Leader: A/Prof Frank Archer

Offered

Peninsula First semester 2008 (On-campus block of classes)
Peninsula Second semester 2008 (On-campus block of classes)
Peninsula Summer semester A 2008 (On-campus block of classes)

Synopsis

This unit provides an introduction to the graduate certificate or may be taken as a stand alone unit introducing the field of study. The unit includes international disaster epidemiology, the disaster cycle, the science and contemporary models of emergency preparedness and disaster medicine. The unit will introduce national and international organisations, academic resources and an introduction to the multi-disciplinary approach and the social and political concepts of disasters and disaster medicine.

Objectives

On completion of this unit the student should be able to:

1. Enhance their ability to perform in their role as community-based emergency health professionals.
2. Describe the international classification and scope of disasters.
3. Describe the international trends in disaster epidemiology, with a specific focus on Australia, Oceania and Asia.
4. Explain the phases in the natural history of disasters.
5. Explain the phases of the emergency management cycle.
6. Outline contemporary models relating to the science of disaster medicine.
7. Outline the academic resources available in this field.
8. Outline the national infrastructure, and international relations, relating to Emergency Preparedness and Disaster Medicine.
9. Describe the multi-disciplinary approach required in managing disasters.
10. Outline the impact of political and social contexts of disasters.

Assessment

Pre-block reading task (1000 words) (10%), 4 x worksheets during block (500 words each) (20%), 2 x assignments (2,000 words each) (70%).

Contact hours

5 day full-time block, comprising lectures and tutorials, case-based discussion, interactive learning in small groups, and WebCT-based support.