Health Communication
(Students apply through the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences.)
Graduate Certificate in Health Communication
(GradCertHC) DG036 or GCHECOMM1000
Graduate Diploma in Health Communication
(GradDipHC) DF040 or GNHECOMM1000
Master of Health Communication
(MHC) DC064 or MAHECOMM1000
| Course | Credit points for award |
Duration full-time | Duration part-time |
|---|---|---|---|
| GradCertHC | 24 |
0.5 year | 1 to 2 years |
| GradDipHC | 36 |
1 year | 1.5 to 3 years |
| MHC | 48 |
1 Year | 2 to 4 years |
Overview
The Health Communication degrees combine the media expertise of the Media and Communications department with the public health resources of the School of Public Health, providing the most comprehensive and specialised courses in health communication available in Australia.
The one-year (full-time) postgraduate master's degree is designed to meet the needs of those working in, or wishing to work in, the private and public health sectors, as well as non-government and community organisations. Units of study provide media skills for professional communicators in health and medicine, public affairs, public relations, community relations and journalism. They also offer a solid, evidence-based education in international health, environmental health, children’s and women’s health, obesity and disease prevention, and health promotion.
The graduate diploma and graduate certificate courses provide shorter avenues to update and extend your professional skills, or to explore new career directions.
Course outcomes
The course will equip students with knowledge, understanding and expertise across media and health disciplines, incorporating a cross-disciplinary, collaborative approach to media production, media relations, organisational communication, and health promotion. Units of study provide training in campaign development, advocacy, humanitarian and emergency health issues, bioethics, and an understanding of health cultures, policy and systems.
The elective internship unit open to master's students offers the opportunity to gain valuable work experience prior to graduation.
Pattern of enrolment
The following table provides examples for structuring programs of study directed towards specific interests or future employment. Students can design their own pathway in consultation with the program coordinator.
| Core units | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| MECO6900 News Writing |
MECO6901 Dealing with the Media |
MECO6919 Health Communication |
MECO6927 Organisational Communication |
| Elective units | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Government Health Departments (state and federal) |
|
||
| HPOL5000 Introduction to Health Policy |
HPOL5001 Economics and Finance for Health Policy |
PUBH5113 International Health (4 credit points) |
MECO6928 Media and Communication Internship |
| Consumer and Trade Media | |||
| MIPH5014 International Health Promotion (4 credit points) |
PUBH5418 Tobacco Control in the 21st Century |
PUBH5111 Environmental Health (4 credit points) |
MECO6928 Media and Communication Internship |
| Health Insurance Funds | |||
| HPOL5000 Introduction to Health Policy |
HPOL5001 Economics and Finance for Health Policy |
PUBH5114 Alcohol, Drug Use and Health |
MECO6928 Media and Communication Internship |
| Non-Government Organisations (NGOs) | |||
| PUBH5019 Cancer Prevention and Control |
PUBH5113 International Health (4 credit points) |
PUBH5033 Disease Prevention and Health Promotion |
MECO6928 Media and Communication Internship |
Further enquiries
Dr Fiona Giles
Phone: +61 2 9036 6272
Email:
Website: http://sydney.edu.au/arts/media_communications/
Degree resolutions
Sydney Medical School resolutions and the printed handbook are the official statement of faculty policy. The resolutions contained in the printed handbook are accurate as at August 2012. If a conflict is perceived between the content of the printed handbook and information available elsewhere, Sydney Medical School resolutions and the information available in the handbook online shall always take precedence. See the handbook online website:
sydney.edu.au/handbooks/medicine/
See the Policy Online website: sydney.edu.au/policy, for copies of University policies.
Master of Health Communication
These resolutions must be read in conjunction with applicable University By-laws, Rules and policies including (but not limited to) the University of Sydney (Coursework) Rule 2000 (the 'Coursework Rule'), the Resolutions of the Faculty, the University of Sydney (Student Appeals against Academic Decisions) Rule 2006 (as amended) and the Academic Board policies on Academic Dishonesty and Plagiarism.
Course resolutions
1 Course codes
| Code | Course title |
|---|---|
| DG036 | Graduate Certificate in Health Communication |
| DF040 | Graduate Diploma in Health Communication |
| DC064 | Master of Health Communication |
2 Attendance pattern
0.
The attendance pattern for these courses is full time or part time according to candidate choice.
3 Master's type
0.
The master's degree in these resolutions is an advanced learning master's course, as defined by the Coursework Rule.
4 Embedded courses in this sequence
(2)
A candidate for the graduate certificate or graduate diploma may apply to progress to a longer course in this sequence, providing the candidate meets the admission requirements for that course. Only the longest award completed will be conferred.
5 Admission to candidature
(1)
Available places will be offered to qualified applicants based on merit, according to the following admissions criteria. In exceptional circumstances the Dean may admit applicants without these qualifications but whose evidence of experience and achievement is deemed by the Dean to be equivalent.
(2)
Admission to candidature for the Graduate Certificate in Health Communication requires a bachelor's degree from the University of Sydney, including a major in a relevant subject area in the humanities, social sciences or public health, or an equivalent qualification. Relevant recent professional qualifications and experience of at least 3 years duration may be assessed as suitable for admission by the Dean under the provision for exceptional circumstances outlined in the Coursework Rule.
