Introduction to Public Health and Wellness

Unit code: HHB1104 | Study level: Undergraduate
Credit points
12
(Generally, 1 credit = 10 hours of classes and independent study.)
Location
City Campus
Footscray Park
Prerequisites
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

As part of a course

This unit is studied as part of the following course(s):

Bachelor of Applied Movement Sciences/Master of Physiotherapy
HCPT | Bachelor degree | Duration: 4.5 years
Bachelor of Dermal Sciences
HBDS | Bachelor degree | Duration: 4 years
Bachelor of Health Science
HBHL | Bachelor degree | Duration: 3 years
Bachelor of Psychological Studies
ABPA | Bachelor degree | Duration: 3 years
Bachelor of Psychology (Honours)
ABPC | Bachelor honours degree | Duration: 4 years
Bachelor of Social Work
ABSW | Bachelor degree | Duration: 4 years
Bachelor of Speech and Language Sciences/Master of Speech Pathology
HCSP | Bachelor degree | Duration: 4.5 years
Undergraduate Certificate in Health Science
HUHS | Undergraduate certificate | Duration: 0.5 years

Refer to the course page for information on how to apply for the course. VU takes care to ensure the accuracy of this unit information, but reserves the right to change or withdraw courses offered at any time. Please check that unit information is current with the Student Contact Centre.

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