2014 UOW Health and Medicine Discipline book

connect: HEALTH AND MEDICINE

Five reasons to study HEALTH AND MEDICINE at UOW

1. P ractice in real workplaces as part of your degree Health and medicine is about helping people and at UOW, we ensure our students can practice their skills on real people, in the real world. That’s why we build practical placements into our courses.

Budding nurses, doctors, dieticians and exercise physiologists take part in clinical placements throughout their degrees and build the practical skills to become highly sought after graduates in the industry.

Read about UOW Graduate Natalie Thoumine and how work placements helped her land her first job on page 6.

2. Learn from the best You’ll be taught by staff who are professional dietitians, nurses, doctors, exercise physiologists and researchers.

They know how to prepare you for the challenges you’ll face in the industry because they work in it.

Throughout your degree, you’ll be encouraged to develop the critical practical skills you’ll need to pursue a profession in your chosen field.

UOW lecturer and international authority on bra technology, Professor Julie Steele, tells why she remains passionate about teaching, see page 2.

3. J oin passionate students aiming for a better world Studying health and medicine at UOW enables you to join other like-minded students who take part in organising events both on campus and out in the real world.

Travel around Australia, fundraise or increase awareness for health related causes, visit high school students or just get involved in the many social activities for health and medicine students.

The Student Health Alliance for Rural Populations (SHARP), Wollongong University Health Over Wealth and Wollongong University Medical Students’ Society are just a few of the societies who are active at UOW. Read about UOW Medicine student Blake Milton, proud member of SHARP on page 14.

4. Learn from real human bodies—or the closest thing to it Doctors and allied health professionals need to know their way around the human body, which is something you can’t learn from pictures in a textbook. At UOW, anyone who takes an anatomy class will study actual human remains in the Human Anatomy Laboratory.

Our clinical laboratories—and simulation centres in Nursing and Medicine—have the technology to give students the closest experience to seeing real patients. This is their chance to put theory to work, and see how what they have learned will one day help save lives.

UOW Graduate and Registered Nurse Lisa Redwood found the equipment at UOW invaluable in mastering the skills required for nursing in the real world, see page 11.

5. Get a degree recognised Australia-wide Peak professional bodies accredit our degrees, and that means that employers seek UOW graduates to join their organisations. All our professional degrees in health sciences and nursing are accredited annually, which means that staff are constantly working to ensure our courses meet the evolving needs of students and industry.

Accredited courses: Bachelor of Exercise Science Bachelor of Exercise Science and Rehabilitation Bachelor of Nursing and Bachelor of Nursing – Advanced Bachelor of Nursing for Overseas Qualified Nurses Bachelor of Nutrition and Dietetics Bachelor of Nutrition Science Bridging program for Enrolled Nurses

HEALTH AND MEDICINE

1

Julie Steele Director, Biomechanics Research Laboratory, UOW

Professor Julie Steele is more than just a world class researcher in Biomechanics. Her passion lies in getting her students involved and excited by research, from the day that they walk through her classroom door.

When she meets with students she works hard to discover and develop their interests, and gives them the tools to turn it into their own research. Julie believes “learning at UOW is a two-way street”.

While students get council and guidance from an expert in their field, who brings over 30 years’ experience to the classroom, Julie loves that she can “watch my students discover their own passion for learning, watch them get excited about how they can have an impact on the world.”

Find your passion Connect: Degrees EXERCISE SCIENCE and REHABILITATION

NURSING

Bachelor of Exercise Science and Rehabilitation

A three-year degree focused on training you for a career in nursing and health care. This degree has a strong emphasis on practical learning and clinical placement opportunities.

A four-year degree focused on the use of exercise to maintain health as well as rehabilitate after injury or disease. This degree provides you with the opportunity to be accredited as an exercise physiologist.

Bachelor of Exercise Science

Bachelor of Nursing

Bachelor of Nursing Advanced A four-year nursing program that incorporates a minor study, with the option to complete a research project.

A three-year degree, covering the effects of exercise, injury and disease on human performance. Upon completion, students are eligible to become an exercise scientist.

NUTRITION AND DIETETICS

INDIGENOUS HEALTH

A three-year degree which focuses on the science behind nutrition.

