CQUniversity Unit Profile
PBHL13004 Public Health in Practice B
Public Health in Practice B
All details in this unit profile for PBHL13004 have been officially approved by CQUniversity and represent a learning partnership between the University and you (our student).
The information will not be changed unless absolutely necessary and any change will be clearly indicated by an approved correction included in the profile.
General Information

Overview

This is half of a two term unit (see PBHL13003).

Details

Career Level: Undergraduate
Unit Level: Level 3
Credit Points: 12
Student Contribution Band: 8
Fraction of Full-Time Student Load: 0.25

Pre-requisites or Co-requisites

Must have completed 96 credit points.

Important note: Students enrolled in a subsequent unit who failed their pre-requisite unit, should drop the subsequent unit before the census date or within 10 working days of Fail grade notification. Students who do not drop the unit in this timeframe cannot later drop the unit without academic and financial liability. See details in the Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework).

Offerings For Term 2 - 2025

Mixed Mode

Attendance Requirements

All on-campus students are expected to attend scheduled classes - in some units, these classes are identified as a mandatory (pass/fail) component and attendance is compulsory. International students, on a student visa, must maintain a full time study load and meet both attendance and academic progress requirements in each study period (satisfactory attendance for International students is defined as maintaining at least an 80% attendance record).

Class and Assessment Overview

Recommended Student Time Commitment

Each 12-credit Undergraduate unit at CQUniversity requires an overall time commitment of an average of 25 hours of study per week, making a total of 300 hours for the unit.

Class Timetable

Bundaberg, Cairns, Emerald, Gladstone, Mackay, Rockhampton, Townsville
Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, Sydney

Assessment Overview

1. Professional Practice Plans (learning plans)
Weighting: Pass/Fail
2. Portfolio
Weighting: 30%
3. Learning logs / diaries / Journal / log books
Weighting: 30%
4. Written Assessment
Weighting: Pass/Fail
5. Project (applied)
Weighting: 40%

Assessment Grading

This is a graded unit: your overall grade will be calculated from the marks or grades for each assessment task, based on the relative weightings shown in the table above. You must obtain an overall mark for the unit of at least 50%, or an overall grade of 'pass' in order to pass the unit. If any 'pass/fail' tasks are shown in the table above they must also be completed successfully ('pass' grade). You must also meet any minimum mark requirements specified for a particular assessment task, as detailed in the 'assessment task' section (note that in some instances, the minimum mark for a task may be greater than 50%). Consult the University's Grades and Results Policy for more details of interim results and final grades.

Previous Student Feedback

Feedback, Recommendations and Responses

Every unit is reviewed for enhancement each year. At the most recent review, the following staff and student feedback items were identified and recommendations were made.

Feedback from Self reflection

Feedback

Makeup of public health teaching team has changed.

Recommendation

Introduce new Unit Coordinator/s from 2025

Feedback from Self reflection/discussion with other team members

Feedback

Understanding ethics remains a valid skill for graduates.

Recommendation

Consider integrating ethics micro-credential into the unit material.

Unit Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
  1. Collaborate with relevant stakeholders to undertake a Public Health project
  2. Negotiate and manage a placement experience through the use of a self-directed learning plan
  3. Identify, analyse and discuss current and emerging issues relating to working within the field of Public Health
  4. Apply problem-solving techniques and strategies to a Public Health Project
  5. Critically reflect on learning associated with placement experience.
Alignment of Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Graduate Attributes
N/A Level
Introductory Level
Intermediate Level
Graduate Level
Professional Level
Advanced Level

Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Learning Outcomes

Assessment Tasks Learning Outcomes
1 2 3 4 5
1 - Professional Practice Plans (learning plans) - 0%
2 - Portfolio - 30%
3 - Learning logs / diaries / Journal / log books - 30%
4 - Written Assessment - 0%
5 - Project (applied) - 40%

Alignment of Graduate Attributes to Learning Outcomes

Graduate Attributes Learning Outcomes
1 2 3 4 5
1 - Communication
2 - Problem Solving
3 - Critical Thinking
4 - Information Literacy
5 - Team Work
6 - Information Technology Competence
7 - Cross Cultural Competence
8 - Ethical practice
9 - Social Innovation
10 - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures
Textbooks and Resources

Textbooks

There are no required textbooks.

IT Resources

You will need access to the following IT resources:
  • CQUniversity Student Email
  • Internet
  • Unit Website (Moodle)
  • Zoom (both microphone and webcam capability)
Referencing Style

All submissions for this unit must use the referencing style: Harvard (author-date)

For further information, see the Assessment Tasks.

