Students

HLTH3500 – Legal, Ethical and Policy Directions in Human Sciences

2021 – Session 2, Special circumstances

Session 2 Learning and Teaching Update

The decision has been made to conduct study online for the remainder of Session 2 for all units WITHOUT mandatory on-campus learning activities. Exams for Session 2 will also be online where possible to do so.

This is due to the extension of the lockdown orders and to provide certainty around arrangements for the remainder of Session 2. We hope to return to campus beyond Session 2 as soon as it is safe and appropriate to do so.

Some classes/teaching activities cannot be moved online and must be taught on campus. You should already know if you are in one of these classes/teaching activities and your unit convenor will provide you with more information via iLearn. If you want to confirm, see the list of units with mandatory on-campus classes/teaching activities.

Visit the MQ COVID-19 information page for more detail.

General Information

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Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff
Sophie Osborne
Credit points Credit points
10
Prerequisites Prerequisites
(130cp at 1000 level or above including HLTH200 or HLTH2000) or (130cp and admission to BHumanSc)
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
Unit description Unit description
This unit examines how law, ethics and policy affect population health in Australia and globally. Lectures and tutorial discussion will equip students with the knowledge and ability to engage meaningfully in debate and discourse surrounding the role of ethical and legal considerations and the policy process in health provision. Topics include debate around vaccination programs, infectious disease control, and the impact of corporate conduct on public health.

Important Academic Dates

Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:

  • ULO1: Define main terms in relation to key legal, ethical and policy aspects of public health
  • ULO2: Exemplify the impact and influence of legal, ethical and policy concerns on public health both nationally and internationally
  • ULO3: Summarise and analyse, individually and as a group, key developments in health policy with an emphasis on legal and ethical contexts
  • ULO4: Critique the social, cultural, economic and political factors that can influence public health initiatives and the legal and ethical decisions underpinning these decisions
  • ULO5: Exemplify, individually and as a group, the key elements involved in planning, implementing and evaluating public health policies with due regard for ethical and legal aspects
  • ULO6: Deconstruct the evolving cross-sectional nature of public health law globally and the effect on public health and health promotion

General Assessment Information

Assessment Presentation and Submission Guidelines 

Please follow these guidelines when you submit each assignment: 

  • Allow a left and right-hand margin of at least 2cm in all assignments. 

  • Please type all assignments using 12-point font and 1.5 spacing. 

  • All assessments must be submitted through Turnitin in .doc or .pdf format  

  • It is the responsibility of the student to ensure that all assessments are successfully submitted through Turnitin. 

  • Faculty assignment cover sheets are NOT required. 

Draft Submissions & Turnitin Originality Reports 

  • Students may use Turnitin’s Originality Report as a learning tool to improve their academic writing if this option is made available in the unit. 

  • Students are strongly encouraged to upload a draft copy of each assessment to Turnitin at least one week prior to the due date to obtain an Originality Report. 

  • The Originality Report provides students with a similarity index that may indicate if plagiarism has occurred. Students will be able to make amendments to their drafts prior to their final submission on the due date. 

  • Generally, one Originality Report is generated every 24 hours up to the due date. 

Please note: 

  • Students should regularly save a copy of all assignments before submission, 

  • Students are responsible for checking that their submission has been successful and has been submitted by the due date and time. 

Assignment extensions and late penalties 

  • In general, there should be no need for extensions except through illness or misadventure that would be categorised as serious and unavoidable disruption according to the University definition of same, see:  https://students.mq.edu.au/study/my-study-program/special-consideration 

  •  Applications for extensions must be made via AskMQ according to the Special Consideration policy. Extensions can only be granted if they meet the Special Considerations policy and are submitted via https://ask.mq.edu.au/. This will ensure consistency in the consideration of such requests is maintained.  
  •  Late submissions will receive a 5% per day penalty including weekends and public holidays. If you submit the assessment task 10 days or more beyond the due date, without an approved extension, you will be awarded a maximum of 50% of the overall assessment marks. You are reminded that submitting even just 1 day late could be the difference between passing and failing a unit. Late penalties are applied by unit convenors or their delegates after tasks are assessed. 
  • No assessable work will be accepted after the return/release of marked work on the same topic. If a student is still permitted to submit on the basis of unavoidable disruption, an alternative topic may be set.  

  • Students should keep an electronic file of all assessments. Claims regarding "lost" assessments cannot be made if the file cannot be produced. It is also advisable to keep an electronic file of all drafts and the final submission on a USB untouched/unopened after submission. This can be used to demonstrate easily that the assessment has not been amended after the submission date. 

Requesting a re-assessment of an assignment 

If you have evidence that your task has been incorrectly assessed against the grade descriptors you can request a re-mark. To request a re-mark you need to contact the unit convenor within 7 days of the date of return of the assignment and provide a detailed assessment of your script against the task criteria. Evidence from your assignment must be provided to support your judgements.  

Note: Failed assessments cannot be re-marked as they are all double-marked as a part of the moderation process.  

Please note: The outcome of a re-mark may be a higher/lower or unchanged grade. Grades are standards referenced and effort is NOT a criterion.  