It also covers biochemistry, human physiology, nutritional metabolism and community and health nutrition.

Bachelor of Health Science in Indigenous Health Studies A three-year degree focused on providing effective, responsive and compassionate health care for Indigenous people.

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES

Bachelor of Nutrition Science

Bachelor of Nutrition and Dietetics A four-year degree that provides you with opportunities to achieve competency in individual case management, food service, research, and community and public health practice. You are able to gain full accreditation upon successful completion.

Bachelor of Medical and Health Sciences A three-year degree that covers the scientific bases of human structure, function and health. It is an ideal foundation for further study or careers in medical and health sciences.

Bachelor of Medical and Health Sciences Advanced Honours A four-year flexible program specifically designed for high achieving students. In the final year, all students will undertake a research project, via direct entry into Honours.

DEGREE OPTIONS

DURATION

ATAR

Bachelor of Exercise Science

3 yrs

78

Bachelor of Exercise Science and Rehabilitation

4 yrs

94

Bachelor of Health Science in Indigenous Health Studies

3 yrs

70

Bachelor of Medical and Health Sciences / Adv

3 yrs / 4yrs

82 / 93

Bachelor of Medicine Bachelor of Surgery (Graduate entry)

4 yrs

NA «

Bachelor of Nursing / Adv

3 yrs / 4 yrs

70 / 80 ▲

Bachelor of Nutrition Science

3 yrs

78

Bachelor of Nutrition and Dietetics

4 yrs

93

« Separate application, interview and/or audition (refer to page 15) ▲ Also offered at some regional campuses, ATARs may vary (check with UOW)

HEALTH AND MEDICINE

3

EXERCISE SCIENCE AND REHABILITATION Bachelor of Exercise Science and Rehabilitation go.uow.edu.au/bexscreh ATAR

94

DURATION

4 years

Starts

Autumn (February)

Location

Wollongong

UAC

757643

CRICOS

016112E

Exercise Science looks at the effect of exercise on human performance in sport, fitness, industry, injury and disease prevention, and on activities of daily living. In practice, it relies on a comprehensive understanding of the anatomical and physiological bases of human motion.

Exercise Rehabilitation restores good health and physical capability to people after illness or injury, and improves the quality of life in people with chronic disease and physical disabilities.

WHAT YOU WILL STUDY You will study:

Anatomy (using real bodies) Physiology Exercise physiology and Exercise prescription Biomechanics

Bachelor of Exercise Science*

The Bachelor of Exercise Science and Rehabilitation builds on this learning with advanced clinical training for work as an exercise physiologist.

go.uow.edu.au/bsci-exsci

You’ll be able to practice what you’ve learned in real community, sport, clinical, scientific and commercial settings as part of our practical placement program. As well as improving your skills and making you work-ready, these placements are an essential part of earning professional accreditation (see below).

PRACTICAL PLACEMENTS

ATAR

78

DURATION

3 Years

Starts

Autumn (February)

Location

Wollongong

Bachelor of Exercise Science: 140 hours of practical placement

UAC

757642

Bachelor of Exercise Science and Rehabilitation: 500 hours of practical placement

CRICOS

TBA

* Previously the Bachelor of Science (Exercise Science). This degree name is subject to final approval. Please refer to the UOW Coursefinder online for current information and CRICOS code.

PROFESSIONAL ACCREDITATION All UOW exercise science degrees are accredited by the industry’s professional governing body, Exercise and Sports Science Australia (ESSA).

CAREERS An exercise scientist can work in many fields such as: community coaching and fitness high performance sport strength and conditioning

health policy corporate consultation research, advisory and advocacy roles

An exercise physiologist has advanced knowledge in pathology, exercise rehabilitation and clinical practice skills. This means they can work with clients to: manage or prevent illness and injury recover from sickness, injury or surgery Example careers include: Sports Administrator Exercise Physiologist Sports and Exercise Physician

Strength and Conditioning Specialist Science Editor Occupational Therapist

In both degrees, you will also learn how to use a variety of equipment including: Electrocardiograph machines (ECG machines) Spirometers Metabolic machines (VO 2 – oxygen consumption machine)

Blood pressure units Body composition devices Exercise equipment for assessment and training purposes

With further training, you could also become a cardiac technician, radiographer, pacemaker technician, and other technological careers with a clinical focus.

