bachelor of health sciences faculty of health sciences

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1 bachelor of health sciences faculty of health sciences

2 1 Bachelor of Sciences The Bachelor of Sciences is the ideal choice if you re looking for a career as a corporate health professional. It prepares you to work in one of the many areas that are crucial in keeping the health system running smoothly, such as health care, rehabilitation and disability services. Professions such as these are key drivers in the areas of health education, research, policy, management and advocacy. The rise of corporate HEALTH The direction of health care is changing. Increased demand for cutting edge health services has created new employment opportunities across the private and public health sectors. Corporate health professionals work in a wide variety of settings, collaborating with teams from other health contexts to improve public health outcomes. The Bachelor of Sciences (BHlthSci) is specifically designed to provide the knowledge and specific skills you will need to join this dynamic group of professionals. You will acquire: a global perspective of health the ability to critically evaluate a situation from an overarching, bias-free viewpoint business skills such as budgeting, project management, developing initiatives, costing treatment plans, and managing finances. A WORLD OF CAREER OPTIONS Like our broader arts and science degrees, careers arising from the BHlthSci are so varied that they re not easy to define in general terms. Corporate health roles often cross industries and departments. One useful way to look at the career possibilities is to consider some examples of jobs available to graduates of the program. These include: Researcher, analyst or policy adviser for international agencies like the World Organization Roles in data collection, analysis and reporting, such as a senior e-health policy analyst for a government department education manager, promoting public health campaigns facilities manager, ensuring facilities and buildings meet the needs of a health organisation Rehabilitation or occupational health and safety manager, helping people prevent and recover from illness Executive officer or general manager of a health organisation knowledge manager in a hospital, responsible for keeping records accurate and accessible Project officer delivering health initiatives in Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander communities Employee of a non-government organisation or aid agency, such as UNICEF or Médecins Sans Frontières Drug and alcohol community services coordinator Development officer for a non-profit organisation, raising community awareness and fundraising Sales representative for a health-related corporation Insurance case manager or claims manager, coordinating the rehabilitation of injured individuals and back-to-work schemes. Campus location The first year of the BHlthSci is delivered on the Camperdown Campus, close to Sydney s CBD. Depending on the second major you choose, you could continue studying at Camperdown or move to the Cumberland Campus in Lidcombe from your second year onwards. The Cumberland Campus is where the Faculty of Sciences is based, and is where the health sciences specialisations are taught.

3 2 Be part of the big picture The Bachelor of Sciences is designed around a holistic approach to health care in which public health issues and solutions are considered within their full context. The BHlthSci provides a comprehensive understanding of the health sector in Australia and oversees. It looks at the political, social, behavioural, environmental, economic and international contexts of health, and is modelled to meet the needs of the modern health care sector. The program will challenge you to critically analyse the current state of affairs in health, as well as encourage you to look for new and creative solutions to the big issues facing the health, disability and rehabilitation sectors. A GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE Our students graduate with an in depth understanding of global health policies and practices and the inequities experienced by vulnerable populations worldwide. You will develop insight into the external factors such as poverty, poor housing, barriers to accessing health care and environmental issues, that drive these inequities. By focussing on the big picture, the BHlthSci provides a broad view of population health, disability and rehabilitation. This is a great advantage in many careers. For example, after graduating, you would be well placed to work with an international health agency. FHS Abroad All BHlthSci students are offered the opportunity to undertake an international experience. FHS Abroad is an elective unit of study. It allows you to work with a non-government organisation or other development agency for up to six weeks in a range of faculty-elected locations across South and Southeast Asia. Destinations include Vietnam, Cambodia, India and Nepal. You could work in locations such as schools, children s hospitals, orphanages or HIV clinics, with programs ranging across fields such as rehabilitation, health promotion, education, health outreach and disability care. A huge motivation for me taking part in FHS Abroad was the opportunity to work and live in a developing country. Around the time I was looking for my next big adventure, I was fortunate enough to attain a scholarship to join the program. The thing I enjoyed most was being able to learn outside the lecture theatre. I still gained knowledge, but with the additional benefit of a unique hands on experience. Wayne Ou FHS Abroad STUDENT

