This interdisciplinary course examines the ways in which societies attempt to enhance and promote health in a range of settings, while critically assessing the associated risks and barriers. Students will learn how public health campaigns are planned, implemented and evaluated and will have the opportunity to engage with and learn from practitioners in the field. The course provides a sound theoretical understanding of dominant health promotion and protection theories and models, as they relate to contemporary health issues in Australia and internationally. It emphasises practical application of theory in problem based learning scenarios. Students gain a sound conceptual understanding enabling them to develop health initiatives and communicate effectively with specialist and non-specialist audiences.

Note: This course is co-taught with undergraduate students but assessed separately.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

1. Critically evaluate and apply dominant models and theories of public health promotion and health protection.
2. Evaluate and critique health promotion and health protection activities.
3. Identify, interpret, plan and create relevant information for health promotion and health protection activities for a range of non-specialist audiences.

Research-Led Teaching

This course encompasses the four main aspects of research-led teaching. There is a focus on research content; the curriculum is structured around the existing body of literature in the field and the core theoretical understandings. Students are encouraged to actively critique and reflect upon the literature in their own analyses of health protection and promotion. This provides students with a sense of the research process and problems as the course examines the implementation of theory and regulations, and how the concept of ‘best practice’ has also evolved. Students are further required to engage in the research process through regular problem-based learning activities.

Required Resources

Students will require access to a computer and the internet.

Recommended textbook (optional):

McKinnon, M. (ed) (2021) Health Promotion: A Practical Guide to Effective Communication. Cambridge University Publishing.

Recommended Resources

Recommended student system requirements 

ANU courses commonly use a number of online resources and activities including:

• video material, similar to YouTube, for lectures and other instruction
• two-way video conferencing for interactive learning
• email and other messaging tools for communication
• interactive web apps for formative and collaborative activities
• print and photo/scan for handwritten work
• home-based assessment.

To fully participate in ANU learning, students need:

• A computer or laptop. Mobile devices may work well but in some situations a computer/laptop may be more appropriate.
• Webcam
• Speakers and a microphone (e.g. headset)
• Reliable, stable internet connection. Broadband recommended. If using a mobile network or wi-fi then check performance is adequate.
• Suitable location with minimal interruptions and adequate privacy for classes and assessments.
• Printing, and photo/scanning equipment

For more information please see https://www.anu.edu.au/students/systems/recommended-student-system-requirements

Staff Feedback

Students will be given feedback in the following forms in this course:

• Written comments
• Verbal comments
• Feedback to the whole class, to groups, to individuals, focus groups

Student Feedback

ANU is committed to the demonstration of educational excellence and regularly seeks feedback from students. Students are encouraged to offer feedback directly to their Course Convener or through their College and Course representatives (if applicable). The feedback given in these surveys is anonymous and provides the Colleges, University Education Committee and Academic Board with opportunities to recognise excellent teaching, and opportunities for improvement. The Surveys and Evaluation website provides more information on student surveys at ANU and reports on the feedback provided on ANU courses.

Class Schedule

Week/Session	Summary of Activities	Assessment
1	Introduction and overview of course
2	Behaviour change theories
3	Health promotion planning
4	Ethics of health promotion
5	Effective communication	Assessment 1: Quiz 1Assessment 2: Behaviour change essay
6	Evaluating health promotion
7	Communicating in the health marketplace
8	Health Fair/Fear and humour in health promotion
9	Health protection
10	Emerging issues and approaches
11	Interpreting and communicating uncertainty and risk	Assessment 1: Quiz 2
12	Review and reflect	Assessment 3: Health promotion grant application

Tutorial Registration

Tutorial registration is not required.

Assessment Summary

Assessment task	Value	Due Date	Learning Outcomes
Quizzes	20 %	*	1, 2
Behaviour Change Essay	30 %	18/08/2025	2, 3
Grant Application and reflection	50 %	24/10/2025	1, 2, 3

* If the Due Date and Return of Assessment date are blank, see the Assessment Tab for specific Assessment Task details

Policies

ANU has educational policies, procedures and guidelines, which are designed to ensure that staff and students are aware of the University’s academic standards, and implement them. Students are expected to have read the Academic Misconduct Rule before the commencement of their course. Other key policies and guidelines include:

• Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure
• Special Assessment Consideration Policy and General Information
• Student Surveys and Evaluations
• Deferred Examinations
• Student Complaint Resolution Policy and Procedure

Assessment Requirements

The ANU is using 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. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website Students may choose not to submit assessment items through Turnitin. In this instance you will be required to submit, alongside the assessment item itself, hard copies of all references included in the assessment item.

