Unit Outline

CAM314 is a capstone unit that consolidates knowledge and skills developed across the degree through a project-based investigation of a contemporary health challenge. Students apply a structured Needs Assessment framework to define the problem, synthesise relevant medical and public health evidence, incorporate stakeholder context, and identify key gaps and priorities. Based on this analysis, students develop an evidence-informed proposal for a Community Health Output, a tangible planning or advocacy artefact appropriate to the intended audience. Full implementation of the Community Health Output is not required. In-class activities will generate material that contributes directly to the final Project Portfolio. The unit emphasises critical inquiry, project planning, professional communication, and translation of biomedical knowledge into applied health planning.

Intended Learning Outcomes

As per the Assessment and Results Policy 1.3, your results will reflect your achievement against specified learning outcomes.

On completion of this unit, you will be able to:


1	Define a contemporary health problem using a structured needs assessment, stakeholder context and relevant medical and public health evidence
2	Propose an evidence-informed Community Health Output that addresses the defined problem and is appropriate for the intended audience and context
3	Communicate the rationale, process and outputs of the project clearly and professionally using formats and conventions appropriate to the intended audience
4	Reflect on project’s evidence base including stakeholder considerations, feasibility, limitations, and professional practice considerations to inform future improvements

Requisites


REQUISITE TYPE	REQUISITES
Pre-requisite	CAM209

Alterations as a result of student feedback

In response to the feedback from previous student cohort, changes may have been made which may include adjustments to assessments and alignment of some of the timelines. As always, the teaching team will greatly appreciate your feedback both informally during the delivery of the unit in 2026, and formally through the University of Tasmania’s Unit Survey following your completion of the unit.

How will I be Assessed?

For more detailed assessment information please see MyLO.

Assessment schedule


ASSESSMENT TASK #	ASSESSMENT TASK NAME	DATE DUE	WEIGHT	LINKS TO INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES
Assessment Task 1:	Project Portfolio / Needs Assessment Report	See the MyLO site for the due date	35 %	LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4
Assessment Task 2:	Project Pitch	Week 4	10 %	LO1, LO2, LO3
Assessment Task 3:	Project Proposal	Week 6	25 %	LO1, LO2, LO3
Assessment Task 4:	Final Project Presentation	Week 12	30 %	LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4

Assessment details

Assessment Task 1: Project Portfolio / Needs Assessment Report

Task Description:

The Project Portfolio is a substantial written submission that presents the completed needs assessment undertaken as part of the capstone project. It draws on evidence, analysis, and materials developed through in-class activities across the semester. It The portfolio synthesises medical and public health evidence, stakeholder context (where applicable), and analysis of resources and gaps to examine a contemporary health issue and to justify a proposed, evidence-informed Community Health Output. Students are not required to implement or evaluate the proposed output, instead the focus is on evidence-informed planning, justification, and professional communication.

Task Length:

2000 words

Due Date:

See the MyLO site for the due date

Weight:

35 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Define and analyse a contemporary health problem using a structured needs assessment, synthesising relevant medical and public health evidence and stakeholder context	LO1
2	Justify a proposed evidence-informed Community Health Output or intervention that addresses the identified needs and is appropriate for the intended audience and context	LO2
3	Communicate the analysis, rationale, and proposed outputs clearly and professionally in a structured written portfolio using academic writing	LO3
4	Reflect critically on the project’s evidence base, stakeholder considerations, feasibility, and limitations to identify areas for improvement and inform future professional practice	LO4

Assessment Task 2: Project Pitch

Task Description:

10-minute pitch session (4 min speaking + 6 mins question time).
The Project Pitch is a short oral presentation in which you outline your proposed project topic, rationale, intended approach and respond to questions. The purpose of this task is to introduce the health problem you plan to address and explain why it matters in the context of health and disease. Please note that more than half of the total marks for this task will be allocated to the Q&A component, which evaluates understanding and the ability to respond to questions. This task supports early project development and provides formative feedback that should be used to refine the project prior to submission of the Project Proposal (AT2).

Task Length:

10-minute oral presentation (4 min presentation plus 6 mins questions).

