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

The practicum consists of a placement scheme whereby students are hosted by a health-related agency for a full semester. The practicum is designed to provide students with the opportunity to work with prospective employers, apply theoretical knowledge in the workplace and gain valuable workplace experience. Students have the opportunity to participate in a number of workplace activities and projects to gain experience relevant to a range of health issues specific to the health-related host agency. The placement allows for students' continued development, integration and application of a variety of skills learned throughout the Bachelor of Health Science. It is the student's responsibility to gain a National Police Clearance Certificate, and where necessary a Working with Children Check, before the placement commences and at their own cost.

Credit
24 points
Offering
(see Timetable)
AvailabilityLocationMode
Semester 1health-related agencyOff-campus
Semester 2health-related agencyOff-campus
Outcomes

The practicum offers students the opportunity to work with prospective employers, apply theoretical knowledge to the real world and gain valuable workplace experience. Students develop observational skills; relevant practical skills; lateral thinking and problem solving; literacy and communication skills; as well as professional responsibility, ethical conduct and putting theory into practice.

Assessment

This is a pass/fail unit comprising four sections: (1) learning portfolio; (2) workplace assessment; (3) report; and (4) presentation. All sections must be successfully completed to pass the practicum.



This unit is assessed on an ungraded pass/ungraded basis. All assessment items must be successfully completed.

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

Unit Coordinator(s)
Prof Colleen Fisher and Dr Helena Iredell
Unit rules
Prerequisites
HSMD2216 Health Science Professional Practice and no more than six points incomplete from the Public Health major and no more than six points incomplete from the Science major.
In exceptional circumstances, and with approval from the Sub-Dean (Health Science), a student may be permitted to undertake a 6-point unit while on placement.
Students enrolled in a combined course may not be permitted to go on placement where there is a substantial component of the combined course to complete.
The student is only allowed to fail the Health Industry Practicum twice.
Should the student fail this unit twice, they may be able to exit the Bachelor of Health Science program with a Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree once the requirements of the degree are met.
Incidental fees
Incidental student fees and charges are costs incurred by students as part of their studies at UWA that are in addition to their tuition fees (further information is available here or contact your Faculty Office).
Participation in this unit will incur the following incidental fee(s):
(1) National Police Clearance working with children check where required (estimated cost - $61)
(2) Optional rural placement travel costs (estimated cost - variable).
Contact hours
37.5 hrs per week
  • 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.
  • Unit readings, including any essential textbooks, are listed in the unit outline for each unit, one week prior the commencement of study. The unit outline will be available via the LMS and the UWA Handbook one week prior the commencement of study. Reading lists and essential textbooks are subject to change each semester. Information on essential textbooks will also be made available on the Essential Textbooks. This website is updated regularly in the lead up to semester so content may change. It is recommended that students purchase essential textbooks for convenience due to the frequency with which they will be required during the unit. A limited number of textbooks will be made available from the Library in print and will also be made available online wherever possible. Essential textbooks can be purchased from the commercial vendors to secure the best deal. The Student Guild can provide assistance on where to purchase books if required. Books can be purchased second hand at the Guild Secondhand bookshop (second floor, Guild Village), which is located on campus.
  • 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.