Subject details

At the completion of this subject students will be able to:

  1. evaluate the social, political, historical, environmental and cultural basis of indigenous health in both an Australian and global context
  2. analyse current patterns of morbidity and morality in indigenous, non-indigenous and culturally diverse populations and health disparities
  3. critically examine issues in measuring health outcomes in indigenous and culturally diverse populations
  4. synthesise the intercultural knowledge and skills necessary to work and communicate effectively across indigenous, non-indigenous, and culturally diverse social and health settings.

  • Topics

    • Introduction to Indigenous health
    • Common characteristics of Indigenous societies
    • Globalisation, development and the environment
    • Morbidity and Mortality in Indigenous Populations: Global Overview and the Diseases of Poverty and Disadvantage
    • Morbidity and Mortality in Indigenous Population: Chronic Disease and Mental Health in Indigenous People
    • Health Services for Indigenous Populations in Developing Countries
    • Health Systems and Approaches for Indigenous Peoples in Developing Countries
    • Access and Barriers to Utilisation of Health Services for Indigenous Populations
    • Intercultural Communication Skills in Indigenous Health Care

  • Study resources

    • Instructional Methods

      • Disscusion forum/Discussion Board
      • Embedded Multimedia
      • Online assignment submission
      • Standard Media
      • Web links

    • Print Materials

      • Welcome letter

    • Online Materials

      • Audio-Video streaming
      • Resources and Links
      • Printable format materials
      • Online Assessment

Entry Requirements

Equivalent Subjects

You cannot enrol in this unit if you have successfully completed any of the following subject(s) because they are considered academically equivalent:

  • CUR-INH180

Special requirements

No special requirements

This subject will explore the health of vulnerable populations, including the Australian Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander, South Sea Islander persons, and Indigenous populations’ global and local perspectives. Epidemiological aspects of Indigenous, non-Indigenous health; patterns of morbidity and mortality, and geographic, social, economic and political determinants will be critically investigated. Basic principles underpinning healthcare delivery to Indigenous, non-Indigenous and culturally diverse peoples; healthcare delivery and resource allocation and models of practice are analysed. Students will also explore cultural awareness, culturally-informed practice and beginning cultural competence and migrant and refugee health.

Please Note: If it’s your first time studying a Curtin University subject you’ll need to complete their compulsory ‘Academic Integrity Program’. It only takes two hours to complete online, and provides you with vital information about studying with Curtin University. The Academic Integrity Program is compulsory, so if it’s not completed your subject grades will be withheld.

Find out more about the Academic Integrity module.

  • Critical discussion paper (30%)
  • Presentation (30%)
  • Critical review (40%)

Textbooks are subject to change within the academic year. Students are advised to purchase their books no earlier than one to two months before the start of a subject.

View textbooks

Related Degrees

postgraduate OUA-PSU-GCE-2018

Postgraduate Single Subjects