(a)
a bachelor's degree from the University of Sydney with a minimum 60% average calculated over the whole degree, including a major in a relevant subject area in the humanities, social sciences or public health, or an equivalent qualification; or
(b)
completion of the requirements for the Graduate Certificate in Health Communication with a minimum credit (65%) average, or an equivalent qualification.
(a)
a bachelor's degree from the University of Sydney with a minimum credit (65%) average calculated over the whole degree, including a major in a relevant subject area in the humanities, social sciences or public health, or an equivalent qualification; or
(b)
completion of the requirements for the embedded Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma in Health Communication with a minimum credit (65%) average, or an equivalent qualification.
6 Requirements for award
(1)
The units of study that may be taken for these courses are set out in the Postgraduate Table of Units of Study for the Health Communication subject area.
(2)
To qualify for the award of the Graduate Certificate in Health Communication a candidate must complete 24 credit points, including:
(3)
To qualify for the award of the Graduate Diploma in Health Communication a candidate must complete 36 credit points, including:
(4)
To qualify for the award of the Master of Health Communication a candidate must complete 48 credit points, including:
7 Cross-institutional Study
8 Credit transfer policy
0.
A maximum of one unit of study may be credited towards the Graduate Certificate in Health Communication and only if:
(b)
the study was through the University's Summer or Winter School or Centre for Continuing Education; and
(c)
it is for a unit of study being offered to candidates for the Graduate Certificate in Health Communication.
9 Course transfer
0.
A candidate for the master's degree or graduate diploma may elect to discontinue study and graduate with a shorter award from this sequence, with the approval of the Dean, and provided the requirements of the shorter award have been met.
10 Transitional provisions
(2)
Candidates who commenced prior to 1 January 2011 will complete the requirements in accordance with the resolutions in force at the time of their commencement, provided that requirements are completed by 1 January 2016. The Faculty may specify a later date for completion or specify alternative requirements for completion of candidatures that extend beyond this time.
Table of units of study: Health Communication
| Unit of study | Credit points | A: Assumed knowledge P: Prerequisites C: Corequisites N: Prohibition | Session |
|---|---|---|---|
Core units |
|||
| Maste'sr candidates complete four core units of study; graduate diploma candidates complete three core units of study; graduate certificate student complete two core units of study. | |||
| MECO6900 News Writing |
6 | N MECO4101 |
Semester 1 Summer Main |
| MECO6901 Dealing with the Media |
6 | Semester 2 |
|
| MECO6919 Health Communication |
6 | Semester 1 |
|
| MECO6927 Organisational Communication |
6 | Semester 2 |
|
Elective units |
|||
| MECO6904, MECO6905and MECO6928 are available to Master of Health Communication candidates only. Some MIPH/PUBH units of study are offered partly online. A 2 credit point unit of study - must be taken with a 4 credit point unit. A 4 credit point unit of study - must be taken with a 2 credit point unit. | |||
| MECO6902 Legal & Ethical Issues in Media Practice |
6 | Semester 2 |
|
| MECO6904 Dissertation Part 1 |
6 |
Note: Department permission required for enrolment |
Semester 1 Semester 2 |
| MECO6905 Dissertation Part 2 |
6 | P MECO6904 Note: Department permission required for enrolment |
Semester 1 Semester 2 |
| MECO6928 Media and Communication Internship |
6 | P 12 credit points from core units of study in Master of Publishing, Master of Media Practice or Master of Health Communication. Note: Department permission required for enrolment |
Semester 1 Semester 2 |
| MECO6930 Publication Design |
6 |
This unit is co-taught between the Department of Media and Communications and the Sydney College of the Arts (SCA). |
Semester 1 Summer Early |
| ARTS7000 Academic Communication for Postgraduates |
6 |
It is strongly advised that all students enrolling in this elective complete it during their first semester of study, or in Summer or Winter school when available. ARTS7000 is recommended for two main groups: 1) International postgraduate students who have not completed their Bachelor award at a university where English was the medium of instruction. 2) Domestic postgraduates who have not been in an academic environment for a prolonged period of time. |
Semester 1 Semester 2 |
| CISS6004 Disease and Security |
6 | Semester 1 |
|
| HPOL5000 Introduction to Health Policy |
6 | Semester 1 |
|
| HPOL5001 Economics and Finance for Health Policy |
6 | Semester 1 |
|
| HPOL5003 Analysing Health Policy |
6 | Semester 2 |
|
| MIPH5014 International Health Promotion |
4 |
Students who have enrolled in PUBH5033 should contact the unit co-ordinator to seek permission before enrolling in MIPH5014, as there is some overlap between the two units of study. |
Semester 2 |
| MIPH5112 Global Communicable Disease Control |
4 | Semester 2 |
|
| MIPH5115 Women's and Children's Health |
4 | Semester 2 |
|
| MIPH5116 Culture, Health, Illness and Medicine |
4 | Semester 2 |
|
| MIPH5117 Global Non-Communicable Disease Control |
2 | Semester 2a |
|
| MIPH5118 Global Perspectives of HIV/AIDS |
4 | Semester 2b |
|
| MIPH5124 Health Issues & Humanitarian Emergencies |
4 | Int October |
|
| PUBH5019 Cancer Prevention and Control |
6 | P PUBH5010 Note: Department permission required for enrolment |
Semester 2 |
| PUBH5024 Global Obesity and Health Promotion |
2 | A Core MPH content, especially health promotion/disease prevention and epidemiology P PUBH5010, PUBH5033 and PUBH5031 N PUBH5021 |
Int August |
| PUBH5033 Disease Prevention and Health Promotion |
6 | Semester 1 |
|
| PUBH5101 Special Project in Public Health |
4 |
Note: Department permission required for enrolment Students negotiate with a public health staff member to be their supervisor on an agreed project. The student or supervisor informs the Unit co-ordinator, who emails the Postgraduate Student Administration Unit permission to allow the student to enrol. |
