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Course profile

Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Health (INDH1005)

Study period
Sem 2 2024
Location
St Lucia
Attendance mode
In Person

Course overview

Study period
Semester 2, 2024 (22/07/2024 - 18/11/2024)
Study level
Undergraduate
Location
St Lucia
Attendance mode
In Person
Units
2
Administrative campus
St Lucia
Coordinating unit
Public Health School

Overview of current health status of Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander people, focusing on cultural, social and environmental issues and recent policy initiatives.

This foundation course will develop your knowledge for First Nations Australian community health and wellbeing, and skills for culturally safe public health practice, by foregrounding the voices, scholarship, and cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Part of being a culturally safe public health professional requires you to engage with critical self-reflexivity skills to anaylse your own cultural values and privileges when working with First Nations Australian communities. You will also learn about and draw upon critical race theory as a method to examine how key historical factors and determinants of health sustain racial health inequities. You will apply your developing critical reflection skills and critical race theory knowledge to examine and decolonise public health policy and advocacy strategies directed to advance Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community health equity.

Course requirements

Assumed background

INDH1005 is a compulsory course for first year Bachelor of Health Sciences students. There are no prerequisites.

Incompatible

You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:

IH104 or 106 or 205 or PUBH2205 or INDH2005

Course contact

Course staff

Lecturer

Mr Condy Canuto

Timetable

The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.

Additional timetable information

Whether your course is delivered internally (weekly lectures and tutorials at Herston campus) or externally, all course information can be found on the course Blackboard site.

To log on to Blackboard click here: https://www.elearning.uq.edu.au/

Aims and outcomes

The aim of this course is to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the various factors that influence the health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples. These include cultural, historical, social, and environmental determinants. The course addresses the impact of racism on health disparities among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, enhancing students' critical self-reflection skills for decolonising public health policies and practices. Utilising a strengths-based framework, the course also explores strategies to enhance health and support the wellbeing of these communities throughout different stages of life. It encourages students to engage in self-reflection on cross-cultural interactions to foster culturally safe practices.

Learning outcomes

After successfully completing this course you should be able to:

LO1.

Identify and value the unique ways of knowing, being, and doing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in relation to history, culture, and diversity.

LO2.

Develop an understanding of culturally appropriate, safe, and sensitive communication skills that facilitate trust and respect in interactions with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

LO3.

Describe evidence-based and strengths-based best practice approaches to enhance health care services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

LO4.

Examine and reflect on personal cultural biases and dominant cultural paradigms to understand their influence on perceptions of and interactions with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

LO5.

Recognize the responsibility of the entire health system in improving health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Advocate for equitable outcomes and social justice, and actively contribute to social change.

LO6.

Demonstrate skills in written and oral communication, advocacy, reflection, digital capabilities, and teamwork. 

Assessment

Assessment summary

Category Assessment task Weight Due date
Reflection Cultural Safety Reflexive Portfolio 1 10%

12/08/2024 2:00 pm

Essay/ Critique Article for The Conversation 45%

20/09/2024 2:00 pm

Reflection Cultural Safety Reflexive Portfolio 2 10%

4/10/2024 2:00 pm

Presentation Group Presentation: NAIDOC Theme (Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud & Proud) 35%

25/10/2024 2:00 pm

Assessment details

Cultural Safety Reflexive Portfolio 1

Mode
Product/ Artefact/ Multimedia
Category
Reflection
Weight
10%
Due date

12/08/2024 2:00 pm

Task description

Goal: To demonstrate your developing capabilities to apply critical self-reflection skills and discuss your understanding of key concepts and experiences of learning and application to your future public health professional practice.                                                                                                            

Product: 1 x Individual reflective video logs                                                                                                                

Format:

As part of Australian Public Health core competencies, critical self-reflection identified as an important long public health professional skill for working in a cultural safe manner with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.                                           

Your video logs (Vlog) should:

  1. Be 3-5 minutes (+/- 10%) each
  2. Apply the Iceberg Model of Culture as a structured critical self-reflection tool.
  3. Be narrated in first person voice.
  4. Describe how the experience being reflected upon is relevant and meaningful to culturally safe public health practice with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
  5. Critically self-reflect and examine your own beliefs, values, biases, stereotypes, preconceptions, and/or assumptions in relation to concepts and learnings and define new modes of thinking as a result.
  6. Discuss connections between new modes of thinking and the learning experience and materials from other courses; experience; and/or personal goals to your future cultural safe public health practice.
  7. Use APA7 style referencing.                                                                                                                                                        

