University of Sydney Handbooks - 2012 Archive

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International Public Health

Graduate Diploma in International Public Health

(GradDipIntPH) KF029

Master of International Public Health

(MIntPH) KC053

Course Credit points for award Duration full-time Duration part-time
GradDipIntPH 36 1 year 1.5 to 3 years
MIntPH 48 1 year 1.5 to 4 years

Candidates for the graduate diploma must complete 36 credit points of study (24 core and 12 elective).
Candidates for the master's degree must complete 48 credit points of study (24 core and 24 elective).

Overview

International Public Health emphasises a modern approach to public health in low- and middle-income countries. It aims to ensure students can work productively in public health in an international context, particularly in developing countries, through understanding the distribution and determinants of disease and health and the social and cultural contexts in which disease and health are embedded. Students will also learn about health systems and policies and interventions for effective disease prevention and control.

Course outcomes

The course focuses on themes such as causes of ill-health and premature mortality; determinants of health and quality of life; infectious diseases and under-nutrition; and health in rural and urban contexts and in ethnically diverse populations. It also covers infrastructure development for disease control and health promotion, and relevant aspects of program design, implementation and evaluation.

Degree resolutions

Sydney Medical School resolutions and the printed handbook are the official statement of faculty policy. The resolutions contained in the printed handbook are accurate as at August 2011. If a conflict is perceived between the content of the printed handbook and information available elsewhere, Sydney Medical School resolutions and the information available in the handbook online shall always take precedence. See the handbook online website:
sydney.edu.au/handbooks/medicine/
See the Policy Online website: sydney.edu.au/policy, for copies of University policies.

 

Graduate Diploma in International Public Health

Master of International Public Health


These resolutions must be read in conjunction with applicable University By-laws, Rules and policies including (but not limited to) the University of Sydney (Coursework) Rule 2000 (the 'Coursework Rule'), the Resolutions of the Faculty, the University of Sydney (Student Appeals against Academic Decisions) Rule 2006 (as amended) and the Academic Board policies on Academic Dishonesty and Plagiarism.

Course resolutions

1 Course codes

Code Course title
KF029 Graduate Diploma in International Public Health
KC053 Master of International Public Health

2 Attendance pattern

The attendance pattern for this course is full time or part time according to candidate choice.

3 Master's type

The master's degree in these resolutions is a professional master's course, as defined by the Coursework Rule.

4 Embedded courses in this sequence

(1)
The embedded courses in this sequence are:
(a)
the Graduate Diploma in International Public Health
(b)
the Master of International Public Health.
(2)
Providing candidates satisfy the admission requirements for each stage, a candidate may progress to the award of any of the courses in this sequence. Only the longest award completed will be conferred.

5 Admission to candidature

(1)
Available places will be offered to qualified applicants according to the following admissions criteria. In exceptional circumstances the Dean may admit applicants without these qualifications who, in the opinion of the Faculty, have qualifications, evidence of experience and achievement sufficient to successfully undertake the award.
(2)
Admission to the Graduate Diploma in the International Public Health requires:
a bachelor's degree from the University of Sydney or equivalent qualification.
(3)
Admission to the Master of International Public Health degree requires:
a four year degree from the University of Sydney or equivalent qualification.

6 Requirements for award

(1)
The units of study that may be taken for the courses are set out in the Tables of Units of Study: International Public Health.
(2)
To qualify for the award of the Graduate Diploma in International Public Health a candidate must successfully complete 36 credit points of core units of study, comprising:
(a)
24 credit points of core units of study; and
(b)
12 credit points of elective units of study, with a minimum of 6 credit points from Part 1 of the International Public Health tables of units of study.
(3)
To qualify for the award of the Master of International Public Health, a candidate must successfully complete 48 credit points, comprising:
(a)
24 credit points of core units of study; and
(b)
24 credit points of elective units of study, with a minimum of 12 credit points from Part 1 of the International Public Health table of units of study.

7 Transitional provisions

(1)
These resolutions apply to persons who commenced their candidature after 1 January, 2011 and persons who commenced their candidature prior to 1 January, 2011 who formally elect to proceed under these resolutions.
(2)
Candidates who commenced prior to 1 January, 2011 complete the requirements in accordance with the resolutions in force at the time of their commencement.

Tables of units of study: International Public Health

Unit of study Credit points A: Assumed knowledge P: Prerequisites C: Corequisites N: Prohibition Session

Core units

Full-time students take all core units (24 credit points) in Semester 1 of a given year; part-time students usually take 12 credit points in Semester 1 in each of two consecutive years. Note - students commencing enrolment in Semester 2 of a given year will need to do elective units before core units.
MIPH5131
Foundations of International Health
6      Semester 1
MIPH5132
Disease Priorities and Social Methods
6      Semester 1
PUBH5010
Epidemiology Methods and Uses
6    N BSTA5011
Semester 1
PUBH5018
Introductory Biostatistics
6      Semester 1

Elective units Part 1

Full-time master's students take 24 credit points of elective units in Semester 2 of a given year; part-time students usually take 12 credit points in Semester 2 in each of two consecutive years. Candidates for the master's degree must choose a minimum of 12 credit points from Part 1; candidates for the graduate diploma must choose a minimum of 4 credit points from Part 1. Students who have not completed all core units must ensure they fulfil all essential prerequisites before enrolling in electives. Students commencing mid-year should discuss their elective choices with the course coordinator before enrolling.
HPOL5007
Global Health Policy
6      Semester 2
MIPH5004
International Health Independent Study 1
2   
Note: Department permission required for enrolment
The student is required to fill in 2 copies of Praxis Registration Form, signed by the student and the supervisor, to give one copy to IPH Office and take the other copy to the Postgraduate Student Administration Unit to enrol. Students cannot enrol in both MIPH5004 and MIPH5005.
Semester 1
Semester 2
MIPH5005
International Health Independent Study 2
4   
Note: Department permission required for enrolment
The student is required to fill in 2 copies of Praxis Registration Form, signed by the student and the supervisor, to give one copy to IPH Office and take the other copy to the Postgraduate Student Administration Unit to enrol. Students cannot enrol in both MIPH5005 and MIPH5004.
Semester 1
Semester 2
MIPH5008
Travel and Tropical Medicine
2      Int October
MIPH5014
International Health Promotion
4      Semester 2
MIPH5112
Global Communicable Disease Control
4      Semester 2
MIPH5115
Women's and Children's Health
4      Semester 2
MIPH5116
Culture, Health, Illness and Medicine
4   

Departmental permission is required.
Semester 1
Semester 2
MIPH5117
Diseases of Modernisation
2      Semester 2a
MIPH5118
Global Perspectives of HIV/AIDS
4      Semester 2b
MIPH5124
Health Issues & Humanitarian Emergencies
4      Int October
MIPH5127
Mental Disorders in Global Context
2      Int August
MIPH5128
Dissertation A
6    P A candidate must have obtained a minimum weighted average mark of 70% in at least 24 credit points of coursework and obtained approval from the course-coordinator to enrol in this unit of study. Enrolment must be done through the Faculty or School office.

Note: Department permission required for enrolment

Semester 1
Semester 2
MIPH5129
Dissertation B
6    P A candidate must have obtained a minimum weighted average mark of 70% in at least 24 credit points of coursework and obtained approval from the course-coordinator to enrol in this unit of study. Enrolment must be done through the Faculty or School office.

Note: Department permission required for enrolment

Semester 1
Semester 2
MIPH5130
Dissertation C
12    P A candidate must have obtained a minimum weighted average mark of 70% in at least 24 credit points of coursework and obtained approval from the course-coordinator to enrol in this unit of study. Enrolment must be done through the Faculty or School office.

Note: Department permission required for enrolment

Semester 1
Semester 2
MIPH5135
Health Systems in Developing Countries
4      Semester 2
MIPH5136
Nutrition in International Settings
4      Int August
MIPH5219
International Health Project Management
6      Semester 2

Elective units Part 2

Candidates may complete either LAWS6881 (Semester 1) or LAWS6252 (Semester 2) but may not complete both, and must complete either LAWS6881 or LAWS6252 before undertaking LAWS6839. For information on UNSW elective units of study, please go to the following UNSW website http://www.sphcm.med.unsw.edu.au/.
BETH5203
Ethics and Public Health
6    A A three-year undergraduate degree in science, medicine, nursing, allied health sciences, philosophy/ethics, sociology/anthropology, history, or other relevant field, or by special permission.


A limited number of students may be granted permission to take this unit during their honours year.
Semester 2
DENT5013
Preventative Dentistry
6    P (PUBH5010 and PUBH5018) or DENT6000
Semester 2
DENT5014
Dental Health Services
6    P PUBH5018, PUBH5010
Semester 2
DENT5015
Population Oral Health
6    P (PUBH5015 and PUBH5016) or (PUBH5030, PUBH5031, PUBH5032 and PUBH5033); PUBH5018; PUBH5010
Semester 2
HPOL5000
Introduction to Health Policy
6      Semester 1
HPOL5001
Economics and Finance for Health Policy
6      Semester 1
HPOL5003
Analysing Health Policy
6      Semester 2
LAWS6252
Legal Reasoning & the Common Law System
6    N LAWS6881


International students who are required to enrol in this unit must undertake classes during the first week of their study. Health Law and Public Health students should enrol in LAWS6881 Introduction to Law for Health Professionals in lieu of LAWS6252, if available.
Int April
Int August
Int March
Int Sept
PSYC5011
Applying Models of Health Behaviour
6      Semester 2
PUBH5017
Public Health Program Evaluation
6    P PUBH5010 and PUBH5018 and PUBH5032 and PUBH5033
Semester 2
PUBH5019
Cancer Prevention and Control
6    P PUBH5010
Semester 2
PUBH5020
Chronic Disease Prevention and Control
6    P PUBH5010

