UWA Handbook 2025

Unit Overview

Description

This practicum consists of a placement scheme whereby students are hosted by a health-related agency for a full semester. Industry-based placements are arranged by matching the specific interests and desired learning outcomes of the student with the practice-based opportunities available at the respective public health organisation. Students are allocated an agency-based supervisor and a University-based supervisor. Students are expected to attend their industry placement for a minimum of 24 hours per week, plus attend the tutorials at the University. The tutorials are a combination of formal discussion of issues related to public health practice and an opportunity for students to 'debrief' and discuss their practical experiences.

Credit

24 points

Offering
(see Timetable)

Availability	Location	Mode
Semester 2	UWA (Perth)	Face to face

Outcomes

Students are able to (1) apply specific knowledge of biomedical/social science to given health settings; (2) design and implement appropriate intervention strategies; (3) use evidence in a workplace setting; (4) apply specific knowledge of population health principles to the management of health with a given population; (5) demonstrate communication skills, including verbal and written, presentation and interviewing skills; (6) develop and maintain appropriate resources for the workplace; (7) apply project management skills; (8) demonstrate professional behaviour in a work setting; (9) work cooperatively as a member of a team, accepting and providing leadership; (10) recognise own limitations and seek assistance as required; (11) use time management strategies; and (12) use reflective practices.

Assessment

Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) learning portfolio; (2) workplace assessment; and (3) written report. Further information is available in the unit outline.

This unit is assessed on an ungraded pass/ungraded failed basis. All assessment items must be successfully completed.

Supplementary assessment is not available in this unit.

Unit Coordinator(s)

Professor Colleen Fisher

Unit rules

Prerequisites

Successful completion of

PUBH5749 Foundations of Public Health
and PUBH4403 Epidemiology I
and PUBH5752 Health Systems and Economics
and PUBH4401 Biostatistics I
and PUBH5805 Qualitative Research Methods in Health
and PUBH5754 Health Promotion I

and

to be eligible for the Practicum, students must have also received a mark of at least 70 for PUBH5805 Qualitative Research Methods in Health
and PUBH5754 Health Promotion I

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):
(1) National Police Clearance check (estimated cost - $61.00)
(2) Optional rural placement travel costs (estimated cost - Variable)
(3) Working With Children Check (estimated cost - $11.00).

Contact hours

35 hours per week

Note

Please note that a condition of enrolment in this unit is the student's adherence to the unit requirements prior to commencing the placement:

(1) it is the student's responsibility to gain a National Police Clearance Certificate, at their own cost, before the placement commences
(2) 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; and
(3) Vaccinations (including COVID) in line with Health Department, UWA Policy and SPGH guidelines are a requirement of enrolment in this unit.