95739 Sustainability in Public Health
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Subject handbook information prior to 2025 is available in the Archives.
Credit points: 6 cp
Result type: Grade and marks
Requisite(s): 96 credit points of completed study in spk(s): C10360 Bachelor of Public Health OR 96 credit points of completed study in spk(s): C10410 Bachelor of Public Health Bachelor of Sustainability and Environment OR 96 credit points of completed study in spk(s): C10396 Bachelor of Public Health Bachelor of International Studies OR 96 credit points of completed study in spk(s): C10441 Bachelor of Health Sciences Bachelor of Languages and Cultures OR 96 credit points of completed study in spk(s): C10466 Bachelor of Public Health Bachelor of Creative Intelligence and Innovation OR 96 credit points of completed study in spk(s): C10468 Bachelor of Public Health Bachelor of Business OR 96 credit points of completed study in spk(s): C10469 Bachelor of Public Health Bachelor of Management OR 96 credit points of completed study in spk(s): C10470 Bachelor of Public Health Bachelor of Economics
Description
The subject is designed to equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge to create sustainable public health systems. Building upon foundational knowledge in public health and related disciplines, such as biostatistics, health promotion, epidemiology, and health psychology, this course goes beyond theoretical concepts to provide practical tools for students to apply sustainability principles in their future careers. By exploring the intersection of sustainability and public health, students gain the competencies required to address the complex challenges of creating and maintaining sustainable public health structures in a rapidly changing world.
Subject learning objectives (SLOs)
| A. | Understand the key principles and dimensions of sustainability and their relevance to the field of public health. |
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| B. | Analyse the impact of globalisation, technological advancements, and socio-political factors on sustainable public health practices. |
| C. | Apply sustainability principles to various aspects of public health, including research, policy development, disaster preparedness, and Indigenous health. |
| D. | Evaluate the role of the public health workforce in promoting sustainable practices and identify necessary competencies for sustainable public health professionals. |
| E. | Develop innovative and evidence-based strategies to address public health challenges from a sustainability perspective, considering ethical considerations and future directions. |
Course intended learning outcomes (CILOs)
This subject also contributes specifically to the following graduate attributes:
- Respect and respond to the needs of diverse groups to improve health outcomes. (1.2)
- Evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency of health projects and programs. (2.1)
- Demonstrate adaptability to social, political and technological change in public health. (2.3)
- Recognises the need of supportive and responsive evidence-based practice in diverse communities. (4.2)
- Demonstrates critical thinking in the development and practice of public health. (5.1)
Teaching and learning strategies
During the semester, students engage with the content to achieve the intended outcomes by using a range of teaching and learning strategies. This subject is designed to assist students in understanding the complexities associated with sustainable public health practices. By exploring sustainability theories and case studies, students will gain the competencies required to address the complex challenges of creating and maintaining sustainable public health structures in a rapidly changing world.
In this subject, learning occurs before and during on-campus tutorials. Before tutorials, students engage in independent weekly preparatory activities (consisting of, but not limited to, online quizzes, surveys, and questionnaires) aided by online learning resources provided on Canvas (such as journal articles, news reports, YouTube videos, podcasts...), as preparation for the relevant in-class activities. Following this, the on-campus tutorials include discussions of the case studies, and classroom exercises and worksheets. These enable the students to students engage in collaborative learning through working with the tutor and other students in pairs or groups on activities such as debates and presentations.
Content (topics)
- Advanced concepts of sustainability
- SDGs and the public health profession
- An increasingly globalised world
- Sustainable practices in biostatistics and epidemiological research
- Wokeness, political radicalisation and public health
- Sustaining healthy environments alongside a fast advancing technological world
- Sustainable systems to Close the Gap
- Sustainable preparedness for disaster and emerging pandemics
- Transdisciplinary education and collaboration to sustainable public health
- Futureproofing the public health workforce
Assessment
Assessment task 1: Case Study Analyses
| Intent: | This assessment aims to evaluate students' ability to analyse real-world public health cases and identify sustainability challenges while proposing evidence-based strategies. It examines critical thinking and the application of sustainability principles to practical scenarios. |
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| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses subject learning objective(s): A and C This assessment task contributes to the development of graduate attribute(s): 1.2 and 4.2 |
| Type: | Case study |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 40% |
| Length: | Range from 10 multiple-choice questions, to short-answer essays and online posts. |
Assessment task 2: Research Paper
| Intent: | This assessment requires students to conduct a comprehensive literature review, critically analyse existing research, and propose innovative approaches to promote sustainable public health practices. It assesses their ability to synthesise information, apply research methods, and develop evidence-based solutions. |
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| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses subject learning objective(s): A and D This assessment task contributes to the development of graduate attribute(s): 2.1 and 4.2 |
| Type: | Essay |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 30% |
| Length: | Up to 1000 words (not including references) |
Assessment task 3: Group Project and Presentation
| Intent: | This assessment promotes teamwork, creativity, and effective communication skills as students work in groups to develop a sustainable public health initiative. They need to identify a public health issue, design an intervention plan based on sustainable principles, and present their project to the class. It encourages practical application of sustainability concepts to public health initiatives, as well as presentation and public speaking skills. |
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| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses subject learning objective(s): B and E This assessment task contributes to the development of graduate attribute(s): 2.3, 4.2 and 5.1 |
| Type: | Presentation |
| Groupwork: | Group, group assessed |
| Weight: | 30% |
| Length: | Abstract (no more than 200 words) & presentation (15 minutes plus 3 minutes of question time). |
Minimum requirements
To pass this subject, students must:
- Have a minimum of 80% attendance with sufficient proof for missing any tutorials; and
- Obtain an overall pass upon successful completion of all assessment items.
References
Refer to Canvas for access to up to date references for this subject.
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
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