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

Epidemiology and control of chronic diseases. Overview of important chronic diseases in Australia in 2011, and strategies for their prevention and control. Measurement of disease and burden of disease; concept of risk factors and risk factors for important chronic diseases; the effect of social and economic factors on the epidemiology of chronic diseases; impact of chronic diseases on society and the economy; smoking, nutrition and physical activity as risk factors for important chronic diseases; cardiovascular diseases and their prevention; oral diseases and their prevention; injuries and their prevention; respiratory diseases and their prevention; cancers and their prevention; screening as a public health tool; health promotion as a public health tool; use of evidence in public health programmes to prevent chronic diseases.

Objectives

On completion of this unit, the successful student will:

1. be able to describe the epidemiology and burden of chronic diseases in Australia
2. understand the causal pathways leading to important chronic diseases
3. be able to describe strategies for the public health control of chronic diseases
4. understand the role of public health evidence in the control of chronic diseases

Assessment

Online class tasks (50%) and written assignments (50%)

Chief examiner(s)

Dr Robert Hall

Contact hours

15 contact hours over 2 days

Prerequisites

MPH1040 and MPH1041

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

http://www.med.monash.edu.au/epidemiology/pgrad