PUB HLTH 3122 - International Health III

North Terrace Campus - Winter - 2016

This course introduces students to the basic principles of international health, in order to give them a better understanding of the wider context of health systems and public health across various countries.. The course provides an overview of health systems and public policy issues in low and middle-income countries, and covers concepts such as the transition during development, globalization and health, financing and organisation, as well as the role of the private sector, non-government-organisations and international organisations. The course is designed to provide a background for working with communities and organisations that are responsible for funding and/or providing health care and health promotion in developing and transition countries. There is a focus on the social determinants of health and global health equity. With the help of case studies, the course provides an understanding about the delivery of health care, public health and health promotion in disadvantaged communities. The lectures and case studies discussion highlights the role of communities, clients, community based organisations, public and private sector providers and funding agencies. Factors facilitating access, quality, cost and fairness of services and programs are discussed.

  • General Course Information
    Course Details
    Course Code PUB HLTH 3122
    Course International Health III
    Coordinating Unit Public Health
    Term Winter
    Level Undergraduate
    Location/s North Terrace Campus
    Units 3
    Contact Intensive - a minimum of 36 hours
    Available for Study Abroad and Exchange Y
    Prerequisites Pass in Level 1 Medicine OR at least 24 units of Undergraduate study (with PUB HLTH 2005 OR MEDIC ST 1000B OR DEVT 2100)
    Assumed Knowledge PUB HLTH 1001 and PUB HLTH 1002
    Restrictions Available to BHlthSc, MBBS, BDevStud and BPsychSc students only
    Assessment Case study, presentation, quizzes and essays
    Course Staff

    Course Coordinator: Dr Mohammad Mahmood

    Course Coordinator: Mohammad Afzal Mahmood
    Phone: +61 8313 4637
    Email: afzal.mahmood@adelaide.edu.au
    Location: Level 8, Hughes Building

    Learning and Teaching Team
    Phone: +61 8313 2128
    Email: undergrad_enq@adelaide.edu.au

    Course Timetable

    The full timetable of all activities for this course can be accessed from Course Planner.

  • Learning Outcomes
    Course Learning Outcomes
    1 Define the major contemporary international public health and health system issues, particularly those affecting people in developing countries
    2 Discuss factors that contribute to poor health internationally
    3 Describe salient features of some of the health care systems across the world, and discuss factors that influence the quality of care, and access and equity
    4 Discuss the facilitating and inhibiting factors for implementation of public health programs internationally
    5 Analyse the factors influencing quality of care, particularly within the context of developing countries’ health system; and present findings based on case study discussions
    6 Critique developmental, public health and health systems related actions that are being taken to address that issue.
    University Graduate Attributes

    This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attribute(s) specified below:

    University Graduate Attribute Course Learning Outcome(s)
    Deep discipline knowledge
    • informed and infused by cutting edge research, scaffolded throughout their program of studies
    • acquired from personal interaction with research active educators, from year 1
    • accredited or validated against national or international standards (for relevant programs)
    1-5
    Critical thinking and problem solving
    • steeped in research methods and rigor
    • based on empirical evidence and the scientific approach to knowledge development
    • demonstrated through appropriate and relevant assessment
    2-6
    Teamwork and communication skills
    • developed from, with, and via the SGDE
    • honed through assessment and practice throughout the program of studies
    • encouraged and valued in all aspects of learning
    4, 5
    Career and leadership readiness
    • technology savvy
    • professional and, where relevant, fully accredited
    • forward thinking and well informed
    • tested and validated by work based experiences
    4, 5
    Intercultural and ethical competency
    • adept at operating in other cultures
    • comfortable with different nationalities and social contexts
    • able to determine and contribute to desirable social outcomes
    • demonstrated by study abroad or with an understanding of indigenous knowledges
    2, 6
    Self-awareness and emotional intelligence
    • a capacity for self-reflection and a willingness to engage in self-appraisal
    • open to objective and constructive feedback from supervisors and peers
    • able to negotiate difficult social situations, defuse conflict and engage positively in purposeful debate
    6
  • Learning Resources
    Required Resources
    An electronic copy of the International Health Course Handbook is provided to all students at the start of the course. A pdf version is made available on MyUni before the course starts. The Handbook lists the journal articles and other resources for each topic. The URL to these readings are provided with the list (Course Readings are appended at the end of this profile).
    Recommended Resources
    The following books provide useful readings on various important health issues affecting populations in developed and developing countries, and describe the health systems and their components in necessary detail.

    Merson MH, Black RE, Mills AJ (eds.) 2006. International Public Health: Disease, Programs, Systems, & Policies. 2nd Edition. Jones & Bartlett Publishers. Sabudy, Massachusetts.

