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 |
Sustainable Development Goals
The Unit Coordinator has identified that this unit aligns with the following UN Sustainable Development Goals. We welcome your thoughts and feedback on the alignment of the unit with these goals.
Availability
Specific information on 2027 unit availability will be available in August
Key Dates
| Study Period | Start date | Census date | WW date | End date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Semester 1 | 21/2/2027 | 15/3/2027 | 18/4/2027 | 12/6/2027 |
| Semester 2 | 4/7/2027 | 26/7/2027 | 29/8/2027 | 23/10/2027 |
* 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 2027 are indicative and subject to change. Finalised census dates for 2027 will be available from the 1st October 2026. Note census date cutoff is 11.59pm AEST (AEDT during October to March).
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
2027 fee information will be available in August.
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.