HLSC306 - Independent Study

Year

Credit points

Campus offering

Prerequisites

Unit rationale, description and aim

Study Abroad is an integral part of undergraduate programs across the world. This unit provides incoming study abroad students with the opportunity to investigate a self-identified area of study drawn from a clinical/professional/cross-cultural health issue relevant to their studies in their home country. The aim of the unit is to provide a structured goal-oriented approach to students' Australian learning experiences.

Learning outcomes

To successfully complete this unit you will be able to demonstrate you have achieved the learning outcomes (LO) detailed in the below table.

Each outcome is informed by a number of graduate capabilities (GC) to ensure your work in this, and every unit, is part of a larger goal of graduating from ACU with the attributes of insight, empathy, imagination and impact.

Explore the graduate capabilities.

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

LO1 - Outline area of study drawn from a clinical/professional/cross-cultural health issue relevant to their studies in their home country (GA4, 5)

LO2 - Write a study plan for this issue (GA4, 5, 9)

LO3 - Critically analyse and compare the findings of their study with health services/health education in their home country (GA4)

LO4 - Write and present a report for an Australian audience using English and an audience in their own country (GA9).

Graduate attributes

GA4 - think critically and reflectively 

GA5 - demonstrate values, knowledge, skills and attitudes appropriate to the discipline and/or profession 

GA9 - demonstrate effective communication in oral and written English language and visual media 

Content

Australian Health System 

Australian Higher Education System for preparation of health professionals 

Health issue from one of the following: 

• Clinical practice  
• Professional practice 
• Cross-cultural health care 

Oral and written presentation in the Australian Higher Education context. 

Learning and teaching strategy and rationale

This unit of experiential learning is delivered in a supervisory mode. The nature and scope of the student’s study plan will be approved by the relevant course coordinator and conducted and assessed under the supervision of an ACU staff member appointed by the relevant Head of School. Specific strategies will be tailored to the individual student’s learning goals and plan. 

Assessment strategy and rationale

Assessment strategies aim to scaffold the student’s learning. While all learning outcomes are assessed, they are all pass/fail grade, reflecting recognition of issues such as student’s English language proficiency and the impact of cultural immersion. The weightings assigned show the expectations of work effort expected of students. The first is a study plan where students articulate their learning goals, and plan their learning activities with their supervisor. The second is an oral presentation of the outcomes of their learning plan and the third task is a written report on the outcomes of their learning plan.  

Overview of assessments

Representative texts and references

Relevant texts selected in consultation with the appointed supervisor.