4 3 SCHOLARSHIPS AND SUPPORT Mentoring Program is a peer-mentoring program developed by students, for students. We understand that your first year at university can sometimes be daunting and very different from high school. To make that transition easier, we invite you to become part of our team. You ll be with a small group of other first year students, where you will receive advice and support from second- and third-year students who have been through it and survived! Mentoring is about making new friends, getting around campus, adjusting to learning at university, and hearing from people who want to make your first year experience the best it can be. The program is free to join and available to all students enrolled in a degree from the Faculty of Sciences. Sign up at enrolment or orientation. For more information, visit sydney.edu.au/health-sciences/ current-students/belong-mentoring Scholarships for talented students Bachelor of Sciences International Entry Scholarship Three of these scholarships are available each year. Worth $5000 (for the first year only), they are awarded to the three highest achieving international students with an ATAR equivalent of 90 or above. As an international student, the entry scholarship made it financially possible for me to study here. It has also encouraged and motivated me in my studies, giving me the courage and confidence to succeed. My goal is to be a physiotherapist, but I m also looking forward to learning management skills, as I want to open my own private practice one day. I m planning to undertake honours and a PhD to research the area of physiotherapy within the ageing population. Candy LAURIANTO International student from Indonesia, and recipient of the Bachelor of Sciences International Entry Scholarship I chose this course because of my previous encounters with children born with birth defects who were unable to speak properly. Due to financial circumstances they were not able to receive medical aid. This image was deeply embedded in me, and led to my decision to study the Bachelor of Sciences. The course has given me an insight into health care systems and patient care, as well as equipping me with skills in communication and critical thinking, which are very important in a highly competitive society. Teng Pong Yu International student from Singapore, and recipient of the Bachelor of Sciences International Entry Scholarship

5 4 first and second majors is a sector of growing breadth and complexity, so a multidisciplinary approach is essential. The additional layer of knowledge provided by a second major gives you the specific skills and knowledge to be an ideal job candidate in the career field that most interests you. The flexibility of the course allowed me to choose a second major which was tailored to my interests and career plans. After graduating, I continued to pursue my aspirations in health care by undertaking a Master of Physiotherapy. Wai Yoh Co Sciences major This major delivers the latest in health sciences knowledge, informed by the faculty s research excellence, and taught by leading thinkers in the fields of health, disability and rehabilitation. Within this major, you can choose from a wide range of junior, senior and research units of study, such as: Evidence Based Care: theoretical frameworks and practical applications of evidence based health care within the health professions FHS Abroad: an opportunity for you to undertake a placement overseas, Ethics and the Law: the role of the government and legislation in the health sector and Indigenous Populations: strategies to close the gap Information Science: the future of e-health and Lifelong Disability: responsibilities of the health professionals who work with people with lifelong disabilities Service Strategy and Policy: an insight into setting health priorities nationally International Project: health care issues from an international perspective Rural : how to address challenges in inequity of access. Your choice of second major In addition to the broad subjects covered by the health sciences major, you can select a second major in an area that best suits your career goals and interests. There are nine majors to choose from (see facing page). Most second majors can be selected at the end of your first year of study, giving you time to make an informed choice about your preferred study path. Opportunities for leadership In addition to your program of academic study, you will be given many opportunities to demonstrate leadership beyond the classroom. You could be a year representative, student ambassador or mentor. You will also be able to participate in academic challenges that apply academic skills in a competitive environment. We offer these opportunities to all Bachelor of Sciences students to strengthen leadership skills and develop a team approach qualities that are vital in the health sector.

6 Sciences Major 5 Junior and intermediate Units Of STUDY All units required Biology Foundations of Science Care Resources and Systems Determinants and Interventions Psychology Science and Research Senior Units OF STUDY Choose three Alcohol and Drug Misuse Rehabilitation FHS Abroad, Ethics and the Law and Indigenous Populations Information Science International Project and Lifelong Disability Rural Mental Rehabilitation Service Strategy and Policy Workplace Injury Prevention/ Management Senior RESEARCH Units OF STUDY Choose one Evidence Based Care Quantitative Research Methods in Qualitative Research Methods in WRiTING A Research Proposal SECOND Major Choose one Anatomy and Histology Ideal for a medical career path or if you have an interest in the workings of the human body Hearing and Speech Learn about language, communication and the effect of these on an individual s wellbeing Industrial Relations and Human Resource Management Looking after the health of employees in areas such as work health and safety Language Ideal for those who wish to apply their health knowledge internationally. Must be commenced in Semester 1, Year One. Management For those who would like to maximise the potential of employees in health related organisations Marketing Apply market-based principles to help health-oriented organisations meet their objectives Movement Science Learn about the mechanics and movement of the body and how physical activity impacts on health Psychology Gain an understanding of the psychological aspects of an individual s health Sociology Understanding the link between health systems and human society For the most up-to-date information about majors and units of study, please check the handbook website: sydney.edu.au/handbooks/health_sci

