Program Overview

Program Details

The program details are for the unit PUBH649 - Preparation for Practice, which is part of the Master of Public Health program.

Unit Rationale, Description, and Aim

PUBH649 Preparation for Practice is one of two units that will apply and consolidate learning acquired in the Master of Public Health program to prepare students to practice as public health professionals. This unit comprises a range of educational activities that prepare students for PUBH655 Practice Placement. In PUBH649 Preparation for Practice, students undertake coursework, including modules on sourcing placement, skills strengthening, and practice reflections.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students should be able to:

• Demonstrate contextual knowledge of the mission, aims, objectives, and functions of various public health practice organisations.
• Critically analyse the application of public health practice principles of community engagement, the value of partnership, cultural competency, and/or ethical practice.
• Demonstrate independent learning and critical thinking in planning a well-constructed project proposal in a particular area of public health practice.
• Critically reflect on personal learning objectives and the application of specialised knowledge and skills to address public health problems within a practice-based project.

Graduate Attributes

The unit addresses the following graduate attributes:

• GA1: Demonstrate respect for the dignity of each individual and for human diversity.
• GA2: Recognise their responsibility to the common good, the environment, and society.
• GA3: Apply ethical perspectives in informed decision-making.
• GA4: Think critically and reflectively.
• GA5: Demonstrate values, knowledge, skills, and attitudes appropriate to the discipline and/or profession.
• GA6: Solve problems in a variety of settings, taking local and international perspectives into account.
• GA7: Work both autonomously and collaboratively.
• GA8: Locate, organise, analyse, synthesise, and evaluate information.
• GA9: Demonstrate effective communication in oral and written English language and visual media.
• GA10: Utilise information and communication and other relevant technologies effectively.

Content

Topics include:

• Placements: what, why, where, how?
• Skills strengthening, including literature reviews, data collection and analysis, oral presentations, and report writing.
• Public health practice, including community engagement and from theory to practice.

Learning and Teaching Strategy and Rationale

PUBH649 Preparation for Practice uses a student-centred and active learning approach to support students in their exploration of theoretical and practical knowledge to apply within a public health practice environment. The unit is offered in both multi-mode and online mode, with asynchronous online learning material and facilitated tutorial classes or online discussion forums.

Assessment Strategy and Rationale

A range of assessment procedures will be used to meet the unit learning outcomes and develop graduate attributes consistent with University assessment requirements. Assessment tasks include:

• A written task to enable students to prepare for project placement by reflecting on public health principles.
• A written task to strengthen students' critical appraisal and writing skills prior to placement, by investigating a relevant public health issue.
• An oral presentation to enable students to present their practice readiness and prepare for professional practice.

Representative Texts and References

• Brophy, S., Snooks, H., & Griffiths, L. (2008). Small-Scale Evaluation in Health. London, UK: Sage.
• Kawachi, I., Lang, I., & Ricciardi, W. (2020). Oxford handbook of public health practice (4th ed.). Oxford University Press.
• Manley, K., Titchen, A., & Hardy, S. (2009). Work-based learning in the context of contemporary health care education and practice: A concept analysis. Practice Development in Health Care, 8(2), pp. 87127.
• Midwinter, D., & Whatmore, T. (2011). Positive placements: making the most of your educational placement. Continuum.
• Wilt, J, Bleidorn, W, & Revelle, W. (2016). Finding a Life Worth Living: Meaning in Life and Graduation from College. European Journal of Personality, 30(2), 158-167.