COURSE CURRICULUM

The Bachelor of Health Science (Health and Lifestyle) with a focus on Naturopathic Medicine at Southern Cross University is a structured program designed to provide students with comprehensive knowledge and practical skills in health science, lifestyle medicine, and naturopathy. In the first year, students begin by developing foundational skills through The Reflective Learner and Health Science Scholar (HLTH1004) and Introduction to Science for Health Professions (HLTH1001), which emphasize reflective learning and scientific understanding. Courses such as Health and Indigenous Australian Peoples (INDG2001) and Introductory Anatomy and Physiology (HBIO1009) introduce students to culturally informed health practice and basic human biology, while Integrated Anatomy and Physiology (HBIO1010) provides deeper knowledge of body systems. Foundational naturopathic knowledge begins with Professional Contexts in Naturopathic Medicine 1: Foundations (NATM2004), and students also explore Biochemistry (BIOL2007) and Introducing Health Psychology (PSYC1009). Completion of these first-year units may allow students to exit with a diploma.In the second year, students advance their understanding of health sciences and naturopathic practice. Core units include Foundations of Evidence for Health Science Practitioners (STAT2001), Introductory Pharmacology (PHAR2001), and Exercise Physiology (HLTH2002), which provide essential scientific and clinical knowledge. Naturopathic-specific courses such as Professional Contexts in Naturopathic Medicine 2: Ethics and Law (NATM2005), Nutritional Medicine (NUTR2001), Botanical Medicine (NATM2001), Massage and Mind-body Medicine (NATM2003), and Clinical Studies in Naturopathic Medicine 1: Assessment, Microbiology and Immunity (NATM2002) integrate practical skills with ethical, legal, and evidence-based approaches.The third year emphasizes advanced clinical and research training. Students study Clinical Studies in Naturopathic Medicine 2 through 5 (NATM3001–NATM3004), covering the integumentary, gastrointestinal, musculoskeletal, nervous, cardiovascular, respiratory, urogenital, and endocrine systems. Practice-Based Health Research (HLTH5009) and Health Promotion and Project (PBHL3005) strengthen research and applied health promotion skills. Counselling Theory and Practice (WELF1003) supports professional communication and client engagement. This structured program prepares graduates for further clinical training in the Master of Naturopathic Medicine, equipping them with the theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and professional understanding required to become competent clinical naturopaths.