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Study diploma health & medical science online with Macquarie University through Open Universities Australia. Explore all degrees, subjects and short courses now.

The Diploma of Health Sciences is an innovative and versatile undergraduate qualification that serves as a stepping stone to the further study or entry-level jobs within the health sector. You will be introduced to the fundamentals of human health and begin to explore the social and societal factors that influence it, equipping yourself with the knowledge to make change within the health sector. Additionally, you will engage in professional practice experiences that develop your problem-solving, teamwork, communication, and ethical skills.The diploma is equivalent to the first year of an undergraduate degree. If you successfully complete the diploma and meet the entry requirements, you can progress directly into the second year of the Bachelor of Health Sciences without losing any time, as you’ll receive credit for the units you complete in the diploma.  Key features Fast-track to the second year of a bachelor degreeUndertake this diploma and be ideally prepared for entry into the second year of a Macquarie bachelor degree. Deeply engage with your chosen area of human health.Study units in human structure and function, introductory psychology, wellbeing lifestyle factors, professional practice and more. Improve your academic knowledge and study skillsUndertake teaching and learning activities that will help you improve your academic knowledge and study skills. Facts and stats #1 in SydneyUndergraduate teaching quality: QILT Student Exp Survey 2023 #1 in Sydney for healthfacilities, resources, support: QILT Student Exp Survey 2023 #1 young Australian researcherHealth and medical sciences, The Australian 2025

Skill up with professional practices and knowledge for a future in health sciences. Learn about human structure and function. Explore lifestyle and social factors that shape wellbeing. Graduate ready to progress into a degree or start your health career.

Diploma of Health Sciences

Introduction to Human Physiology

Health and Wellbeing in Social and Cultural Contexts

Introduction to Nutrition

Food as Medicine

Introduction to Health Psychology

Nutrition and Exercise Biochemistry

Human Biology

Foundations of Nutrition and Health

Human Structure and Function

Nutrition for Exercise and Performance

This unit will introduce you to the history and philosophy of science and assist in the development of your critical thinking skills. You will be challenged to question openly the accuracy of mainstream information and the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in enabling misconceptions. You will develop basic AI literacy skills, evaluate health claims and become equipped to communicate health information accurately and effectively. This unit combines theoretical learning with practical activities that will engage you in real-world health challenges.

Misconceptions in the Modern World

In this unit, you will delve into the fascinating world of psychology and discover how it connects to health. You will learn about key psychological ideas and explore how these concepts play a crucial role in health and well-being. In taking this unit, you will explore topics such as how stress affects health, why people make certain lifestyle choices, and how psychological factors impact recovery and wellness. You will also build valuable skills to help you understand and support others in a health setting, from working with patients to collaborating with healthcare teams. By the end of this unit, you will be able to apply psychological knowledge to real-life health scenarios and communicate your insights clearly and confidently, setting you up for future roles in the health sector.

Psychology in Context: Health, Development & Well-Being

In this unit, you will explore the Indigenous history, culture, and health in Australia. You will learn about the history of race and settler colonialism in Australia and appreciate the diversity of contemporary Indigenous identities and cultures. In doing so, you will begin to appreciate the importance of decolonising health and increase your awareness of current health trends affecting Indigenous peoples. The unit includes case studies on blending traditional and modern practices, strategies for cultural competency, and ethical considerations in healthcare. You will also examine health policies, advocacy, and community-based health interventions.

Indigenous Peoples' History, Culture and Health

This unit explores how lifestyle choices can shape overall health and wellbeing. You will learn about key factors like sleep, nutrition, and physical activity, and how they work together to impact both personal and community health. Through evidence-based approaches, you will discover practical ways to improve daily habits and understand how these factors help prevent and manage chronic diseases. This unit lays the groundwork for further study in health sciences and equips you with valuable skills for managing your own health as well as a career in health.

Lifestyle Factors for Health and Wellbeing

This unit offers an introductory overview of the Australian healthcare system, delving into its structure, functions, and the roles of various stakeholders. You will explore how healthcare is delivered, funded, and regulated, and examine the challenges facing the system. By the end of the unit, you will be equipped to analyse the current healthcare landscape in Australia and understand its implications for both health care professionals and patients.

Health Systems

Once you’ve completed this subject it can be credited towards the Diploma of Health Sciences. In this unit, you will learn how to use research to make informed decisions in healthcare. You will develop the practical skills needed to apply evidence-based approaches to real health issues, while considering different cultural needs. By the end of the unit, you will know how to assess research, apply solutions based on evidence, and work ethically and responsibly.  Diploma of Health Sciences (commencing 2026)The Diploma of Health Science introduces you to the fundamental concepts of health and wellbeing, evidence-based health practice and health systems. The Diploma of Health Sciences is an innovative and versatile undergraduate qualification that serves as a stepping stone to further study or entry-level jobs within the health sector. Students will be introduced to the fundamentals of human health and begin to explore the social and societal factors that influence it, equipping yourself with the knowledge to make change within the health sector.Additionally, students will engage in professional practice experiences that develop their problem-solving, teamwork, communication, and ethical skills. The diploma is equivalent to the first year of an undergraduate degree. If you successfully complete the diploma and meet the entry requirements, you can progress directly into the second year of the Bachelor of Health Sciences without losing any time, as you’ll receive credit for the units you complete in the diploma The Diploma of Health Sciences comprises the following 8 units (80 credit points) MHHX1001 Professional Practice MHHX1002 Human Structure and Function MHHX1003 Evidence-Based Practice in Health MHHX1004 Health Systems MHHX1005 Lifestyle Factors for Health and Wellbeing MHHX1006 Indigenous Peoples’ History, Culture and Health MHHX1007 Introductory Psychology for Health Sciences MHHX1008 Misconceptions in the Modern World

