(500 words maximum) 

You are required to clearly and concisely summarise a relevant local environmental health issue from one of the following websites:

http://www.environmentalhealthnews.org/

http://www.abc.net.au/news/topic/environmental-health

• Select a local environmental health issue of interest to you.
• Add an iLearn post summarising the topic and key issues (500 words).
• Provide the weblink to the news story
• Include at least two (2) additional references related to the story e.g. a report, video, another news item, etc
• Be prepared to discuss the topic with the class on Monday 17th August 2015.

In your summary, consider:

• the nature of the environmental health issue
• human-environmental interaction
• the approximate number of people affected
• an indication of the known and/or potential health implications for the local population affected
• the role of government agencies and others involved in management and regulation

Assessment of the summary review will be based on:

• the level of understanding of the nature of the local scale of the environmental health issue
• demonstrated understanding of the population affected and human health implications 
• clarity of written expression in the iLearn post
• contribution to the class discussion during the lecture on 17th August

As background to the guest presentation on Aboriginal environmental health, you are required to undertake the following tasks before coming to class:

1. Watch the documentary film "Kanyini"  (56 minutes)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fAOcfkcGDKA

2. Write a brief iLearn post (150 words maximum) that reflects your understanding of the key themes and issues of the film.

3. Read the NSW Department of Health (2007) Issues paper "NSW ABORIGINAL COMMUNITY WATER AND SEWERAGE WORKING GROUP".

4. As a reply to your own movie iLearn post, provide some brief notes (350 words maximum) that answer the following questions:

a. Given Indigenous peoples spiritual and cultural attachment to land, would the establishment of a law such as the Land Rights Act and the return of land to Aboriginal people be likely to lead to an improvement in the health and well-being of those communities?  If so, why?  If not, why not?

b. How did such an Act of reconciliation as the handing of land back to Aboriginal people, actually impact on Public Health in those communities?

c. What were some of the difficulties and issues leading to poor water and sewerage services in communities?

d. Who should be responsible for these services?   Who is responsible for these services where you live?

Assessment of these tasks will consider:

• level of understanding of key issues and themes related to historic and current health and welfare situation facing many Aboriginal people in Australia
• demonstration of having viewed the documentary film and read the Issues paper
• clarity and quality of personal reflections and answers
• contribution to the class discussion

(500 words maximum plus references)

This is the first of three related assessment tasks for GSE819.

With the major research project in mind, the proposal requires you to submit a brief 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 environmental health topic at an appropriate geographic scale (e.g. global, national, regional, state, urban, rural or local).

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

You 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 GSE819 lecture topics (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
• a 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
• correct academic referencing style (e.g. Harvard)

Research Project presentation (in class)

15%  =   10% hard copy/file “poster”   +    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

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.

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

NB: EVERYONE MUST SUBMIT a hard copy of the poster, and a copy of the PowerPoint or PDF file at the start of class on 26th October 2015.

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

(3,000 words maximum)    Word limit includes all text but does not include reference list, tables, figures or appendices.

Report requirements 

The project builds on Assignment 3 and should present a thorough investigation into the selected environmental health 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 (correct style required e.g. Harvard)
• Appendices (where appropriate)
• Line spacing should be 1.5
• Include page numbers

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

They can inserted either in text or compiled in appendices.

Ensure all graphics have a caption and are correctly referenced.

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 style (e.g. Harvard)