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

Good mental wellbeing is a fundamental attribute in today's hectic world for individuals, their families and the community as a whole. Conversely, mental illness is a major cause of disability, diminished quality of life and reduced productivity in Australia. This unit provides students with a detailed understanding of mental health and wellbeing, explores challenges to mental wellbeing at different stages of life, and educates and equips students with strategies to enhance, practice and promote positive lifelong mental wellbeing for themselves and others.

The unit introduces students to a range of interrelated topics that will enable a thorough exploration of what it means to be mentally healthy and how this can be maintained over a lifetime. There is an emphasis on positive psychology which includes teaching and discussion of topics such as positive emotion; engagement; developing positive relationships; sleep; creativity; happiness; and the practice of mindfulness. The unit utilises an interactive and engaging format that will provide students with knowledge and skills that are relevant to maintaining good mental wellbeing throughout the lifespan.

Enrolment for this unit is currently full, please click here to be added to the waitlist.

Credit
6 points
Offering
(see Timetable)
AvailabilityLocationMode
Semester 2UWA (Perth)Face to face
Details for undergraduate courses
  • Level 2 option in the Humanities in Health and Medicine major sequence
  • Level 2 elective
Outcomes

Students are able to (1) describe what it means to be mentally healthy in today's world.; (2) discuss factors that impact on mental health and wellbeing.; (3) analyse the reltionships between factors that impact on mental health and wellbeing.; (4) discuss how positive psychology promotes mental health and wellbeing.; (5) examine how stigma impacts on the lives of people with a mental illness.; (6) analyse strategies that promote mental health and wellbeing at an individual, family and societal level; and (7) discuss strategies for effective advocacy in the field of mental health..

Assessment

Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) end of semester exam; (2) presentation; and (3) workshop participation. 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 Kellie Bennett {00063428} ~ Dr Zaza Lyons {00058778}
Unit rules
Approved quota: 160—first come first served basis
Contact hours
Lectures: 2 hours per week
Workshop/practical classes: 2 hours 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.