Handbook : Unit informationEdith Cowan University

School: Medical and Health Sciences

This unit information may be updated and amended immediately prior to semester. To ensure you have the correct outline, please check it again at the beginning of semester.

• Unit Title

  Environmental Health Professional Practice

• Unit Code

  HST2116

• Year

  2016

• Enrolment Period

  1

• Version

  1

• Credit Points

  15

• Full Year Unit

  Y

• Mode of Delivery

  On Campus
  Online

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Description

This professional practice unit has to be completed in the workplace and is assessed as a portfolio. In this unit students will further their understanding of theoretical concepts of environmental health by undertaking a minimum of 210 hours of work experience in Local Government Authorities and State Government Agencies by attending seminars relating to environmental and public health issues.

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this unit students should be able to:

1. Apply practical knowledge and skills associated with the duties of an environmental health professional.
2. Appreciate the interactions of building control and urban design with environmental health.
3. Communicate effectively in written and oral form in the workplace and in assessments.
4. Critically review and evaluate data in order to make sound public health decisions.
5. Demonstrate a professional approach to commitments in the workplace.
6. Demonstrate an understanding of the need to manage environmental health issues in an intersectoral and collaborative manner.
7. Demonstrate an understanding of wastewater management principles and undertake assessments.
8. Demonstrate report writing skills relating to environmental health.
9. Demonstrate skills in conflict resolution and negotiation when dealing with the public.
10. Evaluate vector borne disease risks and apply appropriate strategies to manage and control vectors.
11. Identify and assess environmental health risks.
12. Identify, interpret and implement environmental health law, policies and guidelines related to specific activities.

Unit Content

1. Building safety, construction and building control standards.
2. Dealing with the public (complaint investigation and conflict resolution).
3. Environmental health and public health law.
4. Mosquito monitoring and management practices.
5. Urban design and town planning in local governments.
6. Wastewater management.

Additional Learning Experience Information

This unit requires a minimum 210 hour placement with Local Government Authorities, and State Government Agencies. The Practicum Coordinator will arrange placements for students. Students will complete assigned duties and will submit a portfolio of tasks undertaken under the supervision of the Local Government Authority and State Government Agencies.

Assessment

GS1 GRADING SCHEMA 1 Used for standard coursework units

Students please note: The marks and grades received by students on assessments may be subject to further moderation. All marks and grades are to be considered provisional until endorsed by the relevant Board of Examiners.

Text References

• Baum, F. (2008). The new public health (3rd ed.). Melbourne: Oxford University Press.
• Cromar, N., Cameron, S., & Fallowfield, H. (2004). Environmental health in Australia and New Zealand. Melbourne: Oxford University Press. Note: Seminal Reference.
• Heymann, D. (2008). Control of communicable diseases manual (19th ed.). Washington DC: American Public Health Association.
• Reynolds, C. (2011). Public health law and regulation. Sydney, Australia: The Federation Press.

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