Australia's National Environmental Health Strategy - summary paper

(1,500 words)   25%

You are required to clearly and concisely summarise the Strategy assuming that the reader has no background in environmental health.

The assignment has two main requirements:
i) a summary of the National Environmental Health Strategy (1999) that focuses on:

• the objectives of the Strategy
• the range of issues addressed
• the role of government agencies and others involved in management and regulation
• human-environmental interaction

ii) a summary of changes in focus or other as outlined in the Strategy updates:

• National Environmental Health Strategy 2007-2012
• National Environmental Health Strategy 2012-2015

Assessment of the summary paper will consider:

• the level of understanding of the original Strategy and the two related documents that form the basis of the assignment
• demonstrated understanding and reference to any changes made in the Strategy updates 2007-2012 and 2012-2015  
• clarity of written expression
• use of relevant additional references and material that contribute to the review
• consistency with the GSE Writing Guide

NB: the three (3) documents required for this assignment can be downloaded from the GSE819 iLearn resource.

This is the first of three related components that comprise the major assessment task for GSE819.

With the major research project in mind, the proposal requires you to submit a brief (500 word) outline of the selected topic, accompanied by at least five references.   The proposal should be used to develop a broad familiarity with the selected research topic, which will be explored in greater depth in the final report.

The study should relate to a contemporary topic at an appropriate geographic scale (e.g. international, national, regional, state, urban, rural or local community).

The use of at least one case study is required to highlight the research topic.

Students will undertake an original research investigation into a environmental health topic drawn from the list below:

• environmental health risk assessment
• environmental health law, policy and enforcement
• food safety
• workplace or industrial health hazards
• environmental health in developing countries
• climate change and environmental health
• any of the topics presented by our guest lecturers (refer to the GSE819 lecture schedule)

NB: Proposals outside of this list are welcome but must be discussed with the unit convenor.

Each proposal must include the following:

• a clear statement of the topic being researched
• a description of the relevant built and/or natural environment
• an description of the health impact on the human population affected
• relevance of the case study or studies
• a minimum of five (5) references directly related to the subject

Assessment of the proposal will consider:

• demonstration of an appropriate level of initial research into selected project topic
• quality of description of the proposed research agenda
• clarity of written expression
• quality and relevance of references
• inclusion of relevant additional references and material
• consistency with the GSE Writing Guide

Research Project presentation (in class)

15%  (10% hard copy/file “poster” and 5% oral presentation)

The poster and oral presentations will provide a summary of the chosen topic, explain key ideas and issues, outline research to date (secondary reading, data collection etc).

The assignment will provide opportunity to:

• develop skills in concise communication of a scientific subject to a non-specialist audience
• highlight key issues and relevant case studies related to the topic
• stimulate class interest and discussion
• demonstrate progress of research report

You are required to:

• submit a poster of 2 x A4 pages, or 1 x A3 page that clearly and concisely summarises the major research project topic
• brief oral presentation to the class (strictly 10 minutes maximum) based on this poster summary

The style and format of the presentation should follow that of a typical conference poster that utilises graphics and key summary points only.
For ideas on and images of conference poster see: http://people.eku.edu/ritchisong/posterpres.html


Powerpoint or Adobe Acrobat (PDF) can be used to support the oral presentation but are limited to 2 slides.

If you are using Powerpoint or PDF, then only static slides are permitted. No slide transitions, animations or 'movement' of any description are allowed.

For some tips and tricks have a look at the "3 minute thesis" competition guidelines

NB: EVERYONE MUST SUBMIT a hard copy of the poster, and a copy of the PowerPoint or PDF file on 7th October 2014.

Assessment will consider:

• level of understanding of main issues associated with topic
• demonstration of satisfactory progress of research
• clarity and quality of oral presentation
• clarity and quality of poster

Environmental Health Research Project Report

(3,500 words)  50%  

Word limit includes all text and references but does not include tables, figures or appendices.

Report requirements 


The project should present a thorough investigation into the selected topic.

While field research is not expected, some students may find observational research a useful approach.
The report should include the following sections and components:

• Title page
• Executive Summary (half to one page maximum)
• Table of Contents
• Introduction
• Detailed analysis of the issue
• Case study or studies
• Conclusion
• References
• Appendices (where appropriate)

Tables, maps, diagrams, photos, etc. can be used to illustrate the report where  appropriate.

Ensure all graphics are correctly referenced. They can inserted either in text or compiled in appendices.

Harvard referencing system is preferred.

Line spacing should be 1.5

Include page numbers

Assessment of the final report will consider:

• depth of reading and research
• demonstrated understanding of the extent and importance of the environmental health issue
• construction of arguments and flow of text
• clarity and concision of written expression
• quality and range of presentation and layout
• appropriate use of illustrative materials such as tables, maps, graphs and photos
• a concise Executive Summary
• complete and correct referencing
• consistency with the GSE Writing Guide