Note: Department permission required for enrolment

Semester 1
PUBH5024
Global Obesity and Health Promotion
2    A Core MPH content, especially health promotion/disease prevention and epidemiology
P PUBH5010, PUBH5033 and PUBH5031
N PUBH5021
Int August
PUBH5025
Physical Activity and Public Health
2    A Content of Core MPH electives noted as prerequisites
P PUBH5010, PUBH5033, PUBH5031
N PUBH5022
Int August
PUBH5026
Mass Media Campaigns & Social Marketing
2    A Training in research methods epidemiology is advised but not essential.
P PUBH5033
Int August
PUBH5101
Special Project in Public Health
4   
Note: Department permission required for enrolment
Students negotiate with a public health staff member to be their supervisor on an agreed project. The student or supervisor informs the Unit co-ordinator, who emails the Postgraduate Student Administration Unit permission to allow the student to enrol.
Semester 1
Semester 2
PUBH5102
Special Project in Public Health
2   
Note: Department permission required for enrolment
Students negotiate with a public health staff member to be their supervisor on an agreed project. The student or supervisor informs the Unit co-ordinator, who emails the Postgraduate Student Administration Unit permission to allow the student to enrol.
Semester 1
Semester 2
PUBH5111
Environmental Health
4      Semester 2
PUBH5114
Alcohol, Drug Use and Health
4    N PUBH5115
Semester 2
PUBH5115
Alcohol, Drug Use and Health
2    N PUBH5114
Semester 2a
PUBH5117
Communicable Disease Control
6    P PUBH5010 (or equivalent)
Semester 2
PUBH5118
Aboriginal Health Promotion
4      Semester 2b
PUBH5205
Decision Analysis
2    A Recommended: PUBH5302 Health Economic Evaluation
P PUBH5018 and PUBH5010
Semester 2b
PUBH5206
Controlled Trials
2    P PUBH5018
Int August
PUBH5208
Screening and Diagnostic Test Evaluation
2    P PUBH5010
Semester 2a
PUBH5211
Multiple Regression and Stats Computing
4    P PUBH5018
Semester 2
PUBH5212
Categorical Data Analysis
2    P PUBH5018
C PUBH5211
Semester 2b
PUBH5213
Survival Analysis
2    C PUBH5211
Semester 2b
PUBH5215
Introductory Analysis of Linked Data
6    P PUBH5018 and (PUBH5010 or BSTA5011) and (PUBH5211 or BSTA5004)
Int November
PUBH5221
Qualitative Research Methods
2    P PUBH5031 or MIPH5132
Int August
PUBH5302
Health Economic Evaluation
4    P PUBH5010 and PUBH5018
Int Sept
PUBH5308
Health Workforce Policy Analysis
2      Int October
PUBH5309
Translational Health
2      Semester 2b
PUBH5414
Public Health Advocacy
2      Int Sept
PUBH5415
Injury Prevention
2      Int August
PUBH5416
Vaccines in Public Health
2   
Note: Department permission required for enrolment
Students may be required to request permission from the unit of study coordinator to enrol in this unit of study, to ensure they have a basic grounding in epidemiology and biostatistics. In this situation, the coordinator emails the Postgraduate Student Administration Unit advice that the student has permission to enrol.
Semester 2
PUBH5417
Injury Epidemiology Prevention & Control
4      Semester 2
PUBH5418
Tobacco Control in the 21st Century
6      Int August
PUBH5419
Falls Prevention in Older People
4      Semester 2
PUBH5420
Public Health Advocacy Strategies
4    C PUBH5414
Semester 2b
SEXH5008
Sex and Society
2   

AusAID students must enrol in the face-to-face version
Semester 2b
SEXH5101
Public Health Aspects of STDs
2   

AusAID students must enrol in the face-to-face version.
Semester 2a
SEXH5102
Public Health Aspects of HIV/AIDS
2   

AusAID students must enrol in the face-to-face version
Semester 2b
SEXH5205
Advanced Adolescent Sexual Health
6      Semester 2
Further enquiries

Professor Bob Cumming
Phone: +61 2 9036 6407
Fax: +61 2 9351 5049
Email:


Website: sydney.edu.au/medicine/public-health/future/coursework/internatpublichealth

Units of study descriptions for 2012

BETH5203 Ethics and Public Health

Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 2 Classes: 3 x 8hr Intensives Assumed knowledge: A three-year undergraduate degree in science, medicine, nursing, allied health sciences, philosophy/ethics, sociology/anthropology, history, or other relevant field, or by special permission. Assessment: 10 x Online tasks 250-400wds (20%); 1 x 1000 wd essay (30%); 1 x 2500 wd essay (50%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Block Mode
Note: A limited number of students may be granted permission to take this unit during their honours year.
This unit will provide students with an overview of the broader philosophical, ethical, sociopolitical and cultural issues that underlie public health and public health research. Students will first review the history of public health and examine the values that underpin health promotion and disease prevention. The second part of the unit will critique the place of facts and values in public health and the construction and use of information, with particular reference to evidence-based-medicine. The third part of the unit will examine the cultural, moral and social context of public health including the social determinants of health, the construction of health services, the determination of research priorities and issues relating to human rights and global health. Learning activities will include 2-hour weekly seminars and readings. Assessment tasks will consist of essays and a presentation/project.
DENT5013 Preventative Dentistry

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Associate Professor Wendell Evans Session: Semester 2 Classes: 30hrs consisting of 10x(1hr lecture/seminar and 2hr tutorial) Prerequisites: (PUBH5010 and PUBH5018) or DENT6000 Assessment: individual written assignments (70%), tutorial discussion and group-work participation (30%) Campus: Westmead Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) Day
To provide students with sufficient background and appreciation of the importance of preventive dentistry and oral health promotion and to provide them with the opportunity to develop skills and acquire essential knowledge in this field for the effective practice of population oral health. The following topics will be covered: principles of prevention; oral diseases and conditions of public health concern - a review; the epidemiology of the common oral problems; prevention of dental caries; prevention of periodontal disease; prevention of other diseases of oral health concern; evidence-based preventive dental care; principles of health education, health protection, and oral health promotion; and analysis of health education and oral health promotion initiatives. On the completion of this unit of study, the student will be able to: understand the efficacy and effectiveness of risk reduction strategies in relation to the common oral problems and conditions; select interventions and strategies for the prevention and control of oral disease and the promotion of oral health; and understand the limitations of health education and the potential for oral health improvement through effective oral health promotion strategies.
Textbooks
Fejerskov O, Ekstrand J, Burt BA (Editors) (1996). Fluoride in dentistry, 2nd edition. Copenhagen: Munksgaard.
DENT5014 Dental Health Services

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Associate Professor Peter Dennison Session: Semester 2 Classes: 30hrs consisting of 10x(1hr lecture/seminar and 2hr tutorial) Prerequisites: PUBH5018, PUBH5010 Assessment: individual written assignments (70%), tutorial discussion and group-work participation (30%) Campus: Westmead Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) Day
To provide students with sufficient background and appreciation of the role and scope of dental health services within health care and to provide them with the opportunity to develop skills and acquire essential knowledge in this field for the effective practice of population oral health. The following topics will be covered: dental services in the twenty first century; the primary health care approach; assessment of the role of Western Dentistry (the limits of conventional dentistry); the limitations of a "high-risk" approach for the prevention of dental caries; the common risk factor approach: a rational basis for promoting oral health and strategies for developing oral health care programs in deprived communities; priorities in oral health care services; review of the Save our Kids Smiles program in New South Wales; the prevention of social inequalities in oral health; adult access to dental care in Australia; and ethnic indicators of dental health schoolchildren resident in areas of multiple deprivation. On the completion of this unit of study, students will be able to: understand the principles governing primary health care; understand the principles governing the delivery and management of dental services; and develop resources and implement and manage appropriate dental services for populations.
Textbooks
Pine CM (Editor). Community oral health. Oxford: Wright, 1997.
DENT5015 Population Oral Health

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Shanti Sivaneswaran Session: Semester 2 Classes: 30hrs consisting of 10x(1hr lecture/seminar and 2hr tutorial) Prerequisites: (PUBH5015 and PUBH5016) or (PUBH5030, PUBH5031, PUBH5032 and PUBH5033); PUBH5018; PUBH5010 Assessment: individual written assignments (70%), tutorial discussion and group-work participation (30%) Campus: Westmead Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) Day
To provide students with sufficient background and appreciation of the importance of population oral health and to provide them with the opportunity to develop skills and acquire essential knowledge in this field for the effective practice of population oral health. The following topics will be covered: the oral health status of Australians - the changing profile; water fluoridation legislation, benefits/risks, the politics of fluoridation, the arguments for and against water fluoridation, how to respond to antifluoridationists; overview of policies and initiatives regarding dental services - the example of New South Wales; and dental workforce and dental services issues. On the completion of this unit of study, students will be able to: evaluate and monitor dental service delivery systems; plan and manage oral health programs for populations; understand the principles governing the development of resources, assets, and the workforce; understand the principles of health policy formulation and review, and the direction and financing of dental services and oral health promotion; understand the principles of economic evaluation; understand the regulations and legislation governing dental practice in New South Wales; design and understand the use of surveillance systems to monitor oral health; and communicate and collaborate with groups and individuals on oral health issues.
Textbooks
Burt BA, Eklund SA. Dentistry, dental practice, and the community, 6th edition. St Louis Missouri: Elsevier Saunders, 2005.
HPOL5000 Introduction to Health Policy

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr James Gillespie, Professor Stephen Leeder Session: Semester 1 Classes: 2 x 2-day workshops in early March and early May, online lectures and discussions Assessment: 1x1500word paper (25%), 1x3000word paper (50%), and online learning activities (25%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Distance Education/Intensive on Campus
This unit aims to develop a critical and comparative grasp of the theory and practice of health policy and to give an overview of the political choices and frameworks that shape policymaking. The unit explores the main structures and institutions that make health policy. Students will debate policy reform and the priorities of the current system: comparing national approaches and global influences. Case studies, a problem-based learning exercise and discussions with practitioners link theory and practice.
HPOL5001 Economics and Finance for Health Policy

