M6026 Master of Occupational and Environmental Health

The course is structured in two parts: Part A. Occupational and environmental health studies and Part B. Advanced applied studies. All students complete Part A and Part B.

PART A. Occupational and environmental health studies

In these studies, you will gain an introduction to occupational health and safety, epidemiology, biostatistics as applied to public health and management studies and the principles and practice of ergonomics. You will learn about the effects and human costs of occupational disease and injury and how to recognise, evaluate and control workplace hazards drawing on an understanding of the psychosocial effects of the work environment.

PART B. Advanced application studies

The focus of these studies is in professional or scholarly work that can contribute to a portfolio of professional development. You have two options:

• a research pathway where you will gain the practical skills required to formulate a research question and design and assess a research project. Students wishing to use this master's course as a pathway to a higher degree by research should take this first option.
• a coursework pathway where you select elective units to suit your own interests.

The course progression map provides guidance on unit enrolment for each semester of study.

The course comprises 72 points structured into two parts: Part A. Occupational and environmental health studies (48 points) and Part B. Advanced application studies (24 points).

Units are 6 points unless otherwise stated.

PART A. Occupational and environmental health studies (48 points)

You must complete:

• MPH5241 Introduction to occupational health and safety
• MPH5243 Chemical and biological hazards
• MPH5222 Assessment and control of workplace hazards
• MPH5244 Ergonomic and physical hazards
• MPH5040 Introductory epidemiology
• MPH5242 Psychosocial work environment
• MPH5203 Environmental influences on health
• MPH5041 Introductory biostatistics

You must achieve a minimum mark of 70% in MPH5040 and MPH5041 to progress into the research pathway. If you do not achieve the required minimum marks you will be automatically moved to the coursework pathway.

PART B. Advanced application studies (24 points)

You must complete either a. a research pathway or b. a coursework pathway:

a. Research pathway

You must complete:

• MPH5213 Research Methods
• MAP5010 Advanced health practice research project
• MPH5276 Safety management systems or another elective

b. Coursework pathway

You must complete:

• MPH5276 Safety management systems
• 18 points from the elective list below.

Elective list

• MPH5213 Research methods
• MPH5256 Injury epidemiology and prevention
• BTF5910 Sustainability regulation
• any approved postgraduate unit offered by the School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine or Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, except the following units: MPH5020, MPH5301-5314 and EPM5001-5015. Suitable units are those that commence with numbers 4 or 5.