Monash University Handbook 2011 Postgraduate - Unit

Refer to the specific census and withdrawal dates for the semester(s) in which this unit is offered.

Synopsis

This unit will equip students with foundation skills to apply health impact assessment (HIA) methodologies to inform policy and program planning and decision making processes. Students will develop an understanding of, and skills in, HIA by examining the key concepts, processes and tools of the differing health impact assessment methodologies. The history of its development both internationally and within Australia will be explored. This unit is designed to be both theoretical and practical, so that students are able to critically appraise HIA methodologies and their suitability for applying them in different policy and planning contexts. Case studies will be used to illustrate the steps and procedures in HIA providing students with the practical skills which will enable them to undertake such assessments.

Objectives

1. Describe the history and origins of heath impact assessment;
2. Identify the formal steps used in the practical application of health impact assessments in different contexts;
3. Determine when health impact assessment could be used to enhance decision making processes;
4. Describe the range of contemporary debates linked to health impact assessment both nationally and internationally;
5. Critically appraise current and completed health impact assessment case studies;
6. Differentiate between the range of different contexts in which health impact assessment can be applied; and
7. Develop a health impact assessment proposal.

Assessment

Review of a completed HIA report (1000 words, 20%); Preparation of a HIA proposal (2500 words, 40%); Essay (Critical analysis) (2500 words, 40%)

Chief examiner(s)

Dr Jessica McCormick

Contact hours

The unit will be run as a four-day intensive (total face to face contact of 24 hrs), plus private study (reading, assignments and online participation in Blackboard discussion groups), averaged over the 12 week semester - a total of 156 hours.

Prerequisites

None

Co-requisites

None

Prohibitions

None

Additional information on this unit is available from the faculty at:

http://www.med.monash.edu.au/healthsci/