Public Health Leadership

Subject 509-003 (2008)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2008.Search for this in the current handbook

Credit Points: 12.500
Level: Graduate/Postgraduate
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2008:

Semester 2, - 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

Block

Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: 30 hours of contact time during the five-day block (Monday-Friday).
Total Time Commitment: For each contact hour an additional three to four hours is expected in reading and self-directed learning.
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: None
Non Allowed Subjects: None
Core Participation Requirements:

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

Coordinator

Prof Rob Moodie
Subject Overview:

This subject introduces students to the real world of public health. It provides an understanding of the world in which health/ill health is created; an understanding of how power works, how decisions are made and how resources are allocated; an understanding of the organisation you work in and lastly an understanding of yourself as a leader.

It covers the changing social, economic, commercial, cultural and political determinants that influence health and ill health. It examines the political, bureaucratic, business, media and community power and processes at international, national, and local levels.

In examining your/an organisation it looks at power structures; people of influence, the characteristics of good leaders and the fundamentals of leading and managing a team. Finally, it looks at the elements that are important for successful living, an integral part of successful leadership.

Senior political, bureaucratic, business and public health leaders will be invited to present on this subject.

Objectives:

On completion of this subject, students should be able to:

  • Describe the emerging determinants of ill health
  • Analyse the health implications of power and influence
  • Develop a strategy to put a public health issue onto the political/community agenda
  • Define the key characteristics of successful leaders and
  • Map pathways they can follow to become successful leaders in public health
  • Reflect and develop a greater understanding of their own selves and mechanisms they can use to lead successful lives, not only be successful leaders
    • Assessment: Journal reflection exercise (1000 words ) 25% Written task (e.g. development of an advocacy strategy; international health policy analysis) (3000 words) 75% (assessment tasks due six weeks after subject completion)
    Prescribed Texts: A set of readings will be available prior to the commencement of the subject.
    Recommended Texts: None
    Breadth Options:

    This subject is not available as a breadth subject.
    Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
    Generic Skills:

    By participating in this subject, students will develop the following generic skills:

    • Evaluation of personal values and their impact on work practice
    • Synthesising material and presenting it in written form
    • Critical thinking skills to analyse organisational cultures and practices
    • Basic management skills in organisational planning and staff development
    Related Course(s): Master of Public Health

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