Master of Public Health (Sexual Health Specialisation)
ObjectivesThe Sexual Health stream in the MPH focuses on the important recognition and understanding of how sexual health impacts on the public health of communities. In developed countries recent changes in the epidemiology of many STIs and changing sexual behaviour patterns have focused attention deservedly on improving access to services and the protection and empowerment of those most vulnerable in society. In addition many other social, cultural and economic influences are acknowledged as important considerations in the study and practice of sexual health. This sexual health specialisation enables students to familiarise themselves with the important public health implications of sexual health and to develop an advanced knowledge of the literature in a related area of interest. Students may have a clinical or non-clinical interest and professional background. Whilst sexual health priorities may differ between resource poor and resource rich settings, many of the public health implications overlap and both local and international students will be able to find a relevant area of interest within sexual health to study. Students with a specialised sexual health qualification in public health will find this relevant to work in a wide variety of areas including clinical sexual health services, policy and government related areas and international health.
Academic titleMaster of Public Health (Sexual Health Specialisation)
Course descriptionCore Subjects
The following are the core requirements for this specialisation. Students must enrol in:
505-501 and 505-102 (Consortium subjects)
505-980 (Research project)
And choose a minimum of two other appropriate Consortium subjects.
Subject Semester Credit Points
505-101 Statistics
This unit aims to introduce students to basic statistical concepts and methods. Semester 1 12.50
505-102 Epidemiology
The aim of this unit is to provide students with basic quantitative skills necessary for the practice of general public health and to enable students to critically evaluate the published epidemiological literature. The unit provides an introduction t... Semester 1 12.50
505-980 Research Project in Sexual Health
The Research Project must be in an area of relevance to sexual health and the topic approved by the student's supervisor. The research project may include quantitative and/or qualitative research. It should include a literature review and may in... Semester 1, Semester 2 25
Additional Core Requirements
The following subjects are additional core requirements for this specialisation.
Students must choose either 505-973 or 505-921 and at least one from 505-531 / 505-532 / 505-533.
505-534 is an optional core subject for nurses instead of 505-533.
Subject Semester Credit Points
505-973 Study Design in Epidemiology
This subject covers the main epidemiological study designs in detail. Methodological issues in study design will be illustrated using practical examples and critical appraisal. The following designs will be covered: trials, cohort studies, case-contr... Semester 1 12.50
505-921 Principles of Qualitative Research Desgn
This subject will give students an understanding of the principles underlying good qualitative research. The topics covered will be relevant for students interested in qualitative research specifically, and for health research students who want to le... Semester 1 12.50
505-531 Control of Sexually Transm. Infections
This subject provides students with an understanding of the epidemiology and determinants of sexually transmissible infections (STIs), including HIV in the developed world. It then uses this information to develop interventions for the control of the... Semester 1 12.50
505-532 Sexually Transmissible Infections
Topic-based seminar class on the common presentations of sexually transmissible infections (STIs), and the principles of diagnosis and treatment of sexually transmissible infections. Teaching will be given on the need for confidentiality and partner ... Semester 1, Semester 2 12.50
505-533 Sexual and Reproductive Health
Topic-based seminar class on the common presenting complaints in sexual and reproductive health medicine, and the principles of diagnosis and treatment of these common sexual and reproductive health presentations. The student will gain an understandi... Semester 1, Semester 2 12.50
505-534 Clinical Sexual & Reprod Hlth for Nurses
The topics covered include sexually transmissible infections (prevention and screening, diagnosis and treatment), contraceptive choices for women during their reproductive life and the theory and rationale behind the provision and performance of Pap ... Semester 1 12.50
Recommended Electives
Subject Semester Credit Points
571-821 Adolescent Sexuality and Sexual Health
This subject explores two main themes: 1. The social construction of sexuality - how our understandings of sexuality are developed in socio-cultural contexts; and 2. Sexual health - how it is defined and measured, what factors contribute to it, and p... Semester 1 12.50
505-929 Infectious Disease Epidemiology
The epidemiology of infectious diseases differs from chronic disease - cases may be the source of infection for further cases, immunity is an important factor in disease transmission and control, and there is often the need for urgency in the detecti... Semester 1 12.50
505-500 Health, Ethics and Society
This subject introduces and critically examines standard conceptual approaches to health ethics and provides an introduction to conceptual approaches within other relevant disciplines. Through the employment of these different conceptual approaches, ... Semester 1 12.50
505-510 Health Services Research 1
This subject will not be available in 2009 12.50
505-973 Study Design in Epidemiology
This subject covers the main epidemiological study designs in detail. Methodological issues in study design will be illustrated using practical examples and critical appraisal. The following designs will be covered: trials, cohort studies, case-contr... Semester 1 12.50
505-541 Sexual Function and Dysfunction
This subject aims to provide detailed and current evidence based information on diagnosing, treating, and caring for people experiencing sexual dysfunction. The subject will use two models as a framework for students to develop their knowledge and sk... Semester 1, Semester 2 12.50
505-960 Harm Reduction - HIV in Drug Users
The course will cover the following topics: overview of illicit drugs and their effects; approaches to illicit drug problems: supply, demand and harm reduction; harm reduction overview; needle and syringe programs; peer education; drug substitution t... Semester 2 12.50
730-386 Health and Medical Law
This subject considers the legal relationship between patients and health care providers. It explains the duty of health care providers to exercise reasonable care in diagnosis, information giving and treatment; and to involve patients in decision ma... Semester 2 12.50
505-525 Women and Global Health
Developing and newly-industrialised countries experience wide variation in terms of history, politics, demographic transition, development and epidemiology. This subject situates women and their health in a dynamic context of development, globalizati... Semester 2 12.50