Authorised by Academic Registrar, April 1996
Synopsis This subject aims to describe the distinctive social, political and scientific role of public health in the modern health care system. It covers the historical origins of the public health movement, the changing focus of the public health movement in the last two centuries and the role of public health in the Australian health care system in the present time. There will be consideration of the stance of public health with respect to social inequalities in health, scientific and technological change, economic forces and issues of professionalisation. The relationship with other health related disciplines will be addressed including the emphasis on preventive as opposed to curative health care. At the completion of this subject students should be able to apply a sociological perspective to current public health practice and methods; describe the social and political context of public health practice internationally; and critically appraise the public health literature in terms of social content. Teaching will comprise a combination of lectures, seminars and student presentations.
Assessment Critical appraisal exercises: 40% + Essay (3000 words): 60%