Policy - Faculty Academic Policies and Procedures
1. Faculty
1.1 Introduction
The Faculty of Health Sciences at La Trobe University is one of Australia's leading providers of health science education: through its predecessor (Lincoln Institute of Health Sciences), it has had a long and distinguished history in the education of health professionals. It was one of the first providers of tertiary education for nurses in Australia and is the only provider of tertiary education in Victoria for many of the health professions. The Faculty is now recognised internationally for the quality of its programs. In 2001, approximately 5400 students or 3800 EFTSU enrolled in the Faculty, including approximately 1800 postgraduate students.
The Faculty has adopted an aim of developing leaders of the health professions by providing education in research and by providing high quality, relevant coursework programs that equip health professionals with essential new skills and knowledge.
The Faculty of Health Sciences will consist of eight Schools:
- School of Human Biosciences
- School of Human Communication Sciences
- School of Nursing and Midwifery
- School of Occupational Therapy
- School of Orthoptics
- School of Physiotherapy
- School of Public Health
- School of Social Work and Social Policy
The Faculty has recognised research strengths in most health sciences areas and includes three research centres: the Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society, the Centre for the Study of Mothers' and Children's Health (both of which are externally funded), and the Australian Institute for Primary Care. The new Australian Institute for Primary Care provides a structure for beneficial relationships between the University and the field for training, research and development.
One of the key aims of the Faculty is to conduct, facilitate and promote excellent and relevant research in the health sciences designed to improve the health of individuals and populations and the equity, efficiency and quality of health services. The Faculty provides excellent support for research students including the provision of grants to assist with research projects.
With the ever increasing changes in the health field, it is imperative that health professionals are able to upgrade and update their qualifications. Many health professionals also want to move into management positions, or to move into a different or developing specialist area. The Faculty of Health Sciences at La Trobe University provides a range of academic programs to help its students realise their career goals. Importantly, it does so in a supportive and high quality educational environment.
This manual aims to provide both staff and students with information on the policies and procedures of the Faculty. It should be noted that the University Handbook, regulations, policies or procedures take precedence over this manual should there be any conflict of information. Likewise, the information contained in this manual takes precedence over any information provided by School handbooks that appear to conflict with it. Policies and procedures will be updated as required. Should anyone require further information, please contact the Academic Officer, Faculty of Health Sciences on (03) 9479 3575