Semester 1 Semester 2 |
| PUBH5102 Special Project in Public Health |
2 |
Note: Department permission required for enrolment Students negotiate with a public health staff member to be their supervisor on an agreed project. The student or supervisor informs the Unit co-ordinator, who emails the Postgraduate Student Administration Unit permission to allow the student to enrol. |
Semester 1 Semester 2 |
| PUBH5111 Environmental Health |
4 | Semester 2 |
|
| PUBH5113 International Health This unit of study is not available in2013 |
4 | Semester 2 |
|
| PUBH5114 Alcohol, Drug Use and Health |
4 | N PUBH5115 |
Semester 2 |
| PUBH5418 Tobacco Control in the 21st Century |
6 | Int August |
|
| BETH5207 Arts in Health |
6 | Semester 2 |
|
Units of study descriptions for 2013
ARTS7000 Academic Communication for Postgraduates
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Louise Katz Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: 1x1-hr lecture/week, 1x2-hr seminar/week Assessment: 1x500wd critical analysis exercise (20%), 1x1500wd essay (35%), 1x2500wd reflection journal (20%), 1x seminar presentation equivalent to 500 words (20%), participation (5%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) Day
Note: It is strongly advised that all students enrolling in this elective complete it during their first semester of study, or in Summer or Winter school when available. ARTS7000 is recommended for two main groups: 1) International postgraduate students who have not completed their Bachelor award at a university where English was the medium of instruction. 2) Domestic postgraduates who have not been in an academic environment for a prolonged period of time.
This unit of study is designed to support International students in developing an understanding of critical analysis and its use as an effective basis for argument. Students will be introduced to the critical and communication practices appropriate to postgraduate study in the humanities. They will develop key attributes in the areas of research and inquiry, ethical, social and professional understanding, and communication relevant to their academic studies and in preparation for their professional lives.
BETH5207 Arts in Health
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Claire Hooker Session: Semester 2 Classes: Block mode, 2 x 2 days (4 hour combined lectures/tutorials) Assessment: 2 x 300-400 word online assignments (25%), 1x 1,500 word essay (25%), 1 x 2,500 word essay (50%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Block Mode
The 'art of health' is more than an historic catchphrase; it is a literal phenomenon. In the past century the visual, literary and performing arts have emerged as vital components of a blossoming 'arts in health' movement which values the contribution of the arts to human health and wellbeing. This unit gives students practical examples of how to incorporate the arts into public health and health care. The course offers a rich and detailed exploration of varying debates in the scholarly and practice-based fields of arts-and-health, which include but are not limited to: status and uses of art therapy; music,
psychology and medicine; narrative, literature and the 'narrative medicine' movement; hospital art, design and architecture; and the role of art in public health, health research, and social marketing campaigns. Students will be treated to a diverse range of guest lecturers from the fields of visual performing arts and related areas of expertise. This course will appeal to students of public health; literary, visual and performing arts; social work; psychology; and related disciplines, who want to understand more about the interconnectedness of the arts with human health.
psychology and medicine; narrative, literature and the 'narrative medicine' movement; hospital art, design and architecture; and the role of art in public health, health research, and social marketing campaigns. Students will be treated to a diverse range of guest lecturers from the fields of visual performing arts and related areas of expertise. This course will appeal to students of public health; literary, visual and performing arts; social work; psychology; and related disciplines, who want to understand more about the interconnectedness of the arts with human health.
CISS6004 Disease and Security
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Adam Kamradt-Scott Session: Semester 1 Classes: 1x3-hr seminar/week Assessment: 1x2500wd research essay (40%), 1x2400wd take-home exam (40%), 1x1000wd issue brief (20%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) Day
This unit assesses the political and security significance of infectious diseases. Whether one contemplates historical experiences with smallpox, plague and cholera, or the contemporary challenges posed by new diseases like HIV/AIDS and SARS, it is clear that pathogenic micro-organisms exercise a powerful influence over civilized humankind. The unit concentrates on areas in which human health and security concerns intersect most closely, including: biological weapons proliferation; responses to fast-moving disease outbreaks of natural origin; safety and security in microbiology laboratories; and the relationships between infectious disease patterns, public health capacity, state functioning and violent conflict. The overall aim of the unit is to provide students with a stronger understanding of the scientific and political nature of these problems, why and how they might threaten security, and the conceptual and empirical connections between them.
HPOL5000 Introduction to Health Policy
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Anne Marie Thow & Professor Stephen Leeder Session: Semester 1 Classes: 2 x 2-day workshops, online lectures and discussions Assessment: 1 x 1500wd written assignment (30%); 1 x 3000wd written assignment (50%); Online learning quiz (5%); online problem based learning exercise (15%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Distance Education/Intensive on Campus
To develop a critical and comparative understanding of the history, theory and practice of health policy. To give an overview of the political choices and frameworks - national and global - that shape policymaking.