Teaching Contacts
Lisa Bricknell Unit Coordinator
l.bricknell@cqu.edu.au
Schedule
Week 1 Begin Date: 14 Jul 2025

Module/Topic

Continue Practicum

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

This Unit is a self-directed work placement. Assignment dates will be posted onto the Moodle site but can be negotiated with the Unit Coordinator to suit the needs of your placement.

Week 2 Begin Date: 21 Jul 2025

Module/Topic

Continue Practicum

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 3 Begin Date: 28 Jul 2025

Module/Topic

Continue Practicum

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 4 Begin Date: 04 Aug 2025

Module/Topic

Continue Practicum

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 5 Begin Date: 11 Aug 2025

Module/Topic

Continue Practicum

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Vacation Week Begin Date: 18 Aug 2025

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 6 Begin Date: 25 Aug 2025

Module/Topic

Continue Practicum

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 7 Begin Date: 01 Sep 2025

Module/Topic

Continue Practicum

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 8 Begin Date: 08 Sep 2025

Module/Topic

Continue Practicum

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 9 Begin Date: 15 Sep 2025

Module/Topic

Continue Practicum

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 10 Begin Date: 22 Sep 2025

Module/Topic

Continue Practicum

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 11 Begin Date: 29 Sep 2025

Module/Topic

Continue Practicum

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 12 Begin Date: 06 Oct 2025

Module/Topic

Continue Practicum

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Practicum negotiation and risk assessment Due: Week 12 Friday (10 Oct 2025) 5:00 pm AEST
Portfolio Due: Week 12 Friday (10 Oct 2025) 5:00 pm AEST
Professional Diary/ reflective journal Due: Week 12 Friday (10 Oct 2025) 5:00 pm AEST
Project Proposal Due: Week 12 Friday (10 Oct 2025) 5:00 pm AEST
Project report Due: Week 12 Friday (10 Oct 2025) 5:00 pm AEST
Review/Exam Week Begin Date: 13 Oct 2025

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Exam Week Begin Date: 20 Oct 2025

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Assessment Tasks

1 Professional Practice Plans (learning plans)

Assessment Title
Practicum negotiation and risk assessment

Task Description

You are responsible for arranging a professional practicum with an appropriate industry partner. Your practicum can be with one industry partner or multiple partners. It should provide you with the opportunity to practice your discipline-related skills in a real world setting. You must complete a minimum of 240 hours of practicum over one (1) calendar year; there is no maximum. Students participating in approved CQU Public Health overseas mobility projects may be granted up to 180 hours toward their practicum.

ALL Students: Completion of a placement document and risk assessment in collaboration with their workplace supervisor. A template and further details for each cohort will be provided on the Moodle site.

Students participating in approved CQU Public Health overseas mobility projects: Submit your professional practicum negotiation document and risk assessment for your industry practicum AND your expression of interest for the outbound project.

Students currently working as trainees or Cadets: You will need to submit your letter of offer for your current role and a letter or email from your employer confirming that you are working in the field and that they are happy for your work to be counted toward your practicum. This will take the place of the negotiation and risk assessment forms.

Your negotiation must include:

  • A brief overview of your partner organisation
  • Professional learning goals for the industry placement (negotiated with workplace supervisor)
  • Student contact details
  • Workplace supervisor contact details
  • A list of working arrangements including start and finish dates, schedule of attendance
  • A brief description of the project/tasks to be undertaken
  • A record of any special resources or requirements (desk, phone, reimbursement, blue card, police check etc.)
  • A risk assessment completed in collaboration with your industry partner
  • Signatures from both the student and placement supervisor agreeing to all aspects of the plan
  • Templates and an example are provided in resources folders for each discipline.

There are additional requirements that need to be completed in Sonia, CQU's online Work Integrated Learning (WIL) system. You can access Sonia through MyCQU.

Level of GenAI use allowed:

Level 3: You may use Al to assist with specific tasks such as drafting text, refining and evaluating your work. You must critically evaluate and modify any Al-generated content you use.


Assessment Due Date

Week 12 Friday (10 Oct 2025) 5:00 pm AEST

Ideally, you will have negotiated your practicum within the first half of Term 1. The due date for this task can be negotiated to suit the needs of the agreement with your industry partner but your practicum negotiation MUST be submitted for approval before you can commence.


Return Date to Students

1 week after submission. Students must not commence their practicum until a grade of PASS has been returned.


Weighting
Pass/Fail

Minimum mark or grade
This is a Pass/Fail assessment task. You MUST receive a PASS grade for this task before you can commence your practicum hours.