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr James Gillespie, Associate Professor Christine Giles, Dr Stephen Jan Session: Semester 1 Classes: 2x2day workshops in mid March and mid May, online discussion Assessment: 1x2500 word assignment (50%), 1x3000 word assignment (50%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Distance Education/Intensive on Campus
This unit introduces the main concepts and analytical methods of health economics, political economy and finance to examine the workings of health systems in Australia and comparable countries. It looks at the main models of funding used in developed countries and their implications for the structure, planning and delivery of services. The first module focuses on the basic concepts and methodologies of health economics and political economy and their contribution to policy analysis. The second module places funding structures in a broader political and policy context. Topics include the debates over the public-private mix and governance and accountability - who makes decisions about funding priorities? To whom should decision makers be held accountable and for what aspects of their work?. How does health finance shape broader policy reform?
HPOL5003 Analysing Health Policy

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr James Gillespie, Professor Stephen Leeder Session: Semester 2 Classes: Two 2-day workshops in mid August and late October, online discussions Assessment: 1x2500 word assignment (50%), 1x3000 word assignment (50%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Distance Education/Intensive on Campus
This unit develops skills for the effective critical appraisal of health policy, with an examination of the principles and limitations, of evidence-based health policy and evaluation of the research that underpins policy proposals. It builds policy analysis and analytical skills by exploring policy design, implementation and evaluation using approaches drawn from public policy, political science and public administration to look at the role of politics and equity in health policy development and implementation. The workshops cover the use of epidemiological and social science literature in policy development.
HPOL5007 Global Health Policy

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr James Gillespie Session: Semester 2 Classes: Two 2 days workshops workshops in early August and in early October and 6x2hr tut or 12hrs online tut Assessment: 1x 2000wd essay (30%), 1x tutorial or online paper (20%), 1x 2500wd essay (50%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Distance Education/Intensive on Campus
This unit explores the impact of globalization on health policy, and the way in which global health problems such as HIV/AIDS and emerging chronic diseases shape policy for less developed countries. The unit aims to equip students with the skills to appraise critically global health policy proposals and to offer informed advice how these policies may be made more effective. The unit will achieve this goal by doing three things.
First, it will explore new global health threats that transcend national boundaries; especially those whose causes or results transcend the capacities of individual states. Second, it will examine the governance of the policy responses, good and poor, that these global health threats evoke. The influence and power of agencies in the United Nations system will be examined, including the World Health Organisation and UNICEF, the World Bank, the Gates Foundation and activist organizations such as Médecins sans Frontières. Third, teaching will make extensive use of current case studies. Students will be assessed on their acquisition of skills in global policy and critical analysis and their application to emerging problems.
LAWS6252 Legal Reasoning & the Common Law System

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Mr Michael Skinner and Prof Reg Graycar (S108 - Group C only) Session: Int April,Int August,Int March,Int Sept Classes: S103 (Group A): Mar 6-9 (9-5), S104 (Group B): Mar 23, 24 & Apr 13, 14 (9-5), S108 (Group C): Jul 31 & Aug 1-3, S109 (Group D): Sep 7, 8 & 21, 22 (9-5) Prohibitions: LAWS6881 Assessment: in-class test (25%) and take-home exam (75%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Block Mode
Note: International students who are required to enrol in this unit must undertake classes during the first week of their study. Health Law and Public Health students should enrol in LAWS6881 Introduction to Law for Health Professionals in lieu of LAWS6252, if available.
This is a compulsory unit for all postgraduate students who do not hold a law degree or equivalent from a common law jurisdiction entering the: Master of Administrative Law and Policy; Master of Business Law; Master of Environmental Law; Master of Environmental Science and Law; Master of Global Law; Master of Health Law; Master of International Business and Law; Master of Labour Law and Relations as well as Graduate Diplomas offered in these programs. The unit has been designed to equip students with the necessary legal skills and legal knowledge to competently apply themselves in their chosen area of law. Instruction will cover the legislative process; the judiciary and specialist tribunals; precedent; court hierarchies; legal reasoning; constitutional law; administrative law; contracts; and torts. Some elements of the unit will be tailored in accordance with the requirements of the particular specialist programs.
MIPH5004 International Health Independent Study 1

Credit points: 2 Teacher/Coordinator: Professor Bob Cumming, Associate Professor Mu Li Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: student under individual supervision Assessment: 1x 2000word written report (100%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) Day
Note: Department permission required for enrolment
Note: The student is required to fill in 2 copies of Praxis Registration Form, signed by the student and the supervisor, to give one copy to IPH Office and take the other copy to the Postgraduate Student Administration Unit to enrol. Students cannot enrol in both MIPH5004 and MIPH5005.
This unit gives students the opportunity to undertake a special project (a research project or a field placement) in their area of interest in international public health as part of the course. Students may research their chosen topic or analyse data already collected, then write a brief report. Alternatively, students may choose to undertake a placement with an international aid agency or with relevant sections of health services overseas or in Australia and then write a brief report about it. Students arrange with an international public health academic to be their supervisor on a project and agree to expected deliverables. The supervisor provides guidance and assesses the report.
MIPH5005 International Health Independent Study 2

Credit points: 4 Teacher/Coordinator: Professor Bob Cumming, Associate Professor Mu Li Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: student under individual supervision Assessment: 1x 4000word written report (100%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) Day
Note: Department permission required for enrolment
Note: The student is required to fill in 2 copies of Praxis Registration Form, signed by the student and the supervisor, to give one copy to IPH Office and take the other copy to the Postgraduate Student Administration Unit to enrol. Students cannot enrol in both MIPH5005 and MIPH5004.
This unit gives students the opportunity to undertake a special project (a research project or a field placement) in their area of interest in international public health as part of the course. Students may research their chosen topic or analyse data already collected, then write a report. Alternatively, students may choose to undertake a placement with an international aid agency or with relevant sections of health services overseas or in Australia and then write a report about it. Students arrange with an international public health academic to be their supervisor on a project and agree to expected deliverables. The supervisor provides guidance and assesses the report.
MIPH5008 Travel and Tropical Medicine

Credit points: 2 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Giselle Manalo, Dr Paula Fogarty Session: Int October Classes: 1x 2day intensive lectures Assessment: 1x 2000word individual essay (90%) and attendance (10%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Block Mode
This unit aims to provide an overview of common health issues and emerging travel-related diseases, with a general look at prevention and control of these problems for travellers or those intending to work in tropical or resource-poor settings for a significant period of time. Travel/public health regulations associated with outbreaks and disasters area also addressed. During the short course, students will also explore issues such as pre-travel preparations, protection from vector-bourne diseases and vaccinations. The teaching method is face-to-face teaching. Attendance is compulsory.
Textbooks
Unit notes supplied by School.
MIPH5014 International Health Promotion

Credit points: 4 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Philayrath Phongsavan Session: Semester 2 Classes: 1x 2hr lecture per week for 13 weeks; 1x 1hr tutorial per week for 9 weeks Assessment: 1500 words essay (30%), 2500 words report (50%), tutorial participation and attendance (20%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) Day
This unit of study aims to provide students with an understanding of the principles, theory and methods that are employed in health promotion and prevention. The unit will give attention to the full spectrum of health promotion and prevention programs, from local level initiatives to the development of national policies to achieve health goals. It will have a strong practical and methodological focus, with the objective of enabling students to develop knowledge and skills for planning, implementing and evaluating health promotion programs. Models and methods that are commonly used in health promotion and disease prevention will be described and discussed by using real life examples. Among the major issues examined are the health impact of social and economic development at the national and global levels, prevention and control of non-communicable and communicable diseases, including cigarette smoking, hygiene practices, capacity building and workforce for health promotion and prevention.
Textbooks
Unit notes supplied by School.
MIPH5112 Global Communicable Disease Control

Credit points: 4 Teacher/Coordinator: Professor Bob Cumming, Dr Giselle Manalo Session: Semester 2 Classes: 1x 2 hr lecture per week for 13 weeks; 1x 1hr tutorial per week for 9 weeks plus 1x 1 day peer-learning session through group presentations Assessment: 1x group presentation (20%), 1x2000 word written essay (60%), tutorial facilitation (10%) and peer evaluation (10%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) Day
This unit gives candidates an insight into prevention and control of communicable diseases in developing countries using country-specific examples presented by professionals with field experience. The unit covers the so-called Neglected Tropical Diseases (including soil-transmitted helminths, and leprosy), as well as some vector-bourne conditions (including yellow fever and dengue) and emerging infectious diseases such as pandemic influenza.
Textbooks
Unit notes supplied by School.
MIPH5115 Women's and Children's Health

Credit points: 4 Teacher/Coordinator: Professor Heather Jeffery Session: Semester 2 Classes: 1x2hr lecture per week for 10 weeks, 1x1hr tutorial per week for 9 weeks and 1 half day SCORPIO workshop. Assessment: 1x1500 word essay, problem based (70%), tutorial facilitation (15%), peer evaluation (5%), and active participation in SCORPIO workshop (10%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) Day
This unit aims to give students an overview of the health status of women and children in international settings. It also aims to examine causes of major health problems and possible approaches to improving the health of women and children in resource-poor countries. The unit covers a variety of issues in women's and children's health, including approaches to prevention of maternal and fetal, neonatal and child mortality, poverty, mother to child HIV transmission, women and violence, family planning, diarrhoeal disease, pneumonia, and vaccine preventable diseases.
Textbooks
Unit notes supplied by School.
MIPH5116 Culture, Health, Illness and Medicine

Credit points: 4 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Cynthia Hunter Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: 1 x 2 day workshop; 1 x 2hr seminar per week for 7 weeks Assessment: 1x3000word essay (75%) and 1x1hr class facilitation (25%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) Day
Note: Departmental permission is required.
This unit aims to provide an integrated and interpretive approach to an understanding of health-related behaviours of populations in international settings, by synthesizing anthropological knowledge and methodology, and the interactions of culture, biology, psychology and environment. The teaching process is by student-led, lecturer-guided, discussion based review and critical analysis of relevant topics. During the unit, students will explore a range of issues in global and multicultural health from an anthropological perspective. Methodological approaches will encompass ethnography and other anthropological data collection methods. The issues covered will include cultural influences on health, illness and healing, such as indigenous and traditional beliefs and systems, gender and cultural change and the impact of modernization and development on illness and healing. The impact examines disease and illness patterns - their distribution and persistence, mental illness and culture and attitudes towards the use of medications; and the provision of culturally sensitive and appropriate services. The emphasis will be on covering a range of topic areas relevant to the students enrolled, and those of particular importance in contemporary international and multicultural health contexts.
Textbooks
Unit notes supplied by School.
MIPH5117 Diseases of Modernisation

