090015 Global Health Systems
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particular session, location and mode of offering is the authoritative source
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Subject handbook information prior to 2025 is available in the Archives.
Credit points: 3 cp
Subject level:
Postgraduate
Result type: Grade and marksRequisite(s): 090019c Planetary Health
The lower case 'c' after the subject code indicates that the subject is a corequisite. See definitions for details.
These requisites may not apply to students in certain courses. See access conditions.
Description
This subject provides a critical understanding of the effect of economic, political, social and environmental factors and structures on the organisation and performance of health systems. Students develop an appreciation of health systems in different societies and the roles of different organisations and institutions that affect global health policy. Case studies from high-, low- and middle-income countries are used to illustrate the challenges health systems face on national, regional and global scales. Students identify and critically examine the role of public health in global health systems, and how public health research and practice can be used to inform and engage with a variety of stakeholders to strengthen health systems.
Subject learning objectives (SLOs)
| A. | Examine political, economic, social and environmental forces and dynamics that affect health systems. |
|---|---|
| B. | Evaluate the critical position of public health professionals and key concepts in global health systems. |
| C. | Appraise the role of and relationships between supranational institutions, organisations, and aid programs in addressing public health priorities. |
| D. | Apply systems thinking to the analysis of health systems across global, national and regional settings. |
Course intended learning outcomes (CILOs)
This subject also contributes specifically to the following graduate attributes:
- Demonstrate reflective critical thinking to enable critical appraisal of current practice, policy and research with the aim to enhance health care and healthcare outcomes, and transform health (1.0)
- Contribute to policy-related dialogue and evaluation of public health strategies in the community (2.3)
- Advocate for, create and respect the engagement of partnerships on matters critical to public health (4.2)
- Embody the international standard of professional qualities appropriate to the scope of their role in regional, national and global health (5.0)
Teaching and learning strategies
This subject is delivered through weekly active online learning distributed over a period of six weeks. There is an expectation that students complete all online activities to get the most out of the subject. Students will be provided with engaging learning activities to deepen their understanding of concepts and theories relevant to Global Health Systems. Online activities will provide students with the opportunity to collaboratively discuss, analyse, and develop ideas, to address real-world scenarios and contemporary threats to global health systems.
Weekly online tutorials give students the opportunity to collaboratively discuss, analyse, and develop ideas gained from the online activities, to address real-world scenarios and contemporary threats to global health systems. Assessments are designed to complement the learning by providing students with the opportunity to practically apply and track their understanding of concepts relevant to global public health. Students will receive feedback from teaching staff and peers in online discussions and activities.
Content (topics)
- Definitions, history, and key concepts of global public health
- The impact of globalisation on health
- International health (care) systems and evaluation
- Global public health policy and politics with a focus on global agencies and international development goals
Assessment
Assessment task 1: Transnational Actors in Global health
| Intent: | This assessment enables students to examine and evaluate the roles of transnational actors in public health and their position within international health care systems. |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses subject learning objective(s): B and C This assessment task contributes to the development of graduate attribute(s): 1.0 and 4.2 |
| Type: | Essay |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 30% |
| Length: | 600 words maximum (excluding reference list) |
Assessment task 2: Government Policy Brief
| Intent: | This assessment enables students to develop skills in analysing global public health issues in a national context and developing evidence-based strategies addressing these with appropriate stakeholders. |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses subject learning objective(s): A, B, C and D This assessment task contributes to the development of graduate attribute(s): 1.0, 2.3, 4.2 and 5.0 |
| Type: | Essay |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 70% |
| Length: | 2,000 words maximum (excluding reference list) |
Recommended texts
Benatar, S., & Brock, G. (2021). Global Health: Ethical Challenges (2nd ed.). Cambridge University Press.
Skolnik, R. (2020). Global Health 101 (4th ed.). Jones & Bartlett Learning.
Warwick-Booth, L., & Cross, R. (2018). Global Health Studies: A Social Determinants Perspective. Polity.
Other resources
UTS Student Centre
Building 10
Monday to Friday: 9am - 5pm
Tel: 1300 ASK UTS (1300 275 887)
Details for student centres: www.uts.edu.au/current-students/contacts/general-contacts
For other resources/ information refer to the Faculty of Health website (www.uts.edu.au/about/faculty-health) and Canvas at: https://canvas.uts.edu.au/.
UTS Library
The Library has a wide range of resources, facilities and services to support you including textbooks, subject readings, health literature databases, workshops and bookable study rooms. There is also a team of librarians to help you with your questions available via online chat, phone and in person. W: lib.uts.edu.au, Facebook: utslibrary, Twitter: @utslibrary Tel: (02) 9514 3666.
Improve your academic and English language skills
Marks for all assessment tasks such as assignments and examinations are given not only for what you write but also for how you write. If you would like the opportunity to improve your academic and English language skills, make an appointment with the HELPS (Higher Education Language & Presentation Support) Service in Student Services.
HELPS (Higher Education Language & Presentation Support)
HELPS provides assistance with English language proficiency and academic language. Students who need to develop their written and/or spoken English should make use of the free services offered by HELPS, including academic language workshops, vacation intensive courses, drop-in consultations, individual appointments and Conversations@UTS (www.ssu.uts.edu.au/helps). HELPS staff are also available for drop-in consultations at the UTS Library. Phone (02) 9514 9733.
Please see www.uts.edu.au for additional information on other resources provided to students by UTS.
The Accessibility and Financial Assistance Service
The Accessibility Service can support students with disabilities, medical or mental health conditions, including temporary injuries (e.g., broken limbs). The Accessibility Service works with Academic Liaison Officers in each Faculty to provide ‘reasonable adjustments’ such as exam provisions, assistive technology, requests and strategies for managing your studies alongside your health condition. If you’re unsure whether you need assistance, we recommend getting in touch early and we can provide advice on how our service can assist you. Make an appointment with an Accessibility Consultant (AC) on +61 2 9514 1177 or Accessibility@uts.edu.au.
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