Key facts
UNE unit code: HSSW105B
*You are viewing the 2026 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Trimester 2 - On Campus
- Trimester 2 - Online
- Armidale Campus
- Yes
- No
- Yes
- 6
Unit information
Social workers tailor their practice to meet the individual needs of people across the lifespan in diverse, changing environments. In this unit, you will draw on real-life case studies for an introduction to the role of social workers within the broader human services context.
We examine human development across the lifespan, building your understanding of the changing needs of individuals in relation to their broader relationships with family, community and society.
With a particular focus on the issues affecting rural communities, this unit also introduces you to the biopsychosocial cultural model to assess needs at different life stages and gives invaluable insight into social worker roles in different settings.
By exploring the Australian Association of Social Workers’ Code of Ethics and Practice Standards, the unit will help you to develop a framework for lifelong ethical practice.
Offerings
For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.
| Teaching period | Mode/location |
|---|---|
| Trimester 2 | On Campus, Armidale Campus |
| Trimester 2 | Online |
*Offering is subject to availability
Intensive schools
There are no intensive schools required for this unit.
Enrolment rules
Notes
Please refer to the student handbook for current details on this unit.
Unit coordinator(s)
Learning outcomes
Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:
- identify and describe a variety of theories used by the social work discipline to understand the needs and challenges of diverse groups of people and the ways in which social workers practice;
- identify the main human development phases individuals pass through from conception to death across time and place;
- demonstrate knowledge of how the Australian Association of Social Workers 'Code of Ethics' informs practice with diverse groups across the lifespan; and
- demonstrate information literacy skills and critical thinking skills.
Assessment information
Assessments are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
| Title | Must Complete | Weight | Offerings | Assessment Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment 1 | Yes | 25% | All offerings | Written Assessment No. Words: 800 |
| Assessment 2 | Yes | 25% | All offerings | Online Learning Exercise No. Words: 500 (equivalent) |
| Assessment 3 - Assurance Task | Yes | 50% | All offerings | Oral Examination No. Words: 1500 (equivalent) To pass this unit, you must achieve at least 50% in this task and meet all other passing requirements in the unit.
|
Learning resources
Textbooks are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
Note: Students are expected to purchase prescribed material. Please note that textbook requirements may vary from one teaching period to the next.
The Road to Social Work and Human Service Practice
ISBN: 9780170470940
Chenoweth, L. and McAuliffe, D., Cengage Learning 7th ed. 2023
Text refers to: All offerings
Understanding Human Development
ISBN: 9780190323493
Harms, L., Oxford 3rd ed. 2020
Text refers to: All offerings
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