Credit points: 2 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr. Rohina Joshi, Professor Bob Cumming Session: Semester 2a Classes: 1x 2hr lecture per week for 7 weeks Assessment: 1x 2000word written assignment (100%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) Day
This unit aims to provide candidates with an understanding of the causes and control of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in developing countries. These diseases are associated with social and economic development and the demographic and health transitions. Topics covered in the unit include cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, cancer, primary health care management of NCDs, health promotion for NCDs and approaches to NCD research in developing countries. Lectures are given by health professionals with direct experience of NCD control in Africa, Asia and the Pacific.
Textbooks
Unit notes supplied by School.
MIPH5118 Global Perspectives of HIV/AIDS

Credit points: 4 Teacher/Coordinator: Mr Joel Negin Session: Semester 2b Classes: 1x2hr lecture per week for 11 weeks; 1x1hr tutorial per week for 7 weeks; plus 1 day peer learning sessions through group presentations Assessment: 1xgroup presentation (20%), peer evaluation (10%), 1x2000 word individual assignment (60%), and tutorial (10%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) Day
This unit offers a detailed and evidence-based assessment of the global HIV situation to equip students with the latest understanding of HIV distribution and trends globally, its social and economic implications, the measures being taken to prevent and treat HIV and AIDS, the gaps that need to be addressed in HIV control, and the politics around global HIV issues. Examples from different parts of the world, particularly less developed settings, are used to illustrate analysis of the key issues influencing the HIV control agenda globally. Emphasis is placed on developing a critical and analytical approach to assessing the HIV situation and developing interventions for its control.
Textbooks
Unit notes supplied by School.
MIPH5124 Health Issues & Humanitarian Emergencies

Credit points: 4 Teacher/Coordinator: Ms Bronwen Blake, Associate Professor Michael Dibley Session: Int October Classes: 1x 4day workshop Assessment: Workshop activities (40%), 1x 2500word written assignment (60%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Block Mode
This unit gives students an overview of public health aspects of humanitarian emergencies in developing country situations and the range of appropriate responses. This includes considering problems faced by government and non-government organisations in humanitarian emergency relief efforts. Topics covered in the unit include international and human rights law, the role of donor agencies, refugee health, nutritional emergencies, site planning for refugee camps, water and sanitation, sexual violence, protection of vulnerable groups, and communicable disease surveillance and control.
Textbooks
Unit notes supplied by School.
MIPH5127 Mental Disorders in Global Context

Credit points: 2 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Maree Hackett Session: Int August Classes: 1x 2day workshop Assessment: 1x 2000 word essay (90%) plus class participation (10%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Block Mode
This unit aims to present an overview and critique of mental disorders in an international context. It covers broad issues related to the classification of disorders, their prevalence and population burden and their determinants. While the focus of the module is on international epidemiology, the course also aims to promote understanding of the economic and humanitarian implications of the burden of mental and substance use disorders for prevention, treatment and health policy. The unit will cover what a mental disorder is, how frequent and how disabling mental disorders are and what the major correlates and determinants of mental disorders are,with a focus on health policy.
Textbooks
Unit notes supplied by School.
MIPH5128 Dissertation A

Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Prerequisites: A candidate must have obtained a minimum weighted average mark of 70% in at least 24 credit points of coursework and obtained approval from the course-coordinator to enrol in this unit of study. Enrolment must be done through the Faculty or School office. Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) Day
Note: Department permission required for enrolment
MIPH5129 Dissertation B

Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Prerequisites: A candidate must have obtained a minimum weighted average mark of 70% in at least 24 credit points of coursework and obtained approval from the course-coordinator to enrol in this unit of study. Enrolment must be done through the Faculty or School office. Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) Day
Note: Department permission required for enrolment
MIPH5130 Dissertation C

Credit points: 12 Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Prerequisites: A candidate must have obtained a minimum weighted average mark of 70% in at least 24 credit points of coursework and obtained approval from the course-coordinator to enrol in this unit of study. Enrolment must be done through the Faculty or School office. Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) Day
Note: Department permission required for enrolment
MIPH5131 Foundations of International Health

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Professor Bob Cumming, Associate Professor Mu Li, Mr Joel Negin Session: Semester 1 Classes: 1x2hr lecture per week for 12 weeks; 2x1 day seminar and 1x1hr tutorial per week for 9 weeks Assessment: 1x 1500 word assignment (20%), 1xgroup presentation (25%), 1x2500 word assignment 2 (45%) and tutorial discussion (10%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) Day
The unit aims to provide candidates with a multidisciplinary perspective of the interplay between health and development in low- and middle-income countries from a range of social science and public health disciplines. The unit will cover the following themes: health and development, Millennium Development Goals, poverty and health, gender and health, culture and health, climate change and health, population ageing, public health advocacy, human rights and health, health systems, health policy, human resources for health, primary health care, and disease and security. At the end of the unit, students should be able to demonstrate an understanding of the relation between health and development; demonstrate an understanding of how health systems and policies operate in developing countries; and demonstrate an understanding of the role played by the various international organisations and agencies in health in less developed settings.
Textbooks
Unit Notes supplied by School
MIPH5132 Disease Priorities and Social Methods

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Associate Professor Michael Dibley, Dr Giselle Manalo Session: Semester 1 Classes: 1x2hr lecture per week for 12 weeks;1x1hr tutorial per week for 9 weeks; plus 1x2 day short course on social research methods and 1x1.5 day short course on field research methods. Assessment: 1x 1000 word assignment 1 (30%), 1x 1000 word assignment 2 (20%), 1x 2000 word assignment 3 (40%) and tutorial discussion (10%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) Day
This unit introduces candidates to the methods used to assess disease priorities and identify those diseases or risk factors that contribute most to the burden of disease in low- and middle-income countries. It provide candidates with an understanding of the major conditions responsible for illness, disability and premature mortality. The design and implementation of disease control and health promotion programs for developing country populations will be discussed based on an understanding of the biological, environmental, behavioral, social and cultural aspects of major health problems. Topics covered in the unit include the global burden of disease; methods for conducting both quantitative and qualitative applied field research; and the epidemiology, and control and prevention strategies for communicable diseases - HIV/AIDS, malaria, tuberculosis and neglected tropical diseases; non-communicable diseases - cardiovascular diseases and mental health; injury; and malnutrition, childhood infectious diseases and reproductive and perinatal conditions.
Textbooks
Unit notes supplied by School
MIPH5135 Health Systems in Developing Countries

Credit points: 4 Teacher/Coordinator: Mr Joel Negin Session: Semester 2 Classes: 1x 2hr lecture per week for 10 weeks; plus 2x 0.5 day workshop Assessment: 1x1500 word research proposal (40%), 1x2000 word case study report (50%), and participation (10%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) Day
Health systems are complex and multi-faceted. Successful health systems require attention to political economy, governance, institutions, and local context. This unit will cover health systems in developing countries to equip students with a conceptual understanding and a set of tools to address major public health challenges from a health systems perspective. With a focus on evidence-based decision making, the unit will provide an understanding of health systems including specific topics such as health workforce, financing, service delivery, information systems and policy, and how these impact health interventions and health status in less developed countries. A multi-sectoral, integrated model will be used to understand the varied aspects of development challenges related to health systems. A case study approach will then provide students with concrete examples of health systems challenges and will strengthen students' ability to view health problems in a holistic, multi-faceted manner. The unit will provide students with the tools needed to make a practical difference in health systems in less developed countries with emphasis on implementation of health projects and bringing interventions to scale.
Textbooks
Unit notes supplied by School
MIPH5136 Nutrition in International Settings

Credit points: 4 Teacher/Coordinator: Associate Professor Michael Dibley Session: Int August Classes: 2x2 day short course Assessment: 1x 1000 word exercise on nutritional assessment (30%), 1x 2500 word assignment (60%), workshop attendance and participation (10%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Block Mode
The aim of this unit is to provide students with insights into the major nutrition-related public health problems in low- and middle-income countries; knowledge and practical skills about nutritional assessment; and the design and evaluation of nutritional interventions. The content areas include an overview of nutrition as a major determinant of health and disease; methods to assess community nutritional status; the impact of maternal and child under-nutrition on mortality and overall disease burden; design and evaluation of effective interventions; issues surrounding food security; agriculture and nutrition; and nutrition policies and resources. The unit is taught in two 2-day workshops, with the first workshop focusing on nutritional assessment and major nutrition-related public health problems in low- and middle-income countries, and the second workshop focusing on design and evaluation of interventions. On completion students should be able to recognise key nutritional problems facing low- and middle-income countries; have acquired knowledge and practical skills as to how these problems can be assessed; and gained insights into a number of different multi-sectoral approaches to address these problems.
Textbooks
Unit notes supplied by School
MIPH5218 Economics and Global Pharmaceuticals

Credit points: 2 Teacher/Coordinator: Professor Glenn Salkeld Session: Semester 2a Classes: 1x2hr lecture per week for 7 weeks Assessment: 1x2000word essay (100%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) Day
Note: Department permission required for enrolment
Note: This unit will not be offered in 2010 or following years.
Access to pharmaceuticals is an important and highly contested issue worldwide. Solutions to problems of access cannot be developed without: an understanding of the dimensions; structure and workings of global pharmaceutical market; and a grasp of key concepts relating to the use of essential drug lists, rational; drug use, intellectual property, international trade, and the application of cost-effectiveness principles to pricing and reimbursement. This unit focuses on the affordability of, and access to, pharmaceuticals in developing countries. The unit will characterise the global pharmaceutical market as driven predominantly by political and economic forces, while acknowledging the broader context of health and human rights. Key concepts to be covered relate to the use of essential drug lists; rational drug use; intellectual property; international trade; access, affordability and the application of cost-effectiveness principles to pricing and reimbursement. Specific sessions will focus on HIV/AIDS; recent bilateral and multilateral trade agreements trade agreements; actual case studies in access; and pharmaceutical industry marketing practices. The unit will present a range of viewpoints on each issue canvassed (including the pharmaceutical industry and non-government/activist organisations).
MIPH5219 International Health Project Management

