BMS3011

Public health and health promotion

6 points · 3 lectures per week and 3 hours practical or equivalent · First semester · Clayton

Objectives On completion of this subject, students should have a sound understanding of the role of preventive medicine in the health care framework and types of preventive medicine strategies. Students will come to understand the strengths and limitations of preventive medicine, and how it is best applied to different segments of the community. Students will consider examples of common diseases effecting the community and will study the role of prevention in the management of these diseases. Students will develop an understanding of disease prevention in cardiovascular disease, cancer and obesity; infectious diseases will be considered, along with community programs such as gun control, road safety programs, and immunisation programs. Students will also gain an understanding of methods involved in health promotion, such as behaviour modification, life style changes and the role of Government. Students will learn to appreciate the influence of the cultural make-up of the society on public health and health promotion. Students will understand the role of diet and nutrition in disease prevention and health promotion.

Synopsis The subject will comprise a series of modules. These will include the role of preventive medicine in the health care framework; a discussion of the role of preventive medicine in the common diseases affecting the community; the role of community programs in health promotion; health promotion methods; cultural influences on public health and health promotion; importance of diet and nutrition in health promotion and disease prevention.

Assessment Written examination: 50% · Tutor's assessment: 20% · Essay 30%

Prescribed texts

To be advised

Back to the 1999 Medicine Handbook