6 points, SCA Band 2, 0.125 EFTSL
Undergraduate - 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
School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine
Chief examiner(s)
Coordinator(s)
Unit guides
Synopsis
This unit provides an introduction to the principles and practices of contemporary public health. Case study examples are used to illustrate public health successes, including the key elements contributing to these successful approaches.
Key concepts introduced include population health, social determinants of health, health inequalities, health and human rights, and the core roles and functions of public health systems, policies and programs.
Inequalities within and across national boundaries are explored, as well as the contributing factors to these inequalities. Public health priorities are explored through consideration of population health trends and vulnerable populations.
Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit students will:
- Describe the principles underpinning public health practice.
- Identify a range of public health interventions and compare their strengths and limitations.
- Discuss how behavioural, social and cultural, environmental and political determinants contribute to health outcomes.
- Explain the causes and consequences of health inequalities.
- Summarise information from relevant high quality public health sources.
Assessment
- Online quiz (30 minutes) (10%)
- Written essay (1,800 words) (30%)
- Group oral presentation (20 minutes) (15%)
- Examination (MCQ, short answer and essay questions) (2 hours) (45%) (Hurdle)
Hurdle requirement:
80% attendance at tutorials
80% participation in online tasks
Workload requirements
1 hour lecture, 2 hour tutorial, 3 hours of directed online student learning activities, plus 6 hours of self-directed study per week.
See also Unit timetable information