Bachelor of Health Science (Public and Environmental Health)
Blended learning – on-campus and digital learning
This course has been discontinued - this course is closed for new enrolments, the information on this page is provided for continuing students.
The multidisciplinary Bachelor of Health Science (Public and Environmental Health) will provide students with the knowledge to assist in the protection of the environment and the health of people living within it. Students will gain expertise in planning and implementing programs in public health and environmental protection, and develop skills in risk analysis, disease prevention and working with diverse communities.
VTAC codes
- 3400234051 (CSP)
- 3400234053 (IFP)
Course learning outcomes
Upon successful completion of the Bachelor of Health Science (Public and Environmental Health), graduates will be able to:
- Demonstrate a broad and coherent knowledge of concepts and theories associated with public and environmental health practice and the ability to evaluate and apply these principles to the assessment, correction, control and prevention of environmental factors that adversely affect health.
- Critically reflect on the political, legislative and policy frameworks applicable to public and environmental health and the ability to identify and evaluate the appropriate mechanisms for the resolution of issues.
- Utilise a systems-based approach to address public and environmental health issues through understanding and contextualising the roles of the environmental health professional and associated disciplines.
- Work ethically, independently and collaboratively and apply non-technical skills including self-reflection and interpersonal communication in a professional context.
- Critically appraise, design, and conduct public and environmental health research in order to identify and address deficiencies in knowledge and understanding and contribute to evidence-based practice.
Units of Study
To meet the requirements of the Bachelor of Health Science (Public and Environmental Health), students must complete 300 credit points comprising, introductory studies and the Public Health and Food Science Majors. All units below are valued at 12.5 credit points.
Public and Environmental Health Introductory Studies
SOC10004 Sociological Foundations
CHE10004 Introduction to Chemistry
BIO10001 Concepts of Biology
PEH10002 Philosophy and Practice of Public and Environmental Health
LAW10004 Introduction to Business Law
STA10003 Foundations of Statistics
COM10007 Professional Communication Practice
PEH10001 Sustainable Health Policy and Planning
Public Health Professional Major
BIO20002 The Microbial World
PEH20006 Water Science
PEH20004 Built and Sustainable Communities *
PEH20003 Health and Environmental Law 1
NPS30001 Research Skills Project *
PEH30002 Evidence and Evaluation in Health Contexts *
PEH30001 Health and Environmental Law 2 *
ENV30003 Environmental Management
Food Science Major
BIO30005 Microbes in the Environment
PEH20002 Food Science
PEH20001 Food Safety Principle and Practice 1
PEH20005 Communicable Disease Control *
PEH30005 Research Project # *
MGT10001 Introduction to Management
PEH30003 Food Safety Principle and Practice 2 *
PEH30004 Occupational Health and Safety *
# Capstone unit
* Outcome units
Matched exemptions are generally not granted for higher education outcome units.
Career opportunities
Career opportunities are enormously diverse. Employment may be found with federal, state, and local government authorities, and increasingly, food, waste and risk management industries and private consultancies.
Upon graduation you may become an environmental health officer, or obtain a position in policy development, health promotion, communicable disease investigation, sustainability or public and community health planning. Graduates may also work with overseas health agencies, particularly in the area of emergency and disaster management.
Professional recognition
Students are eligible for membership of Environmental Health Australia and graduates may be eligible for membership to the Australian Institute of Food Science and Technology, the Public Health Association of Australia and the Australian Health Promotion Association.
Fees
Find out more about fees.
Scholarships
At Swinburne scholarships are about providing opportunity, promoting equity and recognising excellence and achievement. Scholarships are available for both commencing and current students.