Learning objectives:
- acquire a critical understanding of the basic history and features of the Australian health system
- understand the main frameworks used to analyse and make policy
- understand the main issues in the translation of policy into practice
- demonstrate the capacity to apply these understandings in particular settings through case studies.
Content:
This unit explores the main structures and institutions that make health policy. The unit examines debates over policy frameworks, and the evidence and advocacy in setting priorities. Conflicts over health policy will be placed in broader contexts - comparing different health systems and assessing global influences. Case studies will be used to examine the relationships between policy and practice.
Learning objectives:
- acquire a critical understanding of the basic history and features of the Australian health system
- understand the main frameworks used to analyse and make policy
- understand the main issues in the translation of policy into practice
- demonstrate the capacity to apply these understandings in particular settings through case studies.
Content:
This unit explores the main structures and institutions that make health policy. The unit examines debates over policy frameworks, and the evidence and advocacy in setting priorities. Conflicts over health policy will be placed in broader contexts - comparing different health systems and assessing global influences. Case studies will be used to examine the relationships between policy and practice.
Textbooks
Buse K, Mays N, Walt G (2005). Making health policy. Open University Press: London.
HPOL5001 Economics and Finance for Health Policy
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: A/Prof James Gillespie, A/Prof Christine Giles, A/Prof Stephen Jan Session: Semester 1 Classes: 2 x two day workshops plus online discussion Assessment: Health Economics Exercise (50%), Health finance and policy reform assignment (50%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Distance Education/Intensive on Campus
This unit aims to provide students with an understanding of the financial and economic aspects of health policy. It introduces the main concepts and analytical methods of health economics, political economy and finance.
Learning objectives:
- understand the main models and debates regarding health funding in developed OECD countries and the implications for equity, delivery and governance of health services.
- apply this knowledge to current Australian health systems and debates over reform.
- understand the role of economic analysis in evaluating health policy change
- be familiar with theoretical frameworks underlying health economics and analysis
Content
This unit introduces the main concepts and analytical methods of health economics, political economy and finance to examine the workings of health systems in Australia and comparable countries. It looks at the main models of funding used in developed countries and their implications for the structure, planning and delivery of services. The first module focuses on the basic concepts and methodologies of health economics and political economy and their contribution to policy analysis. The second module places funding structures in a broader political and policy context. Topics include the debates over the public-private mix and governance and accountability - who makes decisions about funding priorities? To whom should decision makers be held accountable and for what aspects of their work? How does health finance shape broader policy reform?
Learning objectives:
- understand the main models and debates regarding health funding in developed OECD countries and the implications for equity, delivery and governance of health services.
- apply this knowledge to current Australian health systems and debates over reform.
- understand the role of economic analysis in evaluating health policy change
- be familiar with theoretical frameworks underlying health economics and analysis
Content
This unit introduces the main concepts and analytical methods of health economics, political economy and finance to examine the workings of health systems in Australia and comparable countries. It looks at the main models of funding used in developed countries and their implications for the structure, planning and delivery of services. The first module focuses on the basic concepts and methodologies of health economics and political economy and their contribution to policy analysis. The second module places funding structures in a broader political and policy context. Topics include the debates over the public-private mix and governance and accountability - who makes decisions about funding priorities? To whom should decision makers be held accountable and for what aspects of their work? How does health finance shape broader policy reform?
Textbooks
Buse K, Mays N, Walt G (2005). Making health policy. Open University Press: London.
HPOL5003 Analysing Health Policy
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Associate Professor James Gillespie, Professor Stephen Leeder Session: Semester 2 Classes: 2 x two day workshops plus online discussions Assessment: 1x2500 word assignment (50%), 1x3000 word assignment (50%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Distance Education/Intensive on Campus
To develop skills for the effective critical appraisal of health policy. To familiarize students with the principles, and limitations, of evidence-based health policy and a broader understanding of its political context.
Learning objectives:
- to develop critical appraisal skills to critique the research that underpins policy
- to identify and analyse the main influences on policy development
- to evaluate existing policy frameworks and processes in relation to evidence, political context and broader community values
Content:
This unit builds policy analysis and analytical skills by exploring policy design, implementation and evaluation.
It looks at the methods and limitations of evidence-based health policy and the problems of integrating equity concerns when developing and applying health policy.
The workshops focus on using and critiquing epidemiological and social science literature to understand and build the evidence base for policy, and on understanding the political and social contexts in which agendas are set and policies implemented.
Learning objectives:
- to develop critical appraisal skills to critique the research that underpins policy
- to identify and analyse the main influences on policy development
- to evaluate existing policy frameworks and processes in relation to evidence, political context and broader community values
Content:
This unit builds policy analysis and analytical skills by exploring policy design, implementation and evaluation.
It looks at the methods and limitations of evidence-based health policy and the problems of integrating equity concerns when developing and applying health policy.
The workshops focus on using and critiquing epidemiological and social science literature to understand and build the evidence base for policy, and on understanding the political and social contexts in which agendas are set and policies implemented.
Textbooks
Buse K, Mays N, Walt G (2005). Making health policy. Open University Press: London.
