Course overview
This course aims to introduce students to demographic and geographical perspectives in the study of population health. It provides students with the theoretical foundation, empirical knowledge, and analytical techniques to unravel the differences between countries in the uneven spread of diseases, deaths and pandemics like HIV/AIDS in the 1980s and more recently COVID-19, their determinants and access to resources. It examines health variations across diverse populations and between individuals differentiated by demographic, social, economic, cultural and political characteristics. There will be a particular focus on population mobility (temporary and permanent) and health. There is a pressing need for a better understanding of the intersections between climate (environmental) change, mobility, and human health to inform policy responses that address the health challenges and needs of migrants and prioritise access to resources and services for vulnerable populations in all countries. While this course focuses on the Australian people, health, and pandemic situations, students will learn about the significant demographic and health issues in different regions, especially in the Asia-Pacific region. The course will examine health, pandemic and disease patterns, causal mechanisms, and different outcomes in diverse populations and discuss the policy and interventions needed to address population and health inequality challenges.
Course learning outcomes
- Have an in-depth understanding of the spatial organisation of human health’s demographic, economic, socio-cultural, environmental, and political determinants.
- Understand the theoretical foundation and empirical knowledge to examine the linkages between the distribution and determinants of health, fertility and mortality in the world populations.
- Understand health and healthcare variations between different sub-groups of the population in Australia and other parts of the world.
- Develop a solid ability to analyse issues relating to population and health research and develop problem-solving, analytical, and high-level written and presentation skills.
- Have the ability to assess health policies in Australia at national, state, and regional levels, which can impinge upon the health and well-being of sub-groups of the population.
- Understand cutting-edge issues in the research field of migration, climate (environmental) change, and health.
- Synthesise evidence, interpret health and disease patterns, causal mechanisms and outcomes, and suggest effective policies and interventions addressing health challenges.