Units
Contemporary Public Health
Unit code: PUB251
Contact hours: 4 per week (KG and Ext Sem 1; KG Sem 2)
Credit points: 12
Information about fees and unit costs
This unit provides an introduction to the following: the philosophy and approach of public health; the traditional public health process; the multidisciplinary nature of public health; and health policy and its impact on public health. Recent reformulations of traditional public health approaches including health promotion, intersectoral action for health and healthy public policy are examined. The role of public health in Australia and overseas, its main discipline components and some of the constraints faced by public health is also addressed. This unit considers groups with special needs and contemporary issues.
Availability
| Semester | Available |
|---|---|
| 2013 Semester 1 | Yes |
| 2013 Semester 2 | Yes |
Sample subject outline - Semester 1 2013
Note: Subject outlines often change before the semester begins. Below is a sample outline.
Rationale
This unit provides you with an introduction to the nature, scope, philosophy and strategies of public health. Effective measures in public health ensure the health of communities and populations is maintained and any risks which threaten our health are eliminated or significantly reduced. You will also be introduced to the main foci, current concerns and constraints of public health in Australia and internationally. You will gain an insight into a range of multi-disciplinary approaches which are necessary in attaining effective public health and the need for comprehensive programs which respond to the health needs of communities and populations to ensure better health outcomes.
It is important for students working across a range of disciplines in the health sciences, including nutrition, para-medicine and podiatry, as well as other professions, such as Health and Physical education teachers, to understand the fundamentals of public health and the roles and contributions of specific health professionals both within Australia and internationally. Knowledge of public health strategies and how they apply to contemporary public health problems in Australia enables a wide range of health workers to work collaboratively towards advancing the health of the population.
Aims
The aim of this unit is to:
1. Introduce you to the concepts and principles which underpin public health.
2. Review examples of strategies and techniques for a range of public health activities.
3. Introduce you to a number of contemporary public health issues.
Objectives
Throughout all aspects of this unit, you will be expected to demonstrate sensitivity to and an understanding of cultural and gender-related issues, as appropriate. On completion of this unit, you should be able to:
- Understand the range and scope of public health practice;
- Understand the variety of public health strategies and their application to public health practice;
- Identify and explain emerging public health issues within Australia and internationally;
- Outline the importance of inter-professional practice:
- Demonstrate basic written communication and other information literacy skills.
Content
This unit explores:
- Section 1 - History and Definitions of Public Health
- Section 2 - Determinants of Health
- Section 3 - Ethics, Evidence and Practice
- Section 4 - Health Protection and Promotion
- Section 5 - Contemporary Issues
- knowledge and skills specific to public health practice
- critical, creative and analytical thinking, and effective problem-solving in addressing public health challenges
- effective communication in a variety of contexts and modes
- the capacity for life-long learning about public health
- the ability to work independently and collaboratively to address public health issues
- social and ethical responsibility and an understanding of Indigenous and international perspectives on health
- characteristics of self-reliance and leadership within the public health context
Specific skill and graduate capabilities you will develop include:
Approaches to Teaching and Learning
Contemporary public health will be discovered through applying a range of teaching and learning strategies. These include searching the internet, by open tutorial discussions with tutorial staff, and encouraging students across a range of health disciplines to work collaboratively to develop public health programs which are responsive to the health needs of a variety of communities. The integration of theory and practice is achieved by linking lectures, tutorial discussions and tutorial presentations. Teaching methods include lectures, tutorials, self-directed learning and group work.
Assessment
General assessment information
There are three assessment items to be completed as you progress through the semester.Feedback to students
Assessment items will be spaced throughout the semester commencing with the annotated bibliography to provide the opportunity for feedback on your learning to that point. Feedback about your annotated bibliography and your group work will be provided by your lecturer and tutor.
Assessment name:
Presentation (Oral or Group)
Description:
You will be required to work in groups to compile a portfolio of your semester's group work and develop an oral presentation. You will also complete an individual reflection about the process of group work.
Relates to objectives:
1, 2, 3, 5.
Weight:
45%
Internal or external:
Internal
Group or individual:
Group with Individual Component
Due date:
Weeks 12 and 13
Assessment name:
Examination (written)
Description:
You will be required to complete a written examination.
Relates to objectives:
1, 2, 3, 4
Weight:
35%
Internal or external:
Internal
Group or individual:
Individual
Due date:
Examination Period
Assessment name:
Annotated Bibliography
Description:
You will be required to produce an annotated bibliography on a selected topic.
Relates to objectives:
1, 2 and 4
Weight:
20%
Internal or external:
Internal
Group or individual:
Individual
Due date:
Week 6
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
Required Textbook
Fleming, ML and Parker E (Eds) (2012) Introduction to Public Health (2nd ed.) . Chatswood: Elsevier, Australia.
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: 30-Oct-2012