Moderation of Assessment

Marks that are allocated during Semester are to be considered provisional until formalised by the College examiners meeting at the end of each Semester. If appropriate, some moderation of marks might be applied prior to final results being released.

Assessment Task 1

Quizzes

During semester in week 5 and week 11, students will be required to complete online timed quizzes consisting of multiple choice questions. These will cover the topics presented in the preceding weeks. Full details provided in class and on the course site. Each quiz is worth 10% of the final grade.

Assessment Task 2

Behaviour Change Essay

Models and theories of behaviour change are widely used as a step in health promotion planning. The aim of this essay is for you to analyze how behaviour change models and theories are used in developing health promotion initiatives. 

Select a public health promotion initiative from anywhere in the world. Discuss what behaviour change model/s and/or theories are relevant to this initiative. (Choose no more than two, from the ones we cover in this course.) Why is this model/theory appropriate to the health issue and the initiative’s target audience? How and in what ways would the model have helped the researchers plan their initiative?

If you are interested in a public health promotion program or campaign which contains a number of initiatives, select just one initiative within that program to focus on.

Your essay should include the following:

-      An overview of the public health issue the initiative is trying to address. This would include how prevalent the issue is, and the various impacts of the health issue.

-      A description of the initiative. Where is it being run? By whom? You should include the target audience, how it engages with that audience, and what it is trying to achieve.

-      What behaviour change theory or model do you think best applies to this initiative and why?  Why does this theory or model fit this initiative? What assumptions does it require? Clearly demonstrate the fit, supporting your argument by showing the relationship between the initiative and your chosen theory.

-      Is this model or theory the most appropriate one? Why or why not? Here you might include evidence of the initiative's effectiveness. Consider whether a different model might strengthen the initiative and how.

 

Word limit: 1,750 words in total (leeway of 10% over limit without penalty)

Marking rubric

Grading of the essay is based on the ANU Grading System. In particular, your essay will be considered in terms of:

• Demonstrated understanding of the health issue
• Analysis and application of the behaviour change theory (choice of model(s), reasoning, clarity and coherence of argument including support from relevant literature)
• Writing style, including clarity, spelling, grammar, punctuation, word count
• Consistent and accurate referencing

Assessment Task 3

Grant Application and reflection

Each year the ACT Government provides grants of up to $15,000 for public health promotion programs of up to 12 months that support the ACT Government’s health priorities. Your task is to develop a public health promotion program and write up the grant application.

 

This will not be submitted to ACT Health! The aim of this assessment is to give you the experience of completing a grant application as it is a common activity in the field. Your application needs to demonstrate and apply your knowledge of health promotion practices and principles, as well as your grasp of contemporary issues in the field, as covered in this course.

 

You may, if you wish, consider a health issue in a different country instead of the ACT. (Be sure to specify the country in your submission!)

 

You should use the grant application template and follow the word count limits for each section. The final section (which is not part of a typical grant application) asks you to reflect on what you have learned in this course about health promotion.  

 

Grading of this grant application will be according to the ACT Government grant assessment criteria and the ANU Grading System. In particular, your submission will be considered in terms of:

• Contribution to improvement in health and wellbeing
• Evidence of need for the community/target group
• Innovation in approach
• Improving health knowledge, attitudes or behaviours
• Understanding and application of health promotion practices and principles in design and delivery
• Evidence of partnerships in planning and delivery
• Planning, including clear objectives, realistic milestones
• Capacity to evaluate the project by collecting and interpreting relevant data
• Writing style, including clarity, spelling, grammar, punctuation, word count
• Consistent and accurate referencing

