This unit is designed to introduce students to the main theories, principles and values of public health illustrated by selected major topics in nutrition and in active living from a global perspective. It investigates policy, systematic and multi-discipline public health approaches as a global and local effort to address contemporary health challenges. The origins and evolution of public health and major global achievements in public health and their impact on health of populations are explored. The role and interface of political, cultural, social, behavioural and environmental determinants of health of populations informs critique and discussion throughout the unit.
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Learning Outcomes
| 1. | Critically appraise local, national and global health disparities, identify their determinants and propose strategies to address them based on a contemporary evidence-base; | ||
| 2. | Deconstruct the philosophy underpinning public health action and how it has evolved; | ||
| 3. | Conceptually map and interrogate theories and frameworks used in developing and evaluating health policies in the global arena; | ||
| 4. | Apply multi-discipline public health approaches to review evidence and produce policy recommendations particularly related to the disciplines of global nutrition and active living; and | ||
| 5. | Identify and debate global threats to, and opportunities for, public health and well-being in various authentic and simulated contexts. |
Assessment
| Assessment type | Description | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| ICT (Wiki, Web sites) | Contribution to a wiki on concepts in public health (1,000 words) | 20% |
| Test | Two (2) Quizzes (1,000 words equivalent) | 20% |
| Report | Critical analysis on social determinants of health (1,000 words) | 20% |
| Assignment | Policy issue paper (2,000 words) | 40% |
Required reading
The New Public Health 3rd ed.
Tuchinsky,T. & Varavikova, E. (2014)
San Diego , Elsevier, Academic Press
Routledge Handbook in Global Public Health 1st ed.
Parker, R. & Sommer, M. (2011)
New York, Routledge
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