Bachelor of Health Science (Western Herbal Medicine)

This subject will cover:

• Basic pathological processes in response to injury and growth abnormalities.
• Immunology, toxicology, microbiology, and their characteristic diseases.
• Pathophysiology, symptomatology and clinical manifestations for diseases of the gastrointestinal, neurological and cardiovascular systems
• Introduction to commonly used laboratory tests and interpretation of findings.

Clinical Assessment builds on the theory of the Human Systems & Pathophysiology subjects and develops practical skills for clinical assessment and examination of the client. Skills for history taking, gathering clinical information, observing clinical manifestations, critical analysis of signs and symptoms, identifying red flags, interpreting medical reports, pathology tests and diagnostic imaging are developed. Students will explore a range of physical examination techniques using appropriate equipment to reach primary and differential diagnoses. Students will develop and practice skills in effective communication, respecting clients’ privacy, work health and safety concerns as well as the need for referral to other health care practitioners in a professional manner.

This subject has compulsory attendance requirements.

Herbal Therapeutics 2 builds on herbal medicine concepts introduced in Herbal Therapeutics 1. Students will continue to explore herbal medicine therapeutic protocols relating to various health conditions and body systems. They will explore herbal prescribing strategies to effectively construct herbal formulas for individualised client-centred treatments. Students will learn to prescribe across various lifestages in a safe and ethical manner. An evidence based practice approach will be employed to justify treatment decisions. Collaborative problem-solving and case-based workshops provide an active learning environment for this important subject.

Naturopathy: students are exempt from clinical practicum hours in this subject.

This subject includes in-person clinical placement at The Practice Wellbeing Center. Placement is two 6 hour days per week for 12 weeks.

Advanced Herbal Therapeutics builds on herbal medicine therapeutic subjects and will explore advanced herbal medicine therapeutic strategies for advanced, multi-factorial health conditions. An evidence based practice approach will be taken when formulating and prescribing for these complex and emerging conditions. Students will be challenged to consider the importance of collaborative client care and clinical risk management of these conditions. Problem based learning workshops will apply this information to theoretical case studies.

Naturopathy: This subject includes in-person clinical placement at The Practice Wellbeing Center. Placement is one 6 hour day per week for 12 weeks.

Western Herbal Medicine: This subject includes in-person clinical placement at The Practice Wellbeing Center. Placement is three 6 hour days per week for 12 weeks.

As our number of relationships expands, so too does the potential for conflict. This subject looks at the nature of interpersonal conflict, and explores strategies for resolution such as mediation, conferencing and restorative justice. It begins by considering the nature of conflict, theories about its causes, and how conflict manifests in relationships, groups, communities and internationally. It then introduces students to key conflict management strategies and gives steps as to how we might reduce unhealthy forms of conflict and arrive at positive, healthy relationships based on empathy and understanding. The subject also considers anger management strategies in addressing entrenched, high conflict situations.