Units

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Sample subject outline - Semester 1 2013

Note: Subject outlines often change before the semester begins. Below is a sample outline.

Rationale

There is increasing evidence that the integrity of the environments in which we live are under substantial pressure, particularly from the way we live. The end result of such pressure is that the basic and fundamental pre-requisites for human health are threatened. The practice of Environmental Health has always been concerned with the study of the human - environment interface and in particular the quest for developing sustainable environments for health. In recognition of the multi-disciplinary effort required to maintain and sustain such environments, this Unit is relevant to many discipline areas (eg. public health, environmental science, education, social science, engineering and planning) and provides a valuable insight into the contributions that each discipline can make to establishing sustainable environments for health.

Aims

The aim of this unit is to provide an overview of environmental health and introduce the importance of achieving environments that are able to sustain human health. In particular, the unit will outline the practice of environmental health, its scientific foundations, and its integral place in the overarching discipline of public health.

Objectives

Throughout all aspects of this unit you will be expected to demonstrate appropriate sensitivity to and an understanding of cultural and gender-related issues. On completion of this unit, you should be able to:

1. Describe how the environment in which we live impacts on human health;
   
2. Explain fundamental and contemporary issues in environmental health practice;
   
3. Discuss the management of environmental health in Australia, including the roles of the various levels of government and other agencies;
   
4. Explain the reason for needing an interdisciplinary approach/basis to resolve environmental health related problems, including health promotion and risk management.

Content

Major topics addressed in this unit include: overview/introduction to environmental health, ecosystems and sustainable development, built environment, air pollution, food safety, water and sanitation, waste and contaminated land, communicable diseases, physical agents, Indigenous environmental health, environmental health management, and global environmental health issues.

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

This unit will be available in internal mode. It will be taught using a variety of teaching methods including weekly lectures, case studies (some from guest lecturers) and tutorials. Your active participation and discussion in tutorials will be strongly encouraged to promote an exchange of ideas between tutors and students and to expand on the theory presented in lectures. Students will lead tutorial discussions by presenting a Group Seminar each week from Week 3.

Assessment

General assessment information
There are three assessments to be completed as you progress through the semester and each assessment item is equally weighted.Feedback to students
Assessment will be spaced throughout the semester to provide the opportunity for feedback on your learning at key points. Each week there will also be a formative learning activity in the form of a quiz that will assist students to keep-up with the material covered.

Assessment name: Presentation (Oral or Group)
Description: You are required to participate in group presentations at tutorials. These will be based on an environmental health topic that relates to a case study which will be provided.
Relates to objectives: 1 and 2
Weight: 33%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Group
Due date: Week 3

Assessment name: Examination (written)
Description: You will be required to complete a mid-semester theory examination with multiple choice questions. This will cover your learning from the first half of the semester.
Relates to objectives: 1-3
Weight: 33%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Week 7

Assessment name: Examination (written)
Description: You will be required to complete a closed-book final theory examination comprising discussion and essay-style questions. This will cover your learning from the second half of semester along with fundamental principles.
Relates to objectives: 1-4
Weight: 33%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Examination Period

Academic Honesty

QUT is committed to maintaining high academic standards to protect the value of its qualifications. To assist you in assuring the academic integrity of your assessment you are encouraged to make use of the support materials and services available to help you consider and check your assessment items. Important information about the university's approach to academic integrity of assessment is on your unit Blackboard site.

A breach of academic integrity is regarded as Student Misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties.

Resource materials

Nil required.

Risk assessment statement

Substantial computer-based work will be required. Students should refer to the guidelines for safe work at VDUs contained in the SPH Guidelines to Students. Students should ensure that their workstations are adjusted in accordance with these guidelines and that regular rest breaks are taken.

Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of semester.

Last modified: 17-Oct-2012