PBH1102 - Introduction to communicating health - 2019

In this unit, students will be introduced to theory and practice to assist with constructing and communicating public health information to various audiences from individuals to larger groups and the general public.

Students will explore message development and delivery, and examine a range of contemporary public health case studies in addition to analysis of recent communication campaigns.

The unit will cover health communication skills with various audiences and include the development of interpersonal skills, visual and written materials.

Health literacy, social marketing, working with the mass media and online health communication will also be explored.

On successful completion of this unit students will:

1. Distinguish different approaches to health communication.
2. Define theoretical models of communication, social change and marketing in relation to health and their application in approaches to health promotion.
3. Demonstrate oral and written presentation skills for a range of professional and lay audiences including low literate audiences.
4. Identify key stages in designing a communication campaign and apply them to a selected health issue.
5. Examine the role of the media in the construction of health issues.
6. Evaluate the communication strategies adopted by a range of local and international health communication examples as well as a range of health communication materials (print-based, electronic and web-based).

• Individual Health Communication Poster (20%)
• Individual Poster Pitch (5 mins) (10%)
• Individual Written Report (1,800 words) (30%)
• Team Oral Presentation (15 mins) (30%)
• Online Pre-Class Activities (weeks 2 to 12) (10%)

Additional hurdle requirements:

80% attendance at seminars.

80% participation in online tasks.

1. 5 hour seminar, 3 hours of directed online student learning activities, plus 6 hours of self-directed study per week.

See also Unit timetable information

Health science

Public health