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Associate Professor Mu Li Session: Semester 2 Classes: 1x2hr lecture per week for 10 weeks; 1x1 day workshop; 1x1hr tutorial per week for 9 weeks; 1x1 day peer learning session through group presentations. Assessment: 1x 40minutes group presentation (20%), peer evaluation on group participation (15%), 1x group written assignment (40%) and 1x 1000 word individual assignment (25%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) Day
Effective international health projects management contributes to the achievement of health and development in developing countries. The unit aims to give students a good understanding of the concepts and key elements of project design and evaluation, and to demonstrate tools and techniques used in effective project management at different stages.. A detailed step by step application of the Logical Framework Approach (LFA) in project design will be presented, including stakeholder analysis,, problem and objective analysis, and the logframe matrix. The Unit also gives students an opportunity for hands-on practice through the design of a project in an international setting and allows them to consider the challenges and practical issues faced by people involved in international health project management. The key topic areas covered include: concepts and principles of international project management; context and situation analysis; the LFA for project design; project management functions including managing information, resources, risk, quality and change; and project monitoring and evaluation . At the end of the course, students should be able to: identify the key aspects of the LFA to project design; develop a project proposal in international settings; recognise challenges and practical issues faced by people involved in international health project management; and apply a systematic approach to project planning and management in international settings.
Textbooks
Unit notes supplied by School.
PSYC5011 Applying Models of Health Behaviour

Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 2 Classes: 1 one hour lecture and two hours of tutorials per week Assessment: Presentation of intervention, write up of intervention (100%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) Day
The student will be given the opportunity to develop an intervention based on social cognitions models. The process can be followed from start to finish allowing the individual to utilise knowledge and skills gained in other units of study. It is an intended outcome for students enrolled in the MApplSc (HealthPsych) that students can demonstrate an understanding of the key models and theories in Health Psychology which are seen by many to be the foundations of the subject area. The aim of this unit of study is to allow students to identify an area of Health Psychology where an intervention would be appropriate, review existing literature on the topic, formulate the intervention, and evaluate the intervention on a pilot level.
PUBH5010 Epidemiology Methods and Uses

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Associate Professor Tim Driscoll Session: Semester 1 Classes: 1x 1hr lecture and 1x 2hr tutorial per week for 13 weeks - lectures and tutorials may be completed online Prohibitions: BSTA5011 Assessment: 1x 4page assignment (30%) and 1x 2.5hr open-book exam (70%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) Day or On-line
This unit provides students with core skills in epidemiology, particularly the ability to critically appraise public health and clinical epidemiological research literature. This unit covers: study types; measures of frequency and association; measurement bias; confounding/effect modification; randomized trials; systematic reviews; screening and test evaluation; infectious disease outbreaks; measuring public health impact and use and interpretation of population health data. It is expected that students spend an additional 2-3 hours preparing for their tutorials.
Textbooks
Webb, PW. Bain, CJ. and Pirozzo, SL. Essential Epidemiology: An Introduction for Students and Health Professionals Second Edition: Cambridge University Press 2011.
PUBH5017 Public Health Program Evaluation

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Professor Adrian Bauman, Dr Philayrath Phongsavan Session: Semester 2 Classes: 8-10 hours of self-directed learning and online discussions per week for 13 weeks Prerequisites: PUBH5010 and PUBH5018 and PUBH5032 and PUBH5033 Assessment: Two short assignments during the course (each around 1000 words) (2x17.5%) 1x2500-3000wd assignment (35%) and online discussion and participation (30%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: On-line
This online unit aims to: develop skills in public health planning, evaluation and research. There is an emphasis on programs that address nutrition, physical activity and obesity related problems, but many other broad public health content areas will be used as examples. The course goal is to understand program evaluation from a public health practice and research methodological perspective. The course will complement other courses in epidemiology or qualitative research methods, in bringing these together around assessing population-level program effects. The unit comprises five modules of work, including: principles of public health program (PHP) evaluation; research designs and methodological issues for PHP evaluation; measurement issues in assessing and monitoring public health programs; analysis and interpretation of PHP evaluation data, and research translation and dissemination. Access to the instructors and other students will be substantial and ongoing through structured bulletin board discussions, collaborative activities and feedback on assessments. Students must have good uninterrupted [13 weeks] access to the internet in order to undertake the unit.
Textbooks
Recommended: Nutbeam D, Bauman A. Evaluation in a nutshell. McGraw Hill Sydney (2006).
PUBH5018 Introductory Biostatistics

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Mr Kevin McGeechan and Associate Professor Petra Macaskill Session: Semester 1 Classes: 2 x 2hr lecture, 10 x 1hr lectures, 11 x 2hr tutorials, 2 x 1hr and 8 x 0.5hr statistical computing self directed learning tasks over 12 weeks - lectures and tutorials may be completed online Assessment: 1x4 page assignment (30%) and 1x2.5hr open-book exam (70%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) Day or On-line
This unit aims to provide students with an introduction to statistical concepts, their use and relevance in public health. This unit covers descriptive analyses to summarise and display data; concepts underlying statistical inference; basic statistical methods for the analysis of continuous and binary data; and statistical aspects of study design. Specific topics include: sampling; probability distributions; sampling distribution of the mean; confidence interval and significance tests for one-sample, two paired samples and two independent samples for continuous data and also binary data; correlation and simple linear regression; distribution-free methods for two paired samples, two independent samples and correlation; power and sample size estimation for simple studies; statistical aspects of study design and analysis. Students will be required to perform analyses using a calculator and will also be required to conduct analyses using statistical software (SPSS). It is expected that students spend an additional 2 hours per week preparing for their tutorials. Computing tasks are self-directed.
Textbooks
Course notes are provided.
PUBH5019 Cancer Prevention and Control

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Monica Robotin Session: Semester 2 Classes: 3hr per week online lectures, discussion and other activities for 13 weeks Prerequisites: PUBH5010 Assessment: 2 assignments (65%), 5 online tutorials (35%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: On-line
This unit aims to provide students with specific information on the concepts, methods and applications underpinning cancer prevention and control at population level. It is designed to address specific educational needs of students in various programs within the School of Public Health and to offer a broad-based perspective on cancer control, ranging from primary prevention, screening and early intervention, tertiary prevention and palliative care. Emphasis will be given to cancers with the greatest impact at population level and where evidence demonstrates that policies and interventions are capable of reducing cancer incidence, mortality, prolonging survival and improving quality of life. Although focusing on specific Australian conditions, the information will be presented in the context of regional cancer control efforts. At the completion of the unit, students will be equipped with the basic tools to design, plan, implement and evaluate cancer control programs in Australia or their own countries.
Textbooks
Readings will be available on the eLearning site for this unit.
PUBH5020 Chronic Disease Prevention and Control

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Monica Robotin Session: Semester 1 Classes: 24 hrs online lectures; 12 hrs online discussion Prerequisites: PUBH5010 Assessment: assignments (70%), on-line tutorials (30%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: On-line
Note: Department permission required for enrolment
This course offers a broad-based integrated perspective on chronic disease prevention. The course reviews the epidemiology of selected chronic diseases with the highest impact at population level in Australia (cardiovascular diseases; cancer; chronic lung disease; diabetes and chronic renal disease). The information will focus on Australian settings, but presented within the context of a regional perspective of chronic disease prevention.
Teaching will focus on the interrelationships between the biological and epidemiological aspects of chronic diseases, the interplay between determinants of health and chronic disease, and the balance between high risk and population based strategies for reducing disease burden, and exploring their applicability to disease prevention. Students will be involved in evaluating the effectiveness of different prevention strategies and will examine the role of health policy in developing effective and sustainable chronic disease management programs in different settings (in Australia and the region).
Textbooks
Readings will be available on the eLearning site for this unit
PUBH5024 Global Obesity and Health Promotion

Credit points: 2 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Louise Hardy Session: Int August Classes: One compulsory 2 day workshop Prerequisites: PUBH5010, PUBH5033 and PUBH5031 Prohibitions: PUBH5021 Assumed knowledge: Core MPH content, especially health promotion/disease prevention and epidemiology Assessment: Attendance at workshop (20%), 1x written assignment (1500-2000 words) (80%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Distance Education/Intensive on Campus
This unit will build on introductory public health core units of study, and apply them to consideration of global obesity as a public health problem. The unit will develop students' skills in national level, international and global approaches to obesity monitoring, prevention programs and policies, extending research methods, critical appraisal skills, introductory health promotion and disease prevention in MPH. Students will develop an understanding of surveillance systems to monitor obesity, and develop skills in evidence based obesity prevention interventions in diverse social, cultural and community contexts. The course will include discussions of policies and international approaches to obesity prevention, as part of global non-communicable disease prevention and control.
Textbooks
Pre-readings will be provided
PUBH5025 Physical Activity and Public Health

Credit points: 2 Teacher/Coordinator: Professor Adrian Bauman Session: Int August Classes: One compulsory 2 day workshop Prerequisites: PUBH5010, PUBH5033, PUBH5031 Prohibitions: PUBH5022 Assumed knowledge: Content of Core MPH electives noted as prerequisites Assessment: Attendance at workshop (10%), preparatory work for workshop (10%), 1x written assignment (1500-2000 words) (80%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Distance Education/Intensive on Campus
This course will build on introductory public health core units of study and apply them to an examination of physical activity and public health. The epidemiological and other evidence for health and social benefits and reasons for activity will be considered, as well as evidence-based strategies and settings for increasing physical activity at the population level. The course will consider the differences between local level 'exercise programs' and large scale public efforts, and develop an understanding of policy and advocacy as applied to physical activity promotion.
Textbooks
Bauman, A., Bellow, B., Vita, P., Brown, W., Owen, N. Getting Australia Active I: towards better practice for the promotion of physical activity. National Public Health Partnership. Melbourne, Australia, March 2002 ISBN: 0-9580326-2-9
PUBH5026 Mass Media Campaigns & Social Marketing

