connect: HEALTH AND BEHAVIOURAL SCIENCES
connect: HEALTH & BEHAVIOURAL SCIENCES 2 OUR FACULTY 4 FACILITIES 6 STUDY OPTIONS 8 COURSE INFORMATION
WELCOME It is with pleasure that I introduce you to the Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences at the University of Wollongong (UOW), where a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs designed to meet the needs of a diverse student population are offered. The Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences at UOW has an enviable reputation both nationally and internationally, for its dynamic focus and research in the fields of health and medical science, psychology, nutrition and dietetics, exercise science, occupational health and safety, nursing, midwifery, and indigenous and public health. The Faculty prides itself on attracting and retaining high quality academic and general staff. One of the hallmarks of our Faculty is the number of staff holding leadership positions on professional and discipline bodies. We are proud of our strong industry and community connections locally, nationally and internationally. Our close association in particular with the Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health Network (ISLHN) has been core to a number of very successful partnerships, including the Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute (IHMRI). Our students and staff represent a variety of backgrounds and nationalities, and as such we consider diversity to be one of our great strengths. By choosing to study through UOW s Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences, you are making an excellent investment in your vocational future. We look forward to welcoming you. Professor Patrick Crookes Dean, Faculty of Health & Behavioural Sciences HEALTH & BEHAVIOURAL SCIENCES 1
what we do connect: our faculty 2 UNIVERSITY OF WOLLONGONG
The Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences is for passionate students considering careers in areas such as psychology, medicine, public health, exercise science or nutrition. Study in the Faculty means that you will be a part of a research-active environment which aims to make you industry-ready. We work closely with government and private health organisations so you can combine theoretical science with practical application during work placements. All of our professional degrees in the health sciences, nursing and psychology are accredited by relevant professional bodies which means you will graduate with a qualification recognised around Australia. The Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences has three schools: the School of Health Sciences, the School of Nursing, Midwifery and Indigenous Health and the School of Psychology. Each school has focused on developing degrees that combine the latest theories from around the world with the practical knowledge that comes from years of practice. External course accreditation underpins the Faculty s processes for ensuring our courses meet the evolving needs of students and industry. The following courses are externally accredited:- Health Sciences - Bachelor of Nutrition & Dietetics, Bachelor of Science (Exercise Science), Bachelor of Exercise Science and Rehabilitation. Nursing, Midwifery and Indigenous Health - Bachelor of Nursing, Bridging Program for Enrolled Nurses TAFE NSW to University of Wollongong, Bachelor of Nursing for Overseas Qualified Nurses, Bachelor of Nursing Advanced (Management and Leadership or Mental Health) Psychology - Bachelor of Arts (Psychology), Bachelor of Arts (Psychology) (Honours), Bachelor of Science (Psychology), Bachelor of Science (Psychology) (Honours), Bachelor of Psychology, Graduate Diploma in Professional Psychology, Master of Psychology (Clinical), Doctor of Psychology (Clinical) and Doctor of Philosophy (Clinical Psychology). HEALTH & BEHAVIOURAL SCIENCES 3
OUR FACILITIES When you study at UOW, you will be learning in specialised facilites designed to help you develop your skills, discover new things or prepare for your career. These are just some of our facilites. School of nursing, midwifery and indigenous health CLINICAL LABORATORIES AND SIMULATION CENTRE THE NSW/ACT DEMENTIA TRAINING STUDY CENTRE UOW s clinical laboratories and simulation centre offer a new and exciting ways to improve your nursing skills. They combine the latest in learning technologies to give you an experience as close as possible to seeing real patients. From your first year, you will work in the clinical laboratories every week. These labs will be your first chance to put theory to work and see how your education will one day help save lives. A nurse s role can be intense, and you will need to be well prepared for the multitasking. Our labs are the place where you will learn how to balance the challenges of the job long before you step into a clinical placement. In your third year, you ll work in the immersive simulation centre. Here you will be trained in bioscience and behavioural science in order to develop holistic care. Our rooms here can be manipulated into a variety of different settings ranging from a patient s dinner table to a hospital room. Video feeds from the simulation rooms allow you to review your performance in each scenario and receive professional advice from your lecturers all of whom are highly experienced. Through our training program you can study knowing that the first time you step into a hospital or clinic, your skills and confidence will be second to none. In the next 40 years, the number of people with dementia is expected to increase by 327%, which means that by 2050, 730,000 people will have dementia unless there is a medical breakthrough. Leading the effort to improve dementia care, the NSW/ACT Dementia Training Study Centre is researching new practices from its headquarters at UOW. Associate Professor Victoria Traynor is one of UOW s leading academics in the area of dementia care. She is currently conducting aged and dementia care research with industry and academic partners across Australia. As a student undertaking a research project, including Honours, in the Faculty of Health & Behavioural Sciences, you ll have the chance to participate in Associate Professor Traynor s research in practice development. The Centre offers scholarships to undergraduate students who demonstrate a special interest in the care of people with dementia. Scholarships are open to a variety of aspiring health professionals including nurses, medical practitioners, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, indigenous health workers, psychologists, social workers, and population health workers. To learn more about the centre or find out how you could be involved see dementia.uow.edu.au 4 UNIVERSITY OF WOLLONGONG