Assessment Criteria

This task will be assessed according to the following criteria:

ALL students

  • Communicates ideas clearly and succinctly with no spelling or grammatical errors
  • Learning goals and objectives are insightful and measurable
  • Comprehensive description of student role, duties, timeframes, resources and industry supervisor agreement
  • Risk assessment completed satisfactorily


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Collaborate with relevant stakeholders to undertake a Public Health project
  • Negotiate and manage a placement experience through the use of a self-directed learning plan
  • Apply problem-solving techniques and strategies to a Public Health Project
  • Critically reflect on learning associated with placement experience.

2 Portfolio

Assessment Title
Portfolio

Task Description

ALL Students: Submit a portfolio of work, which includes samples of work undertaken throughout your practicum. Please refer to the Moodle site for further details relating to each student cohort.

Level of GenAI use allowed:

Level 2: You may use Al for planning, idea development, and research. Your final submission should show how you have developed and refined these ideas.


Assessment Due Date

Week 12 Friday (10 Oct 2025) 5:00 pm AEST

You can submit your portfolio at any time following completion of your practicum hours. The due date is negotiable for students completing their hours during Term 3.


Return Date to Students

Two weeks after submission


Weighting
30%

Assessment Criteria

This task will be assessed according to the following criteria:

Health Promotion/ Public Health Nutrition students

  • Portfolio is well organised, professionally presented with a high level of attention to detail (written expression, spelling, grammar) (25%)
  • Quality of the work selected by the student, demonstrating growth, development, and achievement (25%)
  • Learning goals and objectives are insightful and measurable (25%)
  • Reflective writing shows high level and thoughtful insights into learning and future goals (25%)

Environmental Health students

  • Organisation, presentation and attention to detail (including written expression, spelling and grammar) (25%)
  • Professional standard of the work presented, demonstrating growth, development, and achievement (50%)
  • High level of insight and thought regarding current status, learning and future goals (25%)


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Apply problem-solving techniques and strategies to a Public Health Project

3 Learning logs / diaries / Journal / log books

Assessment Title
Professional Diary/ reflective journal

Task Description

ALL Students: You are required to create and maintain a diary/journal which demonstrates evidence of progress during your industry practicum and reflection about your experiences during the year. Please see Moodle site for further details relating to the type of journal required for your major.

Students participating in approved CQU Public Health overseas mobility projects: Submit both your reflective journal from your Public Health Challenge as well as a diary/journal kept while on industry practicum.

Level of GenAI use allowed:

Level 1: You must not use Al at any point during the assessment. You must demonstrate your core skills and knowledge.


Assessment Due Date

Week 12 Friday (10 Oct 2025) 5:00 pm AEST

This task can be submitted at any time following the completion of your practicum. Dates can be negotiated for students completing their practicum during Term 3.


Return Date to Students

24/10/2025 or two weeks following submission after this date.


Weighting
30%

Assessment Criteria

ALL students:

This task will be assessed according to the following criteria:

  • Validity (40%)
  • Relevance (30%)
  • Organisation (20%)
  • Presentation (10%)


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Collaborate with relevant stakeholders to undertake a Public Health project
  • Identify, analyse and discuss current and emerging issues relating to working within the field of Public Health

4 Written Assessment

Assessment Title
Project Proposal

Task Description

Health Promotion Students:

Prepare a proposal for one of the following to be completed during your practicum.

  • A literature review OR
  • A project plan/evaluation OR
  • A project grant proposal OR
  • A plan for project grant/research into income opportunities OR
  • Report on project/program implementation.

Part A: Present your proposal to your industry mentor and Unit Coordinator via Zoom.

Part B: Upload your presentation document and an ethics application (using the template provided) to Moodle.

You will need to achieve a PASS grade for this task AND approval from your practicum mentor prior to commencing work on the proposed activity. Please see the Moodle site for more details and discuss with the Unit Coordinator if you need further assistance.

 

Environmental Health Students:

Prepare a proposal for an environmental health project to be conducted as part of your practicum in collaboration with your industry partner.

Part A: Present your proposal to your industry mentor and Unit Coordinator via Zoom OR prepare a written proposal suitable for submission for Council approval.

Part B: Upload your presentation document and an ethics application (using the template provided) to Moodle.

You will need to achieve a PASS grade for this task AND approval from your practicum mentor prior to commencing work on the proposed activity. Please see the Moodle site for more details and discuss with the Unit Coordinator if you need further assistance.

 

Public Health Nutrition Students:

Prepare a proposal for one of the following to be completed during your practicum.

  • A literature review OR
  • A project plan/evaluation OR
  • A project grant proposal OR
  • A plan for project grant/research into income opportunities OR
  • Report on project/program implementation.

Part A: Present your proposal to your industry mentor and Unit Coordinator via Zoom.

Part B: Upload your presentation document and an ethics application (using the template provided) to Moodle.