    Jamison DT, Breman JG, Measham AR, Alleyne G , Claeson M , Evans DB, Jha P, Mills A, Philip Musgrove (eds.) 2006. Disease Control Priorities in Developing Countries (2nd Edition). Oxford University Press, New York (available at: http://www.dcp2.org/pubs/DCP ).
    Online Learning
    Assignments and end of examination related information is available on MyUni. The students are encouraged to use MyUni discussion board. The links to online resources including relevant videos on YouTube are provided as part of the reading list within the Course Handbook.
  • Learning & Teaching Activities
    Learning & Teaching Modes
    The course lectures provide factual information, introduce public health concepts and provide an opportunity to the class for discussing the concepts in an interactive lecture setting. Lectures are supported by interactive tutorials designed to develop and clarify topics covered in lectures. Case Studies and associated presentation provide opportunities to use a problem-oriented approach to identify and discuss (first in small group and then with the whole class) the key concepts. Assignments provide an opportunity to undertake in depth analysis of some key concepts of the course.
    Workload

    The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.

    The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements. International Health course is a three full days and four half days intensive course. It is estimated that about 140 hours of study are required to fully comprehend the concepts introduced through lectures and case studies, and to complete the assignment and prepare for the end of semester examination. Lectures, tutorial, project work 32 hrs, pre-course readings for lectures 10 hours, preparation for tutorials 8 hrs, readings during the one week intensive 15 hours, presentation 6 hr, summation tests 4 hours, essay 60 hours.
    Learning Activities Summary
    This course is a one week intensive covering the following topics:
    FORMAT TOPIC
    Lecture Introduction to the course, objectives, assignments
    Lecture International health context current issues
    Lecture Current international health issues
    Tutorial Tutorial / Case Study
    Lecture Health System of the World - Organisation
    Tutorial &
    Case Studies
    Health System of the World - Organisation
    Case Studies
    Lecture Global Communicable Disease Burden
    Lecture Communicable Disaeases: Determinants
    Tutorial Communicable disease determinants
    Lecture Communicable disease prevention
    Lecture Non-Communicable disease burden
    Case Studies Organisation, Access, Equity, Quality
    Lecture Non-communicable disease determinant
    Lecture Cultural Context of Health & Health Care
    Tutorial Health Promotion / Case Studies
    Lecture Health System of the World - Acces & Equity
    Seminar Rural/Aboriginal Health Services
    Case Studies Organisation, Access, Equity, Quality
    Lecture Health systems of the world: Quality
    Lecture Health systems of the world: Finance
    Tutorial Health systems of the world
    Lecture & Discussion Maternal Health: Scope, Significance, Factors Influencing mother's helath, Programs
    Case Study Organisation, Access, Equity, Quality
    Lecture Health Care in Urban and Rural Areas
    Lecture Role of UN, NGOs and CBOs
    Presentation Students' Presentations
    Specific Course Requirements
    None.
    Small Group Discovery Experience
    N/A
  • Assessment

    The University's policy on Assessment for Coursework Programs is based on the following four principles:

    1. Assessment must encourage and reinforce learning.
    2. Assessment must enable robust and fair judgements about student performance.
    3. Assessment practices must be fair and equitable to students and give them the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned.
    4. Assessment must maintain academic standards.

    Assessment Summary
    Assessment Task Assessment Type Weighting Learning Outcome(s) being addressed
    Participation Summative 10% 2, 3, 5
    Case studies & Presentation Summative 10% 2, 3, 5
    Assignment 2 Quiz Summative 15% 2-6
    Assignment 3 Quiz Summative 15% 2-6
    Essay (description) Summative 20% 1-6
    Essay (critique) Summative 30% 1-6
    Assessment Related Requirements
    None.
    Assessment Detail
    Participation: The participation in lectures, tutorials, case study discussions carries 10% marks (each individual student).

    Case Studies & Presentation carries 10% marks (including the marks for active participation in all tutorials and case studies discussions).

    Assignment 2 & 3 Online Quiz 15% each. Students will be required to complete online quiz (multiple choice, and short one paragraph  answers). The questions will test knowledge about the principles and concepts of international health, including the principles of  prevention and health promotion within the national/international development and health system context, epidemic control, factors   affecting access to case, sustainability and health financing. Each of the two quizzes includes short answer questions, and carries 15%  marks.

    Essay 1 Description, of about 1000 words, of the health system and public health organisation and funding mechanisms in a chosen   country/community. This should include a summary of about 250 words how the particular organisation and/or funding mechanisms may influence population health (20% marks).

