UWA Handbook 2025

Major Overview

Description

Health is a major modern challenge because of the growing importance of international health issues, the ageing population and disparities in health across the community. As a student you will investigate social, economic, environmental, historical, political, physical and biological influences on health, how these factors interact and how good management can improve the health of communities. Your studies will focus on how health might be improved locally and globally, particularly through disease prevention and health enhancement. This major develops your understanding of the prevention of acute, chronic and general ill health and the promotion of good health through community programs/interventions and the provision of effective health services. There is an emphasis on current and emerging health issues. The Public Health major complements a wide range of disciplines such as biomedical sciences, commerce or economics, enabling you to develop expertise in relevant health applications, health administration or health economics.

Outcomes

Students are able to:

1. discuss major health issues locally and globally
2. evaluate biological, cultural, social,environmental, economic, historical and political influences that determine health locally and globally
3. recognise the historical, social, environmental, economic and political contexts that frame public health approaches
4. appraise current and emerging issues in health
5. integrate scientific knowledge and skills to understanding health locally and globally
6. demonstrate knowledge of the socio-cultural context of the health of Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander and other indigenous peoples
7. develop, implement and critically review quantitative and qualitative research relevant to health
8. use evidence-based approaches to health issues
9. critically evaluate approaches to managing health at a population level; (10) analyse population health needs and promote healthy behaviours and environments through actions with individuals, communities and society; (11) demonstrate the ability to plan and evaluate effective strategies to promote and improve health and evaluate effective ways of delivery; (12) describe and compare the organisation and delivery of Australian and other health systems; (13) critically review and evaluate policies in resource allocation and health systems; (14) discuss equity from a population health perspective; and (15) appraise cultural appropriateness of health strategies.

Broadening guidelines

All students studying towards a Bachelor's Degree at UWA are required to Broaden their studies by completing a minimum of four units (24 points) of study outside their degree specific major. Broadening is your opportunity to explore other areas of interest, investigate new disciplines and knowledge paradigms and to shape your degree to suit your own aspirations and interests. Many of you will be able to undertake more than this minimum amount of broadening study and we encourage you to do so if this suits your aspirations. Over the next few months you will find here some broadening suggestions related to your degree-specific major. While we know that many students value guidance of this sort, these are only suggestions and students should not lose sight of the opportunity to explore that is afforded by your Broadening Choices. Advice can also be sought from your Allocated Student Advising Office.

Prerequisites

Students who have not achieved a scaled mark of at least 50 in ATAR Mathematics Applications or equivalent or higher, will need to successfully complete MATH1720 Mathematics Fundamentals in their first 48 points of study in this course.

Courses

Public Health can be taken as a degree-specific major in the following degree courses:

• BP006 Bachelor of Biomedical Science
• BH005 Bachelor of Philosophy (Honours)

Units