School of Health Sciences School of Psychology HUMAN ANATOMY LABORATORIES UOW NORTHFIELDS PSYCHOLOGY CLINIC Doctors and allied health professionals rely on a practical understanding of the human body and there is a no more effective learning tool than the real thing. At UOW, anyone who takes an anatomy class will learn in the human anatomy laboratories studying actual human remains. UOW is fortunate enough to have people donate their bodies to teaching and research every year. This incredibly generous gift means you will have the best possible training in anatomical science, which will help you start your career making life better for people. Our anatomy laboratories cater for over 700 students and researchers. At UOW, our medical and health students train with the same resources as our medical students. We believe if someone will work to heal, care for or improve the human body, it s our responsibility to give them the best training. The labs are used by students undertaking degrees in: Exercise Science Exercise Science and Rehabilitation Medical and Health Sciences Nutrition Nutrition and Dietetics You will start in the labs as early as your first year, putting everything you learn in lectures in context. We also take advantage of the latest advances in anatomical models to give you as much practical learning time as possible. Whatever your area of specialisation, UOW offers you a comprehensive, practical education in human anatomy. The proof of what you learn is always in what you do, and this idea comes to life at UOW s Northfields Psychology Clinic. Senior UOW psychology lecturers, professors and researchers work at the clinic, providing services to people and supervising interns. At Northfields, the UOW psychology curriculum comes to life, and it s a chance for psychology graduates to take the next step towards professional practice. The Clinic is a fully functional public psychology clinic. It offers affordable, high quality psychological services to people in UOW s community. The Clinic treats children and adults for a range of issues including anxiety and phobias, depression, assertiveness and self-esteem, anger management, learning disabilities and addiction. The Clinic offers work placements under the supervision of experienced senior clinical psychologists, an integral part of becoming a registered clinical psychologist. At the Clinic, postgraduate interns are trained in evidence-based practice: continually gathering, assessing and adopting new information. Part of this training means spending time with as wide a range of clients as possible. The Clinic is very well integrated with other local health services. Northfields has strong ties to a number of psychiatrists and general practitioners and a substantial network of counsellors, personal development programs and specialised agencies. The breadth of experience on offer at Northfields makes time there an important and valuable step towards your own career in psychology. For more on becoming a registered psychologist, including postgraduate supervised placements, see page 17. HEALTH & BEHAVIOURAL SCIENCES 5
learn your way connect: study options 6 UNIVERSITY OF WOLLONGONG
DEGREES OVERVIEW EXERCISE SCIENCE Bachelor of Exercise Science & Rehabilitation A four-year degree focused on the use of exercise to maintain health as well as rehabilitate after injury or disease. This degree gives you professional accreditation to be an exercise physiologist. Bachelor of Science (Exercise Science) A three-year degree covering the effects of exercise, injury and disease, on human performance. MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCE Bachelor of Health Science in Indigenous Health Studies A three-year degree focused on providing effective, responsive and compassionate health care for Indigenous people. Bachelor of Medical & Health Sciences A three-year degree that covers the scientific bases of human structure, function and health. It is an ideal foundation for further study or careers in medical and health sciences. Bachelor of Medical & Health Sciences Advanced HONOURS A four-year flexible program specifically designed for highachieving students. In the final year, all students will undertake a research project, via direct entry into Honours. NURSING Bachelor of Nursing A three-year degree focused on training you for a career in nursing and health care. Has a strong emphasis on practical learning and clinical placement opportunities. Bachelor of Nursing Advanced A four-year nursing program that incorporates a major study, with the option to complete a research project. NUTRITION AND DIETETICS Bachelor of Nutrition & Dietetics A four-year degree that provides you with opportunities to gain research and clinical skills in nutrition and dietetics. You are able to gain full accreditation upon successful completion. Bachelor of Public Health Nutrition A three-year degree that teaches you the science behind nutrition and its application to the health of communities. Bachelor of Science (Nutrition) A three-year degree based on the science underpinning nutrition. It also covers biochemistry, human physiology, nutritional metabolism and community and health nutrition. PSYCHOLOGY Bachelor of Arts (Psychology) Bachelor of Science (Psychology) Three-year degrees in psychology that teach you the fundamental bases of human behaviour. Can be combined with further study to make you eligible to become a clinical psychologist. Bachelor of Psychology A four-year degree providing insight into how we think, feel and act. Includes opportunities for research and advanced projects, and is the foundation to become a clinical psychologist. PUBLIC HEALTH Bachelor of Public Health A three-year degree that examines the health of populations. You will have a choice of six majors ranging from epidemiology to administration. HEALTH & BEHAVIOURAL SCIENCES 7
