HLTH SC 3014 - Work Integrated Learning (Public Health)

North Terrace Campus - Semester 2 - 2023

This course provides students with the opportunity to combine workplace experience in public health settings with academic study. During the course, students complete a substantial project that involves the application of public health research skills and knowledge to a work environment. Students are allocated placements from a range of offerings which include government and non-government agencies.

  • General Course Information
    Course Details
    Course Code HLTH SC 3014
    Course Work Integrated Learning (Public Health)
    Coordinating Unit Public Health
    Term Semester 2
    Level Undergraduate
    Location/s North Terrace Campus
    Units 6
    Available for Study Abroad and Exchange N
    Prerequisites PUB HLTH 1001 and PUB HLTH 2007 and PUB HLTH 2200 and be enrolled in at least 6 units of PUB HLTH courses at Level III
    Corequisites 6 units of Level III courses
    Incompatible HLTH SC 3012A, HLTH SC 3012B
    Assessment Project proposal, reflective journal, oral presentation, final project written report, supervisor report, class participation
    Course Staff

    Course Coordinator: Associate Professor Sharyn Gaskin

    Course Co-coordinators:

    Associate Professor Sharyn Gaskin
    Phone: +61 8313 4958
    Email: sharyn.gaskin@adelaide.edu.au
    Location: School of Public Health

    Dr Chandnee Ramkissoon
    Phone: +61 8313 4957
    Email: chandnee.ramkissoon@adelaide.edu.au 
    Location: School of Public Health

    Course Timetable

    The full timetable of all activities for this course can be accessed from Course Planner.

    The full timetable can be accessed from MyUni.
  • Learning Outcomes
    Course Learning Outcomes
    1. Demonstrate an understanding of the planning and implementation of public health activities being pursued or planned in public health organisations

    2. Integrate and apply public health coursework in the workplace context and to the nominated public health project

    3. Demonstrate the application of selected public health professional competencies in the placement setting

    4. Demonstrate professional skills through involvement in the day to day functioning of the public health organisation

    5. Understand the importance of working in teams in a public health setting

    6. Locate, critically evaluate and synthesise relevant evidence from multiple sources in a planned and timely manner for the nominated public health project

    7. Demonstrate awareness of ethical issues that arise in public health research and practice

    8. Demonstrate effective written and oral communication skills in presenting the conduct and findings of their defined public health project



    University Graduate Attributes

    This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attribute(s) specified below:

    University Graduate Attribute Course Learning Outcome(s)

    Attribute 1: Deep discipline knowledge and intellectual breadth

    Graduates have comprehensive knowledge and understanding of their subject area, the ability to engage with different traditions of thought, and the ability to apply their knowledge in practice including in multi-disciplinary or multi-professional contexts.

    1, 2, 6

    Attribute 2: Creative and critical thinking, and problem solving

    Graduates are effective problems-solvers, able to apply critical, creative and evidence-based thinking to conceive innovative responses to future challenges.

    2, 3, 6

    Attribute 3: Teamwork and communication skills

    Graduates convey ideas and information effectively to a range of audiences for a variety of purposes and contribute in a positive and collaborative manner to achieving common goals.

    5, 8

    Attribute 4: Professionalism and leadership readiness

    Graduates engage in professional behaviour and have the potential to be entrepreneurial and take leadership roles in their chosen occupations or careers and communities.

    1 - 8

    Attribute 5: Intercultural and ethical competency

    Graduates are responsible and effective global citizens whose personal values and practices are consistent with their roles as responsible members of society.

    4, 7

    Attribute 6: Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural competency

    Graduates have an understanding of, and respect for, Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander values, culture and knowledge.

    N/A

    Attribute 7: Digital capabilities

    Graduates are well prepared for living, learning and working in a digital society.

    1 - 8

    Attribute 8: Self-awareness and emotional intelligence

    Graduates are self-aware and reflective; they are flexible and resilient and have the capacity to accept and give constructive feedback; they act with integrity and take responsibility for their actions.

