Introduction to Public Health and Wellness

Unit code: HHB1104 | Study level: Undergraduate
12
(Generally, 1 credit = 10 hours of classes and independent study.)
City Campus
Footscray Park
N/A
Overview
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Overview

This unit will assist students to develop skills in describing the origins and concepts of public health and its relationship to contemporary public health initiatives, challenges and practices. Students will gain knowledge on health and its determinants and how these impact on public health interventions. The role of public health at each stage of the disease continuum will be used to introduce definitions and interventions that address identified health priorities.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:

  1. Review the development of public health in Australia and beyond;
  2. Explain the basic principles and concepts that underpin public health and wellness;
  3. Discuss the potential role and the interface of political, cultural, social, behavioural and environmental determinants of health in the design and delivery of public health programs;
  4. Discuss health issues affecting Australia's diverse population; and
  5. Participate in an academic community through reflective and critical engagement in academic texts and understanding of principles of academic integrity.

Study as a single unit

This unit can be studied on its own, without enrolling in a full degree.

Learn more about single units of study at VU

Assessment

For Melbourne campuses

Assessment type: Test
|
Grade: 20%
Two (2) Online Tests
Assessment type: Portfolio
|
Grade: 40%
Review on a contemporary public health issue currently in the news (600 words)
Assessment type: Presentation
|
Grade: 40%
Individual Presentation (5 minutes) on a local or national public health intervention (7 slides with notes approx. 1500 words)
Assessment type: Other
|
Grade: 0%
Evidence of completion of the Academic Integrity Modules (Hurdle)

Required reading

Introduction to Public Health
Fleming, M.L. and Parker, E. (2015)| Churchill Livingstone, Elsevier, Sydney

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