Students

HSYP803 – Biological, Environmental, Social and Behavioural Determinants of Health

2017 – S1 Day

General Information

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Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit Convenor
Liz Schroeder
Contact via liz.schroeder@mq.edu.au
Level 6, 75 Talavera Road
Thursday 10am - 12pm, *by appointment only
Lecturer
Peter Curson
Contact via peter.curson@mq.edu.au
Level 6, 75 Talavera Road
Thursday, 10am-12pm (Week 2-6), *by appointment only
Credit points Credit points
4
Prerequisites Prerequisites
Admission to MPH
Corequisites Corequisites
HSYP801 and HSYP802
Co-badged status Co-badged status
Unit description Unit description
This unit examines the fundamental determinants of health by way of two detailed modules. The first module of study will introduce the student to biological concepts and environmental factors that impact health status. In the second module, students will learn about social, behavioral and structural determinants of health. The Unit will utilise case studies that focus on modern and future challenges to public health to aid students in the development of conceptual and practical knowledge.

Important Academic Dates

Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:

  • Identify and describe environmental determinants and risk factors to health in given communities and populations.
  • Critique the evidence used to assess health consequences of exposure including epidemiology, toxicology and risk assessment.
  • Integrate preventive approaches in the resolution of environmental public health problems.
  • Identify and comment on the social and behavioural factors, and vulnerability characteristics, that affect health of individuals and populations.
  • Articulate the needs of vulnerable populations based on race, ethnic, socioeconomic, and age demographics that impact particular communities and populations.
  • Describe and critically evaluate different methodological approaches to the study of social and behavioural determinants of population health.
  • Identify the importance of cultural competency to public health and to the achievement of its goals, and working collaboratively with diverse communities and constituencies.

General Assessment Information

Information concerning Macquarie University's assessment policy is available at http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/assessment/policy_2016.html. Grade descriptors and other information concerning grading requirements are contained in Schedule 1 of the Macquarie University Assessment Policy, which is available at: http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/assessment/schedule_1.html

To pass this unit, students must demonstrate sufficient evidence of achievement of the learning outcomes and attempt all assessment tasks.

Further details for each assessment task will be available on iLearn, including marking rubrics.

All final grades in the department of Health Professions are determined by a grading committee and are not the sole responsibility of the Unit Convenor.

Students will be awarded one of these grades plus a Standardised Numerical Grade (SNG). The SNG is not necessarily a summation of the individual assessment components. The final grade and SNG that are awarded reflect the corresponding grade descriptor in Schedule 1 of the Assessment Policy.

Extensions for Assessment tasks

Applications for assessment task extensions must be submitted via www.ask.mq.edu.au. For further details please refer to the Disruption to Studies Policy available at http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/  disruption_studies/policy.html

Late Submission of Work

All assignments which are officially received after the due date, and where no extension has been granted by the course convenor or tutor, will incur a deduction of 10% for the first day, and 10% for each subsequent day including the actual day on which the work is received. Weekends and public holidays are included. For example:

Due date Received Days late Deduction Raw mark Final mark
Friday 14th Monday 17th 3 30% 75% 45%  

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Hurdle Due
Online Activity 10% No End of week 2
Written Assignment 40% No Week 7
Online Activity 10% No Week 8
Assignment 40% No Week 12
Student Portfolio Reflection 0% No Continuous

Online Activity

Due: End of week 2
Weighting: 10%

For module 1 - Biological and environmental determinants of health

 


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Identify and describe environmental determinants and risk factors to health in given communities and populations.
  • Critique the evidence used to assess health consequences of exposure including epidemiology, toxicology and risk assessment.
  • Integrate preventive approaches in the resolution of environmental public health problems.

Written Assignment

Due: Week 7
Weighting: 40%

2500 word briefing paper (relates to Module 1)


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Identify and describe environmental determinants and risk factors to health in given communities and populations.
  • Critique the evidence used to assess health consequences of exposure including epidemiology, toxicology and risk assessment.
  • Integrate preventive approaches in the resolution of environmental public health problems.