4 UNIVERSITY OF WOLLONGONG

PATHWAYS TO SPECIALISED CAREERS Both exercise science degrees are an excellent undergraduate pathway to additional postgraduate study such as:

Medicine Physiotherapy Sports Dietetics Occupational health and safety Clinical exercise physiology

WHICH EXERCISE DEGREE? To work as an exercise physiologist in Australia, you need to become an Accredited Exercise Physiologist. The Bachelor of Exercise Science and Rehabilitation will enable you to apply directly to ESSA to become an Accredited Exercise Physiologist.

If you complete the Bachelor of Exercise Science you become an accredited exercise scientist on graduation. If you then complete the Master of Clinical Exercise Physiology postgraduate degree you can apply to become an Accredited Exercise Physiologist.

1.

2.

Bachelor of Exercise Science

Exercise Scientist: Coaching, Consultant, Policy

Postgraduate studies in medicine, physiotherapy, workplace health and safety

STUDY Accreditation CAREER

Bachelor of Exercise Science and Rehabilitation

Master of Clinical Exercise Physiology

Exercise and Sport Science Australia (ESSA) Accreditation

Exercise Physiologist: Clinical/hospital practice, Coaching, Consultation and Rehabilitation

Natalie Thoumine Physical Health Services Officer - Maximus Solutions Australia - Health Bachelor of Science (Exercise Science), Master of Clinical Exercise Physiology

Natalie wasn’t sure of what direction her health degree would take when she started, but through her studies and 500 hours of clinical placements she was able to experience and discover what she loved.

Natalie worked with a wide variety of patients and professionals, “I took placements at Sutherland Hospital, the Illawarra Brain Injury Clinic, Thirroul Sports Physiotherapy Clinic, and I even spent 12 months assisting health professionals with the St George Illawarra Dragons.”

She was offered a job as an Exercise Physiologist after her placement at the Shellharbour Mental Health Unit. Natalie’s advice to students is to get as involved as possible. “It’s by participating and networking with people in the industry that you find what you are passionate about.”

6 UNIVERSITY OF WOLLONGONG

INDIGENOUS HEALTH Bachelor of Health Science in Indigenous Health Studies go.uow.edu.au/bhsihs ATAR

70

Duration

3 years

Starts

Autumn (February), Spring (July)

Location

Wollongong

UAC

756632

CRICOS

066320E

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people face a unique set of personal and community health issues. Effective, responsive and compassionate health care for Indigenous people requires professionals with a broad set of skills and knowledge.

WHAT YOU WILL STUDY The three-year course covers:

Indigenous studies Comparative Indigenous health issues and research Effective communication in health care relationships Indigenous community development Indigenous peoples and decolonisation: Global perspectives

CAREERS Job opportunities exist in the community sector, working in Aboriginal Medical Services or with State or Federal health agencies. You may be interested in working in a rural or remote community or in community development, health promotion, planning or policy.

Many of our students are already employed well before the completion of their degree.

Example careers include:

Policy and Research Officer Program Manager Health Promotion Planning Officer Community Development State and Federal Health Agencies

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES Bachelor of Medical and Health Sciences

The medical and allied health industries are built on science—rigorous investigation, evidence-based decision-making and a powerful curiosity to understand how the human body works. Understanding the scientific bases of human structure, function and health is essential to developing therapies, treatments and health services.

go.uow.edu.au/bmhs

WHAT YOU WILL STUDY

ATAR

82

DURATION

3 years

In your first year you will cover:

Starts

Autumn (February)

Location

Wollongong

UAC

757630

CRICOS

068533J

Bachelor of Medical and Health Sciences Advanced Honours

Human biology Physiology Biochemistry Anatomy

After studying core science, you’ll have the chance to customise your program of study with elective subjects that include:

ATAR

93

DURATION

4 years

Bachelor of Medical and Health Sciences Advanced Honours

Starts

Autumn (February)

Location

Wollongong

UAC

757631

CRICOS

069350G

This degree will give you access to extended learning programs, including an advanced seminar series. It also includes an integrated Honours year, where you will work on a major research project. It is an excellent foundation for further studies working towards advanced, high-level medical research.

