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PHM517 - Public Health Anthropology

2023

Sector

Higher Education

Discipline

Public Health Research

Unit Description

This unit explores the relationship between anthropology and public health. It covers the application of anthropological approaches to all stages of public health interventions, from initial consultation to evaluation and dissemination of findings. Students will practice applying anthropological methods to public health research. They will also learn to critically evaluate epidemiological and medical approaches in public health from an anthropological point of view.

The unit explains the importance of understanding lay people's health beliefs and behaviour for public health interventions to be successful and examines how these are affected by culture and the social determinants of health.

Text Book

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Unit Learning Outcomes

1.	Explain the relationship between anthropology and public health.
2.	Outline a range of concepts, terms and definitions used in medical and social anthropology.
3.	Utilise medical and social anthropology concepts and approaches in relation to public health issues and interventions, particularly among Indigenous populations.
4.	Apply anthropological methods of investigation and analysis to the formulation of public health research and interventions.
5.	Critically evaluate epidemiological and medical approaches in public health from an anthropological perspective.

Assessment Overview

	Assessment Task	Value (of total mark)	Related Learning Outcome/s
1.	Ethnographic writing (2000 words)	25%	2,4,5
2.	Observation exercise (2000 words)	30%	2,3,4
3.	Field notes (1000 words)	25%	3,4
4.	Exercises (1000 words)	20%	1,3,4,5

Unit Availability

Year	Semester	Att Mode	Location	Learning Method	Timetable*
2023	Semester 2	External	External Studies	OLR

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OLR: Internet access is required for this unit as students are required to access study materials provided on-line through Learnline. Please log into Learnline on the first day of each teaching period. For more information about Learnline, please click here.

Critical Dates

Important Dates for Students

Fee Information:
Fees and Payments
Student Services and Amenities Fees
2023 Domestic Unit Fees (PDF)