Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences

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6 points, SCA Band 2, 0.125 EFTSL

Undergraduate - Unit



Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences

Organisational Unit

Department of Occupational Therapy


Dr Karen Richards



  • First semester 2016 (Day)


This unit provides the basic understanding of the concept of health particularly in the primary care clinical settings. This exploration will begin at a personal level and expand to clinical settings with the broader health environment. Varied definitions and models of health will be introduced to allow a detailed exploration of illness, health risks and how individuals, families and communities use limited resources.

Differences between health of the individual and the broader population will be examined using the clinical environment as the focal point. The factors that impact the dimensions of health will be critically explored to better understand the roles of government policies, the private sector and communities. Current inequalities in resources and other factors affecting health in clinical settings will be identified.



  1. Reflect on their own values and assumptions regarding health and well-being.
  2. Explain the influence of diverse definitions, concepts and interpretations of health and well-being on health care.
  3. Compare and contrast various models and frameworks of health and describe the value of these.
  4. Identify the various determinants of health and describe how these affect health care provision and create inequalities in health.
  5. Apply the principles of the 'determinants of health' approach in discussing selected health issues.
  6. Discuss critical perspectives used to explore health and examine their implications for health and social care practice.


Essay (2,000 words) (25%)
Written assignment (2,500 words) (35%)
Examination (2 hours) (20%)
Class preparation activities and participation (20%)

Students are required to attend 80% of all tutorials.
Students are required to complete an essay plan as preparation for their 2,000 word essay.

Workload requirements


See also Unit timetable information

Chief examiner(s)