EXERCISE SCIENCE AND REHABILITATION Bachelor of Exercise Science and Rehabilitation ATAR 94 DURATION 4 years Autumn (February) Location Wollongong UAC 757643 016112E Bachelor of Science (Exercise Science) ATAR 78 DURATION 3 Years Autumn (February) Location Wollongong UAC 757642 020187G Exercise Science covers the effect of exercise on human performance in sport, fitness, industry tasks, injury and disease prevention, and on activities of daily living. In practice, it relies on a comprehensive understanding of the anatomical and physiological basis of human motion. Exercise Rehabilitation is specifically concerned with restoring good health and physical capability to people after illness or injury, or improving quality of life or managing physical function in people with chronic disease and physical disabilities. WHAT YOU WILL STUDY In both degrees, you will learn the anatomical and physiological bases of human motion, and the effect of exercise on human performance in sport, industry tasks, activities of daily living, and on injury and disease. To do this you ll study anatomy, physiology, exercise physiology, exercise prescription and biomechanics. Your scientific training will improve your skills in data gathering and analysis, systems integration and most importantly, understanding the fundamental processes behind both healthy and unhealthy human bodies. This scientific foundation will enable you to adapt to a variety of situations in the workplace and if you work in a clinical setting, it will be a significant advantage in designing effective exercise programs to treat individuals. The Bachelor of Exercise Science and Rehabilitation builds on this learning with advanced clinical training for work as an exercise physiologist. PRACTICAL PLACEMENTS In both exercise science degrees, you will undertake practical placements, putting your knowledge to work in real community, sport, clinical, scientific and commercial settings. As well as improving your skills and making you work-ready, these placements are an essential part of earning professional accreditation (see below). Throughout the Bachelor of Science (Exercise Science) you will complete 140 hours of practical placement. If you complete the Bachelor of Exercise Science and Rehabilitation, you will complete 500 hours of practical placement, mostly in your final year. PROFESSIONAL ACCREDITATION Our exercise science degrees are accredited by the industry s professional governing body, Exercise and Sport Science Australia (ESSA). WHICH EXERCISE DEGREE? To work as an exercise physiologist in Australia, you need to become an Accredited Exercise Physiologist. To do so, you need a qualification certified by ESSA. The Bachelor of Exercise Science and Rehabilitation is fully accredited by ESSA, and when you graduate you can apply to become a Registered Exercise Physiologist. The Bachelor of Science (Exercise Science) is accredited by ESSA, which means you become an accredited exercise scientist on graduation. If you then complete an accredited postgraduate degree (such as UOW s one-year Master of Clinical Exercise Physiology), you can apply to become a Registered Exercise Physiologist. 8 UNIVERSITY OF WOLLONGONG
Exercise Science and Rehabilitation (CONTINUED) CAREERS An exercise scientist is a trained exercise professional capable of working in many fields. Their knowledge of human anatomy, physiology and health makes them particularly well suited to roles in coaching, strength and conditioning, fitness, health policy or corporate consultation. They can also work in research, advisory and advocacy roles. An exercise physiologist has the same scientific training as an exercise scientist, with the addition of advanced knowledge in pathology and exercise rehabilitation, as well as skills in clinical practice. This means they can work as an allied health professional assessing clients in a clinical setting. This often means prescribing exercise to correct, manage or prevent illness and injury. In a rehabilitation setting they can work in a multi-disciplinary team with other allied health and medical professionals to help clients recover from sickness, injury or surgery. To work in these clinical settings, good communication and interpersonal skills are a definite advantage. In both degrees, you will also learn how to use a variety of equipment including electrocardiograph machines (ECG machines), spirometers, metabolic machines (VO2 oxygen consumption machine), blood pressure units, body composition devices, and various forms of exercise equipment for assessment and training purposes. As well as being used in a clinical setting (hospitals and other medical practices) these machines are used in elite sports medicine and training. With further training, you could also become a cardiac technician, radiographer, pacemaker technician, and other technological careers with a clinical focus. Professional Pathways Bachelor Exercise Science and Rehabilitation 4 years Bachelor of Science (Exercise Science) 3 years Master of Clinical Exercise Physiology ESSA Accreditation Exercise Physiologist (Clinical / Hospital Practice, Coaching, Medical Technical, Policy, Consultation and Rehabilitation) Exercise Scientist (Coaching, Consultation, Policy) Postgraduate Studies (Physiotherapy, Medicine) HEALTH & BEHAVIOURAL SCIENCES 9
Indigenous Health Bachelor of Health Science in Indigenous Health Studies ATAR 70 Duration Location 3 years Autumn (February), Spring (July) Wollongong UAC 756632 066320E Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people face a unique set of personal and community health issues. Effective, responsive and compassionate health care for Indigenous people requires professionals with a broad set of skills and knowledge. WHAT YOU WILL STUDY The three-year course covers areas such as comparative Indigenous health issues and Indigenous health research. These areas are complemented with study in Indigenous Studies, Psychology, Sociology, Education and other related areas. CAREERS Job opportunities exist in the community sector, working in Aboriginal Medical Services or with State or Federal health agencies. You may be interested in working in a rural or remote community or in community development, health promotion, planning or policy. Whatever your choice, this degree will help you achieve your goals. Many of our students are already employed well before the completion of their degree. 10 UNIVERSITY OF WOLLONGONG