Submission guidelines

  1. All assessment items are conducted via the Blackboard site. This includes all Undergraduate and Postgraduate (internal and external) courses. Instructions are provided for each assessment item on each course site.
  2. Follow the instructions regarding Assessment submission on your Blackboard site. Instructions will vary from course to course and in some cases, instructions will vary for different assessment items within a course. For example, you may be asked to label submissions in a particular way or you may be asked to submit via a TurnItIn link or use a cover sheet. If you are instructed to submit a cover sheet, make sure you complete each section of the cover sheet carefully, with the correct course name and number, assignment number and title, and your Course Coordinator's name. Typing your name in the Declaration will suffice as your signature that the work has not been plagiarised. An electronic copy of the School of Public Health assignment cover page is available on each Blackboard site though some Course Coordinators include a Cover Sheet within a template document that they wish you to submit. The most important thing is that should make yourself aware of the requirements for assessment submission for each item in each course and that you should follow the instructions completely. If in doubt, ask your tutor or Course Coordinator.
  3. Further information on University policies and procedures is available under Manage my program at https://my.uq.edu.au/.
Deferral or extension

You may be able to apply for an extension.

Please refer to the Policies and guidelines

Article for The Conversation

Mode
Written
Category
Essay/ Critique
Weight
45%
Due date

20/09/2024 2:00 pm

Task description

You are a public health researcher at the University of Queensland (UQ) with a focus on Indigenous Australian health. For this assignment, you will write an article for The Conversation, to explain and promote strengths-based approaches to Indigenous health. You will explore how these approaches can positively impact health outcomes and emphasize the importance of respectful communication and cultural competence in healthcare settings.

Format:

  • Purpose: To educate
  • Text type: Academic-style news article
  • Your role: Public health researcher
  • Audience: The ‘educated’ public (readers of TheConversation.com)
  • Word count: 800-1000 words (not including references). You can have 10% either side of the wording limit. 
  • Referencing style: Author-date, such as APA7 or similar. Include a minimum of 5 academic references. Aim for references to be 5 years old or less. 
  • Individual Task

Criteria:

  1. Understand and respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples in social, professional, and other contexts.
  2. Knowledge of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples’ history, cultures and identities, and their relevance to health.
  3. Critically analyse the social determinants of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples’ health.
  4. Demonstrate effective written communication skills.




Submission guidelines

  1. All assessment items are conducted via the Blackboard site. This includes all Undergraduate and Postgraduate (internal and external) courses. Instructions are provided for each assessment item on each course site.
  2. Follow the instructions regarding Assessment submission on your Blackboard site. Instructions will vary from course to course and in some cases, instructions will vary for different assessment items within a course. For example, you may be asked to label submissions in a particular way or you may be asked to submit via a TurnItIn link or use a cover sheet. If you are instructed to submit a cover sheet, make sure you complete each section of the cover sheet carefully, with the correct course name and number, assignment number and title, and your Course Coordinator's name. Typing your name in the Declaration will suffice as your signature that the work has not been plagiarised. An electronic copy of the School of Public Health assignment cover page is available on each Blackboard site though some Course Coordinators include a Cover Sheet within a template document that they wish you to submit. The most important thing is that should make yourself aware of the requirements for assessment submission for each item in each course and that you should follow the instructions completely. If in doubt, ask your tutor or Course Coordinator.
  3. Further information on University policies and procedures is available under Manage my program at https://my.uq.edu.au/.


Deferral or extension

You may be able to apply for an extension.

Please refer to the Policies and guidelines

Cultural Safety Reflexive Portfolio 2

Mode
Product/ Artefact/ Multimedia
Category
Reflection
Weight
10%
Due date

4/10/2024 2:00 pm

Task description

Goal: To demonstrate your developing capabilities to apply critical self-reflection skills and discuss your understanding of key concepts and experiences of learning and application to your future public health professional practice.                                                                                                            

Product: 1 x Individual reflective video logs                                                                                                                

Format:

As part of Australian Public Health core competencies, critical self-reflection identified as an important long public health professional skill for working in a cultural safe manner with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.                                           

Your video logs (Vlog) should:

  1. Be 3-5 minutes (+/- 10%) each
  2. Apply the Iceberg Model of Culture as a structured critical self-reflection tool.
  3. Be narrated in first person voice.
  4. Describe how the experience being reflected upon is relevant and meaningful to culturally safe public health practice with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
  5. Critically self-reflect and examine your own beliefs, values, biases, stereotypes, preconceptions, and/or assumptions in relation to concepts and learnings and define new modes of thinking as a result.
  6. Discuss connections between new modes of thinking and the learning experience and materials from other courses; experience; and/or personal goals to your future cultural safe public health practice.
  7. Use APA7 style referencing.                   