MECO6900 News Writing
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Antonio Castillo Session: Semester 1,Summer Main Classes: 1x2-hr seminar/week Prohibitions: MECO4101 Assessment: 1x1900wd news story reporting package (40%), 1x2500wd news feature story reporting package (50%), participation (10%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) Day
This core unit introduces students to news writing skills required by print media, including the elements of journalistic style, the structure of news and feature articles, interviewing, researching, news gathering and editing skills. The unit of study focuses on journalistic news writing but will also be useful to anyone seeking to work in fields that require professional communication skills, such as public relations and communication management, or corporate roles that require strong writing ability.
Textbooks
MECO6900 Course Reader to be purchased from the University Copy Centre
MECO6901 Dealing with the Media
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Olaf Werder Session: Semester 2 Classes: 1x2-hr seminar/week Assessment: 1x2500wd campaign proposal (35%), 1x300wd media release (20%), 1x200wd oral campaign presentation (15%), 1x2000wd campaign evaluation (30%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) Day
Dealing with the Media combines theoretical and practical perspectives on public communication campaigns. It offers students the opportunity to design, implement and evaluate a communication campaign of public interest and to pitch it to specific media. It examines the relationships that exist between all stakeholder groups in the public communication campaign process including client, public relations practitioner, journalist and citizen.
Textbooks
Lewis, Steven (2012) How to Write Perfect Press Releases. Sydney: Taleist. Delahaye Paine, K. (2011) Measure What Matters: online tools for understanding customers, social media,engagement and key relations. Hoboken NJ: Wiley &Sons.
MECO6902 Legal & Ethical Issues in Media Practice
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Tim Dwyer Session: Semester 2 Classes: 1x2-hr seminar/week Assessment: 1x2500wd essay (40%), 1x1000wd presentation (20%), 1x1000wd online comment piece (30%), participation (10%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) Day
MECO6902 will introduce students to key legal and ethical issues relevant to journalism and the professional fields of public communication. Students will be given an introductory survey of the main ethical theories in Western thought to establish a framework within which to examine specific ethical issues that relate to media systems. They will also be introduced to the structure of Australia's legal system in comparison with other legal systems, and explore selected law, regulation and policy issues.
Textbooks
MECO6902 Course Reader to be purchased from the University Copy Centre. Dwyer, T. (2012) Legal and Ethical Issues in the Media. London. UK. Palgrave Macmillan.
MECO6904 Dissertation Part 1
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Fiona Giles Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: 6x0.5-hr supervisor consultations/semester Assessment: A completed research proposal and, where necessary, an ethics application, together with research and writing contributing to a dissertation of 12000 words, for completion in MECO6905. Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Supervision
Note: Department permission required for enrolment
This unit requires students to commence the conduct of their own research projects under the supervision of a member of staff and write a dissertation of 12000 words (completed in the second semester of enrolment in MECO6905). In some cases these projects will give students the opportunity to extend lines of enquiry suggested by units of study already completed for the degree. In other cases, students may have an interest in an area not covered by the coursework programs offered during their candidature that can be developed as a supervised project.
MECO6905 Dissertation Part 2
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Fiona Giles Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: 6x0.5-hr supervisor consultations/semester Prerequisites: MECO6904 Assessment: completion of writing for a dissertation of 12000 words Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Supervision
Note: Department permission required for enrolment
This unit requires completion of a dissertation of 12000 words, begun in the previous semester. Together with MECO6904, the unit allows students to conduct their own research projects under the supervision of a member of staff.
MECO6919 Health Communication
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Olaf Werder Session: Semester 1 Classes: 1x2-hr seminar/week Assessment: 1x1000wd commentary and critique (20%), 1x500wd discussion leadership (20%), 1x1000wd research project on health issue (20%), 1x2500wd research paper (40%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) Day
This unit introduces key concepts in health communication. Students will explore micro- and macro-level theories of health (behaviour) communication that inform the design and implementation of health communication campaigns, planned and unplanned effects of communication campaigns, and the evaluation of such campaigns. It aims to give students a critical and practical understanding of theory and research concerning the role of communication in health promotion efforts.
Textbooks
Brown, B. Crawford, P. and Carter, R. (2006) Evidence-based Health Communication. Berkshire, UK: Open University Press.
MECO6927 Organisational Communication
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Olaf Werder Session: Semester 2 Classes: 1x2-hr seminar/week Assessment: 2x1000wd class tests (40%), 1x3000wd communication case study research project (50%), participation (10%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) Day
This unit of study introduces key concepts in organisational communication. Students will explore various structures of organisations and how those structures affect the flow of communication within workplaces. Upon the completion of the unit, students will develop their understanding of key concepts in organisational communication and apply them to analyse communication problems in organisations. Students will also be able to offer well-grounded criticism on selected organisational issues.
Textbooks
Miller, K (2012) Organizational Communication: Approaches and Processes 6th Edn. Wadsworth Publishing, Belmont
MECO6928 Media and Communication Internship
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Fiona Giles Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Prerequisites: 12 credit points from core units of study in Master of Publishing, Master of Media Practice or Master of Health Communication. Assessment: 20day internship (pass/fail), 1x1500wd reflective journal (30%), 1x2500wd research essay (70%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Professional Practice
Note: Department permission required for enrolment
This elective offers Masters of Publishing, Health Communication and Media Practice students 20 days work experience in media, publishing and communication roles relating to their degree. Internships require critical reflection on professional practice and foster skills, knowledge and experience that enhance employment prospects. Placements may include reporting, editing, producing, designing, researching, publishing, public and media relations, campaigns, and other tasks. Available to Media and Communications Master students only, following the completion of at least 2 core units of study and subject to Department permission.