Online Activity

Due: Week 8
Weighting: 10%

For module 2 - Social and behavioural determinants of health

 


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Identify and comment on the social and behavioural factors, and vulnerability characteristics, that affect health of individuals and populations.
  • Articulate the needs of vulnerable populations based on race, ethnic, socioeconomic, and age demographics that impact particular communities and populations.
  • Describe and critically evaluate different methodological approaches to the study of social and behavioural determinants of population health.

Assignment

Due: Week 12
Weighting: 40%

Students to prepare assignment (relates to Module 2)

 


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Identify and comment on the social and behavioural factors, and vulnerability characteristics, that affect health of individuals and populations.
  • Articulate the needs of vulnerable populations based on race, ethnic, socioeconomic, and age demographics that impact particular communities and populations.
  • Describe and critically evaluate different methodological approaches to the study of social and behavioural determinants of population health.

Student Portfolio Reflection

Due: Continuous
Weighting: 0%

Student Portfolio Reflection on meeting LOs & PLOs / Collection of supporting materials Programmatic assessment not marked for this unit (marked at end of  program)


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Identify and describe environmental determinants and risk factors to health in given communities and populations.
  • Identify and comment on the social and behavioural factors, and vulnerability characteristics, that affect health of individuals and populations.
  • Articulate the needs of vulnerable populations based on race, ethnic, socioeconomic, and age demographics that impact particular communities and populations.
  • Identify the importance of cultural competency to public health and to the achievement of its goals, and working collaboratively with diverse communities and constituencies.

Delivery and Resources

Unit Organisation

This is a four credit point unit run over a 13 week session.  There are lectures, tutorials and full day workshops.  Further information is available via the HSYP803 online Learning Management System (LMS) iLearn http://ilearn.mq.edu.au

 

Attendance

All lectures and tutorials are scheduled in your individual timetable.  Attendance is expected at both lectures and tutorials, as this is where the majority of learning occurs, in most cases lectures are recorded. Failure to attend may impact your final results. It is the responsibility of the student to contact their tutor by email to inform tutors if they are going to be absent. The timetable for classes can be found on the University web site at: http://www.timetables.mq.edu.au/.

 

Reading preparation

For weeks 1-6: essential and recommended readings are available in iLearn.

For weeks 7-13: Prescribed (chapter specific) readings will be found in the following books.  Copies will be held in the library reserve.

  • Introduction to Public Health, 3rd Edition, Author: Mary Louise Fleming and Elizabeth Parker (Section 2: Determinants of health)
  • Social Determinants of Health, 2nd Edition, Edited by Michael Marmot and Richard Wilkinson

The readings for each tutorial will be listed in the tutorial worksheets available on ilearn. For readings that are journal articles available electronically thorough the library it is your responsibility to find and download these. For readings that are chapters from a textbook and meet copyright restrictions they will be available on e-reserve as a PDF.

 

Technology and equipment

On-campus

Teaching rooms are equipped with state of art audio-visual and ICT equipment including iPads, internet connection, high quality video cameras and multiple LCD screens. 

Off-campus

To study optimally when off campus you will need to have access to a reliable internet connection to retrieve unit information & at times to submit assessment tasks via iLearn.

Policies and Procedures

Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central. Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:

Academic Honesty Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/academic_honesty/policy.html

Assessment Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/assessment/policy_2016.html

Grade Appeal Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/gradeappeal/policy.html

Complaint Management Procedure for Students and Members of the Public http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/complaint_management/procedure.html​

Disruption to Studies Policy (in effect until Dec 4th, 2017): http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/disruption_studies/policy.html

Special Consideration Policy (in effect from Dec 4th, 2017): https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policies/special-consideration

In addition, a number of other policies can be found in the Learning and Teaching Category of Policy Central.

Student Code of Conduct

Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/support/student_conduct/

Results

Results shown in iLearn, or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit ask.mq.edu.au.

Student Support

Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/

Learning Skills

Learning Skills (mq.edu.au/learningskills) provides academic writing resources and study strategies to improve your marks and take control of your study.

Student Services and Support

Students with a disability are encouraged to contact the Disability Service who can provide appropriate help with any issues that arise during their studies.