Due Date:

Week 4

Weight:

10 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Define and justify a contemporary health problem using relevant medical and public health evidence.	LO1
2	Propose a preliminary evidence-informed Community Health Output or intervention that addresses the defined problem and is appropriate for the intended audience and context.	LO2
3	Communicate the problem, rationale, and proposed approach clearly and professionally in an oral format to support a proposed intervention or strategy.	LO3

Assessment Task 3: Project Proposal

Task Description:

Students will develop a detailed, evidence-informed proposal for a capstone project addressing a contemporary health or disease-related issue. Building on feedback received in the Project Pitch (AT1), students will refine their project focus using a structured needs assessment approach, including problem definition, synthesis of relevant literature, consideration of stakeholder context (where feasible and appropriate), and analysis of existing resources and gaps. The proposal will culminate in a justified and feasible plan for a proposed Community Health Output.

Task Length:

1500 words

Due Date:

Week 6

Weight:

25 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Define and justify a contemporary health problem using a structured needs assessment approach and synthesising relevant medical and public health evidence	LO1
2	Communicate the rationale, methods, and proposed outputs clearly and professionally in a written format	LO3
3	Propose an evidence-informed Community Health Output that addresses the defined problem and is appropriate for the intended audience and context	LO2

Assessment Task 4: Final Project Presentation

Task Description:

15-minute oral presentation (7 min presentation + 8 mins question time).
This assessment requires students to prepare and deliver an oral presentation that communicates the aims, process, and outcomes of their capstone project. Students will present the findings of their needs assessment and the proposed Community Health Output and respond to questions. More than half of the total marks for this task will be allocated to the Q&A component, which assesses students’ depth of understanding, critical thinking, and ability to respond to questions. Please note, this is a hurdle task and must be passed in order to complete the unit.

Task Length:

15-minute oral presentation (7 min presentation plus 8 mins questions).

Due Date:

Week 12

Weight:

30 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Explain and justify the chosen health problem using relevant medical and public health evidence informed by a structured needs assessment	LO1
2	Present the proposed Community Health Output or intervention in relation to the identified needs, audience, and context	LO2
3	Communicate the rationale, process and outputs of the project clearly and professionally in an oral presentation using appropriate visual support	LO3
4	Reflect critically on project development, outcomes, and professional practice	LO4

How your final result is determined

To pass this unit, you need to demonstrate your attainment of each of the Intended Learning Outcomes, achieve a final unit grade of 50% or greater, and pass any hurdle tasks.

Academic progress review

The results for this unit may be included in a review of your academic progress. For information about progress reviews and what they mean for all students, see Academic Progress Review in the Student Portal.

Submission of assignments

Where practicable, assignments should be submitted to an assignment submission folder in MYLO. You must submit assignments by the due date or receive a penalty (unless an extension of time has been approved by the Unit Coordinator). Students submitting any assignment in hard copy, or because of a practicum finalisation, must attach a student cover sheet and signed declaration for the submission to be accepted for marking.

Academic integrity

Academic integrity is about acting responsibly, honestly, ethically, and collegially when using, producing, and communicating information with other students and staff members.

In written work, you must correctly reference the work of others to maintain academic integrity. To find out the referencing style for this unit, see the assessment information in the MyLO site, or contact your teaching staff. For more detail about Academic Integrity, see Important Guidelines & Support.

Requests for extensions

If you are unable to submit an assessment task by the due date, you should apply for an extension.

A request for an extension should first be discussed with your Unit Coordinator or teaching support team where possible. A request for an extension must be submitted by the assessment due date, except where you can provide evidence it was not possible to do so. Typically, an application for an extension will be supported by documentary evidence: however, where it is not possible for you to provide evidence please contact your Unit Coordinator.

The Unit Coordinator must notify you of the outcome of an extension request within 3 working days of receiving the request.

Late penalties

Assignments submitted after the deadline will receive a late penalty of 5% of the original available mark for each calendar day (or part day) that the assignment is late. Late submissions will not be accepted more than 10 calendar days after the due date, or after assignments have been returned to other students on a scheduled date, whichever occurs first. Further information on Late Penalties can be found on the Assessments and Results Procedure.