FACULTY OF HEALTH

Massive Open Online

Course (MOOC)
Understanding Dementia
Do you want to learn from leaders in the
field of dementia research, education
and care?
Are you interested in engaging with the
international community to discuss the
major issues surrounding dementia, and
ways to improve quality of life?
Then join the Understanding Dementia
FREE online course.

Frequently asked Questions

DURATION 9 weeks
1. Are there any pre-requisites for the course?
STUDY LOAD Flexible
COURSE OPENS 30 August 2016 No, you do not need any prior level of knowledge. All you need is
CAMPUS Online an email address.
FEE Free 2. Who would benefit from doing this course?
Anyone, from carers to health professionals and others
Course Overview interested in dementia.
About this course 3. How long does the course go for?
Understanding Dementia is designed to be accessible and The course runs for 9 weeks.
appealing to people from diverse backgrounds including:
4. How many hours a week will I need to dedicate to the
Health professionals
course?
Community and residential facility support staff
Approximately 3 hours per week.
People living with dementia, their families and carers
5. Do I receive a certificate of completion?
Health policy makers
Yes, if you complete the entire course (3 units), you can
Individuals with a general interest in dementia download a free certificate of completion.
The course draws upon the expertise of neuroscientists,
6. Are there exams or assignments?
clinicians, carers, people living with dementia knowledge
and other experts from the Wicking Dementia Research and There are no exams or assignments. However, we do have
Education Centre. regular quizzes for you to gain insight into your learning.

Understanding Dementia addresses the foremost issues

surrounding dementia, providing avenues for discussion
and to engage with this major international health issue with
participants from around the world.
The course provides information to improve quality of life across
the trajectory of dementia for people with the condition, their
families and carers.
The course is divided into three units:
The Brain
The Diseases
The Person
Understanding Dementia: Unit Guide
Unit 1 What is a MOOC?
The Brain provides a background on basic nervous system MOOC is an acronym for Massive Open Online
anatomy and function, followed by a discussion of the diseases
that cause dementia, current dementia research and future
Course a recent educational development
directions. that has been embraced by key universities and
Nervous system anatomy learning institutions around the world. MOOCs
Pathology of dementia offer free online learning opportunities, with
Future directions of research institutions such as the University of Tasmania
sharing their expertise and knowledge in an open
Unit 2
The Diseases explores differences between normal ageing environment that is accessible to any and all
and dementia, risk factors, symptoms of dementia, issues
surrounding diagnosis, as well as medical management.
Difference between normal ageing and dementia Completion of the Understanding Dementia MOOC
Risk factors for dementia can be recognised academically
Domains of dementia If you complete all three units of the Understanding Dementia,
Diagnosis of dementia you can download a FREE certificate of completion.
Dementia progression and staging
Younger onset dementia However, if you wish to receive evidence of your learning that is
Medical management recognised by the academic community internationally, you can
enrol at the University of Tasmania in the Negotiated Studies
Unit 3 in Understanding Dementia (CAD110) unit. Your MOOC work
The Person addresses identifying and responding to will be formally assessed as part of this internationally available,
symptoms, living with dementia, progression and staging, fully-online unit.
palliation, behaviours, and alternative therapies.
Living with dementia Further information about the Negotiated Studies in
Behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia Understanding Dementia (CAD110) unit, fees and enrolment
Pain and dementia processes, as well as the option of extending your qualifications
Advanced dementia symptoms and management with the University of Tasmanias Bachelor of Dementia Care,
Dementia palliation can be found at http://www.utas.edu.au/wicking/understanding-
Dementia inclusive design dementia/uni-qualification
Alternative therapies
Understanding Dementia
and introducing new content for 2016:
www.utas.edu.au/wicking/understanding-dementia
Dementia friendly communities

CRICOS Provider Code: 00586B