Unit Code: PBH501

Unit Name: Introduction to Public Health

Description: This will be the first course that a Year 1 Public Health student will take as this introduces all aspects of Public Health that include Epidemiology, Health Service Management, Environmental Health, Health Promotion, Dietetics and Nutrition. This course provides a comprehensive overview of Public Health from its historical roots to what Public Health is today, how Governmental and Non-Governmental Public Health agencies are organized, the core Public Health functions and the ten (10) Essential Public Health Services, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’s). In addition, despite the evolving changes in definition, the concept remains i.e. to prolong life, protect and promote health. The course will be a snapshot of all that the students will encounter throughout learning in the field of Public Health.

Learning Target Outcomes: Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to: 1: Define health, its components, determinants, and the evolution of public health, highlighting primary health care principles and health promotion concepts. 2: Discuss community development, health service management, and the role of ethics, laws, and regulations in public health practice. 3: Explain the importance of nutrition, maternal and child health in population health. 4: Interpret basic statistics and health research methodologies, emphasizing their application in public health. 5: Explore current challenges in public health, including emerging issues, future directions, and strategies for improving population health outcomes.

Prerequisite: NA

Prerequisite Sentence: N/A

Credit Point: 15

Offered In: Semester 1