Student Enquiries

For all student enquiries, visit Student Connect at ask.mq.edu.au

IT Help

For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://www.mq.edu.au/about_us/offices_and_units/information_technology/help/

When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use of IT Resources Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.

Graduate Capabilities

PG - Capable of Professional and Personal Judgment and Initiative

Our postgraduates will demonstrate a high standard of discernment and common sense in their professional and personal judgment. They will have the ability to make informed choices and decisions that reflect both the nature of their professional work and their personal perspectives.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcome

  • Identify and comment on the social and behavioural factors, and vulnerability characteristics, that affect health of individuals and populations.

Assessment task

  • Written Assignment

PG - Discipline Knowledge and Skills

Our postgraduates will be able to demonstrate a significantly enhanced depth and breadth of knowledge, scholarly understanding, and specific subject content knowledge in their chosen fields.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Identify and describe environmental determinants and risk factors to health in given communities and populations.
  • Critique the evidence used to assess health consequences of exposure including epidemiology, toxicology and risk assessment.
  • Integrate preventive approaches in the resolution of environmental public health problems.
  • Identify and comment on the social and behavioural factors, and vulnerability characteristics, that affect health of individuals and populations.
  • Describe and critically evaluate different methodological approaches to the study of social and behavioural determinants of population health.
  • Identify the importance of cultural competency to public health and to the achievement of its goals, and working collaboratively with diverse communities and constituencies.

Assessment tasks

  • Online Activity
  • Written Assignment
  • Online Activity
  • Assignment
  • Student Portfolio Reflection

PG - Critical, Analytical and Integrative Thinking

Our postgraduates will be capable of utilising and reflecting on prior knowledge and experience, of applying higher level critical thinking skills, and of integrating and synthesising learning and knowledge from a range of sources and environments. A characteristic of this form of thinking is the generation of new, professionally oriented knowledge through personal or group-based critique of practice and theory.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Critique the evidence used to assess health consequences of exposure including epidemiology, toxicology and risk assessment.
  • Integrate preventive approaches in the resolution of environmental public health problems.
  • Describe and critically evaluate different methodological approaches to the study of social and behavioural determinants of population health.

Assessment tasks

  • Online Activity
  • Written Assignment
  • Online Activity
  • Assignment
  • Student Portfolio Reflection

PG - Research and Problem Solving Capability

Our postgraduates will be capable of systematic enquiry; able to use research skills to create new knowledge that can be applied to real world issues, or contribute to a field of study or practice to enhance society. They will be capable of creative questioning, problem finding and problem solving.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Critique the evidence used to assess health consequences of exposure including epidemiology, toxicology and risk assessment.
  • Integrate preventive approaches in the resolution of environmental public health problems.
  • Describe and critically evaluate different methodological approaches to the study of social and behavioural determinants of population health.

Assessment tasks

  • Online Activity
  • Written Assignment
  • Online Activity
  • Student Portfolio Reflection

PG - Effective Communication

Our postgraduates will be able to communicate effectively and convey their views to different social, cultural, and professional audiences. They will be able to use a variety of technologically supported media to communicate with empathy using a range of written, spoken or visual formats.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcome

  • Articulate the needs of vulnerable populations based on race, ethnic, socioeconomic, and age demographics that impact particular communities and populations.

Assessment tasks

  • Written Assignment
  • Assignment

PG - Engaged and Responsible, Active and Ethical Citizens

Our postgraduates will be ethically aware and capable of confident transformative action in relation to their professional responsibilities and the wider community. They will have a sense of connectedness with others and country and have a sense of mutual obligation. They will be able to appreciate the impact of their professional roles for social justice and inclusion related to national and global issues

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Identify and describe environmental determinants and risk factors to health in given communities and populations.
  • Articulate the needs of vulnerable populations based on race, ethnic, socioeconomic, and age demographics that impact particular communities and populations.
  • Identify the importance of cultural competency to public health and to the achievement of its goals, and working collaboratively with diverse communities and constituencies.

Assessment task

  • Assignment