 v.6 Bachelor of Science - Health Sciences

BSc(Curtin)

Course CRICOS Code: 003691K
Registered full-time Duration for International Onshore Students on student visas: 3 Years

Introduction

This course allows undergraduate students to combine studies in public health with a wide range of optional units as a Health Sciences Major, or complete a Health Information Management Major (profession specific units). Students who complete the Health Sciences Major will be awarded a Bachelor of Science (Health Sciences) and those who complete the Health Information Management Major will be awarded with a Bachelor of Science (Health Information Management).

Course Entry Requirements/Prerequisites

Prerequisites: No prior study in a particular subject is required. Applicants must meet the University’s standard entry requirements, which include English competency. Desirable: One science course 3A/3B from the following list is desirable: Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Earth and Environmental Science, Human Biological Science, Integrated Science or Physics. STAT: E and either V or Q

Specific Requirements

STAT elements considered are E and either V or Q.

Recognition of Prior Learning

Applications for recognition of prior learning are assessed on an individual basis.

Duration and Availability

This course is three years' full-time or equivalent part-time study. The course is available internally and online (both the Health Information Management Major and the Health Sciences Major). Not all options within the Health Sciences major are available online, however there are enough options to provide choice and flexibility in completing the course online.

Professional Recognition

The degree is recognised throughout Australia and overseas, with graduates working across Australia and in the UK, US, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Malaysia. You may also choose to undertake postgraduate studies in areas such as health administration, accounting, information technology or public health for even greater job diversity.

Career Opportunities

Graduates from the Health Sciences major may be employed in public health, health promotion, health administration or staff development positions in a variety of healthcare settings depending on units selected in their degree. Graduates have successfully entered postgraduate programs in medicine, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech pathology, occupational health and safety and public health, as well as developing research careers. Due to a current scarcity of well-qualified health information professionals, the employment rate of graduates from the health information management major is excellent, with many finding positions before graduation. Graduates are employed within health information management or in specialised areas such as clinical classification, health informatics, case-mix, quality and safety or project management in public and private health care facilities. Other areas include research, information system design and primary practice management.

Additional Course Expenses

Students may be expected to purchase a number of textbooks, readers and other essential study materials.

Further Information

For more information about the program, contact staff in the Curtin Future Students on telephone (08) 9266 1000, email futurestudents@curtin.edu.au, or visit our website: www.healthsciences.curtin.edu.au.

Course Structure Disclaimer

Curtin University reserves the right to alter the internal composition of any course to ensure learning outcomes retain maximum relevance. Any changes to the internal composition of a course will protect the right of students to complete the course within the normal timeframe and will not result in additional cost to students through a requirement to undertake additional units.

Course Structure Hrs/Wk Credit
311752 v.2   Health Information Management Major (Bachelor of Science - Health Sciences) 400.0
  OR  
311753 v.2   Health Sciences Major (Bachelor of Science - Health Sciences) 400.0
  400.0
Year 1 Semester 1
313391 v.2   Human Structure and Function 100 4.0 25.0
313394 v.2   Foundations for Professional Health Practice 100 4.0 25.0
  50.0
Year 1 Semester 2
312649 v.3   Indigenous Cultures and Health 130 2.0 12.5
313390 v.2   Evidence Informed Health Practice 100 2.0 12.5
313395 v.2   Health and Health Behaviour 100 3.0 25.0
  50.0
Year 2 Semester 1
307196 v.2   Health Care Systems in Australia 201 3.0 25.0
  25.0
Year 2 Semester 2
311440 v.1   Epidemiology 286 4.0 25.0
  25.0
Year 3 Semester 1
311351 v.1   Applied Research and Biostatistics 381 8.0 25.0
  25.0
Year 3 Semester 2
312198 v.1 *   Professional Practice in Public Health 383 2.0 25.0
  OR  
303102 v.2 +   Health Practice Administration 383 3.0 25.0
  OR  
313093 v.1 *   Research Project 383 6.0 25.0
  25.0

*    Health Science Major Students Only

+    +This unit must be studied if completing the Health Information Management Major.

NB    The major is selected in year one, and completed over the duration of the course.

Availability

Year Location Period All* Internal Partially Online Internal^ External Fully Online#
2012 Bentley Campus Study Period 1 Y     Y  
2012 Bentley Campus Semester 1 Y        
2012 Bentley Campus Semester 2 Y        

The information displayed above refers to study periods and locations where the course is available for first time entry. Students are normally only offered or admitted to a course once.

* The course itself may not be available either solely internally or externally but individual units may be offered in either or both of those modes. Prospective students should contact the Course Coordinator for further information.

^ Course and associated units are offered in this mode permitting International Onshore student enrolment.

# Course and associated units are offered in this online only mode and DO NOT permit International Onshore student enrolment.