The Arts and Dementia Care unit (FXA100)

Online

Introduction

Practical interventions employing arts-based activities, including music, theatre, dance and visual arts, are increasingly being employed nationally and internationally to improve mood and well-being, physical activity and cognitive processing for people with dementia. Arts-based programs have also been shown to have some capacity to enhance communication of emotions and relationships with carers. This unit will explore the evidence-based research on the benefits that can be conferred through the stimulation of sensory perception, reminiscence and subconscious movement using music, theatre, dance and visual arts. These will be dealt with in three separate modules. Students will develop knowledge of  model interventions employing music, theatre, dance and visual arts, and each module will also provide an introduction to key elements of successful program design and the range of activities that can be employed.

Summary

Unit name	The Arts and Dementia Care
Unit code	FXA100
Credit points	12.5
College/School	Arts and Society Creative and Performing Arts
Discipline	Arts|Music|Theatre
Coordinator	Doctor Brendan Lamb
Available as an elective?	Yes
Delivered By	University of Tasmania
Level	Introductory

Availability

Location	Study period	Attendance options		Available to
Online	Semester 1

Note

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Key Dates

Study Period	Start date	Census date	WW date	End date
Semester 1	22/2/2026	16/3/2026	19/4/2026	13/6/2026

* The Final WW Date is the final date from which you can withdraw from the unit without academic penalty, however you will still incur a financial liability (refer to How do I withdraw from a unit? for more information).

Unit census dates currently displaying for 2026 are indicative and subject to change. Finalised census dates for 2026 will be available from the 1st October 2025. Note census date cutoff is 11.59pm AEST (AEDT during October to March).

About Census Dates

Learning Outcomes

• Describe the nature and purposes of a range of arts-based interventions currently used in Dementia Care
• Analyse how arts-based interventions can contribute to well-being, mood and cognitive processing for those living with dementia
• Use basic research skills and critical facility in evaluation of case studies and resources
• Apply formal and informal communication skills and self-reflection to engage in informed debate and complete a range of writing and oral tasks

Fee Information

Field of Education	Commencing Student Contribution 1,3	Grandfathered Student Contribution 1,3	Approved Pathway Course Student Contribution 2,3	Domestic Full Fee 4
109999	$1,192.00	$1,020.00	not applicable	$2,972.00

• Available as a Commonwealth Supported Place
• HECS-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility³
• FEE-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility⁴

¹ Please refer to more information on student contribution amounts.
² Please refer to more information on eligibility and Approved Pathway courses.
³ Please refer to more information on eligibility for HECS-HELP.
⁴ Please refer to more information on eligibility for FEE-HELP.

If you have any questions in relation to the fees, please contact UniConnect or more information is available on StudyAssist.

Please note: international students should refer to What is an indicative Fee? to get an indicative course cost.

Teaching

Teaching Pattern	Online learning materials with  Zoom webinars, tutorials and discussion boards (4hrs weekly) with additional self-directed learning
Assessment	Discussion contribution (10%)|Online quizzes (15%)|Research assignment (25%)|Proposal (50%)
Timetable	View the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable

Textbooks

Required	Required readings will be listed in the unit outline prior to the start of classes.

The University reserves the right to amend or remove courses and unit availabilities, as appropriate.