Public Health Essentials: Building Blocks for Impact

This foundation course in the Master of Public Health (MPH) will develop students’ understanding of core public health principles. Public health is defined as the science and art of preventing disease, prolonging life, and promoting health through the organised efforts of society. Realising this definition of public health requires an understanding of core concepts in epidemiology, prevention, and health equity. The course is underpinned by assessments that familiarise students with academic sources and critical appraisal to make effective use of available evidence. Students who complete this course will be able to articulate key risk factors influencing health outcomes internationally, they will be able to articulate the social and political drivers of health in Aotearoa, and they will apply an understanding of epidemiology to describe the efficacy of interventions to address these. Throughout the course, students will become competent applying skills in critical appraisal.