Social Foundations of Health

Undergraduate | 2026

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area/catalogue icon
Area/Catalogue
PUBH 2006
Course ID icon
Course ID
201335
Level of study
Level of study
Undergraduate
Unit value icon
Unit value
6
Course level icon
Course level
2
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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
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Note:
Course data is interim and subject to change

Course overview

The aim of this course is to develop your understanding of the social foundations of health, and the ways in which sociological approaches can be used to guide understanding of health issues and their solutions. You will consider the historical, cultural and structural dimensions of a diverse range of contemporary health problems and develop your critical thinking about possibilities for change. Through consideration of the social and cultural determinants of health (including for Aboriginal people in Australia), behaviour change models, and health promotion and policy frameworks, this course will assist you with identifying a range of approaches that can be used to address public health challenges now and into the future.

Course learning outcomes

  • Apply a sociological perspective to contemporary health issues, critically analysing dominant perspectives and narratives
  • Demonstrate a critical understanding of the key social and cultural determinants of health, including those affecting the health of Aboriginal people in Australia
  • Apply and critique approaches to social and behavioural change in contemporary health contexts

Prerequisite(s)

N/A

Corequisite(s)

N/A

Antirequisite(s)

N/A