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2005 Course Handbook

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Double Degrees (Health & Behavioural Sciences)

Students may combine their Heath and Behavioural Sciences studies with studies in a number of other faculties and qualify for the award of two degrees. Double degrees are designed for students to complete two degrees in less time than it would normally take. Double degrees are offered with Commerce and Law, and may be available with other faculties after consultation with the Sub-Deans.

  • Students must seek advice and approval from both faculties.
  • Candidates must satisfy the entry requirements of both degree programs.
  • Double degrees, where both degrees are normally of three years duration will be a minimum of 216 credit points and take a mimimum of four years to complete.
  • Double degrees, where one of the degrees is normally of four years duration will be a minimum of 264 credit points and take a minimum of five years to complete.
  • Students may be given exemptions where equivalences exist between subjects.

For all double degrees, candidates are required to complete subjects from the Health and Behavioural Sciences schedule, including core subjects and subjects to satisfy the requirements of one of the Health and Behavioural Sciences majors or degrees. Candidates should be aware that the number of credit points required by each major varies.

Candidates must also satisfy the requirements for the second degree, which would usually include a major study.

Additional Information

Criminal Record Checks

As part of the 'whole of government' approach to child protection, the NSW Department of Health requires all students in health related courses to undergo a criminal record check. The criminal record check shall be completed before a student can attend any clinical placement in a Public Health facility. Students need to give their consent to such a check and will submit a signed consent form through their university. Consent forms are available from universities. Checks are done through the NSW Police Service and coordinated by the Department of Health. At present there is no cost to either the student or university for this service. When the check is completed the student will be issued with a Clearance Letter, which has to be produced whenever they attend a clinical placement. The Letter must not be photocopied or duplicated in any way. Lost, mislaid or mutilated Clearance Letters are replaced on application from the student with payment of a fee. If a student receives a positive result from the check it will not necessarily exclude them from a clinical placement. Each situation will be individually assessed in a confidential consultation between the student and a representative of the Department of health.

An additional requirement came into effect with new child protection legislation enacted in July 2000. The university will provide another form to the student called the Prohibited Employment Declaration. The Declaration must also be completed before any clinical placement. The completed and signed declaration is returned to the university and will be held by us. The Health Department does not issue or administer this form.

Infectious Diseases

Students required to complete clinical training in the NSW hospital system will be subject to various guidelines and procedures laid down for health workers by the NSW Department of Health, including guidelines regarding infectious diseases. In the hospital system, you will be exposed to a large number and variety of individuals, some of whom may have a communicable disease such as tuberculosis, measles, mumps, rubella, diphtheria, poliomyelitis, HIV or Hepatitis B. This may place you at risk of acquiring one of these diseases. In other cases, if you have a communicable disease, you may place your clients at risk.

For your protection, and for the protection of your potential clients, you are recommended to have vaccinations before you begin clinical work. Evidence of your vaccination status may be required by certain clinical placements / agencies before attendance. If your vaccinations are incomplete, opportunities for placement may be limited and your progress in the course could be affected. Some categories of health care workers - nurses, doctors, dentists, dental technicians, podiatrists and physiotherapists - also have regulated individual responsibility with regard to infection control. You should familiarise yourself with these responsibilities.

Health care workers who are either HIV antibody positive or Hepatitis B e-antigen or Hepatitis B DNA positive or Hepatitis C PCR positive must not perform exposure prone procedures. Expert medical advice should be obtained by infected people on their infectious status and the extent to which this may limit their clinical practice.
 
 
 

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