Public Health in Practice

Unit code: HMG7200 | Study level: Postgraduate
Credit points
12
(Generally, 1 credit = 10 hours of classes and independent study.)
Location
Footscray Park
St Albans
VU Online
Prerequisites
N/A
Overview
Enquire

Overview

This unit explores how public health theories, principles and values have informed the practice of public health with a focus on program planning for health promotion. The origins and purpose of health promotion and the theories which inform health promotion practice are examined along with the potential of health promotion to positively influence the determinants of health and reduce health inequalities. Students will gain skills in a range of practical approaches and methods for promoting health. Students will use a project management cycle to assess needs, set priorities for action and plan and manage interventions that promote health in populations. Theoretical aspects of the unit will be reinforced through their application to local, national and global issues.

Learning Outcomes

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

  1. Critically evaluate the key theories and concepts which inform health promotion and locate these within contemporary debates in the field;
  2. Interrogate a range of approaches and methods for promoting health and exemplify how they are used in health promotion programs;
  3. Critically appraise models of health behaviour and behaviour change;
  4. Substantiate the application of the project management cycle to design a health promotion intervention for a specific community and elucidate theory and evidence to corroborate the selection of strategies and identification of outcomes;
  5. Interpret evidence to inform and apply program evaluation and management; and
  6. Participate in an academic community through reflective and critical engagement in academic texts and understanding of principles of academic integrity.

Assessment

For Melbourne campuses

Assessment type: Review
|
Grade: 20%
Critical review of health promotion theory (1000 words)
Assessment type: Project
|
Grade: 50%
Development of a health promotion Project Plan (2500 words)
Assessment type: Presentation
|
Grade: 30%
Three (3) minutes scripted health promotion video related to health promotion project (1500 words)
Assessment type: Other
|
Grade: 0%
Evidence of completion of the Academic Integrity Modules (Hurdle)

Other locations

For students studying at VU Online
Assessment type: Review
|
Grade: 10%
Critical review of health promotion theory (500 words)
Assessment type: Project
|
Grade: 50%
Development of a health promotion Project Plan (2,500 words)
Assessment type: Presentation
|
Grade: 40%
Scripted health promotion video related to health promotion project (2,000 word equivalent)
Assessment type: Other
|
Grade: 0%
Evidence of completion of the Academic Integrity Modules (Hurdle)

Required reading

Required readings will be made available on VU Collaborate.

As part of a course

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

Graduate Certificate in Public Health
HTPT | Graduate certificate | Duration: 8 months
Master of Public Health
HMPT | Masters (coursework) degree | Duration: 2 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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