Distance Education Course in Applied Gerontology

Who should participate?

This short course provides an overview of key gerontological issues that would meet the needs of participants from a wide range of backgrounds interested in starting study in, or refreshing their understanding of, ageing and older people.

Course content

Gerontology is the multidisciplinary study of ageing and older adults. Applied Gerontology emphasises the translation of gerontological research into the development of services, programs and interventions for the benefit of the older population.

This external short course is studied over a 16 week period, and can be started at any time. It requires approximately 8 hours of study and writing time per week.

Topics covered in the course include:

• Introduction to applied gerontology
• Population ageing
• The ageing body and brain
• Introduction to clinical gerontology
• Social factors impacting on the ageing experience
• Introduction to the psychology of growing older
• Mental health and older people
• Death and dying
• The context of care in the 21st century

Assessment

Over the course of study, participants will be asked to submit an essay and 10 reflective writing pieces. A grade of 50% or higher for each assessment piece will determine successful completion of the course. Participants are provided with electronic copies of the course study guide and readings. Access to a computer and the internet is required. Each participant is assigned a personal tutor who is available to assist with questions, problems or difficulties.

Upon completion

On successful completion of the course, students will receive a Certificate of Achievement including a final grade and list of topics covered in the course. While this certificate is not a formal qualification or credit, it can be used to demonstrate interest in learning about this area to potential employers or educational institutions.

Successful completion of this course offers potential entry into the post graduate Applied Gerontology program, if otherwise ineligible. The undergraduate program, Bachelor of Health Ageing, does not have the same eligibility to enter.