ACHW Units

ACHW's two Degrees and six Undergraduate Certificates are comprised of the following twenty-three units which cover a wide range of subjects across the exciting world of Health Science and Clinical Aesthetics.

AHS101: Integumentary System

This subject introduces students to the complexity of the ‘integumentary system’, the skin and related appendages including nails, hair, glands, and proteins and the variety of mechanical, thermal and environmental impacts that affect the ageing process and general health and functioning of the skin.

This subject introduces students to the complexity of the ‘integumentary system’, the skin and related appendages including nails, hair, glands, and proteins and the variety of mechanical, thermal and environmental impacts that affect the ageing process and general health and functioning of the skin.

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AHS102: Introduction to Applied Health Science

In this subject student explore the history of health care provision and contextualise it applicable to clinical aesthetics, within the contemporary health care system.  Students will study the wide variety of disciplines within modern health care provision and the treatments and technologies used in providing a health care experience for clients, looking into the evolution of health care and the commercial environment of health promotion.

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AHS201: Nutrition in Practice

In this subject, students explore the importance of correct dietary intake in order to maintain a healthy skin and body. Students will focus on how bodily functions are directly related to biochemical interactions and nutrition. In addition, this subject will cover nutritional requirements of the body, nutritional make-up of the modern diet/foods and clinical manifestations of nutritional deficiencies.

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AHS202: Cosmetic Chemistry

This subject considers the theories and practices associated with the cosmetic ingredients used in aesthetic practice via the scientific field of cosmetic chemistry, while contrasting this against the marketing ‘hype’ and language often used to promote cosmetic and related products and services. Students will be exposed to the classifications of raw state ingredients and their use in finished products.

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AHS301: Clinical Aesthetic Interventions (Surgical)

In this subject students will be exposed to the world of cosmetic surgical intervention in understanding the various surgical procedures for the specific segments of the face and body. The incorporation of underpinning knowledge in surgical terminology and documentation will ensure students can have effective surgical based communication with surgical practitioners.

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AHS302: Wellness and Anti-Ageing Management

This subject explores the specialist field of anti-ageing medicine and its role in the early identification, prevention and treatment of decreasing the age-related decline of the human body. Students will explore advancements in longevity science in both slowing ageing and also promoting wellness for increased chronological age and equip students for provision of a proactive model of health care. This subject illustrates how the integration of health care services is used to promote wellness of the body and mind to better withstand the effects of ageing.

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CAP101: Introduction to Clinical Practice

This is an introductory subject providing students with opportunities to participate in a learning environment that delivers both a theoretical understanding and practical application of the consultation process utilising both aesthetic and medical classifications and analysis in forming a comprehensive consultation. This subject explores therapeutic communication styles in gaining client history and appropriate record keeping within a practice, and the fundamentals of professional skin care as a base for further clinical aesthetic practices.

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CAP102: Dermal Therapy 1

This subject provides an opportunity for students to participate in a clinical learning environment that seeks to provide both theoretical understanding and practical application of chemical peeling and microdermabrasion. Students will develop critical thinking from evidence-based knowledge in reviewing patient history and presentation and formulation of appropriate chemical peeling and/or microdermabrasion treatments for predictable outcomes in clinical practice.  Additionally, students will be exposed to the safe operating process in the use of laser equipment.

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CAP201: Dermal Therapy 2

This subject provides an ongoing opportunity for students to participate in a clinical learning environment that seeks to provide both theoretical understanding and practical application of the light therapies used in a clinical aesthetic practice. Students will learn the appropriate and safe use of Light Emitting Diodes (LED) and Intense Pulsed Light (IPL), while studying the physical theory behind the use of lasers.

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CAP202: Advanced Dermal Interventions

This subject provides an opportunity for students to participate in a clinical learning environment that seeks to provide both theoretical understanding and practical application of RF, operation of laser equipment and Micro-needling. Students will develop critical thinking from evidence-based knowledge in reviewing patient history and presentation and delivery of appropriate treatment protocols for predictable outcomes in clinical practice.

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CAP301: Perioperatice Skincare

This subject considers the theories and practices associated with perioperative care. Students will draw from knowledge gained in earlier subjects to advance their knowledge and understanding of wound healing sequelae post operatively, and appropriate care at these differing stages.

