HUMAN ECOLOGY AND HEALTH
PHE1HEH
2018
Credit points: 15
Subject outline
In this subject students will be introduced to the principle that health is determined by the relationship between humans and the environment in which they live. The interplay between biological and cultural processes creates implications for health.The human response has been to develop organised systemic approaches to address challenges to health. These responses will be tracked from hunter gatherer societies through to the 21st century societies to demonstrate the development of our current understandings of health, our relationship with the planet, ecological sustainability and the emergence of our current health system. This subject addresses La Trobe's Sustainability Thinking Essential. Sustainability Thinking entails deep appreciation of how the choices we make affects the natural, economic, social, political and cultural systems - now and in the future.
School: La Trobe Rural Health School
Credit points: 15
Subject Co-ordinator: Glenda Verrinder
Available to Study Abroad Students: Yes
Subject year level: Year Level 1 - UG
Exchange Students: Yes
Subject particulars
Subject rules
Prerequisites: N/A
Co-requisites: N/A
Incompatible subjects: N/A
Equivalent subjects: N/A
Special conditions: N/A
Learning resources
Readings
| Resource Type | Title | Resource Requirement | Author and Year | Publisher |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Readings | Human ecology and health | Prescribed | Verrinder, A 2010 | 4TH EDN. |
| Readings | Human frontiers, environments and disease | Recommended | McMichael, AJ 2001 | CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY PRESS, CAMBRIDGE. |
| Readings | The spirit level | Recommended | Wilkinson, R et al 2009 | ALLEN LANE, LONDON. |
| Readings | Weekly online resources on the LMS | Recommended | Subject co-ordinator and tutors | NA |
Graduate capabilities & intended learning outcomes
01. Discuss the notion that health is a function of the relationship between humans and the environment including our physiological, social and psychological needs.
- Activities:
- Lectures, tutorials, laboratory practicals, excursions to assist with essay, online quiz and exam.
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Literacies and Communication Skills(Writing,Cultural Literacy)
- Literacies and Communication Skills(Writing,Cultural Literacy)
- Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking)
02. Discuss the interplay between biological and cultural processes and the implications for human health and wellbeing.
- Activities:
- Lectures, tutorials, laboratory practicals, excursions to assist with essay, online quiz and exam.
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Literacies and Communication Skills(Writing,Cultural Literacy)
- Literacies and Communication Skills(Writing,Cultural Literacy)
- Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking)
03. Describe changing concepts of health during major transitions and differing strategies and systems adopted in societies to manage health problems, from hunter-gatherer societies to the present day.
- Activities:
- Lectures, tutorials, laboratory practicals, excursions to assist with essay, online quiz and exam.
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Literacies and Communication Skills(Writing,Cultural Literacy)
- Literacies and Communication Skills(Writing,Cultural Literacy)
- Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking)
04. Explain the basic mechanisms of biological and cultural adaptation and outline Boyden#s preconditions for successful cultural adaptation.
- Activities:
- Lectures, tutorials, laboratory practicals, excursions to assist with essay, online quiz and exam.
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Literacies and Communication Skills(Writing,Cultural Literacy)
- Literacies and Communication Skills(Writing,Cultural Literacy)
- Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking)
05. Define core ecological concepts, describe principles of sustainability and discuss possible structures in a future sustainable relationship between humans and the planet
- Activities:
- Lectures, tutorials, laboratory practicals, excursions to assist with essay, online quiz and exam.
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Literacies and Communication Skills(Writing,Cultural Literacy)
- Literacies and Communication Skills(Writing,Cultural Literacy)
- Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking)
06. Discuss optimal life conditions as they relate to human health
- Activities:
- Lectures, tutorials, laboratory practicals, excursions to assist with essay, online quiz and exam.
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Literacies and Communication Skills(Writing,Cultural Literacy)
- Literacies and Communication Skills(Writing,Cultural Literacy)
- Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking)
Bendigo, 2018, Semester 2, Day
Overview
Online enrolment: Yes
Maximum enrolment size: N/A
Enrolment information:
Subject Instance Co-ordinator: Glenda Verrinder
Class requirements
TutorialWeek: 31 - 43
One 2.0 hours tutorial per week on weekdays during the day from week 31 to week 43 and delivered via face-to-face.
LectureWeek: 31 - 43
One 1.0 hours lecture per week on weekdays during the day from week 31 to week 43 and delivered via blended.
Laboratory ClassWeek: 35 - 35
One 1.0 hours laboratory class per study period on weekdays during the day from week 35 to week 35 and delivered via face-to-face.
Field TripWeek: 42 - 42
One 2.0 hours field trip per study period on weekdays during the day from week 42 to week 42 and delivered via face-to-face.
Assessments
| Assessment element | Comments | % | ILO* |
|---|---|---|---|
| one online test (1250 words) | Reduced to 25% from 30% | 25 | 01, 02, 03, 04, 05, 06 |
| one 1,250-word essay | 30 | 01, 02, 03, 04, 05, 06 | |
| one 1.5-hour examination | Increased to 45% from 40% | 45 | 01, 02, 03, 04, 05, 06 |