go.uow.edu.au/bmhs-adv-hons

Pathophysiology Pharmacology Histology Exercise and cardio-respiratory physiology Genetics Molecular biology Specialised areas within chemistry, anatomy, bioethics and public health

CAREERS Graduates are commonly employed in the health, medical research and clinical health fields in private industry and hospital settings. Many career opportunities exist in neuroscience, thermal physiology, biomechanics, diabetes and metabolic disorders, functional anatomy and cardio respiratory function, pathology, pharmaceuticals, instrumentation, chemicals, biochemicals and biotechnology. Example careers include:

Research Scientist Medical Scientist Laboratory Manager Technical Writer Pharmaceutical Scientist

Graduates may use their degree to enter into higher degree research programs that lead to becoming a medical research scientist.

PATHWAYS TO MEDICINE AND OTHER MEDICAL PROFESSIONS These degrees are also very popular choices as foundation degrees for graduate medical studies, such as UOW’s Bachelor of Medicine Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) where the best performing students are selected for entry. Some continue into postgraduate degrees in dentistry and other areas of medical practice.

8 UNIVERSITY OF WOLLONGONG

NURSING Bachelor of Nursing go.uow.edu.au/bnurs ATAR

70

Duration

3 years

Starts

Autumn (February)

Location

Wollongong - UAC 757101

Batemans Bay - UAC 757105

Bega - UAC 757102

Shoalhaven - UAC 757103

Southern Sydney - UAC 757104

CRICOS

003330B

Bachelor of Nursing Advanced go.uow.edu.au/bnurs-adv ATAR

80

Duration

4 years

Starts

Autumn (February)

Location

Wollongong - UAC 757110

Batemans Bay - UAC 757114

Bega - UAC 757111

Shoalhaven - UAC 757112

Southern Sydney - UAC 757113

CRICOS

068538D

Nursing care is one of the cornerstones of the health care system, with over 275,000 nurses in Australia alone. As Australia moves towards a new model of health care, nurses will become even more important in health promotion and prevention, and in chronic disease management.

Nursing is a people-centred profession, and no two days—or people—are the same.

Sometimes you will care for people at their most vulnerable and sometimes you will be there in their happiest moments. This is a privileged position, and carries with it significant responsibility. At UOW we meet that responsibility by educating nurses to be safe, effective and professional practitioners.

WHAT YOU WILL STUDY Our nursing curriculum is a distinctive blend of art and science, which includes sociology, anthropology, psychology and biology (particularly human anatomy and physiology). This rich blend makes for an exciting integrated foundation to your development as a nursing student.

Nursing is a diverse field, but at UOW we have identified four main areas of nursing practice and developed our curriculum to match: Acute care: Most common in a hospital setting, this is caring for people who are suffering a distinct episode of illness.

Aged care: In order to meet the needs of older people we emphasise healthy ageing, as well as chronic and continuing care.

Community and primary care: Working in practices, clinics and in people’s homes alongside other health professionals.

Mental health: This is a mixture of ‘patient states’ with unique challenges, and it can occur in any setting (hospital or community) with any patient cohort across the life span.

Being educated in these areas and learning to move between them will prepare you for almost any nursing career (see below).

Bachelor of Nursing Advanced This advanced course focuses on teaching you the skills and adaptability necessary to work in constantly evolving clinical and administrative environments. You can choose one of two minors: Management and Leadership Mental Health

CLINICAL PLACEMENTS From your first year, you will complete clinical placements in hospitals, clinics, aged care facilities and health services. In these placements you will care for patients and clients, putting what you have learned in lectures and simulations to work.

After every placement you will receive feedback from your facilitator and other Registered Nurses (RNs). This means that you’ll improve with each of your placements. You’ll learn to be more effective and see your career as a nurse unfold.

Lectures and Tutorials

Learn scientific and theoretical principles of nursing

Lessons developed from rigorous research and extensive workplace experience

Clinical placements

10 UNIVERSITY OF WOLLONGONG

Practical learning in real hospitals, community practices, aged care facilities

Simulations and Laboratories

earn clinical skills L Clinical communication skills Simulated patients

Registration with the Nursing and Midwifery board

PROFESSIONAL ACCREDITATION Graduates of our Bachelor of Nursing or Bachelor of Nursing Advanced are eligible for registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia. Registration may also be gained in a number of other countries.

