Health Studies (General)
Course Code: GEHEA/GTHEA
Domain: Health and Physical Education (HPE)
Timetable: Semester 1 and 2
Length of Course: 2 Years
Unit Information
The Health Studies (General) course focuses on the study of health as a dynamic quality of human life.
Students undertaking this course develop the knowledge, understanding and skills necessary to promote an
understanding of the importance of personal and community action in promoting health.
The influence of social, environmental, economic and biological determinants of health is a key focus of the
course. Other course content includes the influence of beliefs, attitudes and values on health behaviour, and
the importance of self‐management and interpersonal skills in making healthy decisions.
Using an inquiry process, students draw on their knowledge and understandings of health concepts and
investigate health issues of interest. Through this process, they develop research skills that can be applied to
a range of health issues or concerns.
This course will prepare students for career and employment pathways in a range of health and community
service industries. Students will have the opportunity to develop key employability and life skills, including
communication, leadership, initiative and enterprise. Inquiry skills will equip students to adapt to current
and future studies and work environments.
Unit One
This unit provides a general introduction to personal health and wellbeing and what it means to be healthy.
Students explore factors which influence their health in positive and negative ways, and devise action plans
which focus on achieving identified goals designed to improve health. Key consumer health skills and
concepts are introduced, including the role and features of components of the Australian healthcare system.
The relationship between beliefs, attitudes, values and health behaviour, and the impact of social and
cultural norms is examined. Key self‐management and interpersonal skills required to positively influence
health and build effective relationships are explored. Health inquiry skills are developed and applied to
investigate and report on health issues.
Unit Two
This unit continues to build students’ knowledge and understandings about personal health and introduces
the multiple determinants which influence health. These influences are explored in terms of how they
interact and contribute to personal and community health status. The notion of prevention is central to this
unit, and students explore personal actions and skills to cope with health influences and devise strategies for
communities to promote and improve health. In addition to health determinants, the influence of cognitive
dissonance on behaviour and the role of communities in shaping social and cultural norms are explored.
Self‐management and cooperative skills essential to improve personal communication are examined.
Students continue to develop health inquiry skills, including applying the steps in the inquiry process to
explore relevant health issues.
Unit Three
This unit builds students’ knowledge and understandings of health determinants and their interaction and
contribution to personal and community health. Students define and consolidate their understandings of
health promotion, and are introduced to a personal behaviour change model and a framework for health
promotion action. Health literacy skills, which support positive health consumer practices, and a range of
factors influencing the use of health products and services, are examined. Students expand on their
understanding of the impact of beliefs on health behaviour by exploring the elements of the health belief
model. Personal skills and strategies which support the development of self-management and interpersonal
skills are also a focus. Students consolidate and continue to develop inquiry skills, including the ability to
identify trends and patterns in data and apply this information to support conclusions.
Unit Four
This unit focuses on the impact of health determinants on personal and community health. The concept of
community development and the importance of participation and empowerment is introduced. Students
learn about how chronic conditions are defined in the National Strategic Framework. The use of social
marketing in health is explored and students are introduced to emotional intelligence as a mechanism for
perceiving, controlling and evaluating emotions. Students continue to refine inquiry skills as they address
relevant issues and produce insightful and well-researched reports.
Pathway Information
Tertiary
Workforce
Students undertaking this course may wish to consider tertiary studies in:
- Exercise and Sport Science
- Medicine
- Biology
This course suits direct workforce entry into the following:
- Armed Forces
- Emergency Services
- Personal Trainer
- Coach
- Recreation Officer
Additional Information
Estimated Charges: $65 per year