MECO6930 Publication Design
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Megan Le Masurier Session: Semester 1,Summer Early Classes: 1x3-hr seminar/week Assessment: 1x500wd digital booklet (15%), 1x500wd text title design (15%), 1x1000wd production and print draft layout (20%), 1x3000wd digital magazine (50%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) Day
Note: This unit is co-taught between the Department of Media and Communications and the Sydney College of the Arts (SCA).
Publication design focuses on the design and production of magazines and other small-scale publications in print and online form. The unit of study explores the visual language of contemporary magazines and introduces students to basic design principles. Students learn about the complex interplay of text, image and sequence occurring in magazine design through the practical experience of creating their own publication using Adobe InDesign software. The unit links creative design processes to current digital and print practice.
MIPH5014 International Health Promotion
Credit points: 4 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Philayrath Phongsavan Session: Semester 2 Classes: 1x 2hr lecture per week for 13 weeks; 1x 1hr tutorial per week for 9 weeks Assessment: 1500 words essay (30%), 2500 words report (50%), tutorial participation and attendance (20%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) Day
Note: Students who have enrolled in PUBH5033 should contact the unit co-ordinator to seek permission before enrolling in MIPH5014, as there is some overlap between the two units of study.
This unit of study aims to provide students with an understanding of the principles, theory and methods that are employed in health promotion and prevention. The unit will give attention to the full spectrum of health promotion and prevention programs, from the development of local level initiatives to global policies to achieve health goals. It will have a strong practical and methodological focus, with the objective of enabling students to develop knowledge and skills for planning, implementing and evaluating health promotion programs. Models and methods that are commonly used in health promotion and disease prevention will be described and discussed by using real life examples. Among the major issues examined are the health impact of social and economic development at the national and global levels, prevention and control of non-communicable and communicable diseases, including cigarette smoking, hygiene practices, capacity building and workforce development for health promotion and prevention.
Textbooks
Unit notes supplied by School.
MIPH5112 Global Communicable Disease Control
Credit points: 4 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Grant Hill-Cawthorne, Dr Giselle Manalo Session: Semester 2 Classes: 1x 2 hr lecture per week for 13 weeks; 1x 1hr tutorial per week for 9 weeks plus 1x 1 day peer-learning session through group presentations Assessment: 1x group presentation (20%), 1x2500 word written essay (60%), tutorial facilitation (10%) and peer evaluation (10%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) Day
This unit gives candidates an insight into prevention and control of communicable diseases in developing countries using country-specific examples presented by professionals with field experience. The unit covers the so-called Neglected Tropical Diseases (including soil-transmitted helminthiasis and leprosy), as well as some vector-borne conditions (including yellow fever and dengue), zoonoses and emerging infectious diseases such as pandemic influenza.
Textbooks
Unit notes supplied by School.
MIPH5115 Women's and Children's Health
Credit points: 4 Teacher/Coordinator: Professor Heather Jeffery Session: Semester 2 Classes: 1x2hr lecture per week for 10 weeks, 1x1hr tutorial per week for 9 weeks and 1 half day SCORPIO workshop. Assessment: 1x1500 word essay, problem based (70%), tutorial facilitation (15%), peer evaluation (5%), and active participation in SCORPIO workshop (10%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) Day
This unit aims to give students an overview of the health status of women and children in international settings. It also aims to examine causes of major health problems and possible approaches to improving the health of women and children in resource-poor countries. The unit covers a variety of issues in women's and children's health, including approaches to prevention of maternal and fetal, neonatal and child mortality, poverty, mother to child HIV transmission, women and violence, family planning, diarrhoeal disease, pneumonia, and vaccine preventable diseases.
Textbooks
Unit notes supplied by School.
MIPH5116 Culture, Health, Illness and Medicine
Credit points: 4 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Cynthia Hunter Session: Semester 2 Classes: 1 x 2 day workshop; 1 x 2hr seminar per week for 7 weeks; also offered fully online. Assessment: 1x3000word essay (75%) and 1x1hr class facilitation (25%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) Day or On-line
This unit aims to provide an integrated and interpretive approach to an understanding of health-related behaviours of populations in international settings, by synthesizing anthropological knowledge and methodology, and the interactions of culture, biology, psychology and environment. The teaching process is by student-led, lecturer-guided, discussion based review and critical analysis of relevant topics. During the unit, students will explore a range of issues in global and multicultural health from an anthropological perspective. Methodological approaches will encompass ethnography and other anthropological data collection methods. The issues covered will include cultural influences on health, illness and healing, such as indigenous and traditional beliefs and systems, gender and cultural change and the impact of modernization and development on illness and healing. The impact examines disease and illness patterns - their distribution and persistence, mental illness and culture and attitudes towards the use of medications; and the provision of culturally sensitive and appropriate services. The emphasis will be on covering a range of topic areas relevant to the students enrolled, and those of particular importance in contemporary international and multicultural health contexts.
Textbooks
Unit notes supplied by School.
MIPH5117 Global Non-Communicable Disease Control
Credit points: 2 Teacher/Coordinator: Professor Bob Cumming Session: Semester 2a Classes: 1x 2hr lecture per week for 7 weeks; also offered fully online Assessment: 1x 2000word written assignment (100%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) Day or On-line
This unit aims to provide candidates with an understanding of the causes and control of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in developing countries. These diseases are associated with social and economic development and the demographic and health transitions. Topics covered in the unit include cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, cancer, primary health care in relation to NCDs, health promotion for NCDs and approaches to NCD research in developing countries. Lectures are given by health professionals with direct experience of NCD control in developing countries.
