PHE5WPH

WELLBEING AND PREVENTION IN HEALTH

PHE5WPH

2017

Credit points: 15

Subject outline

In this subject, you will gain insights into public health action and systems underpinning action. You will learn about the development of public health practices through time, from the earliest recorded efforts to control disease and maintain health to today's practices. There will be a focus on five themes: (i) public health practice in the context of complex systems shaping the determinants of health; (ii) interventions on important public health issues including tobacco, nutrition, physical activity, alcohol, mental health, violence, and the evidence base supporting them (iii) new and emerging issues for public health including health inequalities, disaster recovery, problem gambling, urbanisation and climate change; (iv) interventions relevant to 'at risk' and vulnerable populations in Australia such as Indigenous Australians, marginalised populations and low income groups; (v) approaches to locating and assessing evidence, and applying evidence in different contexts. Students will become familiar with the evolution and status of the national agenda for prevention and health promotion in Australia and other countries.

SchoolSchool of Psychology & Public Health

Credit points15

Subject Co-ordinatorSally Fawkes

Available to Study Abroad StudentsYes

Subject year levelYear Level 5 - Masters

Exchange StudentsYes

Subject particulars

Subject rules

PrerequisitesN/A

Co-requisitesN/A

Incompatible subjectsN/A

Equivalent subjectsN/A

Special conditionsN/A

Learning resources

Readings

Resource TypeTitleResource RequirementAuthor and YearPublisher
ReadingsAustralia: the healthiest country by 2020 - the roadmap for actionPreliminaryAustralian Government, 2009NATIONAL PREVENTIVE HEALTH TASKFORCE, CANBERRA
ReadingsPublic Health Practice in Australia. The Organised Effort. (2nd Ed)RecommendedLin, V., Smith, J. and Fawkes, S., 2014ALLEN AND UNWIN, SYDNEY
ReadingsAdvocacy and action in public health: lessons from Australia over the 20th centuryPrescribedGruszin S, Hetzel D & Glover J. (2012)COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA, CANBERRA

Graduate capabilities & intended learning outcomes

01. Evaluate the factors contributing to public health successes in Australia and other countries

Activities:
Research, critically analyse and discuss changes in public health issues, action and systems over time; Write an assessment of how success was achieved for two different health issues
Related graduate capabilities and elements:
Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)
Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)
Personal and Professional Skills(Teamwork including leadership and working in groups,Autonomy and independence,Study and Learning Skills)
Discipline -Specific Knowledge and Skills(Discipline-Specific Knowledge and Skills)

02. Analyse how public health knowledge and systems are being utilised to address significant, contemporary health issues for different population groups

Activities:
Analyse scholarly materials; Discuss information, evidence and insights presented by public health professionals; Make an online posting on LMS of key learnings
Related graduate capabilities and elements:
Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)
Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)
Personal and Professional Skills(Teamwork including leadership and working in groups,Autonomy and independence,Study and Learning Skills)
Discipline -Specific Knowledge and Skills(Discipline-Specific Knowledge and Skills)

03. Critique strategies developed and implemented in Australia to respond to the health needs of Indigenous populations and newly arrived migrants

Activities:
Participate in a program of field visits; Research and record a video assignment on a persistent health challenge for a given 'at risk' or vulnerable population group
Related graduate capabilities and elements:
Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)
Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)
Personal and Professional Skills(Teamwork including leadership and working in groups,Autonomy and independence,Study and Learning Skills)

04. Apply knowledge and skills with creativity and initiative to new situations and health-related issues

Activities:
Collaborate with other students to research and develop an original response to a public health problem and present this to peers for discussion and debate
Related graduate capabilities and elements:
Discipline -Specific Knowledge and Skills(Discipline-Specific Knowledge and Skills)
Personal and Professional Skills(Teamwork including leadership and working in groups,Autonomy and independence,Study and Learning Skills)
Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)
Literacies and Communication Skills(Writing,Speaking,Cultural Literacy)
Literacies and Communication Skills(Writing,Speaking,Cultural Literacy)

Subject options

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Start date between: and    Key dates

City, 2017, Semester 1, Blended

Overview

Online enrolmentYes

Maximum enrolment size60

Enrolment information Class room size and subject resources for blended delivery Quota number for HMPHC (Master of Public Health) students is 60. Students for whom WPH is an elective need approval from Subject Coordinator.

Subject Instance Co-ordinatorSally Fawkes

Class requirements

Lecture/Workshop
Five 6.3 hours lecture/workshop per study period and delivered via face-to-face.
"Block mode consisting of five full days per semester. Weeks: 12,13,14,19 & 22"

Assessments

Assessment elementComments%ILO*
one 1,500-word assignment2001
Short video presentation supported by fully referenced powerpointThis assessment focuses on Indigenous Australians and health inequality4001, 02, 03
15 minute group presentation and 1000 word commentary on peer presentations4001, 02, 03, 04