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Unit Summary

Unit type

UG Coursework Unit

Credit points

12

AQF level

7

Level of learning

Advanced

Former School/College

Former School of Education

Unit aim

Explores the complex nature of young people's health and wellbeing and the role that various organisations and professionals play in working to promote young people's health. A particular focus is placed on the current health priority areas of sexual health, relationships, drugs and alcohol and the complex nature of young people's behaviour and actions that relate to each area. Students will critique current public health policy and initiatives and reflect on ways that various professional groups and organisations can better support children and young people's health.

Unit content

Module 1: Theoretical foundations of young people's health

Understanding young people's health and wellbeing - key concepts and definitions

Health and wellbeing status of young people - facts and figures

Contemporary theories and perspectives on the health of children and young people

Indigenous perspectives on health and wellbeing

Risk, risk taking and decision making by young people 

 

Module 2: Supporting and promoting young people's health

Key policies and frameworks for health promotion and health education

Unpacking health promotion strategies

The role of schools, community and professional organisations, governments and families in health promotion

Harm minimisation and its application in relevant fields (i.e. sex education, drug education, safety)

Dealing with controversial and sensitive issues, creating safe environments, affirming diversity

Working with families, community and government 

 

Module 3: Understanding issues of drug and alcohol use

Current patterns and trends of substance use in Australia

Breaking down the myths and stereotypes surrounding substance use

The nature and effects of commonly used substances

Exploring safe alternatives to drug use 

 

Module 4: Understanding issues of sexuality and relationships

Perspectives on sexuality and its social construction - gender, power, personal identity, psychosexual and developmental perspectives, societal expectations, assumptions and attitudes

Social, ethnic, cultural and religious issues in relation to sexuality and sexuality education

Sexually responsible behaviour, sexual choices and their consequences

Helping young people establish and maintain quality relationships

Learning outcomes

Unit Learning Outcomes express learning achievement in terms of what a student should know, understand and be able to do on completion of a unit. These outcomes are aligned with the graduate attributes. The unit learning outcomes and graduate attributes are also the basis of evaluating prior learning.

GA1: , GA2: , GA3: , GA4: , GA5: , GA6: , GA7:
On completion of this unit, students should be able to: GA1 GA2 GA3 GA4 GA5 GA6 GA7
1 discuss key concepts, definitions, theories and priorities related to young people's health and wellbeing
2 identify and analyse key factors that contribute to the health status of young people
3 discuss notions of risk, risk taking and harm minimisation as it relates to young people's health in relevant fields (i.e. sex education, drug education, safety)
4 critically discuss a range of contemporary and historical policy responses to young people's health
5 explain the role that schools, community organisations and professional, governments and families play in promoting health
6 reflect on ways that various professional groups can better support children and young people's health.

On completion of this unit, students should be able to:

  1. discuss key concepts, definitions, theories and priorities related to young people's health and wellbeing
    • GA1:
  2. identify and analyse key factors that contribute to the health status of young people
    • GA1:
    • GA7:
  3. discuss notions of risk, risk taking and harm minimisation as it relates to young people's health in relevant fields (i.e. sex education, drug education, safety)
    • GA1:
    • GA3:
  4. critically discuss a range of contemporary and historical policy responses to young people's health
    • GA1:
    • GA3:
    • GA7:
  5. explain the role that schools, community organisations and professional, governments and families play in promoting health
    • GA1:
    • GA3:
    • GA7:
  6. reflect on ways that various professional groups can better support children and young people's health.
    • GA1:
    • GA3:
    • GA7: