Unit Outline

This unit introduces students to the foundation knowledge, skills and conceptual frameworks that underpin contemporary public health practice. It explores the biological, social, economic and environmental determinants of health and wellbeing as a basis for developing strategies and systems that promote and protect health. It explores the history of public health and the lessons we must learn and apply to sustain and enhance the health of populations, now and into the future.

Intended Learning Outcomes

As per the Assessment and Results Policy 1.3, your results will reflect your achievement against specified learning outcomes.

On completion of this unit, you will be able to:


1.	Describe the principles and attributes of public health responses to contemporary and emerging health challenges
2.	Analyse the distribution and determinants of health and wellbeing of populations
3.	Describe major population health challenges and priorities including strategies for health promotion and health protection
4.	Describe the role of different health professionals and disciplines in developing effective public health solutions

Alterations as a result of student feedback

No alterations have been made.

How will I be Assessed?

For more detailed assessment information please see MyLO.

Assessment schedule


ASSESSMENT TASK #	ASSESSMENT TASK NAME	DATE DUE	WEIGHT	LINKS TO INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES
Assessment Task 1:	Weekly quizzes	Week 2	20 %	LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4
Assessment Task 2:	Determinant Analysis	Week 9	30 %	LO1, LO2, LO3
Assessment Task 3:	Photovoice	Week 13	50 %	LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4

Assessment details

Assessment Task 1: Weekly quizzes

Task Description:

Weekly quizzes (weeks 2-11 inclusive) will assess students’ engagement with the concepts, information and issues covered in weekly MyLO modules and the weekly workshops. Each quiz will involve 5 multi-choice questions accessed via MyLO
Monday 5 pm each week for the previous weeks module.
i.e. MyLO quizzes will be closed on the Monday following the respective weeks content module.
20% (2% per weekly quiz x 10)

Task Length:

Weekly quiz (5 multi-choice questions per quiz)

Due Date:

Week 2

Weight:

20 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Correctly answers quiz questions that test students knowledge of concepts, information and issues presented in each weekly module/workshop.	LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4

Assessment Task 2: Determinant Analysis

Task Description:

This assessment aims to examine your understanding of the socio-economic, cultural, environmental, and behavioural factors that contribute to the development and presentation of
preventable morbidity and mortality associated with a public health issue (e.g., obesity, diabetes, poor oral health, alcohol, or nicotine dependence).

You will conduct a determinants analysis for causal factors for this public health issue, informed by reference to academic literature, and where relevant personal data collation. A prescribed report template is provided.

For one week (recommended during week 5-7), students are encouraged to keep a journal of personal behaviours (may include diet, physical activity, sleep, smoking, alcohol consumption etc.) and socio-environmental contexts relevant to the public health issue (e.g., home, work, shopping centre, educational setting, or social situation). Reflect on the relevance of determinants and personal risk exposure. Cite relevant references for the analysis of the determinants relating to the public health issue of your choice.

Task Length:

1500 words

Due Date:

Week 9

Weight:

30 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Accurately describes the range of determinants that cause the prescribed public health issue, using appropriate evidence sources and referencing.	LO1, LO2, LO3
2	Illustrates the relationship between, and causal sequence of, determinants identified.	LO2
3	Identifies and describes determinants that are amenable to modification by public health interventions.	LO3
4	Critically reflects on personal determinants and risk profile based on weekly journaling.	LO1, LO2, LO3

Assessment Task 3: Photovoice

Task Description:

This assignment uses the technique of Photovoice to enable assessment of your understanding and insights of the principles and practices that underpin public health responses.

You will be required to curate a series of 5 photographs in PowerPoint (one slide per image) or Word (one image per page) that illustrate a response to the provocation statement that “Prevention is better than cure”. Throughout the semester, take notice of examples of public health preventative strategies in your environment. This could be as explicit as a sign that displays a directive or something more subtle like a public exercise area or community hub. Take photos of these so you have many to choose from when it comes time to do this assignment.

Each image should be complemented by a written paragraph that describes and justifies why you chose the photo, with reference to evidence and the literature. Include brief introduction and conclusion paragraphs that reflect on the photovoice exercise and how it has aided your conceptualisation and understanding of public health principles.

This assignment should be completed individually with no sharing of photographs or written content.

Task Length:

5 Photo PowerPoint slide deck; Written report (1500 words)

Due Date:

Week 13

Weight:

50 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Images created project insights that relate to the “prevention is the best cure” provocation statement.	LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4
2	Images created present a distinct position of the student pair about the provocation statement (agree, disagree, ambivalent).	LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4
3	Written report provides clear description and justification for the images presented, with reference to literature when relevant.	LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4
4	Written report demonstrates student critical reflection on the photovoice exercise.	LO1

How your final result is determined

To pass this unit, you need to demonstrate your attainment of each of the Intended Learning Outcomes, achieve a final unit grade of 50% or greater, and pass any hurdle tasks.

Submission of assignments

Where practicable, assignments should be submitted to an assignment submission folder in MYLO. You must submit assignments by the due date or receive a penalty (unless an extension of time has been approved by the Unit Coordinator). Students submitting any assignment in hard copy, or because of a practicum finalisation, must attach a student cover sheet and signed declaration for the submission to be accepted for marking.

Requests for extensions

If you are unable to submit an assessment task by the due date, you should apply for an extension.

A request for an extension should first be discussed with your Unit Coordinator or teaching support team where possible. A request for an extension must be submitted by the assessment due date, except where you can provide evidence it was not possible to do so. Typically, an application for an extension will be supported by documentary evidence: however, where it is not possible for you to provide evidence please contact your Unit Coordinator.

The Unit Coordinator must notify you of the outcome of an extension request within 3 working days of receiving the request.

Late penalties

Assignments submitted after the deadline will receive a late penalty of 5% of the original available mark for each calendar day (or part day) that the assignment is late. Late submissions will not be accepted more than 10 calendar days after the due date, or after assignments have been returned to other students on a scheduled date, whichever occurs first. Further information on Late Penalties can be found on the Assessments and Results Procedure.

Review of results and appeals

You are entitled to ask for a review of the marking and grading of your assessment task if there is an irregularity in the marking standards or an error in the process for determining the outcome of an assessment. Details on how to request a review of a mark for an assignment are outlined in the Review and Appeal of Academic Decisions Procedure.