    4, 5
  • Learning Resources
    Required Resources
    No single textbook covers the material to be considered during this course. All students are required to review the literature that is
    relevant to their project. Students will have access to bibliographic databases and peer-reviewed journals and relevant software for analysis.
    Recommended Resources
    N/A
    Online Learning
    MyUni is used extensively for announcements, discussion board, recordings of seminars, recommended resources, details of assessments, and assessment submission.
  • Learning & Teaching Activities
    Learning & Teaching Modes
    The teaching and learning in this course is facilitated by:

    Seminars: Weekly 2-hour seminars for the first 4 weeks of the semester that will cover core skills and relevant concepts for the WIL placement. In weeks 5-8, students will meet individually with the course coordinator(s) to discuss their specific project.  Further 2-hour seminars will run in weeks 9-12 that will include coverage of core skills in preparation for presenting projects, and students will have the opportunity to hear about each other’s placements and review the course. Where relevant, guest speakers will be invited to present in their area of expertise related to the concepts covered in the course.

    Placement: Students will be placed with a public health-related agency for up to 2 days per week, for the duration of the semester. The workplace supervisor will assign tasks in order to foster learning about the day to day work and planning of one or more aspects/programs at the workplace. Additionally, the workplace supervisor will support the student in defining and implementing a small project.
    Workload

    The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.

    Seminars: 8 x 2 hour seminars

    Placement: up to 2 days per week for the duration of the semester

    Approximately 3 hours per week of non-contact study time, including to prepare assessments.
    Learning Activities Summary
    1. Work at the placement organisation - on day(s) as planned with the workplace supervisor
    2. Seminars: eight x 2 hour sessions.

    Seminars may be modified to suit student needs, but will cover topics such as: Introduction to Work Integrated Learning; Placements and expectations; Literature searching; EndNote; Workplace skills; Presentation skills; Effective writing of reports; Interactive feedback of workplace experiences; Student oral presentations.
    Specific Course Requirements
    Role of the academic supervisor
    It is the student’s responsibility to initiate and maintain correspondence with their placement supervisor in order to get feedback on their project. The placement supervisors will review a draft of the project proposal (end of week 3) and of the executive summary (end of week 11). Students will be offered the opportunity to meet individually with the course coordinators throughout the semester to discuss their progress with their placement and project.

    Code of practice
    Students must complete a Student Learning Agreement and have it signed by the course coordinator and the placement supervisor. This form needs to be completed after consultation with the placement supervisor regarding the nature and extent of the project and a copy should be provided to the course coordinator in Week 1.

    All students will be provided with a copy of the University of Adelaide Work Experience and Community Placement Guide and they are required to complete Part A of the booklet, and then ask the placement organisation to complete Parts B and D. This must be returned to the University in Week 1.

    Students should be aware that the host organisations have busy working environments and that students should act at all times with respect for the normal daily activities of the host organisation. As well as a general requirement for appropriate standards of
    behaviour, decorum, and dress, there are a number of specific protocols that must be observed.

    Confidentiality
    All students should be aware that any organisation may be operating in a sensitive environment. It is essential that students adhere to a code of absolute confidentiality and discretion. All information gained through access to the papers and other materials of host organisations should be regarded as confidential unless otherwise notified. The long-term success of the Program depends on students acting in accordance with this understanding.

    Status on placement
    Each student should accept the same disciplines and constraints to which salaried staff are committed. It is important that students should not allow anyone to believe that they are members of staff. During their period of internship, students at all times remain
    enrolled members of the University of Adelaide and are expected to abide by the usual policies and by-laws of the University.

    Correspondence
    While it may be appropriate for some correspondence in connection with your project to come from the office of the host organisation, nothing should be sent under the letterhead of an organisation without prior permission.

    Expenses
    Any travelling costs to the placement site, or other incidental costs incurred by students as part of the project will remain the responsibility of the student. Neither the University nor the participating organisations have any funds to meet such expenditure.  Any other arrangements must be directly negotiated and agreed upon between student and supervisor.

    Police check
    The placement organisation(s) may require that the student acquires a National Police Certificate prior to commencing the work placement. In that case, it is the student's responsibility to apply for the police clearance and present the certificate to his/her
    workplace organisation. In order to reduce delays, it is advisable that students obtain a Police Certificate in advance, if there is any doubt about the need for one. If the organisation requires a police check, that will be recorded in the Placement Agreement. 

    Australian citizens and permanent residents can apply for a police check at either:
    National Crime Check: https://www.nationalcrimecheck.com.au/police_check_south_australia_sa
    Or through SA Police at https://www.police.sa.gov.au/services-and-events/apply-for-a-police-record-check
    International students can apply for a certificate through: https://www.afp.gov.au/what-we-do/services/criminal-records/national-police-checks#process


  • Assessment

    The University's policy on Assessment for Coursework Programs is based on the following four principles:

    1. Assessment must encourage and reinforce learning.
    2. Assessment must enable robust and fair judgements about student performance.
    3. Assessment practices must be fair and equitable to students and give them the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned.
    4. Assessment must maintain academic standards.

    Assessment Summary
    Assessment Task Assessment Type Percentage of total assessment weighting Learning outcomes assessed
    Preliminary project proposal Formative 0% 1,2,6,7,8
    Class participation Summative 10% 5,8
    Reflective journal Summative 20% 1,3,4,5,7
    Oral presentation Summative 10% 1,2,6,7,8
    Supervisor assessment Summative 20% 1-8
    Final project report Summative 40% 1,2,6,7,8
    Assessment Detail
    Preliminary project proposal
    Students are required to submit a 1 to 2 page preliminary proposal on their workplace project, in consultation with the workplace supervisor. The summary proposal should include a brief introduction to the issue, objectives of the project, project design, and timeline.

    Class participation (10%)
    Attendance and participation at ALL fortnightly seminars and placement commitments is required and an attendance log will be kept. Students are also required to participate in at least one professional public health event. The Course Co-ordinator will post options for public health events on MyUni e.g. attending:
    If the student is unsure whether an event is appropriate, they should contact the Course Coordinator who will verify the relevance of the proposed session.

    Students must provide evidence of participation (e.g. eventbrite registration receipt, an attendance certificate). 

    Reflective journal (20%) 1500 words
    The reflective journal is for students to reflect upon their learning experiences with regard to the concepts such as organisation vision, objectives, strategies, activities, management and target population. The journal may include reflections on the host organisation structure, priorities, information system, team work, stakeholders and work with the community. Students should also reflect on any issues or challenges they face and how they have overcome them.

    Oral presentation (10%)
    Students are required to develop a ten minute oral presentation in the form of a narrated PowerPoint presentation which they will submit through MyUni. The oral presentation is the student’s opportunity to share their experience.

    Project Report (40%) 3,500 words
    This report will be provided to the placement organisation as well as being submitted to the University for assessment. The project report will be assessed by considering evidence of originality, quality of argument and demonstrated knowledge of factual information. The report should include a title page, a two- page executive summary, table of contents, introduction to the project, methods, activities/results, discussion and conclusion, acknowledgments and references.

    Workplace supervisor feedback (20%)
    Assessment by the respective workplace supervisor carries 20% marks for the course. The workplace supervisors are requested to make this assessment using the Supervisor Report Template.



    Submission
    Extensions
    All extensions for assignments must be requested, at the latest, by the last working day before the due date of submission.  Extensions will generally be granted only on medical or genuine compassionate grounds. Supporting documentation must be provided at the time a student requests an extension. Without documentation, extensions will not be granted. Late requests for extension will neither be accepted nor acknowledged. Only the Course Coordinator may grant extensions.

    Supporting documentation will be required when requesting an extension. Examples of documents that are acceptable include: a  medical certificate that specifies dates of incapacity, a police report (in the case of lost computers, car & household theft etc.), a  letter from a Student Counsellor, Education and Welfare Officer (EWO) or Disability Liaison Officer that provides an assessment of  compassionate circumstances, or a letter from an independent external counsellor or appropriate professional able to verify the  student’s situation. The length of any extension granted will take into account the period and severity of any incapacity or impact on the student.  Extensions of more than 10 days will not be granted except in exceptional circumstances.

