Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 2, 2025 (28/07/2025 - 22/11/2025)
- Study level
- Postgraduate Coursework
- Location
- Herston
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- Herston
- Coordinating unit
- Public Health School
This course is designed to introduce students to the history, principles, central concepts and theories of health promotion in the context of public health. Students will gain an understanding of how to identify health promotion priorities and strategies across the disease prevention continuum from local to global. Frameworks for health promotion action will be presented, so that students gain an understanding of the scope of health promotion. Students will be introduced to the basic theories of communication and the role communication skills play in health promotion action.
This is an interactive course that is designed to introduce you to the history, principles, central concepts and theories of health promotion in the context of public health. This course is accredited by the International Union of Health Promotion Education (IUIHPE). In undertaking this course, students will be able to identify and translate health promotion frameworks and actions to public health. Modern health promotion practice embraces the ecosocial approaches to human health, and as such, students will investigate the role of health promotion in addressing the social determinants of health and planetary health issues. Drawing on health promotion and public health literature, students will analyse health promotion and public health interventions that address human health and the natural systems that sustain it. To support deep learning, ethical and culturally safe health promotion practice,ᅠstudents will engage in the concept and practice the process of reflexivity. Students will understand the basic concepts of communication, and demonstrate a range of written communication skills central to health promotion practice and advocacy.ᅠWhile all assessments are individual, learning is deepened through small group discussion and activities utilising a workshop format. External students are encouraged to attend the workshops via zoom to develop a community of practice in order to deepen their understanding of course concepts to their own contexts. This course has been designed to engage and challenge you as a critical and reflexive thinker, which is fundamental to health promotion.
Course requirements
Assumed background
Students are expected to have experience with searching and critiquing literature, the appropriate referencing of evidence, and critical appraisal skills.
Incompatible
You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:
PUBH7288
Course contact
Course staff
Course coordinator
Lecturer
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Additional timetable information
PUBH7034 meets on Monday from 9am - 12pm in 881-325 for workshops. We will review course content using small group discussions and activities to apply health promotion concepts and theories through structured activities. There are guest lectures to provide examples from practice. For external students who wish join the class synchronously, we will have "zoom in the room".
Aims and outcomes
To introduce students to the history, principles, central concepts and theories of health promotion in the context of public health. Students will gain an understanding of how to identify health promotion priorities and strategies across the disease prevention continuum from local to global.ᅠ Frameworks for health promotion action will be presented, so that students gain an understanding of the scope of health promotion.ᅠ Students will be introduced to the basic theories of communication and the role communication skills play in health promotion action.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Critically evaluate central concepts, theories, models, and frameworks in health promotion, and their application to public health practice.
LO2.
Identify and critically appraise the historical and current role of health promotion in public health locally and globally.
LO3.
Design and conduct a health needs assessment to inform the development of a health program.
LO4.
Demonstrate an understanding of the importance of communication and advocacy skills and related educational processes in health promotion.
LO5.
Demonstrate an understanding of the broad influences (e.g. social, political, economic) on health and disease prevention for populations and how to apply basic methods in health promotion practice in Australia and internationally.
LO6.
Demonstrate the process and practice of reflection and critical reflexivity.
LO7.
Demonstrate effective skills in written communication across various genres.
Assessment
Assessment summary
Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
---|---|---|---|
Paper/ Report/ Annotation | Needs Assessment Plan | 30% |
29/08/2025 2:00 pm |
Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Reflection | Synthesising the findings of the Needs Assessment | 45% |
7/10/2025 2:00 pm |
Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Reflection | Advocacy Letter | 25% |
10/11/2025 2:00 pm |
Assessment details
Needs Assessment Plan
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation
- Weight
- 30%
- Due date
29/08/2025 2:00 pm
Task description
You will choose one scenario to complete all your assessments. For this assessment, you will justify your selection of scenario and write a plan for a Needs Assessment. This will provide a guide for your second assessment.
Further instructions will be available via the Course Ultra site.
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
Please see 10. Policies & Guidelines
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Please see 10. Policies & Guidelines
Synthesising the findings of the Needs Assessment
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Reflection
- Weight
- 45%
- Due date
7/10/2025 2:00 pm
Task description
Using the plan you developed in your first assessment, you will conduct a Needs Assessment based on your choice of scenario. You will use the Ottawa Charter Framework as a guide and apply this to your scenario. You are required write a report that summarises your conducted Needs Assessment. This report will start with a reflexive piece as a positionality statement and conclude with recommendations.
Further instructions will be available via the Course Ultra site.
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
Please see 10. Policies & Guidelines
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Please see 10. Policies & Guidelines
Advocacy Letter
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Reflection
- Weight
- 25%
- Due date
10/11/2025 2:00 pm
Task description
Written communication skills are vital to effective health promotion practice. In this assessment, you will practice building evidence-based arguments that are succinct and informative written in a two-page advocacy letter for a government official/audience. You will provide additional reflections to guide your advocacy letter.
Further instructions will be available via the Course Ultra site.
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
Please see 10. Policies & Guidelines
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Please see 10. Policies & Guidelines
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
Grade | Description |
---|---|
1 (Low Fail) |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: (Typically 0-19%) |
2 (Fail) |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: (Typically 20-44%) |
3 (Marginal Fail) |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes Course grade description: (Typically 45-49%) |
4 (Pass) |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: (Typically 50-64%) |
5 (Credit) |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: (Typically 65-74%) |
6 (Distinction) |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: (Typically 75-84%) |
7 (High Distinction) |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: (Typically 85-100%) |
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
The final grade awarded will be based on the results of the supplementary assessment only, and a passing grade will be awarded if, and only if, the student receives at least 50% of the marks on the supplementary assessment
Additional assessment information
Assignment Submission:ᅠ
Turnitin no longer automatically emails students a receipt when they upload an assignment.ᅠ Students need to download their receipt manually and keep a copy as proof of submission.ᅠ ᅠ
Assignments for this course will be submitted electronically via Blackboard and/or using Tunitin.ᅠ
Before submitted any assignments for this course you must ensure you have completed UQ’sᅠcompulsory onlineᅠAcademic Integrity Tutorial.
When you successfully submit your assessment, you need to manually download your receipt and keep a copy as proof of submission as Turnitin no longer automatically emails students a receipt when an assignment is uploaded.ᅠ ᅠ
It is the responsibility of the student to check the assignment preview and confirm that the assignment has been successfully submitted.ᅠᅠ
If the submission was not successful:
- Note the error message (preferably take a screenshot)
- Go to your assignment page and see if it is possible to submit again
- If you cannot submit again, immediately email your course coordinator.ᅠ
Learning resources
You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.
Library resources
Library resources are available on the UQ Library website.
Learning activities
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
Please select
Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
---|---|---|
Week 1 (28 Jul - 03 Aug) |
Workshop |
Introduction to health promotion Key Topics: History and definitions of Health Promotion; introduction to central frameworks and competencies; who are health promotion practitioners; overview of course and introduction to the scenarios for assessments |
Week 2 (04 Aug - 10 Aug) |
Workshop |
Needs Assessment Key Topics: Overview of Bradshaw's Taxonomy, types of needs and data for each need; choosing your scenario; developing search terms for your Needs Assessment plan. |
Week 3 (11 Aug - 17 Aug) |
Workshop |
Priority populations and settings Key Topics: Power, identity and paradigms; reflexivity (using empathy mapping) |
Week 4 (18 Aug - 24 Aug) |
Workshop |
Planetary health and health promotion Key topics: Defining Planetary Health; Social Ecological frameworks for Health Promotion and their application |
Week 5 (25 Aug - 31 Aug) |
Workshop |
Strengthen community action and create supportive environments Key Topics: Defining community, participation, community-based health promotion, empowerment practices; local action / global impact; ecological models; Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander approaches to ecosocial health promotion |
Week 6 (01 Sep - 07 Sep) |
Workshop |
Develop personal skills and build healthy public policy Key topics: Health education; key behaviour change theories; health literacy; policy and healthy public policy; health in all policies; and health impact assessments |
Week 7 (08 Sep - 14 Sep) |
Workshop |
Reorienting health services Key topics: Importance of prevention; health promotion and the health care sector |
Week 8 (15 Sep - 21 Sep) |
Workshop |
Media and health promotion Key topics: Mass media for population health; health communication strategies; framing your message |
Week 9 (22 Sep - 28 Sep) |
Workshop |
Advocacy and activism in health promotion Key topics: the role of advocacy in health promotion; frameworks and toolkits for advocacy; persuasive writing skills for advocacy |
Week 10 (06 Oct - 12 Oct) |
Workshop |
NO CLASS (Public Holiday) |
Week 11 (13 Oct - 19 Oct) |
Workshop |
Future challenges Key topics: Where we have been; where are we going; critical reflection on key health promotion frameworks; your future in health promotion |
Week 12 (20 Oct - 26 Oct) |
Workshop |
Panel session Panel presentations and discussion with experts from various areas of health promotion |
Week 13 (27 Oct - 02 Nov) |
Workshop |
Wrap-up Overview of the semester and final check-in for final assessment |
Policies and procedures
University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:
- Student Code of Conduct Policy
- Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Examinations Procedure
- Reasonable Adjustments for Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.
Course guidelines
School of Public Health (SPH) Guidelines for late submission of progressive assessment - Preamble
To apply for an extension to the due date for a piece of progressive assessment (eg assignments, oral presentations and computer-based assignments) students should complete the online request at https://my.uq.edu.au/information-and-services/manage-my-program/exams-and-assessment/applying-assessment-extension?p=2#2
Information regarding deferral of in-semester exams and end-of-semester exams is available from https://my.uq.edu.au/information-and-services/manage-my-program/exams-and-assessment/deferring-exam
If requesting an extension on medical grounds, a medical certificate must be provided. The extension will be approved for the number of days included in the medical certificate that the student was not fit to study or work, eg if the medical certificate is for 3 days, an extension will be approved for 3 days maximum regardless of the student's request.
