Recommended Study Sequence

This unit examines the nature of public health and develops a systemic understanding of various public health policy frameworks and issues. The unit provides the context and history for understanding public health approaches, explores the cultural and social dimensions of health and illness and the economic and political environment in which health policies and strategies are developed and implemented. The unit advocates a view of health that includes an implicit recognition of the physical, social and economic environment, affirms the importance of social justice and equity in health care, and emphasises the importance of inter-sectoral collaboration.

Health promotion is a process that seeks to enable individuals, communities and populations to increase control over their health by addressing the determinants of health, resulting in improved health outcomes. The historical development of international health promotion efforts will be traced. Various theoretical underpinnings of health promotion are explored, factors enhancing and limiting interventions reviewed and the levels of health promoting actions demonstrated with a view to developing best practice. Evaluation of health promotion activity is also reviewed.

Evidence is mounting that the health of individuals, groups and whole populations is significantly determined by social factors – the social determinants. The related research has its origins in concern for the growing inequalities in health both within and between countries. This unit examines the framework of the social determinants of health in a global perspective and includes a reflection on the phenomenon of globalisation and its impact, both positive and negative on people’s health. Students will critically reflect on this relatively new and emerging body of knowledge and research which clearly situates the maintenance of health and healthy societies within their socioeconomic and socio-cultural contexts. They will also examine implications for policy, health systems and different groups within society.

The unit explores contemporary examples of the role of economics in the organisation, funding and provision of health services. Case examples include, Australia, America, China, Hong Kong, Scandinavia, United Kingdom and India. Students use the principles of economics to assess funding of health with a focus on the interface between economics, ethics and equity in decision making. They also consider the tendency for health systems to be organised around economic principles in areas such as, contracting out, health insurance and pharmaceuticals. Students are encouraged to reflect on the challenges and future directions of their own health system in the context of the unit components.

In this unit students study epidemiological design and analytic strategies as well as biostatistics. The unit also examines the use of surveillance and population datasets to measure and monitor population health and plan health services. Students will develop skills to critically appraise research in health and health care. A range of research studies is examined including studies of occurrence and risk factors for disease and studies evaluating intervention treatments or programs. Both the epidemiological and statistical evidence for the findings are critically assessed

This unit aims for postgraduate students to apply scientific methods to a variety of research situations and questions; to understand the range of ways in which additions to knowledge in the applied sciences are initiated, validated and communicated and to prepare and trial research designs best suited to the particular type of issue each student wishes to address. The unit is taught through self-paced, self-directed learning. Class contact will be a three-day workshop, in the first and second half of session, respectively. Students will have the opportunity to field test their own research design.