UWA Handbook 2025

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)

Availability	Location	Mode
Non-standard teaching period	Perth and Fiji	Face to face
Non-standard teaching period	Perth and Nepal	Face 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 "
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 of working with an NGO in countries such as Nepal and Fiji. Timing, location and mode of delivery will be dependent on partner agencies and university travel restrictions.

Note

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.