Credit Points 10

Legacy Code 400285

Coordinator John Bidewell Opens in new window

Description This is a flexible learning subject that deals with foundational concepts and issues relating to public health. The philosophical and historical development and the roles of public health in Australia are examined, as are the theories, policies, politics and principles that govern and inform practice. Emphasis is placed on understanding health issues and concerns in Greater Western Sydney Region as well as on national and international contexts of population health. The subject draws on current and emerging practical situations to highlight the dynamic yet continuing legacy of public health.

School Health Sciences

Discipline Public Health

Student Contribution Band HECS Band 2 10cp

Check your HECS Band contribution amount via the Fees page.

Level Undergraduate Level 2 subject

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this subject, students should be able to:

1. Critically analyse the theories, politics, policies and principles which govern and inform public health practice;
2. Evaluate the various approaches inherent in different public health movements;
3. Identify and analyse issues and concerns that influence the health of the Australian community and Greater Western Sydney in particular;
4. Discern and evaluate the appropriateness of public health responses to a current health need and/or problem;
5. Compare and contrast concepts of health as an investment and health as a social justice issue;
6. Investigate and describe multi-sectoral work in public health action.

Subject Content

- meaning and Importance of public health as area for scientific inquiry, health policy and practice.
- History of public health as a concept; changing approaches to public health policy and practice.
- Philosophical, political, economic, Ethical Issues concerning public health.
- Individualistic and social approaches to public health practice.
- principles and skills of public health practice.
- Different models of public health practice (e.g., primary, secondary and tertiary prevention).
- current Global, national and local public health Issues and concerns.
- Case studies of specific groups and communities (e.g., men's health, carers' health and Indigenous Australians' health).