If requesting an extension using a Student Access Plan (SAP) as evidence, a maximum of 7-day extension will be approved in the first instance. Updated medical documentation, as well as a copy of the SAP, is required if requesting an extension for more than 7 days.
A student may have a maximum of three extension requests approved for a single assessment task.
An extension for an assessment item due within the study period in which the course is offered, must not exceed four weeks in total.
The following SPH guidelines are consistent with the UQ policy. However, the SPH Guidelines contain specific rules and interpretations for SPH courses, and requests for extension and penalties for late submissions will be judged according to the guidelines outlined in this document. You should read both the information in your my.UQ at the following link: https://my.uq.edu.au/information-and-services/manage-my-program/exams-and-assessment/applying-assessment-extension and the SPH guidelines (below) before submitting a request for an extension. The SPH Guidelines apply to all courses offered by the School of Public Health unless the Course Profile explicitly states otherwise.
SPH Guidelines for late submission of progressive assessment
Initial extension for an individual item of assessment – the SPH Student & Academic Administration Team and/or the Course Coordinator decides.
This could be for medical or compassionate reasons, or if, in the opinion of the Course Coordinator, there are exceptional circumstances.
Acceptable and unacceptable reasons for an extension are listed at the following link, along with the required evidence to be provided: https://my.uq.edu.au/information-and-services/manage-my-program/exams-and-assessment/applying-assessment-extension?p=1#1
A request for an extension to an assessment due date must be submitted through mylUQ as soon as it becomes evident that an extension is needed, but no later than one calendar day after the assessment task submission due date and time.
If applying for an extension after the due date and time of the assessment item, your request may not be approved. An explanation as to why your request was not submitted prior must be included.
If approved, a new due date will be set. This would generally be no later than 7 days after the original due date, however this can be modified to take account of the circumstances of the request and the time that would have been lost from studies.
If the new due date is past the date for submission of end-of-semester results, the student will receive an INC (incomplete) result.
Second and all subsequent extensions for an individual item of assessment – the SPH Student & Academic Administration Team and/or the Program Convenor together with the Course Coordinator decides.
This would only be approved for exceptional circumstance with supporting documentation.
- Online requests must be made at least 24 hours prior to the due date from the first extension.
- The SPH Student & Academic Administration Team and/or the Course Coordinator will consult with the Program Convenor, who will make the final decision.
- If approved, the new due date would generally be no later than 7 days after the first extension due date.
- The Program Convenor should consider if remedial or other support should be offered to the student.
- The Program Convenor should provide a report on these matters as needed at SPH Examiners’ Meetings.
A student may have a maximum of three extension requests approved for a single assessment task.
An extension for an assessment item due within the study period in which the course is offered, must not exceed four weeks in total.
Please Note: In order to support course progression, extensions that total more than 14 calendar days from the original due date of an assessment item will only be approved in very exceptional circumstances. These requests are assessed and approved or denied on a case-by-case basis.
If you have been ill or unable to attend class for more than 4 weeks in a semester, we advise you to carefully consider whether you are capable of successfully completing your courses this semester. You might need to consider applying for removal of course.
Penalty for late submission
Submission of assignments, practical reports, workbooks, and other types of written assessments after the due date specified in the Course Profile will receive a penalty.
The penalty will be a deduction of 10% RELATIVE PERCENTAGE per day (24 hour period or part thereof, including weekends and public holidays) or for work graded on a 1-7 scale, a deduction of one grade per day, e.g. If the original mark is 73%, then 10% relative percentage is 10% of this value, ie 7.3%, The final mark for this assessment item after applying the penalty for 1 day late submission would be 73 -7.3 = 65.7% The same outcome is achieved by multiplying the original score by .9; ie 73 x .9 = 65.7%
The penalty for multiple days late is the relative percentage multiplied by the number of days late.
A submission that is not made within 10 days of the due date will receive a mark of 0% for that assessment item.
Where a student has sought more than one extension, the due date for calculating the penalty will be the due date for the most recently approved extension.
Submission of Medical Certificates
Students are responsible for ensuring that any medical documentation they submit is authentic and signed by a registered medical practitioner. Such practitioners can be identified via the AHPRA website. Also note that:
- Not all online medical services are staffed by registered practitioners
- If the registration status of the practitioner cannot be verified, then an alternative practitioner should be sought
- Students will be held fully responsible for all documentation they submit, even if done so in ignorance of the practitioner's registration status
Medical documentation may be subjected to an audit by the University.
SPH Assessment Guidelines
The School of Public Health assessment tasks have been designed to be challenging, authentic and complex. While students may use AI technologies, successful completion of assessment in this course will require students to critically engage in specific contexts and tasks for which artificial intelligence will provide only limited support and guidance.
A failure to reference AI use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
To pass this assessment, students will be required to demonstrate detailed comprehension of their written submission independent of AI tools.