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MHHX1004 – Health Systems

Unit Description

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 discuss the challenges facing the system. By the end of the unit, you will be equipped with the foundational knowledge regarding the current healthcare landscape in Australia and understand its implications for both healthcare professionals and patients.

Unit Convenor and Teaching Staff

• Unit convenor: Thomas Fath
• Teaching staff: Thaatsha Sivananthan

Credit Points and Prerequisites

• Credit points: 10
• Prerequisites: None
• Corequisites: None
• Co-badged status: MHHS1004

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:

• ULO1: Describe the structural components of the Australian healthcare system and delineate the roles of federal, state, and local governments in regulating and managing healthcare services.
• ULO2: Identify and communicate the key aspects of funding mechanisms, policy frameworks, and stakeholder roles within the Australian healthcare system.
• ULO3: Discuss the health disparities experienced by various minority groups and the role of specialised services in providing culturally sensitive care.
• ULO4: Recognise current challenges and trends in the Australian healthcare system and reflect on how ethical principles and professional behaviours guide the roles and responsibilities of individuals working in the health system.

General Assessment Information

• Grade descriptors and other information concerning grading are contained in the Macquarie University Assessment Policy.
• All final grades are determined by a grading committee, in accordance with the Macquarie University Assessment Policy.
• To pass this unit, you must demonstrate sufficient evidence of achievement of the learning outcomes, meet any ungraded requirements, and achieve a final mark of 50 or better.

Late Submissions

Unless a Special Consideration request has been submitted and approved, a 5% penalty (of the total possible mark) will be applied each day a written assessment is not submitted, up until the 7th day (including weekends). After the 7th day, a grade of '0' will be awarded even if the assessment is submitted.

Assessment Tasks

• Health Issue Presentation: 50% of the total mark, due on 05/01/2026
• Case Study Analysis: 50% of the total mark, due on 21/01/2026

Health Issue Presentation

You will research a current health issue relevant to the Australian healthcare system and record an oral presentation discussing your findings.

Case Study Analysis

You will be required to analyse a real-life case study related to the Australian healthcare system.

Delivery and Resources

As a student enrolled in this unit, you will engage in a range of learning activities, including online asynchronous lectures and tutorials, as well as readings and videos.

Readings

Please note week-to-week lecture readings are prescribed for this unit. It is recommended that students read these following the lecture. These are freely available to all students via Leganto.

Technology Used

Active participation in the learning activities throughout the unit will require students to have access to a tablet, laptop or similar device.

Policies and Procedures

Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central. Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:

• Academic Appeals Policy
• Academic Integrity Policy
• Academic Progression Policy
• Assessment Policy
• Fitness to Practice Procedure
• Assessment Procedure
• Complaints Resolution Procedure for Students and Members of the Public
• Special Consideration Policy

Inclusion and Diversity

Social inclusion at Macquarie University is about giving everyone who has the potential to benefit from higher education the opportunity to study at university, participate in campus life and flourish in their chosen field.

Professionalism

In the Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, professionalism is a key capability embedded in all our courses. As part of developing professionalism, students are expected to attend all small group interactive sessions including clinical, practical, laboratory, work-integrated learning (e.g., PACE placements), and team-based learning activities.