IMED1108 Issues in Women's Health Across the Lifespan

Credit
6 points
Offering
(see Timetable)
AvailabilityLocationMode
Semester 2UWA (Perth)Face to face
Details for undergraduate courses
  • The area of knowledge for this unit is Life and Health Sciences
  • Category A broadening unit for Bachelor of Science students where relevant according to the broadening requirements for each student
  • Level 1 elective
Content
In exploring women's health issues across their life span, the unit looks at the fetal child and infant, the adolescent girl, the reproductive woman and women in old age—addressing common disorders, customs and traditions, issues in sexual health, pregnancy and childbirth, public health and global policies. A fundamental part of the unit is to examine interesting case studies relating to Indigenous and global health issues. There is also the potential for students to extend their educational and research interests in women's health in the Levels 2 and 3 elective units, IMED2208 Issues in Women's Reproductive Health: Major Diseases and Health Problems and IMED3301 Issues in Women's Reproductive Health: Research and Evidence-based Practice, as choices within their academic course pathway.
Outcomes
Students are able to (1) describe basic advances in genetic mapping and implications for women's health; discuss the concept of personhood and rights of the unborn child taking into consideration aspects of global policy and cultural diversity; discuss selective female abortion (one child policies); identify key factors relating to prematurity, immunity, morbidity and mortality rates; (2) describe gender differentials in infant morbidity, mortality and health outcomes; discuss some of the issues in relation to the global women's health issues identified in the specific case studies explored (female genital mutilation, child abuse and maltreatment); (3) describe issues that arise in relation to global and cultural diversity in female puberty and sexual debut; identify the implications of an adolescent pregnancy; identify the potential impact of the following in relation to the specific case studies identified: sexually transmitted infections, substance use, diet and physical activity, mental health in adolescence; (4) describe aspects of global and cultural diversity in relation to aspects of custom, practice and tradition in maternal health around the world; state the main causes of female infertility; outline advances in assisted reproduction, and discuss the impact this may have on women's health issues; discuss the implications of HIV and AIDS, and other sexually transmitted infections on women's health; (5) describe the nature of morbidity, mortality and burden of disease for the adult women in a global context; list some of the causes and begin to explore the issues surrounding violence toward women, female depression and suicide; (6) describe some of the socioeconomic influences on older women; explore the concept of an ageing woman in modern society; discuss some of the challenges of managing disabilities and caring for older women in contemporary society.; (7) in relation to a specific case study, identify and discuss the impact of a national and/or global policy relating to one aspect of women's health; (8) demonstrate effective written communication skills; (9) demonstrate effective oral communication skills; (10) demonstrate a professional approach and responsibility for one's own learning; and (11) demonstrate an ability to work in teams to produce an outcome.
Assessment
Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) online lecture quizzes; (2) individual written assessments; and (3) group project. Further information is available in the unit outline.

Supplementary assessment is not available in this unit except in the case of a bachelor's pass degree student who has obtained a mark of 45 to 49 overall and is currently enrolled in this unit, and it is the only remaining unit that the student must pass in order to complete their course.
Unit Coordinator(s)
Dr Demelza Ireland
Contact hours
lectures: 2 hours per week; tutorials: 2 hours per week
Unit Outline
Semester 2_2019 [SEM-2_2019]
  • 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.
  • Books and other material wherever listed may be subject to change. Book lists relating to 'Preliminary reading', 'Recommended reading' and 'Textbooks' are, in most cases, available at the University Co-operative Bookshop (from early January) and appropriate administrative offices for students to consult. Where texts are listed in the unit description above, an asterisk (*) indicates that the book is available in paperback.