CAREERS Registration as a nurse is a comprehensive, flexible qualification.

UOW nursing graduates enjoy excellent employment prospects— 98.8% of our nursing graduates are in full time employment (My University Website, 2014).

Nursing in urban areas is often specialisation based, while rural and regional practice favours nurses who can work across multiple areas as needed.

Your UOW education will prepare you for either setting.

In addition to being a registered nurse, other example careers include:

Case Worker/Manager Child and Family Health Nurse Child Protection Officer Clinical Nurse/Midwife Specialist Health Promotion Officer Nurse Manager

Lisa Redwood Registered Nurse in the Intensive Care Unit at North Shore Private Hospital Sydney Bachelor of Nursing

Lisa Redwood has been working as a Registered Nurse in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at North Shore Private Hospital Sydney since she graduated in 2012. As she reflects back on her time at UOW, she explains that she didn’t realise just how much she learned until she was put in difficult situations while working in the ICU. “Having access to clinical rooms and labs, which are set up to look identical to a nursing station, was invaluable.

We were able to practice how to do injections, dress wounds, and insert a catheter, all on realistic mannequins.

I would encourage students to use all of this equipment as much as they can. It’s available for use outside of class time, and being familiar with this equipment is definitely an advantage when you begin to work in the industry.”

HEALTH AND MEDICINE

11

NUTRITION AND DIETETICS Bachelor of Nutrition and Dietetics go.uow.edu.au/bnutdiet ATAR

93

Duration

4 years

Starts

Autumn (February)

Location

Wollongong

UAC

757647

CRICOS

026811F

Bachelor of Nutrition Science* go.uow.edu.au/bsci-nut ATAR

78

Duration

3 years

Starts

Autumn (February)

Location

Wollongong

UAC

757645

CRICOS

TBA

* Previously the Bachelor of Science (Nutrition).

This degree name is subject to final approval.

Please refer to the UOW Coursefinder online for current information and CRICOS code.

Nutrition is the science of how the foods we eat affect health. Eating well is central to supporting growth and development, preventing chronic disease, and general vitality at all stages of life. Nutritionists are scientists who apply their knowledge to improve the health of the public through nutrition research, communication of nutrition information or public health forums. Dietitians are specialist nutritionists who, in addition to these research and public health roles, are accredited to work with individuals and groups to help improve their health outcomes and quality of life. This occurs in settings such as the community, hospitals, private practice, research and food service.

WHAT YOU WILL STUDY In each of the nutrition degrees, you will study the building blocks of nutrition: biochemistry, dietetics, food services and physiology.

You will explore the role of nutrients in the regulation of enzymes and metabolic pathways through to food sources of nutrients, and food production. You will also consider nutrition education in the community, including the effects of food and nutrition policy on health.

In the Bachelor of Nutrition and Dietetics, you will develop core knowledge for professional practice, including dietetic care, communication in health practice and dietetics management, food services and dietetics management, and practical studies.

ACCREDITATION Bachelor of Nutrition and Dietetics Graduates are eligible for the credentials of Accredited Practising Dietitian (APD) with the Dietitians Association of Australia (DAA). Dietitians work in hospitals, private practice, aged care institutions, community and public health settings and research assisting individuals, groups and populations to maintain good health and prevent disease.

Bachelor of Nutrition Science A Bachelor of Nutrition Science will award you an associate membership of the DAA. With further work experience you can then qualify to be placed on a register of nutritionists kept by the Nutrition Society of Australia.

You will be eligible for the Master of Nutrition and Dietetics, which opens the pathway to PhD studies leading to research careers in community, industry or academic organisations.

CAREERS Nutritionists are trained in the science of how the human body processes and absorbs the chemical and mineral compounds it needs to stay alive and healthy. They can apply their knowledge to a range of community settings. This includes working with organisations and industries to create better nutritional standards and policies, undertaking research and working with communities to support health through nutrition.

Accredited Practising Dietitians (sometimes also called Dietitian-nutritionists) can work in hospitals, private practice, aged care institutions, community and public health settings and research assisting individuals, groups and populations to maintain good health and prevent disease. Dietitians design nutritional therapy based on age, body size, activity, state of health or disease, lifestyle, cultural and psychological factors.

