Control of Sexually Transm. Infections

Subject 505-431 (2009)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2009. Search for this in the current handbook

Credit Points: 12.50
Level: 9 (Graduate/Postgraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2009:

Semester 1, - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period not applicable
Assessment Period End not applicable
Last date to Self-Enrol not applicable
Census Date not applicable
Last date to Withdraw without fail not applicable

Classroom or Distance



Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: One 2-hour lecture per week (Classroom)
Total Time Commitment:

Classroom: In addition to the stated contact hours, students are expected to spend at least 2-3 hours of study for each hour of contact.

Distance: 8 hours per week
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: None
Non Allowed Subjects: None
Core Participation Requirements: Special Computer Skills: Students will be expected to be proficient with a Web browser, e-mail application and word processing application prior to enrolment in this subject.

Coordinator

Dr Henrietta Megan Williams

Contact

Melbourne Sexual Health Centre

School of Population Health

Subject Overview:

This subject provides students with an understanding of the epidemiology and determinants of sexually transmissible infections (STIs), including HIV in the developed world. It then uses this information to develop interventions for the control of these infections. This will be achieved through analysis of existing surveillance data, the use of mathematical models, and published literature and examples of contact tracing, educational, screening and other interventions. Candidates will explore why some of these strategies are well suited to some specific STIs but why other STIs require a completely different approach. The cost effectiveness of different approached will also be discussed. The subject will be offered via a standard classroom lecture format, and will also be offered via distance-education utilising CD-Rom or DVD and written material.
Objectives:
  • understand the factors that determine the community prevalence of a sexually transmitted infection;
  • understand the role of sexual networks, clinical services, partner notification, and sex workers in determining the prevalence of a STI;
  • understand the interaction between HIV and STIs in the spread of HIV;
  • appreciate the role of screening for STI in their control;
  • understand the reasons behind the large variation in the prevalence of STIs in the developed world.
Assessment:

One written assignment of between 3,000-5,000 words at end of semester (100%).

Prescribed Texts:

Russell, D., Bradford, D. and Fairley, C., (Eds.) Sexual Health Medicine: A Clinical Approach, IP Communications, 2005.

Special Computer Requirements: Students are required to have access to a computer with e-mail application, Web browser and CD ROM facility. Technical support is not available from the University of Melbourne in setting up such a system.

Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.
Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Links to further information: http://www.sph.unimelb.edu.au
Notes:

This subject is a Group 1 elective in the Master of Public Health and a core subject in Postgraduate Certificate Public Health (Sexual Health)
Related Course(s): Postgraduate Certificate in Public Health (Sexual Health)

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