University policy on grading 

Criteria for awarding grades for assessment tasks 

Assignments will be awarded grades ranging from HD to F according to guidelines set out in the University's Grading Policy. The following descriptive criteria are included for your information. 

Descriptive Criteria for awarding grades in the unit 

In order to meet the unit outcomes and successfully pass this unit, students must make a genuine attempt at all assessment tasks. Where any submitted assessment task is considered to be unsatisfactory in this regard, the highest possible final grade that can be awarded for the unit will be 45. 

Students will be awarded grades ranging from HD to F according to guidelines set out in the policy: https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policies/assessment-in-effect-from-session-2-2016 

 The following generic grade descriptors provide university-wide standards for awarding final grades. 

Grade 

Descriptor 

HD 

(High Distinction) 

Provides consistent evidence of deep and critical understanding in relation to the learning outcomes. There is substantial originality and insight in identifying, generating and communicating competing arguments, perspectives or problem solving approaches; critical evaluation of problems, their solutions and their implications; creativity in application as appropriate to the discipline. 

(Distinction) 

Provides evidence of integration and evaluation of critical ideas, principles and theories, distinctive insight and ability in applying relevant skills and concepts in relation to learning outcomes. There is demonstration of frequent originality in defining and analysing issues or problems and providing solutions; and the use of means of communication appropriate to the discipline and the audience. 

Cr 

(Credit) 

Provides evidence of learning that goes beyond replication of content knowledge or skills relevant to the learning outcomes. There is demonstration of substantial understanding of fundamental concepts in the field of study and the ability to apply these concepts in a variety of contexts; convincing argumentation with appropriate coherent justification; communication of ideas fluently and clearly in terms of the conventions of the discipline. 

(Pass). 

Provides sufficient evidence of the achievement of learning outcomes. There is demonstration of understanding and application of fundamental concepts of the field of study; routine argumentation with acceptable justification; communication of information and ideas adequately in terms of the conventions of the discipline. The learning attainment is considered satisfactory or adequate or competent or capable in relation to the specified outcomes 

(Fail) 

Does not provide evidence of attainment of learning outcomes. There is missing or partial or superficial or faulty understanding and application of the fundamental concepts in the field of study; missing, undeveloped, inappropriate or confusing argumentation; incomplete, confusing or lacking communication of ideas in ways that give little attention to the conventions of the discipline. 

Note: If you fail a unit with a professional experience component the fail grade will be on your transcript irrespective of the timing of  the placement. 

Withdrawing from this UG Unit 

If you are considering withdrawing from this unit, please seek academic advice via https://ask.mq.edu.au before doing so as this unit may be a co-requisite or prerequisite for units in the following sessions and may impact on your progression through the degree. 

Results 

Results shown in iLearn, or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit ask.mq.edu.au

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Hurdle Due
Essay 35% No Week 7 Friday 10th September 11.59pm
Group Presentation and Reflection 25% No A)Week 8 Fri 1st Oct 11.59pm B) Reflections Weeks 10-13
Final Exam 40% No Macquarie Exam Week TBC

Essay

Assessment Type 1: Essay
Indicative Time on Task 2: 20 hours
Due: Week 7 Friday 10th September 11.59pm
Weighting: 35%

 

An 1800 word essay on health topic

 


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Define main terms in relation to key legal, ethical and policy aspects of public health
  • Exemplify the impact and influence of legal, ethical and policy concerns on public health both nationally and internationally
  • Summarise and analyse, individually and as a group, key developments in health policy with an emphasis on legal and ethical contexts
  • Critique the social, cultural, economic and political factors that can influence public health initiatives and the legal and ethical decisions underpinning these decisions
  • Exemplify, individually and as a group, the key elements involved in planning, implementing and evaluating public health policies with due regard for ethical and legal aspects
  • Deconstruct the evolving cross-sectional nature of public health law globally and the effect on public health and health promotion

Group Presentation and Reflection

Assessment Type 1: Presentation
Indicative Time on Task 2: 30 hours
Due: A)Week 8 Fri 1st Oct 11.59pm B) Reflections Weeks 10-13
Weighting: 25%

 

Group presentation on the legal, ethical and policy issues of a health topic, including an individual reflection report on the group work, group processes, and the health topic.

 


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Define main terms in relation to key legal, ethical and policy aspects of public health
  • Exemplify the impact and influence of legal, ethical and policy concerns on public health both nationally and internationally
  • Summarise and analyse, individually and as a group, key developments in health policy with an emphasis on legal and ethical contexts
  • Critique the social, cultural, economic and political factors that can influence public health initiatives and the legal and ethical decisions underpinning these decisions
  • Exemplify, individually and as a group, the key elements involved in planning, implementing and evaluating public health policies with due regard for ethical and legal aspects
  • Deconstruct the evolving cross-sectional nature of public health law globally and the effect on public health and health promotion

Final Exam

Assessment Type 1: Examination
Indicative Time on Task 2: 25 hours
Due: Macquarie Exam Week TBC
Weighting: 40%

 

2 hour exam (plus 10 mins reading time)

 


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Define main terms in relation to key legal, ethical and policy aspects of public health
  • Exemplify the impact and influence of legal, ethical and policy concerns on public health both nationally and internationally
  • Summarise and analyse, individually and as a group, key developments in health policy with an emphasis on legal and ethical contexts
  • Critique the social, cultural, economic and political factors that can influence public health initiatives and the legal and ethical decisions underpinning these decisions
  • Deconstruct the evolving cross-sectional nature of public health law globally and the effect on public health and health promotion

1 If you need help with your assignment, please contact:

  • the academic teaching staff in your unit for guidance in understanding or completing this type of assessment
  • the Writing Centre for academic skills support.

