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

Legal frameworks, such as the Public Health Act 2005, the Environmental Protection Act 1994, the Sustainable Planning Act 2009, local laws and other State and local legislation, provide the basis for environmental health and environmental management practice. A thorough understanding of this legislation, the prosecution process and other legal frameworks is vitally important to the practice of an environmental health professional. These legal frameworks have been developed over many years and aim to protect the health of the community. These frameworks encompass scientific principles for the protection of the public's health, but respond to emerging public issues and perspectives. This unit explores legal and legislative issues, public health and environmental health legislation and the legal issues associated with the administration of public health legislation.

Aims

The purpose of this unit is to develop a detailed understanding of the legislation and legislative frameworks and principles that form the foundation for environmental health and environmental management practice.

Objectives

On successful completion of this unit, you will:
1. interpret the application of the public health, environmental protection, planning and local government legislation
2. identify and manage environmental health/environmental management using the relevant legal frameworks
3. explain the legal procedures relevant to the administration of environmental and public health legislation
4. lawfully gather evidence and prepare enforcement options including prosecution
5. integrate administrative law requirements and ethics throughout practice

Content

Major topics include: an introduction to law and government, public health law, planning and environmental law, local laws, administrative law, investigation processes and procedures.

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

Students will be expected to attend a 2 day on-campus workshop and to undertake self-directed learning through the use of self-study materials (modules and readings), on-line exercises and assessment items. The Blackboard site will be used extensively to provide all students with: an overview of the unit program, access to the self-study materials and readings, details on assessment items, access to lecture notes from class presentations, links to relevant documents and websites, on-line exercises, and as a means of communicating notices/announcements to students. The on-campus workshop session provides for practical reinforcement of theoretical information presented in the study materials and active participation by all students in all teaching elements is strongly encouraged to allow for the exchange of ideas between students and teaching staff.

Assessment

Each assessment type in this unit will be subject to internal /external moderation, such as cross unit discussions and regular meetings of assessors, to ensure that marks awarded by different teaching staff are internally consistent and meet appropriate academic standards (MOPP C/5.2).Assessment will be spaced throughout the semester to provide the opportunity for feedback on your learning at key points. You will be provided with feedback on each assessment item as you progress through the unit.

Assessment name: Quiz
Description: You will be required to complete a quiz containing short answer questions relating to legislation covered in the modules of study. This is an open-book quiz and is to be completed outside-of-class.
Relates to objectives: 1,2
Weight: 30%
Internal or external: Both
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Week 5, 9

Assessment name: Essay
Description: You will be required to write a 2500 to 3000 word essay on the interpretation and application of legislation to a given scenario.
Relates to objectives: 1-5
Weight: 40%
Internal or external: Both
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Week 13

Assessment name: Examination (written)
Description: You will be required to complete a written examination comprising discussion and essay-style questions. This will be conducted on-campus for internal students and at a university arranged location for external students.
Relates to objectives: 1-5
Weight: 30%
Internal or external: Both
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Central Exam 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. You should ensure that you take regular rest breaks when engaging in prolonged computer-based work.

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: 24-Oct-2012