Course Outline
Content
Faculty of Health and Medicine
School of Medicine and Public Health
PUBH6302: Social and Ecosystem Health
Callaghan and WebLearn GradSchool
Semester 2 - 2015
OVERVIEW
Course Description
Understanding the social and ecosystem causes of human
disease is essential for developing and implementing effective
public health policies. This course draws together two important
emerging areas of public health: social determinants of health
inequality and the ecosystem health perspective (Ecohealth).
'Sustainable' human health depends upon healthy ecosystems.
Yet ecosystems around the world are deteriorating under
increasing pressure from human activity and patterns of
consumption. Analysing the links between public health,
ecosystems and social/cultural contexts offers guidance for
addressing the dual threat to environmental and human health.
Contact Hours
ALL Locations
Lecture
Face to Face On Campus
2 hour(s) per Week for Full Term
Lecture/tutorial 2 hours per week for one semester for on-campus
students; online delivery with provision of course notes
supplemented by electronic discussions for distance learning
students.
Unit Weighting
Workload
10
Students are required to spend on average 120-140 hours of
effort (contact and non-contact) including assessments per 10
unit course.
CRICOS Provider 00109J
PUBH6302: Social and Ecosystem Health
Callaghan and WebLearn GradSchool Semester 2 - 2015
CONTACTS
Course Coordinator
Callaghan and WebLearn GradSchool
A/Pr Howard Higginbotham
[email protected]
Consultation: by appointment
Teaching Staff
Other teaching staff will be advised on the course Blackboard site.
School Office
School of Medicine and Public Health
CCEB
[email protected]
GradSchool
Services Building
[email protected]
(+61) 2 4921 8856
SYLLABUS
Course Content
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
Course Learning
Outcomes
On successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
1. Understand and analyse social and cultural factors influencing health inequalities in a
population;
Overview: Social determinants of health
Critical appraisal of qualitative social research
Gender and Health
Social class
Indigenous Health
Social support, social capital, health and place
Overview: Eco-System health and human health
Built environment and environmental degradation
Air quality and environmental justice
Health effects of climate change
2. Understand and analyse ecosystem characteristics that sustain or diminish population
health
3. Understand and analyse how environmental and social factors inter-relate to determine the
health of both
4. Identify and critically appraise appropriate qualitative evidence describing the dynamic
interaction of social, cultural and environmental factors producing health in a specific locality;
5. Understand and relate concepts of health equity, environmental justice and sustainability
principles to environmental health, including climate change;
6. Design components of an equity-focused health impact assessment in relation to a planned
government project, program or policy and undertake initial steps of that assessment.
7. Organise, format and communicate health impact findings to decision-makers
Course Materials
Course modules are provided on Blackboard
Page 2 of 4
PUBH6302: Social and Ecosystem Health
Callaghan and WebLearn GradSchool Semester 2 - 2015
ASSESSMENTS
This course has 3 assessments. Each assessment is described in more detail in the sections below.
1
2
3
Assessment Name
Due Date
Involvement
Weighting
Assignment 1:
Qualitative research
Assignment 2:
Blackboard discussion
(x4)
Assignment 3: Health
impact assessment
project
See Course Information on
Blackboard
See Course Information on
Blackboard
Group
25%
Learning
Outcomes
2, 4, 5
Individual
20%
1, 3, 5, 6
See Course Information on
Blackboard
Individual
55%
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6,
7
Late Submissions
The mark for an assessment item submitted after the designated time on the due date,
without an approved extension of time, will be reduced by 10% of the possible maximum mark
for that assessment item for each day or part day that the assessment item is late. Note: this
applies equally to week and weekend days.
Assessment 1 - Assignment 1: Qualitative research
Assessment Type
Description
Weighting
Due Date
Submission Method
Assessment Criteria
Return Method
Feedback Provided
Written Assignment
See Course Information on Blackboard for Assignment details
25%
See Course Information on Blackboard
Assessment 2 - Assignment 2: Blackboard discussion (x4)
Assessment Type
Description
Weighting
Due Date
Submission Method
Assessment Criteria
Return Method
Feedback Provided
Online Learning Activity
See Course Information on Blackboard for discussion details
20%
See Course Information on Blackboard
Assessment 3 - Assignment 3: Health impact assessment project
Assessment Type
Description
Weighting
Due Date
Submission Method
Assessment Criteria
Return Method
Feedback Provided
Project
See Course Information on Blackboard for Assignment details
55%
See Course Information on Blackboard
Page 3 of 4
PUBH6302: Social and Ecosystem Health
Callaghan and WebLearn GradSchool Semester 2 - 2015
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Grading Scheme
This course is graded as follows:
Range of Grade
Description
Marks
85-100
High
Outstanding standard indicating comprehensive knowledge
Distinction
and understanding of the relevant materials; demonstration of
(HD)
an outstanding level of academic ability; mastery of skills*; and
achievement of all assessment objectives.