    Essay 2, Critique (about 2000 words): Briefly describe, in terms of extent, affected population and significance, a priority public health  issue in the chosen country/community (500 words), and then write a critique (about 1500 words) of the health system and public  health programs in that country/community aimed at addressing that public health issue. The chosen country/community could be the same as in Essay 1.  (30% marks).
    Submission
    Extensions
    All extensions for assignments must be requested, at the latest, by the last working day before the due date of submission.  Extensions will generally be granted only on medical or genuine compassionate grounds.  Supporting documentation must be  provided at the time a student requests an extension.  Without documentation, extensions will not be granted.  Late requests for extension will neither be accepted nor acknowledged.

    Only the Course Co-ordinator(s) may grant extensions.

    Supporting documentation will be required when requesting an extension. Examples of documents that are acceptable include: a  medical certificate that specifies dates of incapacity, a police report (in the case of lost computers, car & household theft etc.), a  letter from a Student Counsellor, Education and Welfare Officer (EWO) or Disability Liaison Officer that provides an assessment of  compassionate circumstances, or a letter from an independent external counsellor or appropriate professional able to verify the  student’s situation.  The length of any extension granted will take into account the period and severity of any incapacity or impact  on the student.  Extensions of more than 10 days will not be granted except in exceptional circumstances.

    Late submission
    Marks will be deducted when assignments for which no extension has been granted are handed in late.

    All assignments, including those handed in late, will be assessed on their merits.  In the case of late assignments where no  extension has been granted, 5 percentage points of the total marks possible per day will be deducted.  If an assignment that is 2  days late is awarded 65% on its merits, the mark will then be reduced by 10% (5% per day for 2 days) to 55%.  If that same  assignment is 4 days late, the mark will be reduced by 20% (5% per day for 4 days) to 45%, and so on.

    The School of Public Health reserves the right to refuse to accept an assignment that is more than 7 days late.

    Assignments submitted after the due date may not be graded in time to be returned on the listed return dates.

    Students submitting examinable written work who request (and receive) an extension that takes them beyond the examination period are advised that there is no guarantee that their grades will be processed in time to meet usual University deadlines.

    Resubmission
    If a student is dissatisfied with an assessment grade they should follow the Student Grievance Resolution Process  <https://www.adelaide.edu.au/student/grievance/process/>.  Students who are not satisfied with a particular assessment result should raise their concerns with Course Co-ordinator(s) in the first instance.  This must be done within 10 business days of the date of notification of the result.  Resubmission of any assignment is subject to the agreement of the Course Co-ordinator(s) and  ill only be permitted for the most compelling of reasons.
    Course Grading

    Grades for your performance in this course will be awarded in accordance with the following scheme:

    M10 (Coursework Mark Scheme)
    Grade Mark Description
    FNS   Fail No Submission
    F 1-49 Fail
    P 50-64 Pass
    C 65-74 Credit
    D 75-84 Distinction
    HD 85-100 High Distinction
    CN   Continuing
    NFE   No Formal Examination
    RP   Result Pending

    Further details of the grades/results can be obtained from Examinations.

    Grade Descriptors are available which provide a general guide to the standard of work that is expected at each grade level. More information at Assessment for Coursework Programs.

    Final results for this course will be made available through Access Adelaide.

  • Student Feedback

    The University places a high priority on approaches to learning and teaching that enhance the student experience. Feedback is sought from students in a variety of ways including on-going engagement with staff, the use of online discussion boards and the use of Student Experience of Learning and Teaching (SELT) surveys as well as GOS surveys and Program reviews.

    SELTs are an important source of information to inform individual teaching practice, decisions about teaching duties, and course and program curriculum design. They enable the University to assess how effectively its learning environments and teaching practices facilitate student engagement and learning outcomes. Under the current SELT Policy (http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/101/) course SELTs are mandated and must be conducted at the conclusion of each term/semester/trimester for every course offering. Feedback on issues raised through course SELT surveys is made available to enrolled students through various resources (e.g. MyUni). In addition aggregated course SELT data is available.

  • Student Support
  • Policies & Guidelines
  • Fraud Awareness

    Students are reminded that in order to maintain the academic integrity of all programs and courses, the university has a zero-tolerance approach to students offering money or significant value goods or services to any staff member who is involved in their teaching or assessment. Students offering lecturers or tutors or professional staff anything more than a small token of appreciation is totally unacceptable, in any circumstances. Staff members are obliged to report all such incidents to their supervisor/manager, who will refer them for action under the university's student’s disciplinary procedures.

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