Outline

Overview

This unit introduces you to the theoretical and practical underpinnings of public health via a diverse range of case studies. Together we will critically analyse what public health is and what it seeks to achieve. We will explore key concepts that will be taken up in more detail in other core and elective units, challenge current orthodoxies, and seek to develop a reflective and analytical approach to public health practice and research. We will have a particular focus on exploring the health and well-being challenges experienced by indigenous peoples, migrants and other disadvantaged groups, in Australia and globally. We will do this through considering the meaning of evidence and the historical and contemporary public health context, with the aim of working together to identify ethical, innovative and effective solutions. Throughout this unit you will be encouraged to interact with your unit coordinators, tutors and fellow students, ask questions, and respectfully debate answers to questions such as: What is public health? What does it mean to think beyond the social determinants? What is equity and why does it matter? Integration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledges and perspectives: This unit pays particular attention to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander public health challenges and solutions. The Sydney School of Public Health is committed to graduating public health professionals who have the competence and confidence to work effectively and respectfully with Australia's First Peoples. This unit will help prepare you for this work and provide important foundational knowledge that will be further advanced in concurrent and subsequent Master of Public Health units of study.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Public Health
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Heidi Gilchrist, heidi.gilchrist@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Claire Hooker, claire.hooker@sydney.edu.au
	Edward Jegasothy, edward.jegasothy@sydney.edu.au
	Heidi Gilchrist, heidi.gilchrist@sydney.edu.au
Tutor(s)	Olivia Mac, olivia.mac@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 2 April 2024

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length
Online task	Synthesis grid complete synthesis grid using three selected readings	10%	Week 06 Due date: 28 Mar 2024 at 23:59	3 readings, create synthesis grid
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Draft essay Written draft essay	20%	Week 07 Due date: 08 Apr 2024 at 23:59	1000 words
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Essay Final written essay	45%	Week 13 Due date: 20 May 2024 at 23:59	3000 words
Outcomes assessed:
Tutorial quiz	Readings and quizzes online quiz based on weekly readings due Sunday	5%	Weekly	10 minutes
Outcomes assessed:
Participation	Tutorial participation activities Participation activity to be completed after the tutorial	5%	Weekly	10 minutes
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Reading presentation and discussion Present critical analysis of reading in tutorial, facilitate discussion	15%	Weekly	15 minute presentation/discussion
Outcomes assessed:

Assessment summary

Readings and quizzes: Quizzes will assess your ability to critically engage with the content of the required readings.
Weekly attendance/engagement: Students are required to attend the tutorials face-to-face and then complete tutorial activities in Canvas.
Synthesis grid: choose three of the provided readings, identify their main ideas and synthesise their key concepts in a grid.
Presentation/discussion task: Present critical analysis of one reading in an allocated tutorial and generate robust and respectful discussion in all tutorials by asking questions, answering other students’ questions, and contributing to the discussion by adding additional thoughts.
Essay (draft and final): Choose one of the provided topics and answer the essay question, first in draft form (as per instructions), then incorporating feedback into final submitted essay.

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas including acceptable use of generative AI.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85 - 100	Work of an exceptional standard.
Distinction	75 - 84	Work of a very high standard.
Credit	65 - 74	Work of a good standard.
Pass	50 - 64	Work of an acceptable standard.
Fail	0 - 49	When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see guide to grades.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

The university uses Simple Extensions and Special Consideration because unexpected things happen to *everyone* and we want to support people to do their best work. For assessment tasks 1-4, which are defined as "in-class, small and continuous assessments", apply directly to your unit coordinator. If you have faced illness, injury or misadventure and require more than 5 days, please apply for Special Consideration through the Special Consideration Portal:https://www.sydney.edu.au/students/special-consideration. For assessments 5 and 6, which are considered "submitted work", if you think you will miss a deadline, please use the Simple Extension provisions to seek an extension of 5 calendar days without penalty. You can apply here for a Simple Extension via the Special Consideration Unit: https://www.sydney.edu.au/students/simple-extensions.html

Academic integrity

The Current Student website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

You may only use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator. If you do use these tools, you must acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section. The assessment instructions or unit outline will give guidance of the types of tools that are permitted and how the tools should be used.

Your final submitted work must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of generative AI tools that have been used in the assessment, and any material that forms part of your submission must be appropriately referenced. For guidance on how to acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the AI in Education Canvas site.

The unapproved use of these tools or unacknowledged use will be considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and penalties may apply.

Studiosity is permitted unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission as detailed on the Learning Hub’s Canvas page.