Medical and Health Sciences Bachelor of Medical and Health Sciences ATAR 82 DURATION Location 3 years Autumn (February) Wollongong UAC 757630 068533J Bachelor of Medical & Health Sciences Advanced Honours ATAR DURATION Location 93 + additional selection criteria 4 years Autumn (February) Wollongong UAC 757631 069350G The medical and allied health industries are built on science rigorous investigation, evidence-based decision-making and a powerful curiosity to understand how the human body works. Understanding the scientific bases of human structure, function and health is essential to developing therapies, treatments and health services. WHAT YOU WILL STUDY You will be trained in the fields of human biology, physiology, biochemistry and anatomy. After studying core units in first year, you ll have the chance to customise your program of study with elective subjects. Elective areas include pathophysiology, pharmacology, histology, exercise and cardio-respiratory physiology, genetics, molecular biology, specialised areas within chemistry and anatomy, bioethics and public health. The Bachelor of Medical & Health Sciences Advanced Honours is a four-year program for high-achieving students. Throughout the degree you will have access to extended learning programs, including an advanced seminar series. It also includes an integral Honours year, which is built around a significant research project. It is an excellent foundation for further studies working towards advanced, high-level medical research. CAREERS Scientific training is learning how to observe, measure and analyse the world. This training is applicable to scientific careers in many areas, not just medical and health sciences. Most graduates trained in medical and health sciences find work within hospitals and in private industries that deal with pathology, pharmaceuticals, instrumentation, chemicals, biochemicals and biotechnology. Most health science graduates working on basic research are employed by government or in universities whereas others working in development are employed by private industry. Graduates may also become medical or clinical technicians, laboratory managers or pathology laboratory technicians. Graduates may use their degree to enter into higher research degree programs that lead to becoming a medical research scientist. Pathways to Medicine and other Medical Professions These degrees are also a very popular choices as foundation degrees for graduate medical studies, such as UOW s Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS), as well as entry into postgraduate degrees in Dentistry and other areas of Medical Practice. However, it should be noted that entry into Medicine and other postgraduate medical professional degrees is highly competitive and medical schools choose only the best performing students. HEALTH & BEHAVIOURAL SCIENCES 11
NURSING BACHELOR OF NURSING ATAR 70 Duration 3 years Autumn (February) Location Wollongong UAC 757101 Bega UAC 757102 Shoalhaven UAC 757103 Southern Sydney UAC 757104 003330B BACHELOR OF NURSING ADVANCED ATAR 80 Duration 4 years Autumn (February) Location Wollongong UAC 757110 068538D Nursing is about providing collaborative health care to people, with a focus on the care of ill, disabled or palliative patients. Nurses represent the single largest group of health professionals in the world; at last count there were over 275,000 in Australia alone. Nursing care is one of the cornerstones of the health care system. As Australia moves towards a new model of health care, nurses will become even more important in health promotion and prevention, and in chronic disease management. Nursing is a people-centred profession, and no two days or people are the same. Sometimes you will care for people at their most vulnerable and sometimes you will be there in their happiest moments. This is a privileged position, and carries with it significant responsibility. At UOW we meet that responsibility by educating nurses to be safe, effective and professional practitioners. WHAT YOU WILL STUDY The nursing curriculum is a distinctive blend of art and science. You will be exposed to clinical practice and sciences that underpin nursing and your education will be informed by a philosophy that values people and upholds their dignity. Nursing requires a blend of Arts and Sciences, such as sociology, anthropology, psychology, biology (particularly human anatomy and physiology) to name but a few. This rich blend of art and the sciences makes for an exciting integrated theoretical underpinning to your learning and development as a nursing student. We believe this is an excellent platform for lifelong learning that you will carry forward into your nursing practice. Nursing is a diverse field, but at UOW we have identified four main areas of nursing practice and developed our curriculum to match: Acute care - Most common in a hospital setting, this is caring for people who are suffering a distinct episode of illness. Aged care - In order to meet the needs of older people we emphasise healthy aging, as well as, chronic and continuing care. Community and primary care - Working in practices, clinics and in people s homes alongside other health professionals. Mental health - This is a mixture of patient states with unique challenges, and it can occur in any setting (hospital or community) with any patient cohort (across the life span). Being educated in these areas, and learning to move across and between them, will prepare you for almost any nursing career and there are hundreds to choose from (see CAREERS below). In the Bachelor of Nursing Advanced you will choose one of two majors in your third year. The Management & Leadership major focuses on teaching you the skills and adaptability necessary to work in constantly evolving clinical and administrative environments. The Mental Health major prepares you for mental health clinical placements through intensive skill-based workshops involving clinicians and carers. Professional accreditation Successful completion of the Bachelor of Nursing or Bachelor of Nursing Advanced will mean you are eligible to register with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia. Registration may also be gained in a number of other countries. 12 UNIVERSITY OF WOLLONGONG