Submission guidelines

Deferral or extension

You may be able to apply for an extension.

 Please see 10. Policies & Guidelines

Group Presentation: NAIDOC Theme (Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud & Proud)

Mode
Product/ Artefact/ Multimedia
Category
Presentation
Weight
35%
Due date

25/10/2024 2:00 pm

Task description

As public health students at UQ, you have been asked to create a 7-10 minute video presentation to be screened at this year’s UQ NAIDOC Week celebrations. The theme for this year is “Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud & Proud”. You are required to explain to the broader UQ community how the historic context of broader government policies combined with culture and race of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have socially determined the health outcomes experienced by Indigenous Australians today.

Format:

  • Purpose: To educate
  • Type: Group video presentation 
  • Your role: Public Health student at UQ
  • Audience: The broader UQ academic community during NAIDOC Week
  • Conditions Length: 7-10 minutes 
  • Referencing style: APA7 (minimum of 5 references). all images on the or must be referenced)
  • Group task: 4-5  members

Criteria:

  1. Understand and respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples in social, professional, and other contexts
  2. Knowledge of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples’ history, cultures and identities, and their relevance to health.
  3. Critically analyse the social determinants of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples’ health.
  4. Demonstrate effective oral and written communication skills in designing a group presentation


 

Submission guidelines

  1. All assessment items are conducted via the Blackboard site. This includes all Undergraduate and Postgraduate (internal and external) courses. Instructions are provided for each assessment item on each course site.
  2. Follow the instructions regarding Assessment submission on your Blackboard site. Instructions will vary from course to course and in some cases, instructions will vary for different assessment items within a course. For example, you may be asked to label submissions in a particular way or you may be asked to submit via a TurnItIn link or use a cover sheet. If you are instructed to submit a cover sheet, make sure you complete each section of the cover sheet carefully, with the correct course name and number, assignment number and title, and your Course Coordinator's name. Typing your name in the Declaration will suffice as your signature that the work has not been plagiarised. An electronic copy of the School of Public Health assignment cover page is available on each Blackboard site though some Course Coordinators include a Cover Sheet within a template document that they wish you to submit. The most important thing is that should make yourself aware of the requirements for assessment submission for each item in each course and that you should follow the instructions completely. If in doubt, ask your tutor or Course Coordinator.
  3. Further information on University policies and procedures is available under Manage my program at https://my.uq.edu.au/.
Deferral or extension

You may be able to apply for an extension.

Please refer to the Policies and guidelines

Course grading

Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.

Grade Description
1 (Low Fail)

Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes.

Course grade description: (typically 0 - 19%)

2 (Fail)

Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes.

Course grade description: (typically 20 - 44%)

3 (Marginal Fail)

Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes

Course grade description: (typically 45 - 49%)

4 (Pass)

Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes.

Course grade description: (typically 50 - 64%)

5 (Credit)

Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes.

Course grade description: (typically 65 - 74%)

6 (Distinction)

Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes.

Course grade description: (typically 75 - 84%)

7 (High Distinction)

Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes.

Course grade description: (typically 85 - 100%)

Additional course grading information

To pass this course, students must submit all assessment items

Supplementary assessment

Supplementary assessment is available for this course.

The final grade awarded will be based on the results of the supplementary assessment only, and a passing grade will be awarded if, and only if, the student receives at least 50% of the marks on the supplementary assessment. 

Additional assessment information

To pass this course, students must submit all assessment items

Please note the following regarding assessment

  • Students are required to submit all components of the assessment to pass the course.
  • Students are expected to demonstrate critical thinking and use of the academic literature (journals, reports and texts). You are also required to do wider reading than only the references supplied.
  • Assignments will be marked as quickly as possible, normally within two weeks and returned to you. A feedback sheet will be enclosed by the lecturer showing the mark for the assignment and comments on the piece of work.
  • Lectures and tutorialᅠattendance are strongly advised.