    Late submission
    Marks will be deducted when assignments for which no extension has been granted are handed in late. All assignments, including those handed in late, will be assessed on their merits. In the case of late assignments where no extension has been granted, 5 percentage points of the total marks possible per day will be deducted.  If an assignment that is 2 days late is awarded 65% on its merits, the mark will then be reduced by 10% (5% per day for 2 days) to 55%. If that same assignment is 4 days late, the mark will be reduced by 20% (5% per day for 4 days) to 45%, and so on.

    The School of Public Health reserves the right to se to accept an assignment that is more than 7 days late. Assignments submitted after the due date may not be graded in time to be returned on the listed return dates. Students submitting examinable written work who request (and receive) an extension that takes them beyond the examination period are advised that there is no guarantee that their grades will be processed in time to meet usual University deadlines. 

    Resubmission
    If a student is dissatisfied with an assessment grade they should follow the Student Grievance Resolution Process. Students who are not satisfied with a particular assessment result should raise their concerns with Course Coordinator in the first instance. This must be done within 10 business days of the  date of notification of the result. Resubmission of any assignment is subject to the agreement of the Course Coordinator and  will only be permitted for the most compelling of reasons.
    Course Grading

    Grades for your performance in this course will be awarded in accordance with the following scheme:

    M10 (Coursework Mark Scheme)
    Grade Mark Description
    FNS   Fail No Submission
    F 1-49 Fail
    P 50-64 Pass
    C 65-74 Credit
    D 75-84 Distinction
    HD 85-100 High Distinction
    CN   Continuing
    NFE   No Formal Examination
    RP   Result Pending

    Further details of the grades/results can be obtained from Examinations.

    Grade Descriptors are available which provide a general guide to the standard of work that is expected at each grade level. More information at Assessment for Coursework Programs.

    Final results for this course will be made available through Access Adelaide.

  • Student Feedback

    The University places a high priority on approaches to learning and teaching that enhance the student experience. Feedback is sought from students in a variety of ways including on-going engagement with staff, the use of online discussion boards and the use of Student Experience of Learning and Teaching (SELT) surveys as well as GOS surveys and Program reviews.

    SELTs are an important source of information to inform individual teaching practice, decisions about teaching duties, and course and program curriculum design. They enable the University to assess how effectively its learning environments and teaching practices facilitate student engagement and learning outcomes. Under the current SELT Policy (http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/101/) course SELTs are mandated and must be conducted at the conclusion of each term/semester/trimester for every course offering. Feedback on issues raised through course SELT surveys is made available to enrolled students through various resources (e.g. MyUni). In addition aggregated course SELT data is available.

    The University places a high priority on approaches to learning and teaching that enhance the student experience. Feedback is sought from students in a variety of ways including on-going engagement with staff, the use of online discussion boards and the use of Student Experience of Learning and Teaching (SELT) surveys as well as GOS surveys and Program reviews.

    SELTs are an important source of information to inform individual teaching practice, decisions about teaching duties, and course and
    program curriculum design. They enable the University to assess how effectively its learning environments and teaching practices facilitate student engagement and learning outcomes. Under the current SELT Policy (http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/101/) course SELTs are mandated and must be conducted at the conclusion of each term/semester/trimester for every course offering.

    Feedback on issues raised through course SELT surveys is made available to enrolled students through various resources
    (e.g. MyUni). In addition aggregated course SELT data is available.

    We greatly values the feedback we receive from our students as it helps us to continuously improve our courses so we encourage all of our students to complete SELTs regularly for every course.
  • Student Support
  • Policies & Guidelines
  • Fraud Awareness

    Students are reminded that in order to maintain the academic integrity of all programs and courses, the university has a zero-tolerance approach to students offering money or significant value goods or services to any staff member who is involved in their teaching or assessment. Students offering lecturers or tutors or professional staff anything more than a small token of appreciation is totally unacceptable, in any circumstances. Staff members are obliged to report all such incidents to their supervisor/manager, who will refer them for action under the university's student’s disciplinary procedures.

The University of Adelaide is committed to regular reviews of the courses and programs it offers to students. The University of Adelaide therefore reserves the right to discontinue or vary programs and courses without notice. Please read the important information contained in the disclaimer.