NURSING (CONTINUED) CLINICAL PLACEMENTS Nurses spend more time with patients than any other health professional. This amount of interaction demands finely honed clinical skills supported by the integration of evidence based theory into practice. From your first year, you will complete clinical placements in hospitals, clinics, aged care facilities and health services. In these placements you will care for patients and clients, putting what you have learned in lectures and simulations to work. After every placement you will receive feedback from your facilitator and other Registered Nurses (RNs). This will assist you to achieve the competencies necessary in a new graduate nurse. This means that every one of your placements will be better than the last. You ll learn more, be more effective and see your career as a nurse unfold as you progress. And you ll never go on placement without the support and knowledge you need to succeed. CAREERS Nurses are in high demand registration as a nurse is a comprehensive, flexible qualification. UOW nursing graduates enjoy excellent employment prospects according to the GCA Graduate Destination Survey 2010, UOW has the second highest full-time employment rate for graduate nurses in Australia. Most nurses work in the hospital system, but there are many other careers in nursing. It is a diverse industry, with jobs in every field from acute care to education and prevention programs. Registered nurses also work in policy, research and administration. Even within the clinical setting, nurses fill an incredibly wide variety of roles and specialisations, and may focus on working with one particular group of patients: for example, children or older people. Nursing in well-serviced urban areas tends towards specialisation, while rural and regional practice favours nurses who can work across multiple areas as needed. Your UOW education will prepare you for work in either setting. Being good with people having a genuine interest in their lives is essential to being a good nurse. Communication, rapport, respect and dignity are part of holistic care, and they directly contribute to helping a patient achieve good health. Professional Pathways 1. LECTURES AND TUTORIALS Where you will learn the scientific and theoretical principles of nursing care. Lessons here are developed from rigorous research and many years of workplace experience. 2. SIMULATIONS & LABORATORIES Where you will first practice both clinical and communication skills before going out on clinical placement. Our simulation laboratories can recreate any real working environment and you ll receive instant feedback about your skills. 3. CLINICAL PLACEMENTS Practical learning with real patients in hospitals, community settings, aged care facilities and other health services. 4. NURSING CAREER When you graduate you will be ready for registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia and a fulfilling career as a registered nurse. HEALTH & BEHAVIOURAL SCIENCES 13
NUTRITION AND DIETETICS Bachelor of Nutrition and Dietetics ATAR 93 Duration Location 4 years Autumn (February) Wollongong UAC 757647 026811F Bachelor of Public Health Nutrition ATAR 75 Duration Location 3 years Autumn (February) Wollongong UAC 757655 069585M Bachelor of Science (Nutrition) ATAR 78 Duration Location 3 years Autumn (February) Wollongong UAC 757645 1st Year 2nd Year 3rd Year 4th Year 020187G Basic science knowledge that underpins nutrition practice first set of building blocks chemistry, Human Growth, Nutrition and Exercise, Anatomy and Physiology, Biology, Food and Nutrition, Behavioural Science Basic science knowledge and tools that enable applications and research Biochemistry, Food Chemistry, Health Promotion, Diet and Activity, Biostatistics Bachelor of Nutrition and Dietetics: Core knowledge for professional practice, including dietetic care, communication in health practice and dietetics management. Bachelor of Science (Nutrition) Bachelor of Public Health Nutrition: Fundamentals of basic nutrition practice, including nutrients and metabolism, community and public health nutrition, research projects in nutrition and dietetics. Bachelor of Nutrition and Dietetics: Dietetics professional practice, including communication in health care practice, food services and dietetics management, practical studies in nutrition and dietetics Nutrition is about how food consumption affects health. Eating well is central to supporting growth and development, preventing chronic disease, and supporting general vitality. Nutritionists apply their knowledge of the fundamental principles of nutrition to a number of areas including general public education. Dietitians are a specialist form of nutritionist accredited to work with individual patients, in community and public health nutrition, in food service management and in research. Their professional skills are applied in nutritional interventions to improve or support the quality of life. WHAT YOU WILL STUDY In all degrees, you will study the basic building blocks of nutrition including biochemistry, human physiology, and nutritional metabolism. You will study applications in community and public health nutrition. You will explore a number of specific topics ranging from the role of nutrients in the regulation of enzymes and of metabolic pathways through to food sources of nutrients, and food production. You will also consider nutrition education in the community, including the effects of food and nutrition policy on health. Bachelor of Nutrition and Dietetics A key element is the compulsory period of practical placement. This professional competency experience can take place in general and specialist hospitals, in community health centres and food service operations. You have to maintain a minimum of a credit average across the first two years of the program to continue into the third and fourth years of this degree. If you are unable to achieve this grade you will be transferred to the Bachelor of Science (Nutrition) where you may consider other pathways in nutrition. Bachelor of Science (Nutrition) Bachelor of Public Health Nutrition These are solid general science degrees with multiple pathways available on completion. As well as careers in nutrition, you may continue on with an additional year in research to achieve an Honours degree. This will open the way to PhD studies, which can lead to a career in academic research. You can also study a Masters degree in Nutrition and Dietetics to qualify as a dietitian or in Public Health to work as a public health nutritionist. CAREERS NUTRITIONIST OR DIETITIAN? A nutritionist is trained in the science of human nutrition how the human body processes and absorbs the chemical and mineral compounds it needs to stay alive and healthy. They can apply their knowledge to a range of community settings. This includes providing general nutrition advice and working with organisations and industries to create better nutritional standards and policies. It also includes undertaking research into nutrition science and working with communities