2 Indicative time-on-task is an estimate of the time required for completion of the assessment task and is subject to individual variation

Delivery and Resources

This unit has a full web presence through iLearn.   

Students will need regular access to a computer and the Internet to complete this unit.  

Weekly access to iLearn is compulsory for all students. Important assessment information will be posted here, as will other relevant unit notices and materials, including a reading template and guide to lecture note taking to assist your studies. 

Various activities and materials for discussion and critical reflection are included and external students especially are encouraged to use this web component. Electronic links and suggested references will be included in the Overview of Weekly Content section in the detailed Unit Outline. Please check the iLearn unit regularly.  

Lectures and tutorials

Weekly lectures are available on the web through the ECHO360 lecture component. You must listen to all lectures if you do not attend these ‘live’. 

PowerPoint slides are available in iLearn in advance of the weekly lecture and/or are available in the Active Learning Tool.  

The unit comprises two one-hour lectures and a one-hour tutorial. In the tutorial students will discuss issues and questions arising from the lectures and prescribed readings. They are expected to base their arguments/discussions on evidence from published research and other relevant material. Attendance at all tutorials is expected.  There will be a supporting website for the unit providing additional readings, links and materials. Lectures will also be available through Echo in iLearn from the following website link: http://ilearn.mq.edu.au  

Students are required to participate in small group activities, whole class discussion, to read the weekly material in advance, and to complete brief tasks either as individuals or in pairs. The weekly program for the course with the accompanying readings/ preparation is available in the Overview of Weekly Content in the detailed Unit Outline on the unit ILearn site. 

Access and technical assistance  

Information for students about access to the online component of this unit is available at ilearn.mq.edu.au/login/MQ/. You will need to enter your student username and password. 

Please do NOT contact the Unit Convenor regarding iLearn technical help.  

No extensions will be given for any technical issues. Allow enough time for your submissions.  

Assistance is available from IT Helpdesk ph: 1800 67 4357, or log a request at help.mq.edu.au. OneHelp is the online IT support service for both students and staff. 

This unit requires students to use several ICT and software skills: 

  • Internet access: The iLearn site contains materials for this unit; it is also required for the online submission of all Assessment Tasks, and for the use of Turnitin submission for ALL tasks.   

  • Word processing, visual representations, and document formatting: You are required to use an appropriate form of software to present your assignments.  

  • Uploading of assessment tasks to iLearn. 

Unit Schedule

Topics to be covered include (but are not limited to):

Introduction to key terms and concepts

Legal and ethical considerations in public health

Vulnerable populations

Ethics in public health research

Whistle blowers in the public health system

Global issues - the food and drink industries

Ethics and health promotion: Obesity

Global issues: Refugee health

Global issues: Environmental degradation and health

Global issues: Vaccinations

Ethics: Issues surrounding environmental change

Communication: Media, social media and public health

Health governance, health systems and the law

Terrorism and public health

Legal, ethical and policy considerations surrounding the health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples

Screening behaviours: Mammography

Global issues: WHO Framework Convention (tobacco and other issues)

Global issues: The Pacific Island nations - health and well-being 

Legal, ethical and policy issues surrounding Women's Shelters in Australia

Domestic/family violence

Mental health literacy

Food policy: a help or a hindrance in enabling better population health

Policies and Procedures

Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au). Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:

Students seeking more policy resources can visit Student Policies (https://students.mq.edu.au/support/study/policies). It is your one-stop-shop for the key policies you need to know about throughout your undergraduate student journey.

To find other policies relating to Teaching and Learning, visit Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au) and use the search tool.

Student Code of Conduct

Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/admin/other-resources/student-conduct

Results

Results published on platform other than eStudent, (eg. iLearn, Coursera etc.) or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit ask.mq.edu.au or if you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@mq.edu.au

Student Support

Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/

Learning Skills

Learning Skills (mq.edu.au/learningskills) provides academic writing resources and study strategies to help you improve your marks and take control of your study.

The Library provides online and face to face support to help you find and use relevant information resources. 

Student Services and Support

Students with a disability are encouraged to contact the Disability Service who can provide appropriate help with any issues that arise during their studies.

Student Enquiries

For all student enquiries, visit Student Connect at ask.mq.edu.au

If you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@mq.edu.au

IT Help

For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://www.mq.edu.au/about_us/offices_and_units/information_technology/help/

When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use of IT Resources Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.


Unit information based on version 2021.01R of the Handbook