7 6 Pursue research with an honours degree While studying the Bachelor of Sciences, you may find a topic that fascinates you, or become determined to find a solution to an unanswered question. Why not pursue these passions through your own research? Undertaking a research course such as honours, a master s degree or PhD makes you part of a community of people dedicated to advancing existing practice and developing new knowledge in health sciences. You will be mentored by leading researchers at the cuttingedge of your field of interest. Honours programs If you are thinking of undertaking a PhD, the first step is completion of an honours thesis, which is available as an additional year at the end of your Bachelor of Sciences degree. All high achieving students can apply to undertake the honours program. You can choose to undertake a thesis in a wide range of areas. Examples of previous topics have included: Friction and strength: Investigation of the grip performance of rock climbers Can you learn pathology in less than a second? Community attitudes towards older people Breast screening practices among Southeast Asian women living in Sydney Injury prevalence and characteristics in elite junior rugby league players Energy drink and alcohol consumption in Australia Risk status and resilience in families with parents with intellectual disability Life history and health Improving MRI according to human perception. Honours was a pathway to my ultimate goal to work in research and practise as a paediatric physiotherapist. I chose my major in Movement Science to gain an understanding of the fundamentals of health, anatomy, biomechanics and physiology. It gave me a solid platform on which to progress to a Master of Physiotherapy. I m now working with the Australasian Neuromuscular Network, where I am closely involved with the Children s Hospital at Westmead, NGOs and allied health care professionals in the field. After I complete my master s degree, a PhD is definitely in sight! MELISSA MANDARAKIS I decided to study the Bachelor of Sciences because of its flexibility. I was primarily interested in health promotion and psychology, but also wanted to study anatomy and the other related sciences. The course allowed me to do both. Throughout my degree, I was exposed to a range of academic disciplines and learned about the importance of health from varying perspectives. I developed a range of skills including critical analysis and project management. I decided to complete my honours in cyber psychology, which led to my PhD in social psychology. I am now working as a mental health researcher. BRIDIANNE O DEA

8 7 At the beginning of my degree I wasn t ready to commit to one discipline I wanted to learn more about the areas of health outside of medicine. The Bachelor of Sciences degree was perfect, as it offers such a broad range of knowledge, but in really specific areas. The program opened up a lot of doors for me. ROSIE SWANTON Youth Engagement Coordinator, Inspire Foundation

9 8 BecomE a health practitioner In addition to obtaining an education that can lead to a corporate role in health or research, you can also use the Bachelor of Sciences as a foundation to undertake one of our many graduate entry master s degrees and become a qualified health professional. Using the Bachelor of Sciences as a route to professional practice has many advantages: Make an informed choice You don t need to be certain about your profession straight out of high school. The Bachelor of Sciences gives you time to find your niche. This pathway is ideal if you want to explore the options available to you in health. Shift your career focus The broader skills you acquire as part of the Bachelor of Sciences make professional transition smoother, for example if you want to move into a management role after practising for several years. I chose the Bachelor of Sciences because I knew I wanted a career in health, but was undecided on a specific health profession. The flexibility of the program was exactly what I was looking for. I Enter your profession with a bachelor s and a master s degree This will make you a competitive candidate for a wide range of careers. Approach your practice with an understanding of health contexts The BHlthSci examines the political, social, behavioural, environmental, economic and international contexts of health. Your ability to review and analyse these issues will enhance your professional practice, making you a well-rounded health practitioner. Become qualified to work overseas Some countries require international health workers to have professional qualifications at master s degree level. was presented with a diverse array of learning content and teaching methods, which ultimately gave me the capacity to be multiskilled and adaptable. Academically, the course was an exciting challenge, as it encompassed a large array of disciplines and therefore required different methods of writing and assessment. I am currently studying graduate medicine at the University of Wollongong, where I am enjoying the process of applying scientific knowledge to clinical problem solving. Luke Van Rossum Graduate Medicine (MBBS), University of Wollongong Over the 20 years I have been dancing, I ve had many injuries. I would find myself in the radiology department being attended by such dedicated, knowledgeable staff that over time I aspired to be one of them. I applied for the undergraduate course in diagnostic radiography straight after high school, but wasn t successful in gaining entry. I started my degree in Sciences instead, which I absolutely loved. I finished my undergraduate degree with a very high average, and was then accepted into the Master of Diagnostic Radiography. The knowledge I gained from the Bachelor of Sciences, and the maturity I have gained over the extra two years was well worth it. Eleanor Grose Diagnostic Radiography, Professional Development Year, Medical Imaging Campbelltown

10 9 Master s degrees available after completion of the Bachelor of Sciences Social Work REHABILITATION COUNSELLING Medicine Occupational therapy Diagnostic Radiography Exercise Physiology Nursing Speech Pathology Physiotherapy DENTISTRY Please Note: A prescribed second major in the Bachelor of Sciences may be required for entry into some of the above programs. Please check the assumed knowledge requirements of your preferred master s program to ensure you select the appropriate second major.

11 Faculty of Sciences 75 East Street Lidcombe NSW 2141 PO Box 170 Lidcombe NSW 1825 T F sydney.edu.au/health-sciences/bhlthsci Enquiries sydney.edu.au/health-sciences/future-students faculty of health sciences This publication is printed on environmentally responsible paper using vegetable-based inks. Cover printed on Impress Cover Satin and text printed on ENVI Recycled 50/50 by Spicers Paper, which is NCOS certified. ENVI Recycled 50/50 is Certified Carbon Neutral and Australian Paper is an ISO certified mill. Produced by Marketing and Communications, the University of Sydney, June The University reserves the right to make alterations to any information contained within this publication without notice. 13/3256 ABN CRICOS 00026A