to support health through nutrition. Dietitians (sometimes also called Dietitian-nutritionists) can go further again. They can work with individuals in a clinical setting, for example, a hospital or private health clinic. Individuals have different nutritional needs based on many factors such as their age, body size, level of activity and state of health or disease. Diet is influenced by a complex range of lifestyle, cultural and psychological factors. A dietitian can assess all these factors and design nutritional therapy aimed at improving health. People skills are very important in clinical settings. As with all healthcare professionals working with people, building positive rapport is important in improving health outcomes. This is especially the case in Dietetics because most chronic diseases with a dietary component (e.g. diabetes mellitus) are self-managed. With cross-training, nutritionists and dietitians can also find careers in media and journalism as specialist writers and reporters. 14 UNIVERSITY OF WOLLONGONG
NUTRITION AND DIETETICS (CONTINUED) ACCREDITATION To work as a dietitian in a clinical setting, you need a qualification accredited by the Dietitians Association of Australia (DAA), such as the UOW Bachelor of Nutrition and Dietetics. A Bachelor of Nutrition and Dietetics will give you full accreditation with the DAA. You are then eligible for the credential of Accredited Practising Dietitian (APD) and Accredited Nutritionist (AN). A Bachelor of Science (Nutrition) or Bachelor of Public Health Nutrition will get you an associate membership of the DAA. With further work experience you can then qualify to be placed on a register of nutritionists kept by the Nutrition Society of Australia. You can upgrade from associate membership to full accreditation by completing further study. At UOW, you can meet these requirements by studying the 2-year Master of Science (Nutrition and Dietetics). Professional Pathways Bachelor of Nutrition and Dietetics 4 years Bachelor of Science (Nutrition) 3 years Bachelor of Public Health Nutrition 3 years Master of Science (Nutrition & Dietetics) 2 years Nutritionist Public Health Practice Research DIETITIAN Clinical Settings (inc. Hospitals) Private Practice Policy and Health Research Food Service HEALTH & BEHAVIOURAL SCIENCES 15
Psychology Bachelor of Psychology ATAR 92 Duration Location 4 years Autumn (February) Wollongong UAC 757652 026184F Bachelor of Arts (Psychology) ATAR 75 Duration Location 3 years Autumn (February), Spring* (July) Wollongong UAC 753122 012087M Bachelor of Science (Psychology) ATAR 75 Duration Location 3 years Autumn (February), Spring* (July) Wollongong UAC 757651 * Subject to faculty approval 020187G Psychology is the study of the human mind and behaviour. It seeks to understand the how and why of human actions and capabilities: who we are and how we think, feel and act. Professional psychologists apply this knowledge to practical problems and aim to help people function better in a variety of settings. Their clients include children, adults, couples, families and organisations. WHAT YOU WILL STUDY In all UOW psychology degrees you will be comprehensively trained in the processes basic to human psychology. These include the biological bases of human behaviour, lifespan development, motivation and emotion, cognition and perception, individual differences and states of consciousness. You will also learn the fundamentals of psychological practice, including the history of psychology, statistical and quantitative methods and psychological assessment. The fourth year of the Bachelor of Psychology is an approved Honours year. The Honours program contains a significant research thesis along with coursework, and is a necessary step towards registration (see Becoming a registered psychologist below). The Honours year is also available for students completing the Arts or Science degree. CAREERS Most registered psychologists work in a clinical setting, seeing clients to help them address psychological issues and maintain good mental health. Many work in the hospital system, but can also be found working in private practices, allied health clinics or even corporate settings. It s not unusual for psychologists to work in more than one setting, splitting their time between different practices. Common to all psychologists is a deep curiosity in people, and as with all allied health careers, a desire to help. Good people skills are very important in a clinical setting. If you work in research or policy, a good analytical mind will help you interpret large amounts of information and make effective decisions or recommendations. There are many careers for psychology graduates who haven t completed the registration process. Graduates can work in corporate and community settings, including community services and government agencies, where their unique combination of skills are very useful. They may also be engaged in counselling roles, HR and recruitment, marketing or advertising. These fields are particularly suitable for graduates with dual qualifications. PSYCHOLOGIST OR PSYCHIATRIST? A psychologist s work is distinct from the work of psychiatrists, who are medical doctors with a specialisation in mental illness. Psychologists exclusively use non-medical approaches to help clients overcome their psychological challenges. Psychiatrists traditionally use medical therapies (such as drug therapy) to treat people with mental illness who are not responsive to other psychological interventions, or in combination with psychological treatments. Psychiatrists are increasingly adding psychological interventions to their own practices or working in collaboration with psychologists to provide the best outcomes for patients. If you re interested in becoming a psychiatrist, you need first to become a medical doctor, and then complete further training to specialise. The UOW Graduate School of Medicine offers a graduate medical program, and an undergraduate psychology degree is a very good foundation for medical studies. 16 UNIVERSITY OF WOLLONGONG
