MHMonash Hub

Units / PHI5288

PHI5288 · Public health fundamentals

Official Handbook

2026 Handbook6 credit pointsLevel 5Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine

Last checked: 23 Aug 2026 UTC

Overview

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.

Offerings

CampusTeaching periodMode
IndonesiaMonash Indonesia term 2Teaching activities are on-campus and in a block period (ON-BLK)

Assessment

The Handbook does not list a final examination among the assessment items. That is not a guarantee there is none.

#AssessmentTypeWeightHurdle
1Systematic literature search and critical summary (2,400 words)Written40%
2Abstract and oral presentation (600 words)Presentation20%
3Essay (2,400 words)Written40%

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
  • HSC5288 — Public health fundamentals
  • MPH5313 — Foundations of public health

Joined by AND.

Learning outcomes

  1. Describe and integrate the basic principles and tools of public health practice
  2. Evaluate a range of behavioural, social and cultural, environmental and political determinants of health
  3. Identify and appraise methods and application of disease prevention and control at a population level
  4. Define the principles of evidence-based practice and assess their implementation across public health initiatives
  5. Evaluate a range of approaches and strategies involved in public health including health promotion and health policy;
  6. Identify and analyse a range of challenges to public health both locally and Internationally.

Workload

24 hours per week including directed and self-directed learning (scheduled classes, prescribed activities and independent work).

ActivityDuration
Workshops3 hours
Lectures9 hours

Ask about PHI5288

Answered from the Handbook fields above — no AI, no guessing. Every answer links back to the source.

Community discussions about PHI5288

Community

Student experience, not official rules. Nothing here changes what the Handbook says.

No discussions yet

Be the first to share what this unit was actually like.

Monash HubAn independent student platform

Monash Hub is an independent student information platform and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Monash University. Always confirm enrolment, graduation, visa and academic policy decisions through the Monash website, Handbook, Moodle or WES.