Evidence-Based Practice in Health

Once you’ve completed this subject it can be credited towards the Diploma of Health Sciences. This unit introduces key concepts in human anatomy and physiology, focusing on how the body is structured and how it works. You will explore the major body systems and how they interact, giving you a strong foundation for further study in health sciences. The unit highlights the connections between body systems, their role in keeping the body in balance, and how to use anatomical and physiological terms to accurately describe different parts of the body and their function. Diploma of Health Sciences (commencing 2026)The Diploma of Health Science introduces you to the fundamental concepts of health and wellbeing, evidence-based health practice and health systems. The Diploma of Health Sciences is an innovative and versatile undergraduate qualification that serves as a stepping stone to further study or entry-level jobs within the health sector. Students will be introduced to the fundamentals of human health and begin to explore the social and societal factors that influence it, equipping yourself with the knowledge to make change within the health sector. Additionally, students will engage in professional practice experiences that develop their problem-solving, teamwork, communication, and ethical skills. The diploma is equivalent to the first year of an undergraduate degree. If you successfully complete the diploma and meet the entry requirements, you can progress directly into the second year of the Bachelor of Health Sciences without losing any time, as you’ll receive credit for the units you complete in the diploma The Diploma of Health Sciences comprises the following 8 units (80 credit points) MHHX1001 Professional PracticeMHHX1002 Human Structure and FunctionMHHX1003 Evidence-Based Practice in HealthMHHX1004 Health Systems MHHX1005 Lifestyle Factors for Health and Wellbeing MHHX1006 Indigenous Peoples’ History, Culture and Health MHHX1007 Introductory Psychology for Health Sciences MHHX1008 Misconceptions in the Modern World

Once you’ve completed this subject it can be credited towards the Diploma of Health Sciences. This unit will provide you with a thorough introduction to the essential capabilities required for a career in health, emphasising key concepts of professionalism, including self-reflection, effective communication, and teamwork. Through engaging interactive tutorials, online modules, and peer engagement, you will develop critical learning strategies, enhance your collaborative abilities, and refine your communication skills. These foundational capabilities are designed to prepare you to become a reflective and effective professional, equipped with the tools necessary to be a life-long learner and for success in the broad health field. Diploma of Health Sciences (commencing 2026) The Diploma of Health Science introduces you to the fundamental concepts of health and wellbeing, evidence-based health practice and health systems. The Diploma of Health Sciences is an innovative and versatile undergraduate qualification that serves as a stepping stone to further study or entry-level jobs within the health sector. Students will be introduced to the fundamentals of human health and begin to explore the social and societal factors that influence it, equipping yourself with the knowledge to make change within the health sector. Additionally, students will engage in professional practice experiences that develop their problem-solving, teamwork, communication, and ethical skills. The diploma is equivalent to the first year of an undergraduate degree. If you successfully complete the diploma and meet the entry requirements, you can progress directly into the second year of the Bachelor of Health Sciences without losing any time, as you’ll receive credit for the units you complete in the diploma. The Diploma of Health Sciences comprises the following 8 units (80 credit points) MHHX1001 Professional PracticeMHHX1002 Human Structure and FunctionMHHX1003 Evidence-Based Practice in HealthMHHX1004 Health Systems MHHX1005 Lifestyle Factors for Health and Wellbeing MHHX1006 Indigenous Peoples’ History, Culture and Health MHHX1007 Introductory Psychology for Health Sciences MHHX1008 Misconceptions in the Modern World

Professional Practice 1

This subject introduces students to a selection of the most pressing ethical questions and concerns raised by current and recent developments in the so-called &#39;biotech revolution&#39;, especially in the sphere of genetic technology. The first section of the unit provides an introduction to ethical reasoning, to issues of social justice and to the relationship between social values, scientific enquiry and research ethics in the context of biotechnology. The second section focuses on the ethics of gene technology in the spheres of human medicine and reproduction, including: genetic screening/testing; gene editig and therapies; genetic enhancement; and human reproductive cloning. In the third section we explore the impact of biotechnologies on other aspects of human, non-human animal and environmental welfare including: genetic engineering of plants and animals (GMOs); biofortification of food; bio-prospecting; and commercial exploitation of human genetic material. The unit is an ethics unit, not a science unit, and prior scientific knowledge is not required.

Bioethics and Biotechnology

This subject is designed to provide you with an understanding of the basic cognitive disorders and higher-level delusions that can arise either developmentally or as a result of brain injury. You will learn about the characteristic features of these disorders and delusions, and about how the patterns of symptoms displayed can be accounted for in terms of models of normal cognitive processing. Where relevant, you will be familiarised with theories about the underlying cases of the conditions, and with experimental investigations of the efficacy of particular treatments. Patterns of similarities and differences of conditions will be critically examined. Conditions covered include: dyslexia, specific language impairment (SLI), aphasia, amnesia, agnosia, synaesthesia, autism, auditory hallucination, delusion and schizophrenia.

Delusions and Disorders of the Mind and Brain

Macquarie University Diploma Health & medical science Courses & Degrees | Open Universities Australia

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