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a core part of our culture as a community of scholars. At its heart, academic integrity is about behaving ethically. This means that all members of the community commit to honest and responsible scholarly practice and to upholding these values with respect and fairness. The Australian National University commits to embedding the values of academic integrity in our teaching and learning. We ensure that all members of our community understand how to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support academic integrity. The ANU expects staff and students to uphold high standards of academic integrity and act ethically and honestly, to ensure the quality and value of the qualification that you will graduate with. The University has policies and procedures in place to promote academic integrity and manage academic misconduct. Visit the following Academic honesty & plagiarism website for more information about academic integrity and what the ANU considers academic misconduct. The ANU offers a number of services to assist students with their assignments, examinations, and other learning activities. The Academic Skills and Learning Centre offers a number of workshops and seminars that you may find useful for your studies.

Online Submission

You will be required to electronically sign a declaration as part of the submission of your assignment. Please keep a copy of the assignment for your records. Unless an exemption has been approved by the Associate Dean (Education) a submission must be through Turnitin.

Hardcopy Submission

For some forms of assessment (hand written assignments, art works, laboratory notes, etc.) hard copy submission is appropriate when approved by the Associate Dean (Education). Hard copy submissions must utilise the Assignment Cover Sheet. Please keep a copy of tasks completed for your records.

Late Submission

Late submission permitted. Late submission of assessment tasks without an extension are penalised at the rate of 5% of the possible marks available per working day or part thereof. Late submission of assessment tasks is not accepted after 10 working days after the due date, or on or after the date specified in the course outline for the return of the assessment item.

Referencing Requirements

Accepted academic practice for referencing sources that you use in presentations can be found via the links on the Wattle site, under the file named “ANU and College Policies, Program Information, Student Support Services and Assessment”. Alternatively, you can seek help through the Students Learning Development website.

Returning Assignments

Assignments will be returned via Wattle.

Extensions and Penalties

Extensions and late submission of assessment pieces are covered by the Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure The Course Convener may grant extensions for assessment pieces that are not examinations or take-home examinations. If you need an extension, you must request an extension in writing on or before the due date. If you have documented and appropriate medical evidence that demonstrates you were not able to request an extension on or before the due date, you may be able to request it after the due date.

Resubmission of Assignments

Resubmission of assignments is generally not allowed unless under extenuating circumstances and then will only be offered at the discretion of the convenor.

Privacy Notice

The ANU has made a number of third party, online, databases available for students to use. Use of each online database is conditional on student end users first agreeing to the database licensor’s terms of service and/or privacy policy. Students should read these carefully. In some cases student end users will be required to register an account with the database licensor and submit personal information, including their: first name; last name; ANU email address; and other information. In cases where student end users are asked to submit ‘content’ to a database, such as an assignment or short answers, the database licensor may only use the student’s ‘content’ in accordance with the terms of service — including any (copyright) licence the student grants to the database licensor. Any personal information or content a student submits may be stored by the licensor, potentially offshore, and will be used to process the database service in accordance with the licensors terms of service and/or privacy policy. If any student chooses not to agree to the database licensor’s terms of service or privacy policy, the student will not be able to access and use the database. In these circumstances students should contact their lecturer to enquire about alternative arrangements that are available.

Distribution of grades policy

Academic Quality Assurance Committee monitors the performance of students, including attrition, further study and employment rates and grade distribution, and College reports on quality assurance processes for assessment activities, including alignment with national and international disciplinary and interdisciplinary standards, as well as qualification type learning outcomes. Since first semester 1994, ANU uses a grading scale for all courses. This grading scale is used by all academic areas of the University.

Support for students

The University offers students support through several different services. You may contact the services listed below directly or seek advice from your Course Convener, Student Administrators, or your College and Course representatives (if applicable).

• ANU Health, safety & wellbeing for medical services, counselling, mental health and spiritual support
• ANU Diversity and inclusion for students with a disability or ongoing or chronic illness
• ANU Dean of Students for confidential, impartial advice and help to resolve problems between students and the academic or administrative areas of the University
• ANU Academic Skills and Learning Centre supports you make your own decisions about how you learn and manage your workload.
• ANU Counselling Centre promotes, supports and enhances mental health and wellbeing within the University student community.
• ANUSA supports and represents undergraduate and ANU College students
• PARSA supports and represents postgraduate and research students