UnitLevel 3Undergraduate

BME3032 Introduction to the health system

Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences

BME3032 Introduction to the health system is a level 3, 6-credit-point, undergraduate unit from the Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, offered in 2026 in Semester 2 at Clayton. It has no prerequisites.

Credit points
6
Offered in 2026
Semester 2
Clayton
Assessment
Exam 40%
and 3 other tasks

This is the 2026 handbook entry. See the 2027 entry.

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Overview

This unit examines the ways in which the organisation and delivery of health services is structured. The broader context in which disease and illness occur is also discussed.
The unit considers the Australian health care system in detail and the global context of health systems and health inequalities. It explores two areas: health policy and service delivery systems; and illness and health in the context of social, cultural and behavioural systems.
Areas covered include: health systems, health policy, health funding, quality in health systems, models of health, population health, and health and human rights.

Offerings in 2026

Teaching periodCampusMode
Second semesterClaytonOn campus

Assessment

  • Tutorial preparation and participationExercise
    15%
  • Group presentation (15 minutes) and report (800 words)Presentation
    20%
  • Research essay (2,500 words)Written
    25%
  • Written examination (MCQ/SAQ) (2 hours and 10 minutes )ExaminationThreshold hurdle
    40%

Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.

Learning outcomes

When you finish this unit, you should be able to:

  1. 1

    Understand key principles in the organisation and funding of health systems.

  2. 2

    Be able to apply an understanding of health and health services in the context of the Australian health care system.

  3. 3

    Recognise the key elements determining health policy.

  4. 4

    Recognise key determinants and models of health.

  5. 5

    Understand the complexities of improving population health and the ways in which this is evaluated.

  6. 6

    Recognise the basis of human rights in health care.

  7. 7

    Develop important professional skills, including those in oral and written communication, critical analysis, and interpersonal proficiencies.

Workload and teaching

  • Lectures24 hours
  • Tutorials24 hours

6 hours per week: 2 hour lecture, 2 hour interactive tutorial and 2 hours of tutorial preparation time.

Learning resources

Required resources

See Moodle for details about required resources.

Contacts

Unit Coordinators
Miss Vanessa Friedman
Chief Examiners
Ms Kelly Allen

Common questions

What are the prerequisites for BME3032?

BME3032 has no prerequisites.

When is BME3032 offered?

In 2026, BME3032 runs in Semester 2 at Clayton.

Does BME3032 have an exam?

Yes. The exam is worth 40% of the final mark, alongside 3 other tasks.

More details

Credit points
6
Level
3
Study level
Undergraduate
Faculty
Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences
Organisational unit
School of Biomedical Sciences
Type
Coursework
EFTSL
0.125
Student contribution
SCA Band 2
Study abroad
Available