Course Title: Aromatherapy for Wellness

Part A: Course Overview

Course Title: Aromatherapy for Wellness

Credit Points: 12.00

Terms

Course Code

Campus

Career

School

Learning Mode

Teaching Period(s)

COTH2155

Bundoora Campus

Postgraduate

150H Health Sciences

Internet

 Sem 1 2010,
Sem 2 2010,
Sem 1 2011,
Sem 1 2012

Course Coordinator: Dr Pauline McCabe

Course Coordinator Phone: +61 3 9925 7881 0R 7331

Course Coordinator Email: pauline.mccabe@rmit.edu.au

Course Coordinator Location: Bundoora 202.4.63

Course Coordinator Availability: On campus part-time.


Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities

None.


Course Description

Introduction to Aromatherapy is offered fully online. You will gain an overview of aromatherapy and its applications in enhancing wellbeing, and practical experience of the home use of essential oils. The course covers the history and modern practice of aromatherapy; common chemical families found in essential oils and their effects; aromatherapy and aesthetics; making simple aromatherapy products; safety, quality and marketing issues; blending essential oils; physiological and psychological aspects (skin, olfaction, brain, memory, mood); and locating reliable aromatherapy literature.


Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development

On successful completion of Aromatherapy for Wellness, you will be able to apply a basic level of aromatherapy to enhance wellbeing and treat a small range of minor complaints such as colds and muscular aches. Students with additional relevant health care qualifications may be eligible to join a professional aromatherapy association, although it might be necessary for you to arrange some additional clinical training depending on individual association requirements.


On successful completion of the course you should be able to:

  • Discuss aromatherapy from historical and contemporary perspectives
  • Describe the chemistry of essential oils
  • Describe the different methods of essential oil extraction, production and quality control.
  • Describe and explain the therapeutic effects and safety issues relevant to essential oils
  • Describe and explain how to use aromatherapy oils safely and effectively
  • Critically evaluate aromatherapy literature
  • Describe and explain professional and ethical issues in aromatherapy practice.


Overview of Learning Activities

Learning activities include:

  • working through the course, activities and study questions presented in the online learning package
  • prescribed reading
  • online discussion forums and small group work
  • online tests
  • identification of suitable essential and fixed oils via labelling requirements and description of products
  • manufacture at home of simple aromatherapy products for personal use
  • searching for and evaluating aromatherapy professional and technical literature


Overview of Learning Resources

Students will be able to access course information and learning materials through myRMIT Studies. Lists of relevant reference texts, resources in the library and freely accessible Internet sites will be provided.


Overview of Assessment

The assessment for this course is designed to test both theoretical and practical knowledge of aromatherapy. It is a mix of written assignments, online tests, and the manufacture of a small number of aromatherapy products for personal use. Active participation in the discussion board is also a requirement of the course.

To help students meet the assessment requirements your progress will be monitored throughout the course. The interactive online activities will provide opportunities for self-assessment and feedback from staff and/or students on a regular basis.