Sustainable Development Goals

Area of Study 1: Health and wellbeing in a global context

This area of study looks at similarities and differences in major burdens of disease in low- , middle- and highincome countries, including Australia. Students investigate a range of factors that contribute to health inequalities and study the concepts of sustainability, human development and the Human Development Index to further their understanding of health in a global context. Students consider the global reach of product marketing and inquire into the effects of particular global trends on health and wellbeing.

Outcome 1

On completion of this unit the student should be able to analyse similarities and differences in health status and burden of disease globally and the factors that contribute to differences in health and wellbeing. To achieve this outcome the student will draw on key knowledge and key skills outlined in Area of Study 1.

Key knowledge

characteristics of high- , middle- and low-income countries
similarities and differences in health status and burden of disease in low- , middle- and high-income countries, including Australia
factors that contribute to similarities and differences in health status and burden of disease, including access to safe water; sanitation; poverty; inequality and discrimination (race, religion, sex, sexual orientation and gender identity); and global distribution and marketing of tobacco, alcohol and processed foods
the concept and dimensions of sustainability (environmental, social, economic) and its role in the promotion of health and wellbeing
the concept of human development, including advantages and limitations of the Human Development Index
implications for health and wellbeing of global trends including:
- climate change (rising sea levels, changing weather patterns and more extreme weather events)
- conflict and mass migration
- increased world trade and tourism
- digital technologies that enable increased knowledge sharing.

Key skills

describe characteristics of high-, middle- and low-income countries
evaluate data to analyse similarities and differences between countries in relation to health status and burden of disease
analyse factors that contribute to health status and burden of disease in different countries and discuss their impact on health and wellbeing
compare health data and other information to analyse reasons for health inequalities within and between nations
explain sustainability (environmental, social, economic) and its importance in the promotion of health and wellbeing in a global context
explain the Human Development Index and evaluate its usefulness in measuring human development of countries
analyse the implications for health and wellbeing of particular global trends.