Credit points: 2 Teacher/Coordinator: Philayrath Phongsavan (coordinator); Adrian Bauman and Tom Carroll (teaching faculty) Session: Int August Classes: face-to-face/ on-campus 2-day residential workshop (lectures, workshops, small group sessions, and student participation and presentations) + 2 weeks of online discussions Prerequisites: PUBH5033 Assumed knowledge: Training in research methods epidemiology is advised but not essential. Assessment: 1x 1500 word assignment (70%); in class participation and presentation (30%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Block Mode
This unit focuses on mass-reach public health campaigns used to promote health and prevent disease. Building on introductory Masters of Public Health units of study in health promotion/disease prevention [or equivalent], this unit describes the rationale for mass-media led campaigns, social marketing interventions, and how they fit into a comprehensive approach to population health promotion and chronic disease prevention. The major themes covered are the principles of mass-reach communications in public health; designing campaigns [formative evaluation]; developing public health campaigns as part of comprehensive health promotion; understanding the messages, branding and marketing of campaigns; process and impact evaluation of campaigns; the differences between campaigns and social marketing initiatives; and the role of ancillary and supportive health promotion strategies, including media placement and advocacy. The Unit will equip students with skills to plan, design, implement and evaluate public health campaigns.
Textbooks
Course readings will be provided before the workshop. These are required readings, and there is some individual student preparation required for presentation at the workshop.
PUBH5101 Special Project in Public Health

Credit points: 4 Teacher/Coordinator: Associate Professor Tim Driscoll Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Assessment: 1x 4000 word written report (100%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) Day
Note: Department permission required for enrolment
Note: Students negotiate with a public health staff member to be their supervisor on an agreed project. The student or supervisor informs the Unit co-ordinator, who emails the Postgraduate Student Administration Unit permission to allow the student to enrol.
The aim of this unit is to systematically complete a self-directed project in one of the main content areas of the course. Students should contact an academic staff member associated with the area of their project and negotiate the details of the project design and the method and frequency of contact with the supervisor during the project.
PUBH5102 Special Project in Public Health

Credit points: 2 Teacher/Coordinator: Associate Professor Tim Driscoll Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Assessment: 1x 2000 word written report (100%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) Day
Note: Department permission required for enrolment
Note: Students negotiate with a public health staff member to be their supervisor on an agreed project. The student or supervisor informs the Unit co-ordinator, who emails the Postgraduate Student Administration Unit permission to allow the student to enrol.
The aim of this unit is to systematically complete a self-directed project in one of the main content areas of the course. Students should contact an academic staff member associated with the area of their project and negotiate the details of the project design and the method and frequency of contact with the supervisor during the project.
PUBH5111 Environmental Health

Credit points: 4 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Geoff Morgan Session: Semester 2 Classes: Mixed mode of 13 online lectures and 6 face-to-face/online case studies (13 sessions of 2 hours) . All the content for the unit can be completed online if necessary. Assessment: 1x written assignment (45%), 1x quiz (40%) and case study participation (15%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Distance Education/Intensive on Campus or On-line
This unit aims to develop an understanding of environmental hazard identification and risk assessment and for students to understand the principles of hazard regulation and control. The unit will explore the major categories of environmental health hazards such as air quality; water & food quality; chemical hazards eg contaminated sites; physical hazards eg noise and radiation; and microbiological hazards eg Legionnaires' disease. Regional and global issues of sustainability, climate change and land use planning will also be covered. The disciplines of epidemiology, toxicology and ecology will be used to characterise risks associated with these hazards and explore various approaches to managing the risks. Students completing this unit will appreciate the multi-disciplinary nature of environmental health issues and the need to work closely with external agencies.
Textbooks
Basic Environmental Health. Yassi, A et al. Oxford University Press, 2001;
PUBH5114 Alcohol, Drug Use and Health

Credit points: 4 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Carolyn Day Session: Semester 2 Classes: 13 weeks of 1hr teaching sessions and/or associated readings and online activities. The teaching sessions are a combination of one day face to face workshop and online seminars. Students not able to attend face to face sessions can do the entire course online. Prohibitions: PUBH5115 Assessment: 2 x 1500 word assignments (60%), compulsory online discussion participation (30%); online quizzes (10%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Distance Education/Intensive on Campus or On-line
This unit aims to assist students in developing an evidence-based understanding of the epidemiology of alcohol and drug use and its impact on health, and the effectiveness of methods for prevention and management of related problems. This fuller drug and alcohol elective covers all the content of PUBH5115 and goes on to assist the student to develop more advanced skills in research and in management of clinical services in relation to alcohol and drug use disorders, and to examine the needs of special populations.
Textbooks
Readings are available on the unit's eLearning site.
PUBH5115 Alcohol, Drug Use and Health

Credit points: 2 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Carolyn Day Session: Semester 2a Classes: 7 weeks of 1 x 2hr teaching sessions and associated online activities. The teaching sessions are a combination of face to face and online seminars. Students not able to attend face to face sessions can do the entire course online. Prohibitions: PUBH5114 Assessment: 1x 1500 word assignment (60%); compulsory online discussion participation (30%); online quizzes (10%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Distance Education/Intensive on Campus or On-line
This unit aims to assist students in developing an evidence-based understanding of the epidemiology of alcohol and drug use and its impact on health, and the effectiveness of methods for the prevention and management of related problems.
Textbooks
Readings are available on the unit's eLearning site.
PUBH5117 Communicable Disease Control

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Anna Ralph Session: Semester 2 Classes: 1 x 2hr online lecture and 2hrs online group discussion per week for 12 weeks Prerequisites: PUBH5010 (or equivalent) Assessment: online discussion and other online activities (20%), online quiz (10%), and 2 x 2000 word written assignments (70%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: On-line
This fully online unit aims to provide students with an understanding of the burden of communicable diseases of public health significance in Australia, as well as the biology, epidemiology and surveillance for and control of those communicable diseases. By the end of this unit, the student will have the theoretical background to take up a position as a member of a Communicable Diseases section of a Commonwealth or State Health Department or Public Health Unit. It is expected that the students undertake an extra hour per week of reading, research and preparation for discussion.
Textbooks
Recommended: Heymann. David L. (2008): Control of communicable diseases manual. American Public Health Association. Other readings provided on the course eLearning site.
PUBH5118 Aboriginal Health Promotion

Credit points: 4 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Clive Aspin Session: Semester 2b Classes: 1 x 2day workshop, 7 weeks x 2 hr lectures Assessment: 1 x 2000 word essay (70%), workshop participation (30%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) Day
While many positive political, social and legal changes have taken place recently, the inescapable fact after 220 years of colonisation is that the gap in regard to health between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal populations is remarkably large. Using a health promotion framework the unit will provide students with an opportunity to gain an understanding of the history and culture of Aboriginal people. It is hoped that students will utilise this understanding to effect more congenial and productive relations with Aboriginal people in the community, and within the spheres of their chosen professions. During the unit students are encouraged to enquire factors that determine health, to analyse the major factors that influence Indigenous health issues, the relationship between these factors, their impact on health and to identify and discuss possible solutions to address the health disparities between non-Indigenous and Indigenous populations in Australia.
Textbooks
Course reader will be provided.
PUBH5205 Decision Analysis

Credit points: 2 Teacher/Coordinator: Professor John Simes, Dr Andrew Martin Session: Semester 2b Classes: 1 x 2hr lecture per week for 6 weeks Prerequisites: PUBH5018 and PUBH5010 Assumed knowledge: Recommended: PUBH5302 Health Economic Evaluation Assessment: 1 x quiz (20%) and 1 written assignment (80%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) Day
This unit examines quantitative approaches to public health and clinical decision-making. Topics of study include: decision trees and health related utility assessment; incorporating diagnostic information in decision making; sensitivity and threshold analysis and application of decision analysis to economic evaluation. Exercises are set at the end of most sessions and are reviewed at the start of the following session. Readings are also set after most sessions. Preparation time for each session is 1-2 hours. The fifth session comprises a quiz followed by a 1hr practical in the computing room using a decision analysis software package.
PUBH5206 Controlled Trials

Credit points: 2 Teacher/Coordinator: Mr Chris Brown, Ms Diana Zannino Session: Int August Classes: 2x 1day workshops Prerequisites: PUBH5018 Assessment: 1x2hr multiple choice and short answer exam (40%), 1x take home question exam (60%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Block Mode
This unit introduces important issues in trial design, protocol development, ethics and principles of analysis. Topics of study include: principles of controlled trials; study design and randomization; analysis and interpretation; ethical issues and data management considerations. At the end of this unit, students should acquire skills relating to parallel and cross-over trial design, setting up a randomisation scheme, and understanding issues of multiplicity in clinical trials. During the workshop, there will be formal lectures on an area of controlled trials methodology, followed by a practical session led by a faculty member, based on material to be reviewed by students prior to the class. Lecture notes and solutions to practicals will be provided.
Textbooks
Recommended: Keech A, Gebski V, Pike R. Interpreting and reporting clinical trials: a guide to the CONSORT statement and the principles of randomised controlled trials. Sydney: Australasian Medical Publishing Company; 2007
PUBH5208 Screening and Diagnostic Test Evaluation

Credit points: 2 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Germaine Wong Session: Semester 2a Classes: 1 x 2hr seminar or 2hr of online discussion per week for 7 weeks Prerequisites: PUBH5010 Assessment: 1x 1000 word critical appraisal (30%) and 1x 1500 word final assignment (70%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) Day or On-line
This unit is designed to further develop concepts covered in the Epidemiological Methods Unit for those students seeking more detail on screening and diagnostic tests. It will cover a wider range of topics than clinical medicine alone. At the end of this unit, participants should be able to: use information from articles evaluating screening tests in order to apply test results to individual patients and /or make policy decisions about screening tests; consider the internal validity of studies used to assess diagnostic and screening tests and identify and appraise relevant articles and Systematic Reviews covering screening and diagnostic test.. The unit is based on weekly discussion of material provided in the unit workbook, session outlines and pre-reading. Students will be encouraged to contribute examples for discussion. This unit is offered in online/distance mode primarily. Face-to-face tutorials may also be offered.
Textbooks
Course notes are provided.
PUBH5211 Multiple Regression and Stats Computing

