PAR1022 · Health and disease across the lifespan

Overview

This unit uses the framework of human development to examine health throughout the lifespan. Physical, cognitive, emotional, behavioural and psychosocial development and the impact of culture on health will be examined. An introduction is provided to the course of disease for common health conditions relevant to paramedic practice, and their impact on individuals and populations. The unit outlines different types of disease, and explores common diseases from pathophysiological, psychosocial, and epidemiological perspectives. The course of disease, and contributing and risk factors at the individual and social levels are explored, as well as the consequences for individuals, health systems, and society. Particular conditions considered will vary but will include diseases across the communicable, non-communicable, acute, chronic and degenerative conditions relevant to paramedic practice.

Areas of study: Paramedicine

Offerings

Assessment

The Handbook lists an examination for this unit.

Assessment in this unit includes hurdle assessment tasks. Failure of any hurdle assessment task may result in failure of the unit.

Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.

Requisites

Learning outcomes

1. Describe physical, cognitive, and psychosocial milestones of human development throughout the lifespan, applying contemporary theories of development.
2. Describe the biological basis, epidemiology, pathophysiology and course of disease for common acute and chronic health issues that occur across the lifespan.
3. Identify the individual, social and cultural factors contributing to selected human disease health and development.
4. Explain the consequences of selected human diseases for health systems and society.
5. Summarise theoretical perspectives on grieving and loss.
6. Develop organisational and communication skills in a small team environment.

Workload

Private study - 8 hours per week

Student experience, not official rules. Nothing here changes what the Handbook says.