Studying online

There are now 2 possible online modes for units:

Units with modes Online timetabled and Online flexible are available for any student to self-enrol and study online.

Click on an offering mode for more details.

Unit Overview

Description

Sleep is essential for our survival. We can survive longer without food than we can without sleep. Sleep (or lack of it) influences many aspects of our physical & mental health, yet many people overlook this aspect of their health.

Waking Up to Sleep introduces students to the reasons why we sleep, the biological mechanisms which cause sleep and what influences these mechanisms. Students will also learn how sleep influences physical & mental health and functioning and about the bidirectional relationships between sleep and human biological systems. Waking Up to Sleep explores what happens when we don't sleep get enough sleep and delves into some common, and less common, disorders of sleep. Tutorial classes examine current popular beliefs about sleep to consolidate understanding of learning outcomes. Everyone who takes this unit will have the opportunity to evaluate their own sleep and will leave with an evidence-based understanding of how to optimise it.

Credit
6 points
Offering
(see Timetable)
AvailabilityLocationMode
Semester 1UWA (Perth)Face to face
Semester 2UWA (Perth)Face to face
Details for undergraduate courses
  • Level 1 elective
Outcomes

Students are able to (1) describe the biological control of sleep & circadian rhythms; (2) examine the impact of behavioural modifications on sleep; (3) debate the beneficial and detrimental effects of daytime and pre-sleep behaviours on sleep

; (4) differentiate common sleep disorders; and (5) recognise the impact of sleep and sleep loss.

Assessment

Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) online assessment and (2) final exam. Further information is available in the unit outline.



Student may be offered supplementary assessment in this unit if they meet the eligibility criteria.

Unit Coordinator(s)
Dr Jen Walsh and Dr Kathleen Maddison
Contact hours
Lectures: up to 2 hours per week (up to 12 weeks)
Tutorials: up to 1.5 hours per week (up to 6 weeks)
Note
Recommended reading: Kryger, Roth, Goldstein & Dement. Principles and Practice of Sleep Medicine, 7th Edition. Philadelphia: Elsevier; 2022.
(available online)
  • The availability of units in Semester 1, 2, etc. was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change.
  • All students are responsible for identifying when they need assistance to improve their academic learning, research, English language and numeracy skills; seeking out the services and resources available to help them; and applying what they learn. Students are encouraged to register for free online support through GETSmart; to help themselves to the extensive range of resources on UWA's STUDYSmarter website; and to participate in WRITESmart and (ma+hs)Smart drop-ins and workshops.
  • Visit the Essential Textbooks website to see if any textbooks are required for this Unit. The website is updated regularly so content may change. Students are recommended to purchase Essential Textbooks, but a limited number of copies of all Essential Textbooks are held in the Library in print, and as an ebook where possible. Recommended readings for the unit can be accessed in Unit Readings directly through the Learning Management System (LMS).
  • Contact hours provide an indication of the type and extent of in-class activities this unit may contain. The total amount of student work (including contact hours, assessment time, and self-study) will approximate 150 hours per 6 credit points.