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

The built and natural environments directly and indirectly impact human health and well-being. Moreover, decisions on how we design cities and urban areas are long-lasting and can disproportionately impact the health of individuals of varied ages, ability, ethnicity and socioeconomic levels.

This Master's degree unit seeks to respond to a range of challenges that cities face in the world by placing people's health at the heart of urban design solutions and transformation.

Unit content development and delivery will draw on a wide range of expertise from the fields of population health, urban design, planning, architecture, engineering, community engagement, along with Australian Indigenous cultural knowledge and creative practices.

Students will study the influence of the built environment on an array of health outcomes and gain an understanding of key concepts and practical skills to consider the physical, psychological, social and ecological dimensions of the built environment.

Credit
6 points
Offering
(see Timetable)
AvailabilityLocationMode
Semester 1UWA (Perth)Face to face
Semester 1OnlineOnline timetabled
Outcomes

Students are able to (1) explain how the built and natural environmental impacts human health and well-being across social, economic, and cultural groups; (2) analyse different planning theories and perspectives on urban health; (3) analyse how design interventions contribute to the health and wellbeing of communities; (4) evaluate urban policy initiatives that contribute to promoting the health of urban populations; (5) identify interactions between urban design and health, sustainability, and climate change imperatives; and (6) propose practical solutions for creating healthy urban areas.

Assessment

Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) quizzes; (2) group presentation; and (3) plan report. 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)
Dr Nicole Edwards
Contact hours
1 hour lecture
2 hours tutorial
  • 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.
  • Unit readings, including any essential textbooks, are listed in the unit outline for each unit, one week prior the commencement of study. The unit outline will be available via the LMS and the UWA Handbook one week prior the commencement of study. Reading lists and essential textbooks are subject to change each semester. Information on essential textbooks will also be made available on the Essential Textbooks. This website is updated regularly in the lead up to semester so content may change. It is recommended that students purchase essential textbooks for convenience due to the frequency with which they will be required during the unit. A limited number of textbooks will be made available from the Library in print and will also be made available online wherever possible. Essential textbooks can be purchased from the commercial vendors to secure the best deal. The Student Guild can provide assistance on where to purchase books if required. Books can be purchased second hand at the Guild Secondhand bookshop (second floor, Guild Village), which is located on campus.
  • 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.