Sociology of Health and Illness
UndergraduateTUA-SHI1042026
- Study method
- 100% online
- Assessments
- 100% online
- Enrol by
- 6 Sept 2026
- Entry requirements
- Part of a degree
- Duration
- 12 weeks
- Start dates
- 14 Sept 2026
- Price from
- $2,625
- Upfront cost
- $0
- Loan available
- FEE-HELP available
Sociology of Health and Illness
About this subject
By the end of this 12-week subject, you'll be able to:
- Define health and illness and examine the impact of one’s own beliefs, attitudes and values and those of the community, including demonstrating an understanding of the concept of cultural safety.
- Explain the philosophical concepts of public health, the “new public health”, social model of health, sociology, population health and health promotion and consider their application as the framework for designing and implementing health services in the Australian health system.
- Describe the social and environmental determinants of health and their influence on the health/illnesses of diverse populations and the provision and utilisation of health services.
- Describe biomedical, behavioural, and socio-economical approaches to health and healthcare.
- Examine concepts of community engagement/participation, partnership development, health in/equity, social justice, capacity-building and advocacy; reflect on possible roles for the nurse in facilitating change and improved health outcomes for individuals, families and communities.
- Access and use academic and information resources to explore patterns of health and illness.
- Recognise the importance of appropriate communication, and assess and build health literacy in planning health promotion activities and clinical treatments that optimise the health and self-care of individuals and communities.
- A guide to the topics you will explore in this unit will be provided in your study materials
This subject provides an overview of the sociology of health and illness and enables students to explore the relationship between public health, the social determinants of health and health outcomes, especially for vulnerable populations. Students will be referred to relevant epidemiological data and public health literature. Knowledge and skills will be expanded to translate public and population health level information into meaningful and relevant health promotion and education activities. The concepts in this subject will be further developed and expanded in Primary Health Care in the Community.
- Reflect on a chosen case scenario in relation to future role as a health professional. (25%)
- Briefly explain relevant health issues in biomedical, behavioural and socio--- economic terms for chosen case scenario (30%)
- Define social and environmental determinants of health in relation to chosen case study scenario. Concepts of self---care, community engagement and empowerment for positive health change explored for selected health care issue. (45%)
For textbook details check your university's handbook, website or learning management system (LMS).
At Torrens University Australia you can tailor your study to suit your lifestyle.
Thanks to their innovative digital learning system you’ll gain the ultimate in flexibility, and still receive personalised guidance from academics and access to work placement, mentorship and internship opportunities. Online you can attend live classes or view recorded sessions, connect with lecturers and fellow students, and access content on-demand 24/7.
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Entry requirements
Part of a degree
To enrol in this subject you must be accepted into one of the following degrees:
Elective
- TUA-NUR-CTF-2026 - Undergraduate Certificate in Nursing Study Foundations
Additional requirements
No additional requirements
Study load
- 0.125 EFTSL
- This is in the range of 10 to 12 hours of study each week.
Equivalent full time study load (EFTSL) is one way to calculate your study load. One (1.0) EFTSL is equivalent to a full-time study load for one year.
Find out more information on Commonwealth Loans to understand what this means to your eligibility for financial support.
Related degrees
Once you’ve completed this subject it can be credited towards one of the following courses
Undergraduate Certificate in Nursing Study Foundations
UndergraduateTUA-NUR-CTF