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Sociology of Health and Illness unit (HGA339)

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Unit year 2026

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2027 Unit information is now available. View 2027 unit information

Location: Hobart, Online

Introduction

This unit applies a critical sociological perspective to health, illness and medicine. Each year the unit will use topical examples to explore expert and public knowledges about health and illness, the social distribution and patterning of health and illness, inequalities in health, experiences of health and illness, the health professions and the politics of health care. Recent examples include vaccination, breastfeeding, alternative medicine, wellness influencers, professionalisation among allied health practitioners and political debates about private health insurance. This unit is highly relevant for students interested in health and social policy related areas. The unit objectives are: (1) to familiarise students with key health related sociological theories and empirical research; (2) to introduce students to contemporary sociological debates about health and illness; and (3) to develop the skills of critical sociological analysis as applied to health and illness.

Summary

Unit name Sociology of Health and Illness
Unit code HGA339
Credit points 12.5
College/School Arts and Society
Humanities and Social Sciences
Discipline Sociology and Criminology
Coordinator Doctor Emily Hansen
Available as an elective? Yes
Delivered By University of Tasmania
Level Advanced

Sustainable Development Goals

The Unit Coordinator has identified that this unit aligns with the following UN Sustainable Development Goals. We welcome your thoughts and feedback on the alignment of the unit with these goals.

Availability

Location Study period Attendance options Available to
Hobart Semester 1 This unit is available through on-campus delivery Available to International Students Available to Domestic Students
Online Semester 1 This unit is available through off-campus delivery Available to International Students Available to Domestic Students
  • Key:
  • This unit is available through on-campus delivery On-campus
  • This unit is available through off-campus delivery Off-Campus
  • Available to International Students International students
  • Available to Domestic Students Domestic students
Note

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Units are offered in attending mode unless otherwise indicated (that is attendance is required at the campus identified). A unit identified as offered by distance, that is there is no requirement for attendance, is identified with a nominal enrolment campus. A unit offered to both attending students and by distance from the same campus is identified as having both modes of study.

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

  • Explain key concepts, debates and theoretical approaches relating to the sociology of health and illness.
  • Apply relevant sociological theories and empirical research findings to contemporary health and illness issues in a Tasmanian, national and international context.
  • Evaluate sociological approaches and research and articulate your own position on key debates about health and illness.
  • Communicate your ideas in written and oral forms, using appropriate sociological language and concepts.

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
069999 $1,192.00 $1,192.00 not applicable $2,919.00
  • 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.

Requisites

Prerequisites

25 credit points at Introductory level or higher or admission into A1C - Diploma of Creative Arts and Health

Teaching

Teaching Pattern

On Campus:
Weekly online lectures or equivalent (1.5 hours) and weekly tutorial (2 hours), and weekly participation in discussion boards.
Off Campus:
Weekly online lectures or equivalent (1.5 hours) and weekly participation in discussion boards and online tutorial (1 hour).

AssessmentParticipation (15%)|Short Report (20%)|Conceptual Analysis Task (30%)|Recorded Presentation (35%)
TimetableView the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable

Textbooks

Required

The textbook is Germov, J. (2019) (ed) Second Opinion: An Introduction to Health Sociology, 6th edition, South Melbourne: Oxford University Press. Additional required readings will be provided by the Unit Coordinator.

 
Recommended

Details provided on Mylo site and in library reading list.

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