Units / MPH5313
MPH5313 · Foundations of public health
2026 Handbook6 credit pointsLevel 5Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine
Last checked: 23 Aug 2026 UTCOverview
This unit will examine foundational aspects of public health, and explore contemporary challenges facing public health both nationally and Internationally. You will be introduced to strategies and approaches including evidence-based practice, health promotion and health policy, as well as key principles guiding public health practice. You will apply this knowledge to critically appraise initiatives to address complex health issues from a public health perspective.
Areas of study: Public health
Offerings
| Campus | Teaching period | Mode |
|---|---|---|
| Monash Online | Teaching period 6 | Monash Online (MO) |
Assessment
The Handbook does not list a final examination among the assessment items. That is not a guarantee there is none.
| # | Assessment | Type | Weight | Hurdle |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Written reflections (2,400 words) | Written | 40% | — |
| 2 | Briefing paper (1,800 words) | Written | 30% | — |
| 3 | Policy position statement (1,800 words) | Written | 30% | — |
Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.
Requisites
prohibitions
- MPH5288 — Public health fundamentals
Learning outcomes
- Describe and integrate the basic principles and tools of public health practice
- Evaluate a range of behavioural, social and cultural, environmental and political determinants of health
- Identify and appraise methods and application of disease prevention and control at a population level
- Define the principles of evidence-based practice and assess their implementation across public health initiatives
- Evaluate and adapt a range of approaches and strategies involved in public health including health promotion and health policy, and;
- Analyse and articulate contemporary and emerging challenges in public health.
Workload
24 hours per week including directed and self-directed learning (including any asynchronous and synchronous tasks, prescribed activities and independent work).
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