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CAP302: Clinical Observation

This subject presents opportunity for students to participate in an immersive ‘real world’ learning environment that seeks to provide boththeoretical understanding and practical application of the technologies used in aesthetic practice. Within this learning environment, concepts integral to clinical aesthetics are placed in context and practice by working with practising professionals in the workplace. Students will explore, use and analyse various technologies essential to aesthetic practice.

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HBS101: Human Structure and Function 1

This subject introduces students to the wonders of the structure and function of the human body, including an overall introduction of the major body systems, the fundamentals of biochemistry that govern how body components, the structure and function of the communication systems such as the nervous system, the musculoskeletal system, endocrine system and the immune system, and an overview of the reproductive system.

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HBS102: Human Structure and Function 2

This subject considers the maintenance of body homeostasis through an investigation of the cardiovascular, respiratory and renal systems. An investigation into the electrical and mechanical functions of the heart, its interaction with the blood vessels, the hormones and the autonomic nervous system that control heart function. Also explored is the role of the renal system in the control of the chemical composition of the body, water balance and body fluid volume, and an overview of the respiratory and gastrointestinal system control of homeostasis.

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HBS201: Differential Diagnosis of Skin Disorders

This subject examines in detail the diagnosis, prognosis and treatment protocols of dermatological conditions following inflammatory processes. Students are introduced to the fundamentals of infection and pathology prior to studying some of the more common dermatological conditions and diseases such as acne, eczema and psoriasis to name a few.

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HBS202: Pathophysiology

This subject builds on the knowledge gained in Human Structure and Function subjects and advances the student’s understandings of the impact of disease and the ways alterations in homeostatic mechanisms disrupt the normative functioning of the human body. The subject concentrates on central concepts of patho-physiology such as how cells and tissues respond to pathogenic challenges, the principles behind genetic disorders and alterations in immunity and inflammation and how these affect the various systems in the body.

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HBS301: Stress, Ageing and the Skin

This subject introduces students to the contemporary theories and research regarding ageing and stress and its effects on the human body. Students gain an understanding of the normal ageing process and examine current technologies and treatments used in the mitigation of the demonstrable signs of the ageing and the maintenance of health. This subject also examines stress as the basis to the emerging epidemic in contemporary society and considers alleviation strategies.

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HBS302: Special Topics in Clinical Aesthetics and HCM302: Evidence Based-Practice


In this integrated unit of Evidence-Based Practice and Special Topics in Clinical Aesthetics, you will learn about evidence-based practice and its origins in clinical medicine. You will explore key concepts and terminology used, in particular the concept of meta-analysis, a research method by which clinicians may more effectively analyse and evaluate large amounts of research and research data in order to reach appropriate clinical decisions.

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HCM101: Introduction to Professional Practice

The subject is focuses on the socio-cultural, legal and ethical implications of professional therapeutic practice in the aesthetics industry. This subject introduces students to different practice modalities prior to tackling issues of sustainability, reflectiveness and ethics in practice, and also covers the theoretical and philosophical foundations influencing the decision-making processes of the aesthetic practitioner.

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HCM102: Professional Communication

The subject is designed to equip students with the oral and written communication skills they require to operate effectively in the workplace and to interact with a diverse clientele and professional medical network. This is achieved through an exploration of both the theoretical and practical dimensions of modern communications, with an emphasis on developing the skills needed to deal with a wide variety of different clinical communications environments.

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HCM201: Critical Thinking and Research Skills

This subject introduces students to the theories and practices associated with critical thinking and scientific research. It describes the principles of what is known as ‘evidence-based practice’ and explores the research process before looking at some of the ethical and political aspects of research. The subject examines in detail key research paradigms including the two principle approaches to research: quantitative and qualitative research, and introduces students to the key tools and techniques used in data collection and analysis including sampling, surveys, interviews, case studies, observation, experiments, and content analysis.

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HCM202: Practice Management

This subject introduces students to the field of entrepreneurship, innovation, practice management and how associated theories, processes and practices can be applied to the allied health sector. This subject will explore entrepreneurial ways of thinking and how to innovatively and creativity overcome obstacles, the qualities and characteristics of well-known and successful entrepreneurs, and the methods by which new ventures can be created.

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HCM301: Psychology of Clinical Aesthetics

This subject introduces students to the field of psychology and how it influences and affects our daily lives, discussing the relationship between physiology and psychology and how psychological traumas and anxiety can manifest themselves physically. This subject examines the relationship between psychology and aesthetics and the desire for aesthetic modification.

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