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Units indexed by faculty Master of International HealthCourse code: 3874 + Course abbreviation: MIH + Total credit points required: 72 + 3 semesters full-time, 6 semesters part-time Study mode and course locationOn-campus (Alfred Hospital, Melbourne) Course descriptionThis course is offered by the Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, in collaboration with the Centre for International Health at the Burnet Institute for Medical Research and Public Health. This degree provides you with the skills necessary to design implement and evaluate the relevant programs that address the major public health priorities of communities in developing countries. In addition students have the opportunity to learn about human rights, ethics, law and development. Public health issues are presented in the broader context of economic and social development, stressing cultural, political, gender and environmental influences, and the impact of armed conflict and population migration. Course content is informed by actual field experiences gained by the Burnet Institute in their wide range of health development projects in more than 20 countries in Asia, the Pacific and Africa. Course objectivesThe overall objectives for the course cover four main curricular themes. Moral, political, economic and social influences on health and development and implementation of primary health care in less developed countriesBy the end of the course students will: 1. describe the history, cornerstones and elements of Primary Health Care and its relationship with politics, economics, development and human rights; 2. describe current global influences on health in less developed countries and current international agreements to address health disciplines; 3. analyse the economic, political, cultural, social and gender determinants of health in resource poor settings; and 4. describe the interaction between development, human rights, ethics and health services. Quantitative and qualitative methodology for international health programme planning and evaluationBy the end of the course students will: 1. describe core epidemiological and biostatistical concepts required in public health and the theoretical basis for different types of quantitative and qualitative research performed in relation to human health; 2. be able to critically review the scientific merit (including appropriateness of statistical methodology) of international health research; 3. be able to apply basic quantitative and qualitative tools to primary health care programming in a less developed country setting; and 4. develop appropriate health program management tools, including situational analysis, population surveys, behavioural studies, health information systems, operations research and participatory evaluation. Special issues in international healthBy the end of the course students will: 1. comprehend the special health needs of vulnerable and marginalised groups, including women and children, refugees and internally displaced persons; 2. be able to develop in participation with local communities, appropriate and accessible health programs aimed at particular health issues, such as nutritional and chronic diseases, and communicable disease control such as HIV/AIDS; and 3. demonstrate an adequate understanding of the special circumstances and actions required in an acute disaster setting, including a refugee emergency. Practical application of theory and knowledgeBy the end of the course students will: 1. design and carry out ethical research to identify health priorities and generate initiatives for policy and action; 2. participate in the development and management of community-based primary health care programs in a less developed country setting, including needs assessments, planning and evaluation, health information collection, and operations research incorporating the essential components of participation and collaboration; 3. develop community-based health promotion strategies to address community identified health priorities; and 4. demonstrate skills in report writing, oral presentations, verbal and visual communications. Course structureThe course consists of six core units and six elective units. Core unitsSemester 1
Semester 2Semester 3
or
Plus three electives from the list below. Elective unitsSemester 1
Semester 2
Students may also elect to cross-enrol in the following University of Melbourne units:
or the following La Trobe University units:
AssessmentAssessment consists of student presentations, written assignments, examinations, practical exercises and class participation. Contact detailsDr Bebe Loff, course coordinator: telephone: +61 3 9903 0587; email: bebe.loff@med.monash.edu.au or visit www.med.monash.edu.au/epidemiology/pgrad/ Course coordinatorDr Bebe Loff Previous page | Next page | Section contents | Title and contents |