With cross-training, nutritionists and dietitians can also find careers in media and journalism as specialist writers and reporters.

Example careers include:

Dietitian Health Promotion Officer Nutritionist Sports Dietitian Catering Manager Food Scientist

HEALTH AND MEDICINE

13

Blake Milton Currently studying Bachelor of Medicine Bachelor of Surgery

“I grew up in the country, where my greatest role model was the local doctor. The positive changes I saw him make by educating our community about health encouraged me to follow in his footsteps.”

As a member of the Student Health Alliance for Rural Populations (SHARP), Blake has been able to travel to rural areas all around NSW, attend conferences, teach high school students about health, and contribute to understanding health in country areas.

“It’s exciting to think that the things my friends and I are learning about at UOW are going to improve people’s lives. I feel proud that I can be a part of making a positive impact on the wider community.”

14 UNIVERSITY OF WOLLONGONG

MEDICINE Bachelor of Medicine Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) go.uow.edu.au/mbbs ATAR

Not applicable. Graduate Entry only.

DURATION

4 years

STARTS

Late January – early February

CRICOS 054941G ENTRY A recognised three-year (as a minimum) Bachelor degree (any area of study) with minimum weighted GPA 5 on 7-point scale. Applicants must have completed this degree or be in their final year of completion at time of application. GAMSAT exam with minimum 50 in all sections or MCAT exam with overall score 24 and ‘M’ in written sample (international students only); portfolio and interview.

NB: Bachelor degrees must have been awarded within 10 years of application to MBBS. GAMSAT and MCAT exam results must not be over two years old at time of application.

UOW’s Graduate School of Medicine offers a four-year program of study available to high performing graduates from UOW and all other ratified universities across Australia.

We encourage applications from high performing students from a diverse range of backgrounds. No preference is given to any particular undergraduate degrees.

Medicine is potentially one of the most exciting and challenging of all professions. The Bachelor of Medicine Bachelor of Surgery aims to produce knowledgeable, caring and competent graduates, well prepared to practise medicine under supervision as interns, and subsequently to commence vocational training in any area of medicine.

The School of Medicine curriculum reflects the latest approach to medical education, and incorporates extensive use of existing and emerging medical education and information technologies. A combination of teaching approaches is used to deliver the curriculum including: Clinical teaching in hospitals, clinics, and general practice surgeries Large and small group clinical presentations Seminars, tutorials and small group work In addition, the curriculum includes activities directed at the personal and professional development of Medicine students.

Planning on applying for the MBBS in the future?

When selecting subjects for the Higher School Certificate (HSC) or tertiary studies you should undertake subjects which will help to develop important communication and reasoning skills. You may also wish to consider chemistry, physics or biology to help you achieve a reasonable level of scientific understanding which will be required for the GAMSAT. It is also important for you to undertake HSC or secondary studies subjects which meet the requirements for entry into your desired undergraduate degree.

HEALTH AND MEDICINE

15

our campuses

WOLLONGONG

BEga

southern sydney

batemans bay Shoalhaven

LEARN MORE SEE US FOR YOURSELF: CAMPUS TOURS You don’t need to be a student at UOW to see first-hand why our campus is special and why we all love it here. UOW campus tours allow you to see our facilities and meet people doing what they do best. It’s your chance to check out UOW and ask as many questions as you like.

Our free, hour-long tours are conducted by current UOW students, and run at 10am and 3pm every Friday throughout the year. Arrange a tour via phone on 1300 367 869 or book online at uow.edu.au/future.

SCIENCE, MEDICINE AND HEALTH smah.uow.edu.au +61 2 4221 3492 smah-students@uow.edu.au GENERAL ENQUIRIES uow.edu.au/future Within Australia: 1300 367 869 International: +61 2 4221 3218 uniadvice@uow.edu.au facebook.com/uowfuture

The University of Wollongong attempts to ensure the information contained in this publication is correct at the time of production (April 2014); however, sections may be amended without notice by the University in response to changing circumstances or for any other reason. Check with the University at the time of application/enrolment for any updated information. UNIVERSITY OF WOLLONGONG CRICOS: 00102E