Assignment Submission:

Turnitin no longer automatically emails students a receipt when they upload an assignment.ᅠ Students need to download their receipt manually and keep a copy as proof of submission.ᅠ ᅠ

Assignments for this course will be submitted electronically via Blackboard and/or using Tunitin.ᅠ

Before submitted any assignments for this course you must ensure you have completed UQ’sᅠcompulsory onlineᅠAcademic Integrity Tutorial.

When you successfully submit your assessment, you need to manually download your receipt and keep a copy as proof of submission as Turnitin no longer automatically emails students a receipt when an assignment is uploaded.ᅠ ᅠ

It is the responsibility of the student to check the assignment preview and confirm that the assignment has been successfully submitted.ᅠᅠ

If the submission was not successful:

  1. Note the error message (preferably take a screenshot)
  2. Go to your assignment page and see if it is possible to submit again
  3. If you cannot submit again, immediately email your course coordinator.ᅠ

Learning resources

You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.

Library resources

Library resources are available on the UQ Library website.

Additional learning resources information

Additional INDH1005 learning resources and information will be provided within relervant folders on the INDH1005ᅠBlackBoard site.

The Library maintains a subject guide for Public Healthᅠwhich features links to Indigenous health resources. Click on:ᅠhttps://guides.library.uq.edu.au/public-health/Indigenous-healthᅠᅠ

Learning activities

The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.

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Learning period Activity type Topic
Week 1

(22 Jul - 28 Jul)

Lecture

Introduction to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and Indigenous Health

Week 2

(29 Jul - 04 Aug)

Lecture

Hidden Histories: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and Indigenous Perspectives of Resistance and Resilience in pre- and post-colonial context

Tutorial

Yarning-Up Circle (Tutorial 1)

Week 3

(05 Aug - 11 Aug)

Lecture

Identity & Culture: Indigenous Ways of Knowing, Being and Doing

Week 4

(12 Aug - 18 Aug)

Lecture

Decolonising Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and Indigenous Health

Tutorial

Yarning -Up Circle Tutorial 2

Week 5

(19 Aug - 25 Aug)

Lecture

The role of social determinants of health to address health inequity

Week 6

(26 Aug - 01 Sep)

Lecture

Evidence strength-based approach: Indigenous Community Controlled Health Services in Public Health Practice

Tutorial

Yarning -Up Circle Tutorial 3

Week 7

(02 Sep - 08 Sep)

Lecture

Evidence strength-based approach: Community-based programmes using a strength-based approach to improve Indigenous Health

Week 8

(09 Sep - 15 Sep)

Lecture

Cultural determinants of health: cultural identity, connection to land, culture and language and self-determination

Week 9

(16 Sep - 22 Sep)

Lecture

Leadership in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and Indigenous Health

Mid-Semester Break

Tutorial

Yarning -Up Circle Tutorial 4

Mid Sem break

(23 Sep - 29 Sep)

Lecture

Mid-Semester Break

Week 10

(30 Sep - 06 Oct)

Lecture

Research with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and Indigenous Communities

Tutorial

Yarning -Up Circle Tutorial 5

Week 11

(07 Oct - 13 Oct)

Lecture

Community Advocacy: Implications for Policy and Practice

Week 12

(14 Oct - 20 Oct)

Lecture

Reflection on the learning journey

Tutorial

Yarning -Up Circle Tutorial 6

Week 13

(21 Oct - 27 Oct)

Lecture

Q & A: Questions regarding assessment (INDH1005)

Policies and procedures

University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:

Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.

Course guidelines

School of Public Health (SPH) Guidelines for late submission of progressive assessment - Preamble

To apply for an extension to the due date for a piece of progressive assessment (eg assignments, oral presentations and computer-based assignments) students should complete the online request at  https://my.uq.edu.au/node/218/1 

Information regarding deferral of in-semester exams and end-of-semester exams is available from https://my.uq.edu.au/information-and-services/manage-my-program/exams-and-assessment/deferring-exam 

If requesting an extension on medical grounds, a medical certificate must be provided. The extension will be approved for the number of days included in the medical certificate that the student was not fit to study or work, eg if the medical certificate is for 3 days, an extension will be approved for 3 days maximum regardless of the student's request.  

If requesting an extension using a Student Access Plan for Disability (SAPD) as evidence, a maximum of 7-day extension will be approved in the first instance. Updated medical documentation, as well as a copy of the SAPD, is required if requesting an extension for more than 7 days. 

