Technology and Ageing (POPH90263)
Graduate courseworkPoints: 12.5Online
About this subject
Contact information
Term 4
kgray@unimelb.edu.au jwaycott@unimelb.edu.au
Overview
| Availability | Term 4 - Online |
|---|---|
| Fees | Look up fees |
This subject looks at the ways in which recent technological advancements can revolutionise the experience, management and future of ageing. Innovations in how we age are explored from multiple perspectives, including how technology can support autonomy and independent living as well as social connectedness to minimise the isolation common in later life.
The subject offers an introduction to the aged care information technology industry and major products and services. Controversial improvements in assistive technologies are covered, such as robotics and sensors that monitor behaviour and health conditions. Lastly, this subject considers technologies for end-of-life support, for longevity and for regenerative medicine. This subject opens up challenges and possibilities for ageing that have implications for older adults, health practitioners, caregivers, service providers, policymakers and researchers.
Intended learning outcomes
On completion of this subject, students will be able to:
- Demonstrate an informed understanding of the challenges and opportunities that various technologies bring for the health and wellbeing of older people by critically discussing and analysing recent technological advances.
- Show a critical appreciation of older people’s differing perspectives on how technologies are empowering or disempowering in their social and economic lives based on exploration of real world cases.
- Critically evaluate existing or emerging technology products and services that are designed to be used specifically by older people, their care-givers or aged care providers.
Generic skills
Students will be provided with the opportunity to practice and reinforce:
- the ability to identify, analyse and evaluate relevant information
- high level written communication skills
- the ability to work collaboratively with team members
- advanced analytic, integration and problem-solving skills
Last updated: 4 March 2025
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
None
Corequisites
None
Non-allowed subjects
None
Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)
The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.
Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home
Last updated: 4 March 2025
Assessment
| Description | Timing | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
Engagement with discussion board and case review | From Week 1 to Week 8 | 10% |
Written reflection
| Week 5 | 30% |
Narrated Slide presentation
| Week 7 | 10% |
Peer review of presentation
| Week 7 | 10% |
Final Report
| Week 8 | 40% |
Last updated: 4 March 2025
Dates & times
- Term 4 - Online
Principal coordinator Kathleen Gray Coordinator Jenny Waycott Mode of delivery Online Contact hours 30 Total time commitment 170 hours Pre teaching start date 6 October 2025 Pre teaching requirements During the pre-teaching period, students should familiarise themselves with the online platform and may like to take the opportunity to read through preliminary information about the subject and the services and support that is available to them. Students are encouraged to use this time to also introduce themselves to peers and teaching staff and to learn about those they will be studying with throughout the term. Teaching period 13 October 2025 to 7 December 2025 Last self-enrol date 7 October 2025 Census date 31 October 2025 Last date to withdraw without fail 21 November 2025 Assessment period ends 14 December 2025 Term 4 contact information
kgray@unimelb.edu.au jwaycott@unimelb.edu.au
ORMelbourne School of Professional and Continuing EducationPhone: + 61 3 8344 0149Monday to Friday 8am to 9pm AEST/AEDT. Weekends and University of Melbourne observed Public Holidays 10am to 5pm AEST/AEDT.
Time commitment details
170 hours
What do these dates mean
Visit this webpage to find out about these key dates, including how they impact on:
- Your tuition fees, academic transcript and statements.
- And for Commonwealth Supported students, your:
- Student Learning Entitlement. This applies to all students enrolled in a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP).
Subjects withdrawn after the census date (including up to the ‘last day to withdraw without fail’) count toward the Student Learning Entitlement.
Last updated: 4 March 2025
Further information
- Texts
- Related Handbook entries
This subject contributes to the following:
Type Name Course Graduate Certificate in Health Informatics and Digital Health Course Master of Public Health Informal specialisation Evaluation and Implementation Science - Available through the Community Access Program
About the Community Access Program (CAP)
This subject is available through the Community Access Program (also called Single Subject Studies) which allows you to enrol in single subjects offered by the University of Melbourne, without the commitment required to complete a whole degree.
Please note Single Subject Studies via Community Access Program is not available to student visa holders or applicants
Entry requirements including prerequisites may apply. Please refer to the CAP applications page for further information.
Last updated: 4 March 2025