Psychology (CONTINUED) Professional accreditation BECOMING A REGISTERED PSYCHOLOGIST To work as a psychologist in a clinical setting working with individual clients to help improve their mental health you must be a registered psychologist. To be registered, you must complete a course of study approved by the Australian Psychological Accreditation Council. To be fully registered takes at least six years. This must include four years of approved undergraduate study, which makes you eligible for provisional registration. You must then complete at least a further two years of study or supervised practice (see Postgraduate Psychology below). You then qualify for registration and can work as a psychologist. UOW offers accredited degrees at every stage of the registration process. UNDERGRADUATE PSYCHOLOGY UOW offers three undergraduate psychology degrees: Bachelor of Psychology 4 years This degree is for high achieving students who want to become psychologists. It qualifies you to apply for provisional registration. Bachelor of Arts (Psychology) 3 years Bachelor of Science (Psychology) 3 years The Bachelor of Arts (Psychology) and Bachelor of Science (Psychology) by themselves do not make you eligible for provisional registration. However, if you complete them with exemplary marks (typically a credit average or higher) you can then complete an additional Honours year, after which you can apply for provisional registration while you complete a further two-years of training. POSTGRADUATE PSYCHOLOGY Once you qualify for provisional registration, you ll have many different options of how to complete your next two years of study. TWO-YEAR MASTERS DEGREE You can satisfy the requirements for registration by completing an accredited two-year Masters degree, such as UOW s Master of Psychology (Clinical). This also earns you the specialist title of Clinical Psychologist. ONE-YEAR DIPLOMA PLUS SUPERVISED WORK You can complete the UOW Graduate Diploma of Professional Psychology and then complete a single year of supervised work under a registered psychologist. TWO YEARS OF SUPERVISED WORK You can complete two years of supervised work under a registered psychologist. PROFESSIONAL DOCTORATE You can complete an approved Professional Doctorate, which in addition to qualifying you for registration will train you in advanced research skills. Holding a Doctorate will make you a suitable candidate for high-level research positions in clinical or academic settings. UOW offers the 3.5-year Doctor of Psychology (Clinical). HEALTH & BEHAVIOURAL SCIENCES 17
Psychology (CONTINUED) WHICH 3-YEAR DEGREE? The difference between the Bachelor of Arts (Psychology) and Bachelor of Science (Psychology) is in the electives. The psychology component of each of the degrees is identical. The Science degree can give you a stronger background in the biological basis of human behaviour, while the Arts degree allows you to gain a wider understanding of the human experience. This variation lets you pursue your personal interests, and opens up different options for combining your studies with other disciplines. Professional Pathways Becoming a registered psychologist requires you to complete a path of study approved by the Psychology Board of Australia. You will have many options of how to reach your goal at UOW. UNDERGRADUATE POSTGRADUATE Bachelor of Psychology (including Honours) 4 years 2 years Masters Bachelor of Science (Psychology) 3 years Honours 1 year Preregistration 1 year Diploma 1 year work experience 2 years work experience Registration PRACTISING PSYCHOLOGIST Bachelor of Arts (Psychology) 3 years Honours 1 year OR Professional Doctorate Careers: Counselling, HR, Marketing, Recruitment UOW Graduate School of Medicine ªSpecialist training ª Psychiatrist PHD ªResearcher 18 UNIVERSITY OF WOLLONGONG
BACHELOR OF Public Health Bachelor of Public Health ATAR 75 DURATION 3 years Autumn (February) Location Wollongong UAC 757650 068536F Public health is about improving the health of communities. You will study key issues affecting the health of populations; develop skills in obtaining, reviewing and analysing health information; and learn to plan and manage a health program or project. You will focus your studies by choosing from one of six majors. Each will give you a set of skills relevant to a particular area within public health practice but no matter what you choose, you ll enjoy excellent career options across the entire industry. Epidemiology SAMPLE CAREERS Research officer Health service provider Data management officer Project officer Epidemiology investigates the causes and determinants of disease. Epidemiologists identify health problems and provide information to plan health strategies, drawing on data collection, analysis and advanced statistical skills. WHAT YOU WILL STUDY You will learn a combination of skills in health science, psychology, demography and statistics to give you the skills an epidemiologist relies on. You will examine a number of study types (cross-sectional, case control, cohort, intervention studies) in the context of public health problems. You will also discuss causality and alternate reasons for observed associations (for example chance, bias, confounding and effect modification). CAREERS In the industry, the work of epidemiologists is essential to planning health strategies. They can both accurately identify and quantify a health epidemic, and then measure the effectiveness of a project trying to correct it. Aptitude for statistics is an advantage. Epidemiology stresses the evidence-based approach of public health, using complex data sets to analyse and evaluate problems. Graduates are sought after by both government and private employers in health data management systems, research and health related services. They enjoy particularly good career mobility, with many opportunities for work overseas. Health Promotion SAMPLE CAREERS Health promotion officer Project manager Social planning and research officer Health Promotion focuses on identifying health needs, targets and strategies for individuals, communities and populations. Job opportunities include health promotion officer with government or non-government organisations. WHAT YOU WILL STUDY You will be cross trained in the wide range of skills you need to work with medical and allied health professionals, government and corporate partners, the media and the public. You will also study health promotion in detail; how it s been applied in communities, health services, worksites and schools. You ll focus on issues of health equity and critically review theories of behaviour change and public policy. CAREERS Graduates in this major are well prepared to manage health projects. The key attributes here are flexibility and broad knowledge. Graduates enjoy particularly good career mobility, with many opportunities for work overseas. A project manager in public health has to bridge the expertise of many different people. Some are colleagues who have specialised in a planning or operational roles. Others are in related fields including allied health, medicine and media. Some are even antagonists people who support policies detrimental to a health project. The exact mix of skills needed will be unique to every project. Promotions officers working in government or quasi-government organisations will tend to be more heavily involved in health policy, larger programs, and funding submissions. HEALTH & BEHAVIOURAL SCIENCES 19