Textbooks
Unit notes supplied by School.
MIPH5118 Global Perspectives of HIV/AIDS
Credit points: 4 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Joel Negin Session: Semester 2b Classes: 4 days of intensive lectures spread over a 1 month period; also offered fully online Assessment: 1xgroup report (20%), peer evaluation (10%), 1x2000 word individual assignment (60%), and participation in discussions (10%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) Day or On-line
This unit offers a detailed and evidence-based assessment of the global HIV situation to equip students with the latest understanding of HIV distribution and trends globally, its social and economic implications, the measures being taken to prevent and treat HIV and AIDS, the gaps that need to be addressed in HIV control, and the politics around global HIV issues. Examples from different parts of the world, particularly less developed settings, are used to illustrate analysis of the key issues influencing the HIV control agenda globally. Emphasis is placed on developing a critical and analytical approach to assessing the HIV situation and developing interventions for its control.
Textbooks
Unit notes supplied by School.
MIPH5124 Health Issues & Humanitarian Emergencies
Credit points: 4 Teacher/Coordinator: Ms Bronwen Blake, Associate Professor Michael Dibley, Associate Professor Lyndal Trevena Session: Int October Classes: 1x 4day workshop Assessment: Workshop activities (40%), 1x 2500word written assignment (60%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Block Mode
This unit gives students an overview of public health aspects of humanitarian emergencies in developing country situations and the range of appropriate responses. This includes considering problems faced by government and non-government organisations in humanitarian emergency relief efforts. Topics covered in the unit include international and human rights law, the role of donor agencies, refugee health, nutritional emergencies, site planning for refugee camps, water and sanitation, sexual violence, protection of vulnerable groups, and communicable disease surveillance and control.
Textbooks
Unit notes supplied by School.
PUBH5019 Cancer Prevention and Control
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Monica Robotin Session: Semester 2 Classes: 3hr per week online lectures, discussion and other activities for 13 weeks Prerequisites: PUBH5010 Assessment: 2 assignments (65%), 5 online tutorials (35%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: On-line
Note: Department permission required for enrolment
This unit aims to provide students with specific information on the concepts, methods and applications underpinning cancer prevention and control at population level. It is designed to address specific educational needs of students in various programs within the School of Public Health and to offer a broad-based perspective on cancer control, ranging from primary prevention, screening and early intervention, tertiary prevention and palliative care. Emphasis will be given to cancers with the greatest impact at population level and where evidence demonstrates that policies and interventions are capable of reducing cancer incidence, mortality, prolonging survival and improving quality of life. Although focusing on specific Australian conditions, the information will be presented in the context of regional cancer control efforts. At the completion of the unit, students will be equipped with the basic tools to design, plan, implement and evaluate cancer control programs in Australia or their own countries.
Textbooks
Readings will be available on the eLearning site for this unit.
PUBH5024 Global Obesity and Health Promotion
Credit points: 2 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Louise Hardy Session: Int August Classes: Compulsory attendance (face to face) at 2 one-day workshops, and active participation in a 2 week on-line tutorial. Prerequisites: PUBH5010, PUBH5033 and PUBH5031 Prohibitions: PUBH5021 Assumed knowledge: Core MPH content, especially health promotion/disease prevention and epidemiology Assessment: Attendance at workshop and tutorial contribution (20%), 1x written assignment (1500-2000 words) (80%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Distance Education/Intensive on Campus
This unit will build on introductory public health core units of study, and apply them to consideration of global obesity as a public health problem. The unit will develop students' skills in national level, international and global approaches to obesity monitoring, prevention programs and policies, extending research methods, critical appraisal skills, introductory health promotion and disease prevention in MPH. Students will develop an understanding of surveillance systems to monitor obesity, and develop skills in evidence based obesity prevention interventions in diverse social, cultural and community contexts. The course will include discussions of policies and international approaches to obesity prevention, as part of global non-communicable disease prevention and control.
Textbooks
Pre-readings will be provided
PUBH5033 Disease Prevention and Health Promotion
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Philayrath Phongsavan Session: Semester 1 Classes: 3 workshops, face-to-face tutorials and online discussion; fully online version available Assessment: 1x1500 word assignment (25%); 1x2500 word assignment (45%); online discussion participation (30%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Block Mode or On-line
This core unit of study will provide students with an introduction to and critical overview of evidence-based prevention and health promotion as a fundamental component of efforts to address chronic disease prevention and reduce health inequalities in populations. The unit is divided into three sections: (i) principles underlying disease prevention and health promotion, (ii) evidence-based planning disease prevention and health promotion programs, and (iii) implementing and evaluating health promotion programs for disease prevention. The unit will illustrate the principles of prevention and health promotion programs in Indigenous and non-Indigenous populations. It will develop students' skills in: identifying problems and setting prevention priorities; planning and implementing programs, and; evaluating the impact of programs on population health. The unit will address diverse disease prevention and health promotion programs, including individual change programs, interpersonal (family, social networks), organisational (worksites, primary care), and community-wide programs. Students will develop an understanding of approaches used to enhance inter-sectoral action, community participation and consultation, the development of partnerships and the use of policy and advocacy. These approaches will be particularly applied to Indigenous health promotion settings.