75-84
Distinction
Excellent standard indicating a very high level of knowledge
(D)
and understanding of the relevant materials; demonstration of
a very high level of academic ability; sound development of
skills*; and achievement of all assessment objectives.
65-74
Credit
Very Good standard indicating a high level of knowledge and
(C)
understanding of the relevant materials; demonstration of a
high level of academic ability; reasonable development of
skills*; and achievement of all assessment objectives.
50-64
Pass
Satisfactory standard indicating an adequate knowledge and
(P)
understanding of the relevant materials; demonstration of an
adequate level of academic ability; satisfactory development of
skills*; and achievement of most assessment objectives.
0-49
Fail
Failure to satisfactorily achieve assessment objectives or
(FF)
compulsory course requirements. A fail grade may also be
awarded following disciplinary action.
*Skills are those identified for the purposes of assessment task(s).
Communication
Methods
Communication methods used in this course include:
- Blackboard Course Site: Students will receive communications via the posting of
content or announcements on the Blackboard course site.
Course Evaluation
Each year feedback is sought from students and other stakeholders about the courses
offered in the University for the purposes of identifying areas of excellence and potential
improvement.
As a result of student feedback, the following changes have been made to this offering of the
course:
- See Course Information on Blackboard
Academic Misconduct
All students are required to meet the academic integrity standards of the University. These
standards reinforce the importance of integrity and honesty in an academic environment.
Academic Integrity policies apply to all students of the University in all modes of study and in
all
locations.
For
the
Student
Academic
Integrity
policy,
refer
to
http://www.newcastle.edu.au/policy/000608.html.
Adverse
Circumstances
You are entitled to apply for special consideration because adverse circumstances have had
an impact on your performance in an assessment item. This includes applying for an
extension of time to complete an assessment item. Prior to applying you must refer to the
Adverse Circumstances Affecting Assessment Items Procedure, available at
http://www.newcastle.edu.au/policy/000940.html. All applications for Adverse Circumstances
must be lodged via the online Adverse Circumstances system, along with supporting
documentation.
Important Policy
Information
The 'HELP for Students' tab in UoNline contains important information that all students should
be familiar with, including various systems, policies and procedures.
This course outline was approved by the Head of School. No alteration of this course outline is permitted without Head of School
approval. If a change is approved, students will be notified and an amended course outline will be provided in the same manner as the
original.
© 2015 The University of Newcastle, Australia
Page 4 of 4
School of Medicine and Public Health
PUBH6302: Social and Ecosystem Health
Callaghan and WebLearn GradSchool
Semester 2 - 2015
OVERVIEW
Course Description
Understanding the social and ecosystem causes of human
disease is essential for developing and implementing effective
public health policies. This course draws together two important
emerging areas of public health: social determinants of health
inequality and the ecosystem health perspective (Ecohealth).
'Sustainable' human health depends upon healthy ecosystems.
Yet ecosystems around the world are deteriorating under
increasing pressure from human activity and patterns of
consumption. Analysing the links between public health,
ecosystems and social/cultural contexts offers guidance for
addressing the dual threat to environmental and human health.
Contact Hours
ALL Locations
Lecture
Face to Face On Campus
2 hour(s) per Week for Full Term
Lecture/tutorial 2 hours per week for one semester for on-campus
students; online delivery with provision of course notes
supplemented by electronic discussions for distance learning
students.
Unit Weighting
Workload
10
Students are required to spend on average 120-140 hours of
effort (contact and non-contact) including assessments per 10
unit course.
CRICOS Provider 00109J
PUBH6302: Social and Ecosystem Health
Callaghan and WebLearn GradSchool Semester 2 - 2015
CONTACTS
Course Coordinator
Callaghan and WebLearn GradSchool
A/Pr Howard Higginbotham
[email protected]
Consultation: by appointment
Teaching Staff
Other teaching staff will be advised on the course Blackboard site.
School Office
School of Medicine and Public Health
CCEB
[email protected]
GradSchool
Services Building
[email protected]
(+61) 2 4921 8856
SYLLABUS
Course Content
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
Course Learning
Outcomes
On successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
1. Understand and analyse social and cultural factors influencing health inequalities in a
population;
Overview: Social determinants of health
Critical appraisal of qualitative social research
Gender and Health
Social class
Indigenous Health
Social support, social capital, health and place
Overview: Eco-System health and human health
Built environment and environmental degradation
Air quality and environmental justice
Health effects of climate change
2. Understand and analyse ecosystem characteristics that sustain or diminish population
health
3. Understand and analyse how environmental and social factors inter-relate to determine the
health of both
4. Identify and critically appraise appropriate qualitative evidence describing the dynamic
interaction of social, cultural and environmental factors producing health in a specific locality;
5. Understand and relate concepts of health equity, environmental justice and sustainability
principles to environmental health, including climate change;
6. Design components of an equity-focused health impact assessment in relation to a planned
government project, program or policy and undertake initial steps of that assessment.
