Studying online

There are now 2 possible online modes for units:

Units with modes Online timetabled and Online flexible are available for any student to self-enrol and study online.

Click on an offering mode for more details.

Unit Overview

Description

This unit is designed to allow students to demonstrate leadership skills in applying the theory and content that they have learnt at University to a current health issue in a LMIC country. The students will work with a local university or non-government organisation (NGO) on a health issue that they have identified as a priority. They will plan, implement and reflect on fieldwork that may include: interviews with or seminars given by key local personnel such as health professionals, government officials, school teachers and community leaders; engagement with local NGOs and community members through group meetings, interviews, surveys and/or social events; site visits of health and community agencies; and field observations of environmental and social factors affecting health. The unit may be offered virtually if COVID prevents travel.

Credit
6 points
Offering
(see Timetable)
AvailabilityLocationMode
Non-standard teaching periodPerth and FijiFace to face
Outcomes

Students are able to (1) employ verbal and non-verbal communication skills; (2) employ skills of observation, recording, questioning and analysis; (3) identify the main health issues in the selected LMIC; (4) identify own limitations and how and when to access support; (5) apply skills in field observation, recording, questioning and analysis; (6) employ skills of personal reflection; (7) further develop skills in program evaluation; and (8) apply leadership and teamwork skills.

Assessment

Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) pre-trip assessment; (2) participation; and (3) group report. Further information is available in the unit outline.



Supplementary assessment is not available in this unit.

Unit Coordinator(s)
Dr Julie Saunders
Unit rules
Prerequisites
any 1 of PUBH5749 Foundations of Public Health, PUBH5705 Health Program Evaluation, PUBH5754 Health Promotion, PUBH5805 Qualitative Research Methods in Health, PUBH4403 Epidemiology 1
or PUBH5705 Health Program Evaluation
Advisable prior study
PUBH5749 Foundations of Public Health, PUBH5754 Health Promotion, PUBH4403 Epidemiology 1
Approved quota: 20—based upon the students' expressions of interest, interview and academic performance. Given the small quota, places will be allocated to students in the MPH.
Incidental fees
Incidental student fees and charges are costs incurred by students as part of their studies at UWA that are in addition to their tuition fees (further information is available here).
Participation in this unit will incur the following incidental fee(s):
Airfares, accommodation, internal travel, host fee and daily living while in the fieldwork location. (estimated cost - $3,000).
Contact hours
Attendance on campus for up to six, 2-hour seminars, followed by up to 14 days working with and NGO in Nepal, Fiji or India. Timing and mode of delivery will be dependent on university travel restrictions. In 2023 teaching period B3 will be the Nepal offering and teaching period UWCT3 will be the Fiji offering.
Note
In 2024 the fieldtrip will be to India. Police Clearance or Working with Children check may be required. Given the international nature of the field trip, students need to be aware that the unit may be cancelled if travel warnings are issued for the fieldtrip destination prior to departure, or during the visit. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) regularly reviews and reissues their travel advice to reflect the level of danger they perceive to be present in each country and travel will not proceed if DFAT issues a Level 4 travel warning (i.e. 'Reconsider your need to travel'). In the event of an emergency during the field trip, and where DFAT re-classifies the travel advice for the fieldtrip destination to a Level 4, students will be instructed to return to Australia as soon as possible. For further details, refer to the UWA Emergency Travel Management Plan. Please note that a condition of enrolment in this unit is the student's adherence to the unit requirements prior to departure. The following criteria must be met to remain enrolled in the unit: (1) assignment 1 must be submitted and completed to a satisfactory standard; (2) application for a visa must be submitted by the specified due date; (3) travel is organized as per instructions provided (4) emergency contacts/pre-existing health conditions and medication use must be submitted to the School of Population and Global Health by the specified due date; and (5) the student is to read and commit to follow the UWA policy on code of conduct for field work and health and safety advice as outlined in the unit guidebook.
  • The availability of units in Semester 1, 2, etc. was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change.
  • All students are responsible for identifying when they need assistance to improve their academic learning, research, English language and numeracy skills; seeking out the services and resources available to help them; and applying what they learn. Students are encouraged to register for free online support through GETSmart; to help themselves to the extensive range of resources on UWA's STUDYSmarter website; and to participate in WRITESmart and (ma+hs)Smart drop-ins and workshops.
  • Unit readings, including any essential textbooks, are listed in the unit outline for each unit, one week prior the commencement of study. The unit outline will be available via the LMS and the UWA Handbook one week prior the commencement of study. Reading lists and essential textbooks are subject to change each semester. Information on essential textbooks will also be made available on the Essential Textbooks. This website is updated regularly in the lead up to semester so content may change. It is recommended that students purchase essential textbooks for convenience due to the frequency with which they will be required during the unit. A limited number of textbooks will be made available from the Library in print and will also be made available online wherever possible. Essential textbooks can be purchased from the commercial vendors to secure the best deal. The Student Guild can provide assistance on where to purchase books if required. Books can be purchased second hand at the Guild Secondhand bookshop (second floor, Guild Village), which is located on campus.
  • Contact hours provide an indication of the type and extent of in-class activities this unit may contain. The total amount of student work (including contact hours, assessment time, and self-study) will approximate 150 hours per 6 credit points.