Enrolments for 2020 have closed.
History and Principles of Public Health
Postgraduate | ACU-PUBH610 | 2020
Course information for 2020 intake View information for 2024 course intake
- Study method
- 100% online
- Assessments
- 100% online
- Entry requirements
- Part of a degree
- Duration
- -
FEE-HELP available
History and Principles of Public Health
About this subject
On successful completion of this unit, students should be able to:
- Demonstrate advanced knowledge of the history and principles of public health and explain how they inform contemporary (and future) practice
- Compare and contrast the population-level approach of public health with individual/service-oriented health practice in terms of focus, values and goals
- Critique the role of public health principles in improving community and population health
- Critically evaluate specific public health problems using methods or assessment tools used in contemporary practice
- Apply knowledge of public health history and principles to practical problems in an integrated and appropriate manner
- History of public health
- Principles of public health
- Contemporary public health practice
- Broader contribution and influence of public health: social and economic conditions, inequality/inequity
Knowledge and understanding of the historical, conceptual and ethical underpinnings of public health is vital to becoming an effective practitioner. This subject aims to provide students with a contemporary overview of the historical development of public health, with an emphasis on its key achievements and broader social and economic contributions (past and present). Selected historical events and figures will be examined, particularly in relation to their continuing influence on public health practice. Students will then examine conceptual and ethical frameworks supporting public health action, with a focus on health inequalities, inequities, community engagement and rights-based approaches in public health. The distinctive role and function of public health practitioners will be examined, and compared to that of other actors within the health system. Students will apply their knowledge and understanding to selected case studies that exemplify key debates, difficulties and dilemmas in contemporary public health practice.
A range of assessment procedures will be used to meet the unit learning outcomes and develop graduate attributes consistent with University assessment requirements. In order to successfully complete this unit, students need to complete and submit three graded assessment tasks and obtain an aggregate mark of greater than 50%.
Student must complete and submit the Academic Skills and Integrity Module as a hurdle for either PUBH610 or PUBH611. Completion of the pre-MPH academic skills and integrity must be completed in the first semester of study
The assessment strategy allows students to progressively develop their knowledge and skills to the level
of sophistication where they are able to critique current controversies in the principles of public health. In order to develop the knowledge and skills required to achieve the learning outcomes and Graduate Attributes, students first demonstrate knowledge through a short written assignment, further develop their understanding through synthesising this knowledge in a priority setting exercise, and apply their understanding in an authentic way by writing personal reflections of new concepts learned and how they
extend their practice- Health inequality audit (40%)
- Priority setting assessment (40%)
- Practice reflection (20%)
For textbook details check your university's handbook, website or learning management system (LMS).
Established in 1991 after amalgamating four eastern Australian Catholic tertiary institutes, Australian Catholic University now has seven campuses, from Brisbane to Melbourne and welcomes students of all beliefs. Specialising in arts, business, education, health sciences, law, theology and philosophy, ACU encourages its students to think critically and ethically and bring change to their communities and offer this online through Open Universities Australia.
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Entry requirements
To enrol in this subject, you must be admitted into a degree.
Additional requirements
No additional requirements
Study load
- 0.125 EFTSL
- This is in the range of 10 to 12 hours of study each week.
Equivalent full time study load (EFTSL) is one way to calculate your study load. One (1.0) EFTSL is equivalent to a full-time study load for one year.
Find out more information on Commonwealth Loans to understand what this means to your eligibility for financial support.