The maximum time for an in-semester extension is four weeks.  

The following SPH guidelines are consistent with the UQ policy. However, the SPH Guidelines contain specific rules and interpretations for SPH courses, and requests for extension and penalties for late submissions will be judged according to the guidelines outlined in this document. You should read both the information in your my.UQ at the following link: https://my.uq.edu.au/information-and-services/manage-my-program/exams-and-assessment/applying-assessment-extension?p=1#1 and the SPH guidelines (below) before submitting a request for an extension. The SPH Guidelines apply to all courses offered by the School of Public Health unless the ECP explicitly states otherwise.


SPH Guidelines for late submission of progressive assessment

Initial extension for an individual item of assessment – the SPH Teaching & Assessment Support Team and/or the Course Coordinator decides.

This could be for medical or compassionate reasons, or if, in the opinion of the Course Coordinator, there are exceptional circumstances.

Acceptable and unacceptable reasons for an extension are listed at the following link, along with the required evidence to be provided: https://my.uq.edu.au/information-and-services/manage-my-program/exams-and-assessment/applying-assessment-extension?p=1#1 

All requests should be lodged at least 24 hours prior to the due date for the assessment.

If applying for an extension after the due date and time of the assessment item, your request may not be approved. An explanation as to why your request was not submitted prior must be included.       

If approved, a new due date will be set. This would generally be no later than 7 days after the original due date, however this can be modified to take account of the circumstances of the request and the time that would have been lost from studies.

If the new due date is past the date for submission of end-of-semester results, the student will receive an INC (incomplete) result.

Second and all subsequent extensions for an individual item of assessment – the SPH Teaching & Assessment Support Team and/or the Program Director together with the Course Coordinator decides.

This would only be approved for exceptional circumstance with supporting documentation.

  • Online requests must be made at least 24 hours prior to the due date from the first extension.
  • The SPH Teaching & Assessment Support Team and/or the Course Coordinator will consult with the Program Director, who will make the final decision.
  • If approved, the new due date would generally be no later than 7 days after the first extension due date.
  • The Program Director should consider if remedial or other support should be offered to the student.
  • The Program Director should provide a report on these matters as needed at SPH Examiners’ Meetings.

Please Note: In order to support course progression, extensions that total more than 14 calendar days from the original due date of an assessment item will only be approved in very exceptional circumstances. These requests are assessed and approved or denied on a case-by-case basis. 

If you have been ill or unable to attend class for more than 14 days, we advise you to carefully consider whether you are capable of successfully completing your courses this semester. You might be eligible to withdraw without academic penalty.

Penalty for late submission

Submission of assignments, practical reports, workbooks, and other types of written assessments after the due date specified in the Electronic Course Profile (ECP) will receive a penalty.

The penalty will be a deduction of 10% RELATIVE PERCENTAGE per day (24 hour period or part thereof, including weekends and public holidays) or for work graded on a 1-7 scale, a deduction of one grade per day, e.g If the original mark is 73%, then 10% relative percentage is 10% of this value, ie 7.3%, The final mark for this assessment item after applying the penalty for 1 day late submission would be 73 -7.3 = 65.7% The same outcome is achieved by multiplying the original score by .9; ie 73 x .9 = 65.7%

The penalty for multiple days late is the relative percentage multiplied by the number of days late. 

A submission that is not made within 10 days of the due date will receive a mark of 0% for that assessment item.

Where a student has sought more than one extension, the due date for calculating the penalty will be the due date for the most recently approved extension.

Submission of Medical Certificates

Students are responsible for ensuring that any medical documentation they submit is authentic and signed by a registered medical practitioner. Such practitioners can be identified via the AHPRA website. Also note that:

  • Not all online medical services are staffed by registered practitioners
  • If the registration status of the practitioner cannot be verified, then an alternative practitioner should be sought
  • Students will be held fully responsible for all documentation they submit, even if done so in ignorance of the practitioner's registration status

Medical documentation may be subjected to an audit by the University.


School of Public Health (SPH) Assessment Guidelines

The School of Public Health assessment tasks have been designed to be challenging, authentic and complex. While students may us AI technologies, successful completion of assessment in this course will require students to critically engage in specific contexts and tasks for which artificial intelligence will provide only limited support and guidance.

A failure to reference AI use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.

To pass this assessment, students will be required to demonstrate detailed comprehension of their written submission independent of AI tools.