Course Catalogue

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This course in Public Health gives students insight into the scientific application of knowledge about health behaviour and the epidemiology of disease in populations as mechanisms towards improving health. Students will gain understanding in how behaviour may be influenced, how the antecendents of disease may be measured and monitored, and how to use a multi-sectoral approach to influence change successfully.

On average approximately 6 x 1.5 hour sessions per week in Semester One, and 2 x 1.5 hour session per week in Semester 2.

Mandatory Entry Requirements

Actively enrolled in an MBChB or BDS and normally have successfully completed at least the first 3 years. Exceptionally, some external students from specific partner institutions may join the course after completion of two years of MBChB or BDS (or equivalent); however award of the intercalated degree will be withheld until they have subsequently completed the required number of additional credits (or equivalent) at their home institution.

Recommended Entry Requirements

Will normally be placed within the top 50% of the year and have demonstrated good academic progress.

None

BSc (Med Sci), BSc (Dent Sci) Clinical Medicine Core Course

BSc (Med Sci), BSc (Dent Sci) Clinical Medicine Research Project

BSc (Med Sci), BSc (Dent Sci) Clinical Medicine Statistics

Assessment

65% written examination in April/May

35% review essay completed during 2nd semester

Reassessments are normally available for all courses, except those which contribute to the Honours classification. For non Honours courses, students are offered reassessment in all or any of the components of assessment if the satisfactory (threshold) grade for the overall course is not achieved at the first attempt. This is normally grade D3 for undergraduate students and grade C3 for postgraduate students. Exceptionally it may not be possible to offer reassessment of some coursework items, in which case the mark achieved at the first attempt will be counted towards the final course grade. Any such exceptions for this course are described below. 

The aims of this course are to provide students with insight into the scientific application of knowledge about health behaviour and the epidemiology of disease in populations, as a route towards improving health; to demonstrate how behaviour may be influenced, how the antecendents of disease may be measured and monitored; and the importance of adopting a multi-sectoral approach to influence change successfully.

By the end of this course students will be able to:

■ Assess the importance of public health practice with regard to population health;

■ Evaluate the determinants of health and how they contribute to health and health inequalities

■ Explain the use of quantitative (epidemiological) methods relevant to public health;

■ Compare the relevance of health promotion and prevention strategies, including how legislation may impact on this.

Students must submit at least 75% by weight of the components (including examinations) of the course's summative assessment.

Attendance of at least 80% of lectures and tutorials is mandatory along with active participation in the seminar and other teaching opportunities.