Credit points: 4 Teacher/Coordinator: Mr Kevin McGeechan Session: Semester 2 Classes: 2hr per week for 13 weeks. This unit may be undertaken in face to face or online/distance mode. Students studying in distance mode must have access to a computer running a version of Microsoft Windows compatible with the latest version of SAS. Prerequisites: PUBH5018 Assessment: 1x 4 page assignment (30%) and 1x 10 page assignment (70%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) Day or On-line
This unit covers simple and multiple linear regression; one-way analysis of variance to compare more than 2 groups; analysis of covariance to compare groups adjusting for confounders; testing for effect modification; calculating adjusted means; strategies for selecting the 'best' regression model; examination of residuals; regression to the mean; associated SAS programming. Each topic is covered by a 1 hour statistics lecture, a 1 hour SAS lecture, a 1 hour SAS practical and a 1 hour statistics tutorial to discuss the interpretation of the results. Each fortnight there is an exercise on the material covered in the statistics lecture. The SAS practical allows the necessary computing to answer the questions for the statistics tutorial the following week. The assignments will involve practical analysis and interpretation of a data set and between 10% and 20% of the marks for each assignment are for the SAS computing program.
Textbooks
Course notes are provided.
PUBH5212 Categorical Data Analysis

Credit points: 2 Teacher/Coordinator: Associate Professor Petra Macaskill Session: Semester 2b Classes: 1 x 2hr lecture, 5 x 1hr lectures, and 5 x 1hr tutorials over 6 weeks. Also available online - such students must have access to a computer running Microsoft Windows. Prerequisites: PUBH5018 Corequisites: PUBH5211 Assessment: 1x 3 page report (30%) and 1x 8 page report (70%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) Day or On-line
In this unit the biostatistical concepts covered in earlier units are extended to cover analysis of epidemiological studies where the outcome variable is categorical. Topics of study include: testing for trend in a 2 x r contingency table; the Mantel-Haenszel test for the combination of several 2 x 2 tables, with estimation of the combined odds ratio and confidence limits; multiple logistic regression; Poisson regression; modelling strategy. The assignments will involve practical analysis and interpretation of categorical data. Data analyses will be conducted using statistical software (SAS).
Textbooks
Course notes are provided.
PUBH5213 Survival Analysis

Credit points: 2 Teacher/Coordinator: Professor Judy Simpson Session: Semester 2b Classes: 1 x 1hr lecture and 1 x 1hr tutorial per week for six weeks both face to face and distance mode. Students studying in distance mode must have access to a computer running Microsoft Windows. Corequisites: PUBH5211 Assessment: 1x 3 page assignment (20%) and 1x 10 page assignment (80%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) Day or On-line
During this unit, students learn to analyse data from studies in which individuals are followed up until a particular event occurs, e.g. death, cure, relapse, making use of follow-up data also for those who do not experience the event. This unit covers: Kaplan-Meier life tables; logrank test to compare two or more groups; Cox's proportional hazards regression model; checking the proportional hazards assumption; sample size calculations for survival studies. For each topic participants are given some material to read beforehand. This is followed by a lecture, then participants are given one or two exercises to do for the following week. These exercises are discussed in the tutorial at the next session before moving on to the next topic. That is, in most weeks the first hour is a tutorial and the lecture is given in the second hour. Participants are expected to run SAS programs in their own time. Preparation time for each session is 2-3 hours. The assignments both involve use of SAS to analyse a set of survival data.
Textbooks
Course notes are provided.
PUBH5215 Introductory Analysis of Linked Data

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Professor Judy Simpson Session: Int November Classes: block/intensive mode 5 days 9am-5pm Prerequisites: PUBH5018 and (PUBH5010 or BSTA5011) and (PUBH5211 or BSTA5004) Assessment: Workbook exercises (30%) and 1x assignment (70%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Block Mode
This unit introduces the topic of linked health data analysis. It will usually run in the last full week of November. The topic is a very specialised one and will not be relevant to most MPH students. The modular structure of the unit provides students with a theoretical grounding in the classroom on each topic, followed by hands-on practical exercises in the computing lab using de-identified linked NSW data files. The computing component assumes a basic familiarity with SAS computing syntax and methods of basic statistical analysis of fixed-format data files. Contents include: an overview of the theory of data linkage methods and features of comprehensive data linkage systems, sufficient to know the sources and limitations of linked health data sets; design of linked data studies using epidemiological principles;construction of numerators and denominators used for the analysis of disease trends and health care utilisation and outcomes; assessment of the accuracy and reliability of data sources; data linkage checking and quality assurance of the study process; basic statistical analyses of linked longitudinal health data; manipulation of large linked data files; writing syntax to prepare linked data files for analysis, derive exposure and outcome variables, relate numerators and denominators and produce results from statistical procedures at an introductory to intermediate level.
Textbooks
Notes will be distributed in class.
PUBH5221 Qualitative Research Methods

Credit points: 2 Teacher/Coordinator: TBC Session: Int August Classes: 1 x 2 day workshop Prerequisites: PUBH5031 or MIPH5132 Assessment: EITHER 1x 2000wd theoretical essay assignment OR 1 practical reflective report (100%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Block Mode
This unit aims to extend participants' understanding of qualitative research methods and enable the acquisition of skills in the collection and analysis of qualitative data. The unit builds on the qualitative research methods introduced in the unit PUBH5031 Introductory Qualitative Methods or MIPH5132 Disease Priorities and Social Methods. It covers the relevance of qualitative methods to the investigation of health issues; non-probability sampling; observation - practical; interview technique - practical; focus groups - practical; introduction to basic data analysis and interpretation of text - theory and practical; how to speak to and interrogate qualitative data and how to write up and present qualitative data - theory and practical. During the 2 day interactive workshop, there will be opportunities for practical application of qualitative research techniques (observational activities, interviewing in pairs, simulated focus groups, data analysis). and for discussion of issues which arise when conducting qualitative research.
Textbooks
A manual of course notes and references are provided.
PUBH5302 Health Economic Evaluation

Credit points: 4 Teacher/Coordinator: Ms Rachel Morton Session: Int Sept Classes: 2x 2day compulsory workshops Prerequisites: PUBH5010 and PUBH5018 Assessment: assignment 1 (40%), assignment 2 (60%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Block Mode
This unit aims to develop students' knowledge and skills of economic evaluation as an aid to priority setting in health care. This unit covers: principles of economic evaluation; critical appraisal guidelines; measuring and valuing benefits; methods of costing; modeling in economic evaluation. The workshops consist of interactive lectures, class exercises and case history analyses.
Textbooks
A course manual will be provided to each student.
PUBH5308 Health Workforce Policy Analysis

Credit points: 2 Teacher/Coordinator: Professor Deborah Schofield, Dr Michelle Cunich Session: Int October Classes: 1x 2day workshop Assessment: Assignment on a selected health workforce policy analysis topic (100%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Block Mode
The unit will examine the major components of health workforce planning in Australia. The Australia health workforce context will be considered (including total workforce size, payment mechanisms and employment arrangements) and the processes by which health workforce planning is influenced through government policy and workforce data translated and integrated with policy and planning explored. The framework for future labour force planning will be discussed with reference to the Intergenerational Report. Current health workforce issues such as adequacy of the workforce, ageing of the workforce, the distribution of the workforce, professional registration, and special needs communities will be addressed. Approaches to planning for an adequate workforce and modelling the future of the health workforce will be examined including practical examples.
Textbooks
Australia's Health Workforce, Productivity Commission Research Report, 2005 Available at: http://www.pc.gov.au/study/healthworkforce/finalreport/index.html
PUBH5309 Translational Health

Credit points: 2 Teacher/Coordinator: Emeritus Professor Jack Dowie, Professor Glenn Salkeld Session: Semester 2b Classes: Weekly on-line Assessment: Multiple Choice Questions [MCQ] and creation of an original Annalisa Decision Aid construct (30%), 1500-2000 word Report (70%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: On-line
Translational Health introduces the main existing translational methods and models in healthcare, most of which focus on 'knowledge translation' and 'bringing evidence into practice', i.e. on moving results from the basic sciences through clinical and public health science and guidelines into clinical and public health decision and policy making. Most of these models diagnose the problem of 'loss in translation' in terms of institutional and professional barriers and blocks along the translation pathways. While acknowledging these, Translational Health focuses on the modelling method - the 'language' and 'vocabulary' - most likely to perform the translation task effectively in relation to patient-centered practice. The technique underlying the method is Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (in contrast to conventional Decision Analysis) and the template for its practical implementation is the Annalisa 2.0+ software. It is shown how high quality clinical and public health decision making needs to be based on 'values translation' as well as 'knowledge translation'. And how the approach can facilitate the desirable 'backwards translation' to ensure research is practice-relevant in both content and format. Students choose from a set of topics within which to pursue the principles, follow empirical examples and develop their own analyses in a practicum.
PUBH5414 Public Health Advocacy

Credit points: 2 Teacher/Coordinator: Professor Simon Chapman Session: Int Sept Classes: 1 x 2 day workshop Assessment: 1x letter to the editor of a newspaper (10%) and 1x 2000 word assignment (90%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Block Mode
This unit aims to familiarise students with the strategies of public health advocacy and to provide skills in content and discourse analysis of media coverage of health and medical issues. This unit covers the role of media advocacy in advancing public health policy; framing public health issues; news gathering, reporting and editing; strategies for media advocacy; political lobbying in public health advocacy. Teaching and learning activities include interactive lectures, case studies and small group work. Students will be expected to prepare for the sessions. Requirements will be distributed prior to the first day.
Textbooks
(recommended only)
PUBH5415 Injury Prevention

Credit points: 2 Teacher/Coordinator: Associate Professor Rebecca Ivers Session: Int August Classes: 1 x 2day workshop Assessment: 1 x 2000 word essay (90%) and participation in small group work during the workshop (10%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Block Mode
This unit aims to provide students with a clear understanding of the magnitude of the injury burden, both in higher and lower income countries, and the strategies that are required to address this burden. This unit will cover: injury definitions, measurement and surveillance; risk factor identification; intervention strategies and their evaluation; advocacy; cause-specific injury topics. During the 2 day workshop, guest speakers will outline issues relevant to the general injury prevention field and students will participate in interactive small group work which will focus on issues relevant to cause-specific injuries, in collaboration with guest contributors.
Textbooks
Students will be provided with a course manual. Recommended text: McClure R, Stevenson M, McEvoy S. The Scientific Basis of Injury Prevention and Control. Melbourne: IP Communications, 2004.
PUBH5416 Vaccines in Public Health

