The course situates health and disease within the context of changing human ecologies, such as those being shaped by globalisation processes.
Topics covered include:
- An exploration of the biological bases of human diseases and the impact they have on individuals and communities.
- It covers biological, ecological and socioeconomic aspects of infectious, genetic and lifestyle-associated diseases, along with strategies used for their control.
- Emphasis is placed on critical examination of the relative importance of modern medicine, public health strategies, and economic development.
- The role of scientific enquiry in the improvement of human health is discussed.
Themes include:
- Globalisation and environmental change
- Natural selection
- Dynamics of host-pathogen interactions
- Lifestyle transitions
- The place of health on today's political agenda.
Principles are illustrated with case studies which may include:
- Parasitic diseases such as malaria
- Other infectious diseases including influenza, smallpox, tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS
- Reproductive health
- Immunological diseases such as asthma and diabetes
- Chronic degenerative disease such as cardiovascular disease
- Lifestyle associated disease such as obesity
Note: This course is delivered online.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
On satisfying the requirements of this course, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
1. Explain select human diseases in their biological, historical and social context
2. Independently research current topics in health and disease using published books, original papers, electronic resources and other materials
3. Develop own thinking, opinions and attitudes to global health issues
4. Develop the skills required for online learning (i.e. becoming familiar with discussion boards, non-face to face teaching and online assignments)
Indicative Assessment
Assessment will be based on:
- Online quizzes (24%; LO 1, 4)
- Research report consisting of a 3 000 word argumentative essay on a current topic in health and disease (52%; LO 1, 2, 3, 4)
- Critical response papers which encompass critical discussion and analysis of some of the reading materials of the course (24%; LO 1, 2, 3, 4)
The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.
Requisite and Incompatibility
You will need to contact the Biology Teaching and Learning Centre to request a permission code to enrol in this course.
Prescribed Texts
Note, the readings for this course are a compilation of journal articles and reviews and book chapters that will be available on the course WebCT site at the beginning of semester 1.
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
If you are a domestic graduate coursework or international student you will be required to pay tuition fees. Students continuing in their current program of study will have their tuition fees indexed annually from the year in which you commenced your program. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 2
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are an undergraduate student and have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). You can find your student contribution amount for each course at Fees. Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
Course fees
- Domestic fee paying students
| Year | Fee | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1994-2003 | $2358 | |
| 2014 | $2946 | |
| 2013 | $2946 | |
| 2012 | $2946 | |
| 2011 | $2424 | |
| 2010 | $2358 | |
| 2009 | $2358 | |
| 2008 | $2358 | |
| 2007 | $2358 | |
| 2006 | $2358 | |
| 2005 | $2358 | |
| 2004 | $2358 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 1994-2003 | $2940 |
| 2014 | $3762 |
| 2013 | $3756 |
| 2012 | $3756 |
| 2011 | $3756 |
| 2010 | $3750 |
| 2009 | $3618 |
| 2008 | $3618 |
| 2007 | $2940 |
| 2006 | $2940 |
| 2005 | $2940 |
| 2004 | $2940 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.
Class summaries, if available, can be accessed by clicking on the View link for the relevant class number.
First Semester
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3437 | 17 Feb 2014 | 07 Mar 2014 | 31 Mar 2014 | 30 May 2014 | In Person | N/A |