Indigenous Health SAMPLE CAREERS Health promotion coordinator in urban, rural and remote locations Policy and research officer Program manager Indigenous Australians face a unique set of health challenges that lead to poor health outcomes. Population health strategies targeting these specific challenges are needed to improve the health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. This major examines Indigenous populations health with the aim to close the gap between health outcomes for Indigenous and non-indigenous Australians. WHAT YOU WILL LEARN The core areas of study include understanding the health of Indigenous populations; skills in obtaining, reviewing and analysing health information; planning and managing a health program or project; and health promotion and Indigenous community development. You ll undertake a historical and comparative analysis of the factors involved in health outcomes. You ll also explore self-determination and its interrelation with health outcomes. CAREERS Most Indigenous health promotion officers work in local and state government. Many work in the communities they run programs in, but there is a significant amount of work in research and Indigenous health policy. Health Administration SAMPLE CAREERS Program administrator Local team manager Program officer Case management support officer Health administration is the combination of infrastructure and processes that support health services. All health care from health care provision to research and policy involves the coordination of many people and a vast amount of information. In a public health setting, health administration is the science that keeps projects running effectively and efficiently. WHAT YOU WILL STUDY You will learn the organisational processes and practice of health service and health policy organisations. You will study the core disciplines of management: examining human resources, organisational change and the interrelation of systems. You ll also study fundamental microeconomic theory and how models of supply and demand may affect health service provision. CAREERS Health administrators are employed in all areas of public health government or otherwise. They are also needed by the wider health industry and health care providers. Graduates trained in management and administration will tend to work in operational roles within health projects, and may manage other staff. As in any administrative or managerial role, people who can effectively multi-task will thrive. 20 UNIVERSITY OF WOLLONGONG
Population & Environment SAMPLE CAREERS Social planning and research officer Policy and research officer Program officer Population health is an important part of building sustainable communities. Physical and social environments are major factors in public health, and the public health industry needs practitioners trained in population and spatial science. Access to services, social attitudes and the history of health care in a community are all linked to health outcomes. Understanding these factors means a public health practitioner can target the right areas to effect the greatest change in a community. WHAT YOU WILL LEARN You will learn topics including population studies; planning and managing a health program or project; understanding the health of populations; health promotion; and skills in obtaining, reviewing and analysing health information. You ll focus on topics in human geography and spatial science to better understand how populations, habitats and health affect each other. CAREERS Population and community analysis is an important part of the work of Federal, State and Local governments, especially in planning health and community projects. Many jobs associated with these disciplines are project-based. This kind of planning and environment work combines a great deal of data collection and analysis with significant community consultation. This requires a mix of scientific approaches and good people skills. Skills in geographic planning analysis are also in demand in commercial and government research firms. Health Communication & Marketing Strategies SAMPLE CAREERS Medical sales representative and marketing team advisor Health promotion officer Media and communications officer Communications and marketing are essential to health campaigns. Communications experts are trained to execute health programs starting conversations with people and giving them the information they need to improve their health. The success of many public health projects relies on educating the public and having them modify their behaviours to improve their health. Public health projects compete against multimillion dollar entertainment and advertising for people s attention, so their campaigns need to be targeted and exceptionally well produced to be effective. WHAT YOU WILL LEARN You ll study health promotion; social marketing and health communication; planning and managing a health program or project; understanding the health of populations; and skills in obtaining, reviewing and analysing health information. You ll learn marketing skills covering consumer behaviour and social marketing, as well as theoretical insight into audiences and how they react to different media. CAREERS Communications experts will mostly work on health projects, with relatively few positions available with health care providers. Job opportunities include media and communications advisers, for example, with nongovernment organisations such as the Cancer Council. The work combines marketing, communications and public relations, and you ll work with advertisers and researchers. You ll also work closely with journalists. Work in media and communications is typically fast-paced, and larger projects are characterised by long research and planning phases followed by intense crunch times. It suits people who enjoy being presented with new challenges all the time. HEALTH & BEHAVIOURAL SCIENCES 21