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

Global health is receiving increasing recognition as a field of study in the social sciences. Governments, organisations, and research institutions around the world are working to improve and maintain the health of communities. The processes and concepts that people use in undertaking this work have crystallised over the past few decades into a set of common approaches, best practices, and dominant models for “doing global health”. Gradually, however, people are starting to question these approaches and the merits of the current global health system. In this unit, we will think critically about a range of topics related to global health, challenging our own beliefs and assumptions. We will start with a pause for reflection, thinking about definitions and language, and what is meant by “global health”. We will review the colonial history and legacies of public health, Indigenous views of health, and how globalisation, neoliberalism, and the rise of the development agenda have shaped the current system. We will discuss the state of the world's health today, the global burden of disease, current concerns, and the push for universal health care. Finally, we will explore different aspects of the global health system, exploring issues around global health governance, money and foreign aid in global health, humanitarian health, and the role of the United Nations, non-governmental organisations, and the private sector.

Credit
6 points
Offering
(see Timetable)
AvailabilityLocationMode
Non-standard teaching periodUWA (Perth)Face to face
Outcomes

Students are able to (1) describe the organisations, actors, and processes that make up the current global health system; (2) explain how the colonial history of public health is reflected in current approaches to global health; (3) outline the priorities of global health stakeholders and the tensions that exist between them; and (4) apply critical thinking to a range of topics including the governance and funding of global health programs, humanitarian health, health systems strengthening, and private sector involvement in global health.

Assessment

Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) in-class written assessment and (2) post-class interactive oral assessment. Further information is available in the unit outline.



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

Unit Coordinator(s)
Associate Professor Tim Roberton
Unit rules
Advisable prior study
PUBH5749 Foundations of Public Health (ID 3922)
Contact hours
1 week full-time (37.5 hours), plus 1 month pre-reading (37.5 hours) and 1 month post-contact week assessment (75 hours)
  • 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.
  • Visit the Essential Textbooks website to see if any textbooks are required for this Unit. The website is updated regularly so content may change. Students are recommended to purchase Essential Textbooks, but a limited number of copies of all Essential Textbooks are held in the Library in print, and as an ebook where possible. Recommended readings for the unit can be accessed in Unit Readings directly through the Learning Management System (LMS).
  • 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.