HSC1200 Public health and prevention
Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences
HSC1200 Public health and prevention is a level 1, 6-credit-point, undergraduate unit from the Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, offered in 2026 in Semester 1 at Caulfield. It has no prerequisites and unlocks 1 unit.
- Credit points
- 6
- Offered in 2026
- Semester 1
- Caulfield
- Assessment
- No exam
- 3 tasks
This is the 2026 handbook entry. See the 2027 entry.
Reviews
No reviews yetNo reviews yet. Be the first to review HSC1200.
Requisites
Before HSC1200
No prerequisites or corequisites besides the enrolment rules below.
After HSC1200
1 unit list HSC1200 as a prerequisite or corequisite.
Enrolment rules
Corequisite: Must be enrolled in an Undergraduate Degree
Prohibitions: PHH1081, IPE1011
Overview
You will be provided with an introduction to the principles and practices of contemporary public health. You will use case study examples to illustrate public health successes, including the key elements contributing to these successful approaches. Key concepts introduced include population health, social determinants of health, health inequalities, health and human rights, and the core roles and functions of public health systems, policies and programs. You will explore inequalities within and across national boundaries, as well as the contributing factors to these inequalities. You will uncover public health priorities through consideration of population health trends and vulnerable populations.
Offerings in 2026
| Teaching period | Campus | Mode |
|---|---|---|
| First semester | Caulfield | Flexible |
Assessment
- Weekly quiz (10 MCQs in 15 mins, weekly - 10 weeks)Quiz / Test20%
- Group oral presentation (5 mins speaking per person, 600 word written reflection per person)Presentation30%
- Report (2,500 words equivalent)Written50%
Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.
Learning outcomes
When you finish this unit, you should be able to:
- 1
Describe the principles underpinning public health practice.
- 2
Identify a range of public health interventions and compare their strengths and limitations.
- 3
Discuss how behavioural, social and cultural, environmental and political determinants contribute to health outcomes.
- 4
Explain the causes and consequences of health inequalities.
- 5
Explain the key factors that influence the health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Workload and teaching
- Lectures12 hours
- Tutorials24 hours
- Teaching approachActive learning
2 hour tutorial, 3 hours of directed online student learning activities, plus 7 hours of self-directed study per week.
For full details of the teaching approach to this unit, please refer to Moodle.
Learning resources
Required resources
See Moodle for details about required resources.
Contacts
- Unit Coordinators
- Dr Karen Richards
- Chief Examiners
- Professor Basia Diug
Common questions
What are the prerequisites for HSC1200?
HSC1200 has no prerequisites, but enrolment rules apply.
What can I take after HSC1200?
HSC1200 is a prerequisite or corequisite for 1 unit, including PBH3005.
When is HSC1200 offered?
In 2026, HSC1200 runs in Semester 1 at Caulfield.
Does HSC1200 have an exam?
No. HSC1200 has 3 assessment tasks and no exam.