Textbooks
Course Readings Provided
PUBH5101 Special Project in Public Health
Credit points: 4 Teacher/Coordinator: Associate Professor Tim Driscoll Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Assessment: 1x 4000 word written report (100%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) Day
Note: Department permission required for enrolment
Note: Students negotiate with a public health staff member to be their supervisor on an agreed project. The student or supervisor informs the Unit co-ordinator, who emails the Postgraduate Student Administration Unit permission to allow the student to enrol.
The aim of this unit is to systematically complete a self-directed project in one of the main content areas of the course. Students should contact an academic staff member associated with the area of their project and negotiate the details of the project design and the method and frequency of contact with the supervisor during the project.
PUBH5102 Special Project in Public Health
Credit points: 2 Teacher/Coordinator: Associate Professor Tim Driscoll Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Assessment: 1x 2000 word written report (100%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) Day
Note: Department permission required for enrolment
Note: Students negotiate with a public health staff member to be their supervisor on an agreed project. The student or supervisor informs the Unit co-ordinator, who emails the Postgraduate Student Administration Unit permission to allow the student to enrol.
The aim of this unit is to systematically complete a self-directed project in one of the main content areas of the course. Students should contact an academic staff member associated with the area of their project and negotiate the details of the project design and the method and frequency of contact with the supervisor during the project.
PUBH5111 Environmental Health
Credit points: 4 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Geoff Morgan Session: Semester 2 Classes: Mixed mode of 13 online lectures and 6 face-to-face/online case studies (13 sessions of 2 hours) . All the content for the unit can be completed online if necessary. Assessment: 1x written assignment (45%), 1x quiz (40%) and case study participation (15%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: On-line or Distance Education/Intensive on Campus
The unit will explore the major categories of environmental health hazards such as air quality; water & food quality; chemical hazards eg contaminated sites; physical hazards eg noise and radiation; and microbiological hazards eg Legionnaires' disease. Regional and global issues of sustainability, climate change and land use planning will also be covered. The unit aims to develop an understanding of environmental health hazard identification and risk assessment, as well as the principles of hazard regulation and control. The disciplines of epidemiology, toxicology and ecology will be used to characterise risks associated with environmental hazards and explore various approaches to managing the risks. Students completing this unit will appreciate the multi-disciplinary nature of environmental health issues and the need to work closely with health and other external government agencies.
Textbooks
Environmental Health (Third Edition). Moeller DW. Harvard University Press;
PUBH5113 International Health
This unit of study is not available in 2013
Credit points: 4 Teacher/Coordinator: Professor Robert Cumming Session: Semester 2 Classes: 9 x 2hr lectures per semester, 1 x 8hr workshop, 1 x 6 hr sessions of peer learning through group presentations Assessment: 1 group presentation (20%), peer evaluation (10%), 1 x 2500 word individual essay (70%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) Day
This unit aims to give students an insight into the realities of prevention and control of diseases in developing country, based on real examples presented by a wide range of people with direct practical experience. The unit covers the major health problems in developing country, as well as the role of WHO, World Bank and NGOs.
Textbooks
Unit notes supplied by School
PUBH5114 Alcohol, Drug Use and Health
Credit points: 4 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Carolyn Day Session: Semester 2 Classes: 13 weeks of 1hr teaching sessions and/or associated readings and online activities. The teaching sessions are a combination of one day face to face workshop and online seminars. Students not able to attend face to face sessions can do the entire course online. Prohibitions: PUBH5115 Assessment: 2 x 1500 word assignments (60%), compulsory online discussion participation (30%); online quizzes (10%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Distance Education/Intensive on Campus or On-line
This unit aims to assist students in developing an evidence-based understanding of the epidemiology of alcohol and drug use and its impact on health, and the effectiveness of methods for prevention and management of related problems. This fuller drug and alcohol elective covers all the content of PUBH5115 and goes on to assist the student to develop more advanced skills in research and in management of clinical services in relation to alcohol and drug use disorders, and to examine the needs of special populations.
Textbooks
Readings are available on the unit's eLearning site.
PUBH5418 Tobacco Control in the 21st Century
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Professor Simon Chapman Session: Int August Classes: 1x3 day workshop of lectures and problem-focused discussions, followed by 4 weeks of problem-based online discussions Assessment: 2x 2000 word essays (60%), 1x 100 item online quiz (10%) and online discussion and participation (30%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Distance Education/Intensive on Campus
The unit consists of learning topics, each of which is supported by extensive Web based resources, and 4 moderated online discussion forums, each focusing on a problem related to tobacco use and control. Lecture topics include: history of tobacco use and control; the burden of illness from tobacco use; secondhand smoke: the research evidence; measuring tobacco use, uptake and cessation in communities; international trends in tobacco consumption; the tobacco industry; the WHO's Framework Convention on Tobacco Control and new forms of tobacco advertising and promotion. Problem focused discussion forums include: Harm reduction and tobacco control, regulation of tobacco, improving and implementing pack warnings; promoting smoking cessation, prevention of uptake (youth programs); denormalisation of the tobacco industry; controlling advertising; and controlling exposure to tobacco smoke, making news on tobacco and influencing political policy on tobacco.
Textbooks
(recommended only)