UWA Handbook 2025

Unit Overview

Description

This unit is designed to further develop public health knowledge and practice by addressing health issues in a low to middle-income country (LMIC). UWA students, in collaboration with a local NGO/health agency or university, will investigate a health-related issue that has been identified as a local priority. Students will interact with local health professionals, government officials and community members as well as undertake field observations and data collection. Students will prepare a report and presentation on their investigation for the NGO/health agency or university and other relevant agencies.

Through these activities, students will be able to develop an appreciation and understanding of health issues in a LMIC; reflect on the similarities and differences to the Australia context, apply theoretical understanding of health to real-life problems and develop cross-cultural communication skills.

Credit

6 points

Offering

Availability	Location	Mode
Not available in 2025	UWA (Perth)	Face to face

Details for undergraduate courses

• Level 2 elective

Outcomes

Students are able to (1) examine factors that enable or are barriers to the success and sustainability of health-related issues/programs; (2) apply skills of field observation, recording, questioning and analysis; (3) apply effective communication skills in a different cultural setting; and (4) identify their limitations and how and when to access support.

Assessment

Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) pre-trip assignment; (2) group fieldwork report and presentation; and (3) participation in fieldwork activities and tutorials, including reflections on cross-cultural communication and practice. Further information is available in the unit outline.

To pass this unit, a student must: (a) achieve an overall mark of 50 per cent or higher for the unit; and (b) achieve the requisite requirements(s) or a mark of 50 per cent or greater, whichever is higher and specified in the unit outline, for the pre-trip assignment component.

Student may be offered supplementary assessment in this unit if they meet the eligibility criteria.

Unit Coordinator(s)

Dr Julie Saunders

Unit rules

Advisable prior study

PUBH1101 Health and Illness in Human Populations
or PUBH1102 Foundations of Global Health
or PUBH2216 Communication and Project Planning in Health

Approved quota: 20—based upon the students' expressions of interest, interview and academic performance. Students from diverse majors are encouraged to apply to provide a multidisciplinary experience.

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 during the overseas field work. (estimated cost - 3,000).

Contact hours

Seminars up to 6 x 2 hours
2-3 week fieldwork overseas

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.