| Semester 2, 2023 Online | |
| Units : | 1 |
| School or Department : | School of Health and Medical Sciences |
| Grading basis : | Graded |
| Course fee schedule : | /current-students/administration/fees/fee-schedules |
Staffing
Course Coordinator:
Overview
The current and forecasted negative impact of climate change on health and wellbeing due to heatwaves, extreme weather events, increased sea levels and natural disasters on population health and wellbeing is complex. Public health practitioners are part of a multi-disciplinary and inter-sectoral team addressing the impact of climate change and promoting sustainability to enhance the wellbeing of populations. This course will explore an evidence-based approach to the impact of climate change and unsustainable practice on population wellbeing. In addition, disaster management practices and principles will be examined. The course content and outcomes are informed by the Council of Academic Public Health Institutions of Australia (CAPHIA) guidelines for public health graduate areas of practice and related practice goals.
The impact of climate change and unsustainable practices on the ecosystem and subsequent health and wellbeing is of increasing concern globally and requires a public-health approach to mitigate these effects. Consequently, public health practitioners are well-placed to play a role in advocating for and implementing programs that could moderate the impacts of climate change on health. Environmental hazards such as air and water pollution, hazardous waste and their impact on current and future health outcomes will be explored. Students will discuss sustainable frameworks in various sectors such as agriculture. This course will explore disaster management principles and the role of public health practitioners in the prevention and management of both natural and manmade hazards.
Course learning outcomes
On completion of this course students should be able to:
- Describe and explain the impact of climate change and health from a local and global perspective.
- Analyse and compare the factors that influence food insecurity, and the subsequent impact on global health.
- Design a strategy for ecologically sustainable development, taking into account climate change and its impacts on water, food, sanitation and other critical issues.
- Formulate and evaluate a disaster management plan in response to a public health emergency or a natural disaster.
Topics
| Description | Weighting(%) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Introduction to climate change | 15.00 |
| 2. | Global food security | 10.00 |
| 3. | Climate and environment as a determinant of health | 25.00 |
| 4. | Sustainability frameworks for health | 25.00 |
| 5. | Disaster Management | 25.00 |
Text and materials required to be purchased or accessed
Student workload expectations
To do well in this subject, students are expected to commit approximately 10 hours per week including class contact hours, independent study, and all assessment tasks. If you are undertaking additional activities, which may include placements and residential schools, the weekly workload hours may vary.
Assessment details
| Description | Group Assessment |
Weighting (%) |
|---|---|---|
| Presentation (ind, grp, mltmd) | No | 20 |
| Essay | No | 40 |
| Planning document | No | 40 |