Public Health Systems and Policy (10076.2)

Please note these are the 2026 details for this unit
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Public Health Systems and Policy
Available teaching periods Delivery mode Location
View teaching periods Hybrid
 Bruce, Canberra
EFTSL Credit points Faculty
0.125 3 Faculty Of Health
Discipline Study level HECS Bands
Discipline Of Public Health Level 1 - Undergraduate Introductory Unit Band 2 2021 (Commenced After 1 Jan 2021)
Band 3 2021 (Commenced Before 1 Jan 2021)
This unit introduces public health/population health and its history. Students will learn about the Australian and international health systems and the unit will include a review of the contemporary policy landscape. The World Health Organisation priorities will be considered and students will weigh up the views of various stakeholders analysing their interests, and how these interests act to effect change in health policy.

Learning outcomes

On completion of this unit, students will be able to:
1. Describe public health and its history;
2. Identify key issues in current public health policy and practice;
3. Describe the state, national and international health systems structure and funding models;
4. Describe and compare issues in population health taking a determinants of health perspective; and
5. Analyse selected health policies.


Graduate attributes

1. UC graduates are professional - communicate effectively
1. UC graduates are professional - display initiative and drive, and use their organisation skills to plan and manage their workload
1. UC graduates are professional - employ up-to-date and relevant knowledge and skills
1. UC graduates are professional - take pride in their professional and personal integrity
1. UC graduates are professional - work collaboratively as part of a team, negotiate, and resolve conflict
2. UC graduates are global citizens - behave ethically and sustainably in their professional and personal lives
2. UC graduates are global citizens - communicate effectively in diverse cultural and social settings
2. UC graduates are global citizens - make creative use of technology in their learning and professional lives
2. UC graduates are global citizens - think globally about issues in their profession
3. UC graduates are lifelong learners - adapt to complexity, ambiguity and change by being flexible and keen to engage with new ideas
3. UC graduates are lifelong learners - be self-aware


Prerequisites

None.

Corequisites

None.

Incompatible units

8573 Public Health Systems and Policy 1.

Equivalent units

8573 Public Health Systems and Policy 1.

Assumed knowledge

None.
Availability for enrolment in 2026 is subject to change and may not be confirmed until closer to the teaching start date.
Year Location Teaching period Teaching start date Delivery mode Unit convener
2025 Bruce, Canberra Semester 2 28 July 2025 Hybrid Dr Sunil George
2026 Bruce, Canberra Semester 2 10 August 2026 Hybrid Dr Sunil George
The information provided should be used as a guide only. Timetables may not be finalised until week 2 of the teaching period and are subject to change. Search for the unit timetable.

Required texts

Recommended texts.  

Duckett, S. J. The Australian Health Care System. 6th ed. South Melbourne, Vic: Oxford University Press, 2022.

Gilson. L. ed. (2012). Health Policy and Systems Research: A Methodology Reader. Alliance for Health Policy and Systems Research. World Health Organisation.        

In addition to the recommended texts, weekly readings will be provided. 

Students must apply academic integrity in their learning and research activities at UC. This includes submitting authentic and original work for assessments and properly acknowledging any sources used.

Academic integrity involves the ethical, honest and responsible use, creation and sharing of information. It is critical to the quality of higher education. Our academic integrity values are honesty, trust, fairness, respect, responsibility and courage.

UC students have to complete the Academic Integrity Module annually to learn about academic integrity and to understand the consequences of academic integrity breaches (or academic misconduct).

UC uses various strategies and systems, including detection software, to identify potential breaches of academic integrity. Suspected breaches may be investigated, and action can be taken when misconduct is found to have occurred.

Information is provided in the Academic Integrity Policy, Academic Integrity Procedure, and University of Canberra (Student Conduct) Rules 2023. For further advice, visit Study Skills.

Learner engagement

The unit will be delivered as a hybrid model with recorded online lectures and face to face live tutorials. Online participation via the Canvas virtual room will be facilitated for
students unable to attend the tutorials face to face (although in person attendance is strongly recommended). 

Participation requirements

It is expected that students participate in all learning opportunities in this unit, and complete all activities within the learning modules, including directed and self-directed study,
and actively participate in scheduled face to face or online tutorial sessions via the Canvas Virtual Room. Participating in class discussions to clarify concepts and to develop confidence
with professional communication and verbally expressing ideas can be helpful for students and also supports the learning of student peers. Furthermore, participation in classroom tutorial sessions enables students to ask questions and develop professional behaviours and accountability for safe practice.

Special guest speakers sessions will be organised to enhance student learning and exposure. It is advised that students attend these sessions and are encouraged to
interact with the invited guest speakers.

Required IT skills

General IT skills.
You will require computer skills to access the internet and be able to upload to the ‘Canvas' university site submissions using ‘word'
and PowerPoint formats. This unit may involve online meetings in real-time using a virtual room. To participate verbally, rather than
just typing, you will need a microphone. For best audio quality we recommend a microphone and speaker headset. For more
information and to test your computer, please visit the UCLearn Student Help link.

If students do not own a computer there are computers available in the library, building 8 level B- 24 hours/day. 

In-unit costs

None

Work placement, internships or practicums

None

Additional information

N/A

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