Key facts
UNE unit code: HIST536
*You are viewing the 2025 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Not offered in 2025
- Yes
- No
- No
- 6
Unit information
The human struggle against death, disease and illness is one that stretches back throughout the millennia.
This unit is designed to help you to develop an advanced understanding of the various ways that people in the past engaged in that struggle and attempted to advance medical knowledge and skills.
You will examine attempts to combat disease, to defy death, and to understand how our bodies work and respond to illness and injury.
Major themes include the impact of adversity on medical practice (for example, plagues and wars, schools of thought surrounding medical practice, attitudes towards mental illness, and links between medical practice and religious and cultural beliefs. Finally, you will consider the historical origins of aspects of current medical practice.
Intensive schools
There are no intensive schools required for this unit.
Enrolment rules
Notes
Please refer to the student handbook for current details on this unit.
Unit coordinator(s)
Learning outcomes
Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:
- demonstrate an advanced understanding of the development of medical practice around the world and the impact of these developments on current medical practice;
- demonstrate an advanced understanding of the barriers that hindered the advancement of medical practice throughout history;
- apply independent research and critical thinking skills and independent judgement, to expertly interpret and assess a variety of historical sources and ask questions about the past;
- expertly investigate, interpret, critically analyse, reflect on, and synthesise complex information and concepts about the history of medical practice; and
- apply advanced-level judgement, knowledge and skills to explain developments in medical practice in different historical and cultural contexts.
Assessment information
Assessments are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
Title | Must Complete | Weight | Offerings | Assessment Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|
Assessment 1 | Yes | 40% | All offerings | Essay No. Words: 2,500 |
Assessment 2 | Yes | 60% | All offerings | Essay No. Words: 3,500 |
Learning resources
Textbooks are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
Note: Students are expected to purchase prescribed material. Please note that textbook requirements may vary from one teaching period to the next.
Blood and Guts: A Short History of Medicine
ISBN: 9780141010649
Porter, R., Penguin 2007
Text refers to:
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