Credit points: 2 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Rob Menzies, Dr Aditi Dey Session: Semester 2 Classes: Preparatory online lectures and 1x 2day workshop Assessment: 2x short online quizzes (10%) plus 1x 2000 word assignment (90%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Distance Education/Intensive on Campus
Note: Department permission required for enrolment
Note: Students may be required to request permission from the unit of study coordinator to enrol in this unit of study, to ensure they have a basic grounding in epidemiology and biostatistics. In this situation, the coordinator emails the Postgraduate Student Administration Unit advice that the student has permission to enrol.
The aim of this unit is to provide students with an understanding of immunisation principles, the impact of vaccination on the epidemiology of vaccine preventable diseases (VPDs), how to assess the need for new vaccines and how to implement and monitor a new vaccination program. This unit covers the history and impact of vaccination; basic immunological principles of immunisation; surveillance of diseases, vaccination coverage, vaccine effectiveness and adverse events; risk communication; assessing disease burden and new vaccines. Learning activities include short online preparatory lectures and a workshop with interactive lectures and small group case studies (please bring a calculator).
PUBH5417 Injury Epidemiology Prevention & Control

Credit points: 4 Teacher/Coordinator: Associate Professor Rebecca Ivers Session: Semester 2 Classes: Online lectures and moderated discussions over 13 weeks (workload 6-8hr/week) Assessment: 1x 4000 word assignment (60%) and participation in two moderated online discussions (40%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: On-line
This one-semester online unit teaches students about the principles of injury epidemiology, prevention and control. It provides a basis for the assessment and investigation of injury issues and the development, implementation and evaluation of injury prevention programs. The unit will cover: injury measurement and classification (descriptive methods); risk factor identification (analytic methods); evidence-based interventions for injury prevention; priority setting in injury control; injury prevention policy; strategies in injury control; implementing strategies in injury control; program evaluation in injury prevention; injury and Indigenous Australians and an international perspective on injury. During this unit, students will: gain an understanding of the epidemiology of injury, including the burden of injury, injury surveillance, methods for estimating the frequency and severity of injury, and methods for identifying risk factors; gain an understanding of the theories underpinning injury prevention and illustrate their application; develop an appreciation of the process of priority setting in injury, the design and implementation of injury prevention interventions, and the principles and conduct of evaluations.
Textbooks
Lecture notes, case studies and journal articles will be provided online from a password-protected site. Recommended text:. McClure R, Stevenson M, McEvoy S. The Scientific Basis of Injury Prevention and Control. Melbourne: IP Communications, 2004.
PUBH5418 Tobacco Control in the 21st Century

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Professor Simon Chapman Session: Int August Classes: 1x3 day workshop of lectures and problem-focused discussions, followed by 4 weeks of problem-based online discussions Assessment: 2x 2000 word essays (60%), 1x 100 item online quiz (10%) and online discussion and participation (30%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Distance Education/Intensive on Campus
The unit consists of learning topics, each of which is supported by extensive Web based resources, and 4 moderated online discussion forums, each focusing on a problem related to tobacco use and control. Lecture topics include: history of tobacco use and control; the burden of illness from tobacco use; secondhand smoke: the research evidence; measuring tobacco use, uptake and cessation in communities; international trends in tobacco consumption; the tobacco industry; the WHO's Framework Convention on Tobacco Control and new forms of tobacco advertising and promotion. Problem focused discussion forums include: Harm reduction and tobacco control, regulation of tobacco, improving and implementing pack warnings; promoting smoking cessation, prevention of uptake (youth programs); denormalisation of the tobacco industry; controlling advertising; and controlling exposure to tobacco smoke, making news on tobacco and influencing political policy on tobacco.
Textbooks
(recommended only)
PUBH5419 Falls Prevention in Older People

Credit points: 4 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Soufiane Boufous and Dr Cathie Sherrington Session: Semester 2 Classes: 6-8 hours of online lectures and tutorials per week for 13 weeks Assessment: 1x 2000 word written assignment (60%), 1 x assignment with "short answer" questions (20%), participation in moderated online discussions (20%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: On-line
This fully online unit aims to teach students about the principles of falls prevention and falls injury prevention in the older person, with a focus on the application of these principles in the field. This unit will cover: risk factors of falls; the burden and economic implications of falls in the older person; the development and implementation of fall prevention programs; and the principles of program evaluation. Students will discuss the research methods surrounding the impact of falls, research design and the risk of falls, and will look at the development of falls prevention programs using case studies.
Textbooks
Lecture notes, case studies and journal articles will be provided online from a password-protected site.
PUBH5420 Public Health Advocacy Strategies

Credit points: 4 Teacher/Coordinator: Simon Chapman, Becky Freeman Session: Semester 2b Classes: 2 full days followed by 3 weeks of online Corequisites: PUBH5414 Assessment: 2500 word essay (70%), online participation (30%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Block Mode
This unit builds on content from Public Health Advocacy PUBH5414. Students will have the opportunity to critique and analyse case studies from a variety of both successful and unsuccessful public health advocacy examples. There will be an emphasis on how online environments and social media tools are contributing to public health advocacy debates and campaigns. Recent examples of how online media have influenced health policy and programming will be presented. Students will examine and prepare writing for online media such as news, blogs, and social media. The lectures will include guest speakers from non-government organisations, government and other experienced stakeholders from across the public heath sector.
Textbooks
Recommended: Chapman S. (2007) Public Health Advocacy and Tobacco Control: Making Smoking History. Oxford: Blackwell.
SEXH5008 Sex and Society

Credit points: 2 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Shailendra Sawleshwarkar, Dr Rick Varma Session: Semester 2b Classes: 2 hours of lectures per week, half semester, which can be taken either face-to-face or online. AusAID students must enrol into the face-to-face version Assessment: written assignment (70%), online quiz (30%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) Day or On-line
Note: AusAID students must enrol in the face-to-face version
This unit will explore the social, psychological and political determinants of sexuality, with particular reference to their potential impacts on public health. It is available in both online and face-to-face modes. Particular emphasis will be placed on the impact of culture, tradition, society, environment, life experiences, personal beliefs and health on sexual activity. Policy and legislative responses to sexual activity will be discussed, with regards to the consequences of sexual activity and methods for determining the effectiveness of such responses.Course content will include population studies on sexual behaviour; historical perspectives; variants of sexuality (including adolescence, prisoners, multicultural aspects, the elderly, disability, homosexuality and transgender issues); sexual dysfunction and counselling; commercial sex work; sex education; sexual assault, health promotion and ethical and legal aspects.
SEXH5101 Public Health Aspects of STDs

Credit points: 2 Teacher/Coordinator: Associate Professor Richard Hillman, Dr Belinda Herring Session: Semester 2a Classes: Semester 2a: 2 hours of lectures per week, half semester, which can be taken either face-to-face or online; Semester 2a Intensive: compulsory attendance at a teaching day in week 4 and attendance at 2 hours of lectures per week, half semester, taken face-to-face for 4 weeks Assessment: written assignment and online quizzes Assessment: written assignment (70%) and online quizzes (30%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) Day or On-line
Note: AusAID students must enrol in the face-to-face version.
This unit aims to provide a public health perspective of the community impact of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). It is available in both online and face to face modes. At the end of this unit, students will be able to understand the underlying principles of the surveillance systems used to monitor STIs; the core risk activity groups involved in the transmission of STIs; how the epidemiologies of STIs vary within and between societies; the public health impacts of STIs; and effective preventative strategies at individual and community levels. Course content will include an introduction to the basic biology of STIs; epidemiology and surveillance methods; STI service delivery considerations; STI/HIV interactions, travellers' sexual health; health promotion for STIs; policy approaches and ethical & legal issues.
SEXH5102 Public Health Aspects of HIV/AIDS

Credit points: 2 Teacher/Coordinator: Associate Professor Richard Hillman, Dr Belinda Herring Session: Semester 2b Classes: 2 hours of lectures per week, half semester, which can be taken either face-to-face or online. AusAID students must enrol in the face-to-face version. Assessment: written assignment (70%) and online quizzes (30%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) Day or On-line
Note: AusAID students must enrol in the face-to-face version
This unit aims to provide a public health perspective of the impact of HIV infection. It is available in both online and face to face modes. At the end of this unit, students will be able to understand the underlying principles of the surveillance systems used to monitor HIV infection; the core risk activity groups involved in the transmission of HIV; how the epidemiology of HIV infection varies within and between societies; the public health impacts of HIV infection; and effective prevention strategies. Course content will include an introduction to the basic science of HIV infection; epidemiology and surveillance; sexual blood borne and mother to child transmission; STI/HIV interactions; other methods of transmission; health promotion for HIV; government perspectives and ethical and legal issues.
SEXH5205 Advanced Adolescent Sexual Health

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Melissa Kang Session: Semester 2 Classes: fully online Assessment: continuous assessment including participation in group discussion, short answer questions, 1000 word assignments plus 2500 word essay or field report. Campus: Westmead Mode of delivery: On-line
This unit aims to introduce the constructs of adolescent sexuality, explore the determinants of adolescent sexual health and to discuss the personal and public health implications of adolescent sexuality, with additional emphasis on a deeper exploration of an area of adolescent sexual health that is of particular interest to the student.
At the end of this unit of study, students will be able to describe the biological, developmental and socio-cultural contexts of adolescent sexual health as well as the constructs, challenges and diversities of adolescent sexuality. They will learn techniques used to optimize communication with adolescents and explore legal, ethical and public health implications of adolescent sexuality. They will also understand and describe one area of adolescent sexual health that the student chooses to study in depth from a list of suggestions.
The course is taught fully online using a range of assessments including group discussion, short answer questions and discussions based on case scenarios. It is divided into 6 modules: adolescent sexuality, adolescent sexual health, reproductive health issues in adolescence, diversity, legal and ethical issues and sexual health promotion.