Postgraduate

This 2-year program will equip you with the knowledge and skills to identify and resolve complex environmental health risks. You'll learn to confidently communicate the risks and mitigation options to a range of stakeholders across the private sector, government and general public. You'll also be prepared to formulate or contribute to the development of policy, regulations and guidelines, through the synthesis of scientific evidence.

During the program, you'll complete advanced-level courses that cover key areas of environmental health risk assessment and communication. You'll also undertake a research project on a relevant topic, interpret results and report on your findings. The program supports flexible delivery options that allow you to choose what suits you best, including full-time, part-time or online study.

Duration: 2 years (or part time equivalent).

Number of units to complete: 32 units.

More information on the MEHS

Core Courses available in the Master of Environmental Health Sciences

PUBH7027 Preventing Disease through Healthy Environments
Provides an exploration of how the physical environment can protect or damage human health. Explore real-life current issues associated with safe drinking water, clean air and functional housing at a community level.

PUBH7600 Introduction to Epidemiology
Provides a definition and history of epidemiology; measures of disease prevalence, incidence and risk; measures of association between exposure and disease; association and causation; outbreaks and surveillance; disease prevention; screening; current challenges and future directions.

POLS7111 Dynamics of Public Policy
Locates public policy processes within the wider political system and introduces the basic principles of the public policy process. The focus is on what government and states do in policy terms, why they do it and what difference it makes. The components of the policy process are identified and examined in the context of case studies of particular policy areas from the country of origin of each student.

PUBH7630 Introduction to Biostatistics
Provides knowledge on data collection, management and presentation; sampling and sample selection; sampling variability and statistical inference including estimation, confidence-intervals, hypothesis testing and sample size calculation; statistical computing; planning and reporting statistical analyses.

MGTS7523 System Dynamics
Systems are everywhere, in society, in business and in the environment. They are made up of interacting components and these interactions make them complex and difficult to manage. Despite the need to manage systems, very few managers are equipped with the skills to do so, which means that today’s solutions often become tomorrow’s problems. This course introduces the principles and tolls of System Thinking and System Dynamics and their application to problem solving and management.

ENVH7001 Environmental Health Risks – Biological Hazards
Provides an overview of microbiological hazards in various environments that may include water, soil, food, animals, atmosphere and buildings. Gain knowledge of how exposure to microbial agents occur and the adverse health effects that may eventuate.

ENVH7002 Environmental Health Risks – Chemical Hazards
Provides a broad overview on the diverse range of chemical risks encountered in the environment, to allow better understanding of the public health implications of exposures to such hazards.

COMU7111 Risk Communication
Provides knowledge of the principles and practise of risk communication focusing on the areas of environment and health. Understanding risk communication including approaches, challenges and ethics.

PUBH7046 Research and Evidence-Based Practice
Critical evaluation of scientific evidence and application of these findings to practice are essential skills in clinical and public health practice. This course builds on knowledge and skills gained in introductory public health and research methodology courses, by extending these through application of skills in quantitative and qualitative research methods and ethics. The course focuses on developing students' ability to critically evaluate and apply evidence to research and practice to address population health issues.