Outside assessment tasks, generative AI tools may be used to support your learning. The AI in Education Canvas site contains a number of productive ways that students are using AI to improve their learning.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy 2023 reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy 2023. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	live lecture	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 01	Weekly tutorial - Week 1 introduction to unit	Tutorial (1.5 hr)
Week 02	pre-recorded lectures	Online class (2 hr)
Week 02	Weekly tutorial with activities, student presentation and discussion	Tutorial (1.5 hr)
Week 03	pre-recorded lectures	Online class (2 hr)
Week 03	Weekly tutorial with activities, student presentation and discussion	Tutorial (1.5 hr)
Week 04	pre-recorded lectures	Online class (2 hr)
Week 04	Weekly tutorial with activities, student presentation and discussion	Tutorial (1.5 hr)
Week 05	live lecture	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 05	Weekly tutorial with activities, student presentation and discussion	Tutorial (1.5 hr)
Week 06	pre-recorded lectures	Online class (2 hr)
Week 06	Weekly tutorial with activities, student presentation and discussion	Tutorial (1.5 hr)
Week 07	live lecture	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 07	Weekly tutorial with activities, student presentation and discussion	Tutorial (1.5 hr)
Week 08	pre-recorded lectures	Online class (2 hr)
Week 08	Weekly tutorial with activities, student presentation and discussion	Tutorial (1.5 hr)
Week 09	pre-recorded lectures	Online class (2 hr)
Week 09	Weekly tutorial with activities, student presentation and discussion	Tutorial (1.5 hr)
Week 10	pre-recorded lectures	Online class (2 hr)
Week 10	Weekly tutorial with activities, student presentation and discussion	Tutorial (1.5 hr)
Week 11	pre-recorded lectures	Online class (2 hr)
Week 11	Weekly tutorial with activities, student presentation and discussion	Tutorial (1.5 hr)
Week 12	live lecture	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 12	Weekly tutorial with activities, student presentation and discussion	Tutorial (1.5 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Each enrolment mode has a different way to engage over the 12 weeks of semester:

ND-CC Campus students:

Enrol in appropriate face to face tutorial group
Watch pre-recorded lectures/ attend live lectures
Complete required readings
Attend an in-person tutorial every week to undertake individual and group learning activities under the guidance of a tutor, complete one ASSESSED presentation and engage in ASSESSED weekly discussions of other student presentations, discuss questions arising from lectures and readings, and prepare assessments
Complete a brief ASSESSED participation activity at the end of the tutorial
Complete a brief ASSESSED quiz after completing lecture and readings

OL-CC online students:

Enrol in appropriate online tutorial group
Watch pre-recorded lectures/attend live online lectures
Complete required readings
Attend a Zoom tutorial every week to undertake individual and group learning activities under the guidance of a tutor, complete one ASSESSED presentation and engage in ASSESSED weekly discussions of other student presentations, discuss questions arising from lectures and readings, and prepare assessments
Complete a brief ASSESSED participation activity at the end of the the tutorial
Complete a brief ASSESSED quiz after completing lecture and readings.

There is no asynchronous option for students who are unable to commit to regular live or live online attendance. We will attempt to record the four live/live online lectures, but this is not guaranteed. If you are not able to make your tutorial, please let your tutor know and they may be able to arrange an alternative for you, but again we cannot guarantee this. The tutorials are where most of the deeper thinking and learning will occur, and attendance is expected. For online tutorials you are expected to have your cameras on and participate in all activities unless you have a valid reason which you have relayed to your tutor.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

Readings will be provided in Canvas.

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. understand key historical and theoretical foundations for public health
LO2. demonstrate an understanding of relevant concepts in public health ethics
LO3. make considered arguments about the ethical dimensions of public health
LO4. critically appraise methods and evidence used in public health
LO5. demonstrate an understanding of the primordial determinants of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

Positive feedback for interactive classes and the demands of the 5 day intensive workshop format, have, in part, informed our decision to change from block mode to weekly format. Starting Semester 1,2024 there will be weekly lectures ( 8 weeks pre-recorded, 4 live) followed by face-to-face tutorials to provide more regular interaction and create a sense of being part of a learning community. The content will remain largely unchanged, although there is a reduction in the number of weekly readings.

Additional information

Special Consideration

Additional costs

Site visit guidelines

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Additional costs

Site visit guidelines

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

Media

Student links

About us

Connect

Current students

PUBH5036: Public Health: Critical Challenges

Semester 1, 2024 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Additional costs

Site visit guidelines

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

Media

Student links

About us

Connect