303404 v.3 Bachelor of Applied Science (Indigenous Community Health)

BAppSc(Curtin)

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Introduction
This course provides students with the skills and knowledge necessary to empower and strengthen the well-being of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities through an holistic, multi-disciplinary approach that encompasses Indigenous healing traditions. The broad aims of the course are, first, to enable students to facilitate self-determination in health, including the social and emotional well-being of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, families and individuals through the application of Indigenous knowledge, and primary health care and community development concepts and practices; secondly, to enable Indigenous Primary Health Care Practitioners to take leadership roles in the formulation and implementation of programs, in particular, through the development and application of Aboriginal Terms of Reference. At the degree level, students learn to apply the principles and practices of Aboriginal Terms of Reference, Primary Health Care and Community Development to program evaluation.

Course Entry Requirements/Prerequisites
Available only to applicants of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent. Standard University entry requirements, a successful completion of the Curtin Aboriginal Bridging Course, or an Associate Degree in Aboriginal Health.

Specific Requirements
It is preferable that prospective students be working or prepared to undertake voluntary work in an Aboriginal health related position.

Note
Work experience in an area of health is an advantage.

Recognition of Prior Learning
Applications for recognition of prior learning are assessed on an individual basis. Recognition of prior learning may be awarded following completion of the Associate Degree in Aboriginal Health or other relevant qualifications.

Duration and Availability
The course is three years full-time study. Compulsory study block releases, four blocks per year, are conducted at Bentley campus and-or regional learning centres located within the Carnarvon and Kalgoorlie Aboriginal Medical Services. Study blocks mayalso be held at other locations depending upon student numbers and available funds.

Course Organisation
The course has a competency-based-design with an emphasis on community practice. A block system of education is the mode of delivery. There are three two-week blocks and a one-week block per annum. Attendance at all study blocks is compulsory. For the first two years, student enrol in the same units as the Associate Degree in Aboriginal Health. In second year, students choose either the primary health care action stream or the mental health counselling stream.

Additional Course Expenses
Students may be expected to purchase a number of textbooks, readers and other vital study materials. In addition, students may also need to contribute some of the cost of consumables, which varies depending on the area of study.

Course Structure				Hrs/Wk	Credit
Year 1 Semester 1
303217	v.3		CAS - Indigenous Reflective Practice 115	3.0	25.0
303228	v.3		CAS - Indigenous Community Practice 112	3.0	25.0
303233	v.2		CAS - Indigenous Organisational Practice 113	3.0	25.0
303237	v.3		CAS - Indigenous Issues and Factors in Local Region 114	3.0	25.0
					100.0
Year 1 Semester 2
303230	v.3		CAS - Indigenous Health Problems 123	3.0	25.0
303245	v.3		CAS - Indigenous Ways of Working 124	3.0	25.0
303247	v.2		CAS - Indigenous Health Problems 125	3.0	25.0
303256	v.2		CAS - Health Care Skills 126	3.0	25.0
					100.0
Year 2
303878	v.2		Mental Health and Counselling Stream (Aboriginal Studies)		200.0
			OR
303881	v.2		Primary Health Care Action Stream (Aboriginal Studies)		200.0
					200.0
Year 3 Semester 1
303329	v.3		CAS - Evaluation Project 313	3.0	25.0
303339	v.3		CAS - Community Program Evaluation 311	3.0	25.0
303342	v.3		CAS - Community Education Practice 312	3.0	25.0
303347	v.3		CAS - Indigenous Community Practice 314	3.0	25.0
					100.0
Year 3 Semester 2
303348	v.3		CAS - Evaluation Project 322	3.0	25.0
303349	v.3		CAS - Community Program Evaluation 324	3.0	25.0
303352	v.3		CAS - Community Education Practice 323	3.0	25.0
303354	v.3		CAS - Indigenous Community Practice 325	3.0	25.0
					100.0