95752 The Environment, Health and Sustainability
6cp; 1.5hpw, tutorials, on campus; 7hpw, independent studyRequisite(s): 60 credit points of completed study in spk(s): C10360 Bachelor of Public Health OR 60 credit points of completed study in spk(s): C10410 Bachelor of Public Health Bachelor of Sustainability and Environment OR 60 credit points of completed study in spk(s): C10396 Bachelor of Public Health Bachelor of International Studies OR 60 credit points of completed study in spk(s): C10441 Bachelor of Health Sciences Bachelor of Languages and Cultures
Undergraduate
Description
Every year 12.5 million people die from living or working in an unhealthy environment as a result of air, water and soil pollution, chemical exposure, ultraviolet radiation and natural disasters. This subject engages students in dialogue and debate with peers, researchers and practitioners across sectors to examine the relationship between health and the environment in which we live. An ecological approach is taken to investigate the evidence and pathways that impact upon health and wellbeing and how humans, through their intervention in the environment, can play a vital role in exacerbating or reducing health risks. Global challenges related to the changing climate, ocean acidification, human population, rising costs of water, energy, sanitation and waste management are examined in relation to health and the sustainable development goals. Students also consider how health and other sectors can work together to prevent the disease burden and provide the leadership required to find sustainable solutions to strengthen human resilience and adaptive capacity. Innovative system changes are explored, and the concept of planetary health is introduced.
Detailed subject description.