7. Organise, format and communicate health impact findings to decision-makers
Course Materials
Course modules are provided on Blackboard
Page 2 of 4
PUBH6302: Social and Ecosystem Health
Callaghan and WebLearn GradSchool Semester 2 - 2015
ASSESSMENTS
This course has 3 assessments. Each assessment is described in more detail in the sections below.
1
2
3
Assessment Name
Due Date
Involvement
Weighting
Assignment 1:
Qualitative research
Assignment 2:
Blackboard discussion
(x4)
Assignment 3: Health
impact assessment
project
See Course Information on
Blackboard
See Course Information on
Blackboard
Group
25%
Learning
Outcomes
2, 4, 5
Individual
20%
1, 3, 5, 6
See Course Information on
Blackboard
Individual
55%
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6,
7
Late Submissions
The mark for an assessment item submitted after the designated time on the due date,
without an approved extension of time, will be reduced by 10% of the possible maximum mark
for that assessment item for each day or part day that the assessment item is late. Note: this
applies equally to week and weekend days.
Assessment 1 - Assignment 1: Qualitative research
Assessment Type
Description
Weighting
Due Date
Submission Method
Assessment Criteria
Return Method
Feedback Provided
Written Assignment
See Course Information on Blackboard for Assignment details
25%
See Course Information on Blackboard
Assessment 2 - Assignment 2: Blackboard discussion (x4)
Assessment Type
Description
Weighting
Due Date
Submission Method
Assessment Criteria
Return Method
Feedback Provided
Online Learning Activity
See Course Information on Blackboard for discussion details
20%
See Course Information on Blackboard
Assessment 3 - Assignment 3: Health impact assessment project
Assessment Type
Description
Weighting
Due Date
Submission Method
Assessment Criteria
Return Method
Feedback Provided
Project
See Course Information on Blackboard for Assignment details
55%
See Course Information on Blackboard
Page 3 of 4
PUBH6302: Social and Ecosystem Health
Callaghan and WebLearn GradSchool Semester 2 - 2015
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Grading Scheme
This course is graded as follows:
Range of Grade
Description
Marks
85-100
High
Outstanding standard indicating comprehensive knowledge
Distinction
and understanding of the relevant materials; demonstration of
(HD)
an outstanding level of academic ability; mastery of skills*; and
achievement of all assessment objectives.
75-84
Distinction
Excellent standard indicating a very high level of knowledge
(D)
and understanding of the relevant materials; demonstration of
a very high level of academic ability; sound development of
skills*; and achievement of all assessment objectives.
65-74
Credit
Very Good standard indicating a high level of knowledge and
(C)
understanding of the relevant materials; demonstration of a
high level of academic ability; reasonable development of
skills*; and achievement of all assessment objectives.
50-64
Pass
Satisfactory standard indicating an adequate knowledge and
(P)
understanding of the relevant materials; demonstration of an
adequate level of academic ability; satisfactory development of
skills*; and achievement of most assessment objectives.
0-49
Fail
Failure to satisfactorily achieve assessment objectives or
(FF)
compulsory course requirements. A fail grade may also be
awarded following disciplinary action.
*Skills are those identified for the purposes of assessment task(s).
Communication
Methods
Communication methods used in this course include:
- Blackboard Course Site: Students will receive communications via the posting of
content or announcements on the Blackboard course site.
Course Evaluation
Each year feedback is sought from students and other stakeholders about the courses
offered in the University for the purposes of identifying areas of excellence and potential
improvement.
As a result of student feedback, the following changes have been made to this offering of the
course:
- See Course Information on Blackboard
Academic Misconduct
All students are required to meet the academic integrity standards of the University. These
standards reinforce the importance of integrity and honesty in an academic environment.
Academic Integrity policies apply to all students of the University in all modes of study and in
all
locations.
For
the
Student
Academic
Integrity
policy,
refer
to
http://www.newcastle.edu.au/policy/000608.html.
Adverse
Circumstances
You are entitled to apply for special consideration because adverse circumstances have had
an impact on your performance in an assessment item. This includes applying for an
extension of time to complete an assessment item. Prior to applying you must refer to the
Adverse Circumstances Affecting Assessment Items Procedure, available at
http://www.newcastle.edu.au/policy/000940.html. All applications for Adverse Circumstances
must be lodged via the online Adverse Circumstances system, along with supporting
documentation.
Important Policy
Information
The 'HELP for Students' tab in UoNline contains important information that all students should
be familiar with, including various systems, policies and procedures.
This course outline was approved by the Head of School. No alteration of this course outline is permitted without Head of School
approval. If a change is approved, students will be notified and an amended course outline will be provided in the same manner as the
original.
© 2015 The University of Newcastle, Australia
Page 4 of 4
