Introduction to Public Health unit (CAM529)

Hobart, Online

Introduction

This unit introduces the scope of public health practice in the 21st century and the social, political and economic context within which public health practitioners operate. The unit combines theoretical and practical content to assist your learning about the determinants of health; importance of improved equity to raising health standards locally, nationally and globally, and ways by which communities can be engaged and empowered to identify and address issues that affect their health. Different health outcomes for people across a range of communities will be critically examined in relation to public health practice.

Summary

Unit name	Introduction to Public Health
Unit code	CAM529
Credit points	12.5
College/School	Health School of Medicine
Discipline	Medicine
Coordinator	Ms Stacey van Dongen
Delivered By	University of Tasmania
Level	Postgraduate

Availability

Location	Study period	Attendance options		Available to
Hobart	Semester 1
Hobart	Semester 2
Online	Semester 1
Online	Semester 2

Note

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Units are offered in attending mode unless otherwise indicated (that is attendance is required at the campus identified). A unit identified as offered by distance, that is there is no requirement for attendance, is identified with a nominal enrolment campus. A unit offered to both attending students and by distance from the same campus is identified as having both modes of study.

Key Dates

Study Period	Start date	Census date	WW date	End date
Semester 2	5/7/2026	27/7/2026	30/8/2026	24/10/2026
Semester 1	22/2/2026	16/3/2026	19/4/2026	13/6/2026

* The Final WW Date is the final date from which you can withdraw from the unit without academic penalty, however you will still incur a financial liability (refer to How do I withdraw from a unit? for more information).

Unit census dates currently displaying for 2026 are indicative and subject to change. Finalised census dates for 2026 will be available from the 1st October 2025. Note census date cutoff is 11.59pm AEST (AEDT during October to March).

About Census Dates

Learning Outcomes

• Analyse a definition of public health and its development within the Australian and global contexts
• Critically reflect on and advocate for the delivery of public health functions in the Australian context
• Critically analyse the determinants of health and health inequities, and their impact(s) on the health outcomes of populations and in particular Indigenous peoples
• Critique how public health priority issues are addressed by policy at a local, national and global level
• Communicate key challenges for the health of populations, and potential solutions at a local, national and global level

Fee Information

Field of Education	Commencing Student Contribution 1,3	Grandfathered Student Contribution 1,3	Approved Pathway Course Student Contribution 2,3	Domestic Full Fee 4
061399	$1,192.00	$1,192.00	not applicable	$3,069.00

• Available as a Commonwealth Supported Place
• HECS-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility³
• FEE-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility⁴

¹ Please refer to more information on student contribution amounts.
² Please refer to more information on eligibility and Approved Pathway courses.
³ Please refer to more information on eligibility for HECS-HELP.
⁴ Please refer to more information on eligibility for FEE-HELP.

If you have any questions in relation to the fees, please contact UniConnect or more information is available on StudyAssist.

Please note: international students should refer to What is an indicative Fee? to get an indicative course cost.

Teaching

Teaching Pattern	On Campus Enrolment: Independent Learning 6 hours weekly; Workshop 2 hours weekly Online Enrolment: Independent Learning 8 hours weekly; Tutorial (Online) 1 hour (8 times during the semester)
Assessment	Discussion Board (10%)|Public Health Case Study (20%)|Social Determinants and Health Equity Report (30%)|Interactive Oral Presentation (40%)
Timetable	View the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable

Textbooks

Required	Required readings and other resources will be provided through MyLO.
Recommended	You can access the reading list for this unit from the link in MyLO or by going directly to the reading lists page on the University Library website.

The University reserves the right to amend or remove courses and unit availabilities, as appropriate.