6 points, SCA Band 2, 0.125 EFTSL
Postgraduate - Unit
Refer to the specific census and withdrawal dates for the semester(s) in which this unit is offered.
Faculty
Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences
Organisational Unit
Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine
Coordinator(s)
Not offered in 2017
Synopsis
This unit provides an introduction to epidemiology and control of chronic diseases. Included in this unit is an overview of important chronic diseases currently impacting Australia, 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 will be examined. Additionally, students will examine the effect of social and economic factors on the epidemiology of chronic diseases and the impact of chronic diseases on society and the economy. The impact of screening and health promotion as public health tools will be discussed, along with use of evidence in public health programmes to prevent chronic diseases.
Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this unit, students should be able to:
- Describe the epidemiology and burden of chronic diseases in Australia.
- Assess the causal pathways leading to important chronic diseases.
- Analyse strategies for the public health control of chronic diseases.
- Evaluate the role of public health evidence in the control of chronic diseases.
- Examine the influence of social and economic factors on chronic diseases.
Assessment
- Responses to 6 weekly forum discussions topics (450 words each) (45%) (hurdle)
- Written essay (1,500 words) (25%)
- Written essay (2,000 words) (30%)
Workload requirements
Off-campus: 20 hours per week for 6 weeks.
See also Unit timetable information
Chief examiner(s)
This unit applies to the following area(s) of study
Co-requisites
Must be enrolled in one of the following course codes: 4529, M6021