Public Health Issues and Approaches to Addiction

Postgraduate | 2026

Course page banner
Mode icon
Mode
Mode
Your studies will be on-campus, and may include some online delivery
On campus
area/catalogue icon
Area/Catalogue
PHAR 5017
Course ID icon
Course ID
204508
Campus icon
Campus
Adelaide City Campus East
Level of study
Level of study
Postgraduate
Unit value icon
Unit value
8
Course owner
Course owner
School of Pharm and Biomed Sci
Course coordinator
Course coordinator
Andrea Pelentsov
Course level icon
Course level
5
Work Integrated Learning course
Work Integrated Learning course
No
Study abroad and student exchange icon
Inbound study abroad and exchange
Inbound study abroad and exchange
The fee you pay will depend on the number and type of courses you study.
Yes
University-wide elective icon
University-wide elective course
Yes
Single course enrollment
Single course enrolment
Yes

Course overview

This course/module provides an introduction to basic concepts and research methods in Public Health and Epidemiology as they relate to the study of addictions, as well as an in-depth consideration of the personal, social, economic, and cultural burdens/costs associated with drug and alcohol abuse and dependence. Individual and community-based risk and protective factors related to addictions and primary and secondary prevention efforts aimed at reducing the addictions-related public health burden are also a focus. An online lecture format featuring presentations by leading researchers and policymakers in the field of addictions will be used, along with readings, online discussions, and writing assignments to: (1) gain a greater understanding of the enormous costs of addictions at every level of society; and (2) introduce students to some of the current thinking and programs related to the primary and secondary prevention of addictions.

Course learning outcomes

  • Understand basic concepts of public health and epidemiology.
  • Demonstrate how to identify risk and protective factors related to addiction.
  • Describe the personal, social, economic and cultural burdens associated with addiction.
  • Evaluate different prevention efforts toward addiction.
  • Critique research literature.
  • Work in an interdisciplinary international group in an online environment.

Availability

Census date Icon
Census date
Fri 11/09/2026
Enrol by date
Enrol by date
Fri 21/08/2026
Last day to W
Last day to W
Mon 28/09/2026
Last day to WF
Last day to WF
Mon 12/10/2026

Class details

Adelaide City Campus East

Class number
Class number 64059
Section
Section 01CE
Size
Size 30
Available
Available 30
Dates Days Time Campus Location Instructor
- Adelaide City Campus East ,

Prerequisite(s)

N/A

Corequisite(s)

N/A

Antirequisite(s)

  • must not have completed PHARM7516EX Public Health Issues and Approaches to Addiction at the University of Adelaide

Fee calculator

To display course fees, please select your status and program below:

We’re updating this Fee Calculator. It currently shows fees for programs only. Please check the relevant program for full fee details.

Study Abroad student tuition fees are available here.

Only some Postgraduate Coursework programs are available as Commonwealth Supported. Please check your program for specific fee information.

If you are studying in a Professional Pathway Psychology or Clinical Psychology program, please refer to the Student Contributions amounts published here.

The Student Contribution amount displayed below is for students commencing a new program from 2021 onwards. If you are continuing in a program you commenced prior to 1 January 2021, or are commencing an Honours degree relating to an undergraduate degree you commenced prior to 1 January 2021, you may be charged a different Student Contribution amount from the amount displayed below. Please check the Student Contribution bands for continuing students here. If you are an international student, or a domestic student studying in a full fee paying place, and are continuing study that you commenced in 2025 or earlier, your fees will be available here before enrolments open for 2026.