You will need to achieve a PASS grade for this task AND approval from your practicum mentor prior to commencing work on the proposed activity. Please see the Moodle site for more details and discuss with the Unit Coordinator if you need further assistance.

Students participating in approved CQU Public Health overseas mobility projects:

While engaged in your project, you will work in a team on a Community Development project. As a team, develop and deliver a presentation to stakeholders. Your presentation should include:

  • A profile of the community you worked in, including demographic characteristics and epidemiology of health issues of concern.
  • The findings of a needs assessment that justify the topic you have chosen to work on.
  • A brief summary of other evidence supporting your project.
  • The activities you conducted.
  • A process evaluation of your activities and recommendations for future work.

Level of GenAI use allowed:

Level 2: You may use Al for planning, idea development, and research. Your final submission should show how you have developed and refined these ideas.

 


Assessment Due Date

Week 12 Friday (10 Oct 2025) 5:00 pm AEST

At least two weeks BEFORE you plan to commence work on your project. Dates can be negotiated to suit the needs of your practicum, but you MUST receive a grade for this item BEFORE you commence data collection for your project. This is NON-NEGOTIABLE.


Return Date to Students

Two weeks after submission. Students must not commence work on their project until a grade of PASS has been returned.


Weighting
Pass/Fail

Minimum mark or grade
You MUST receive a grade of PASS before you commence work on your project.

Assessment Criteria

This task will be assessed according to the following criteria:

  • Validity (40%)
  • Relevance (30%)
  • Organisation (20%)
  • Presentation (10%)


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Negotiate and manage a placement experience through the use of a self-directed learning plan
  • Identify, analyse and discuss current and emerging issues relating to working within the field of Public Health
  • Critically reflect on learning associated with placement experience.

5 Project (applied)

Assessment Title
Project report

Task Description

Health Promotion Students:

Prepare one of the following during your practicum. Your document should be in a format that is either suitable for presentation to your practicum host OR for publication.

  1. A literature review OR
  2. A project plan/evaluation OR
  3. A project grant proposal OR
  4. A plan for project grant/research into income opportunities OR
  5. Report on a project/program implementation.

Environmental Health Students:

Conduct an environmental health project as part of their practicum and in collaboration with your industry partner. You will need to submit a project proposal with an ethics application attached for approval prior to commencing your project (Part A). At the conclusion of your project, write a project report, using an appropriate format for publication OR presentation to Council. Please see the Moodle site for more details and discuss with the Unit Coordinator if you need further assistance.

Public Health Nutrition Students:

Prepare one of the following during your practicum. Your document should be in a format that is either suitable for presentation to your practicum host OR for publication OR  a presentation/seminar to your practicum host and Unit Coordinator

  1. A literature review OR
  2. A project plan/evaluation OR
  3. A project grant proposal OR
  4. A plan for project grant/research into income opportunities OR
  5. Report on a project/program implementation.

Students participating in approved CQU Public Health overseas mobility projects:

While engaged in your virtual project, you will work in a team on a Community Development project. At the conclusion of the project, as a team, write a detailed report on the project, including a community profile, needs assessment, evaluation and any resources you develop, for presentation to the FutureSense Foundation and other stakeholders.

Level of GenAI use allowed:

Level 2: You may use Al for planning, idea development, and research. Your final submission should show how you have developed and refined these ideas.


Assessment Due Date

Week 12 Friday (10 Oct 2025) 5:00 pm AEST

Dates can be negotiated for students completing their practicum during Term 3.


Return Date to Students

Two weeks after submission.


Weighting
40%

Assessment Criteria

This task will be assessed according to the following criteria:

  • Validity (40%)
  • Relevance (30%)
  • Organisation (20%)
  • Presentation (10%)


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Negotiate and manage a placement experience through the use of a self-directed learning plan
  • Identify, analyse and discuss current and emerging issues relating to working within the field of Public Health
  • Critically reflect on learning associated with placement experience.

Academic Integrity Statement

As a CQUniversity student you are expected to act honestly in all aspects of your academic work.

Any assessable work undertaken or submitted for review or assessment must be your own work. Assessable work is any type of work you do to meet the assessment requirements in the unit, including draft work submitted for review and feedback and final work to be assessed.

When you use the ideas, words or data of others in your assessment, you must thoroughly and clearly acknowledge the source of this information by using the correct referencing style for your unit. Using others’ work without proper acknowledgement may be considered a form of intellectual dishonesty.

Participating honestly, respectfully, responsibly, and fairly in your university study ensures the CQUniversity qualification you earn will be valued as a true indication of your individual academic achievement and will continue to receive the respect and recognition it deserves.

As a student, you are responsible for reading and following CQUniversity’s policies, including the Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure. This policy sets out CQUniversity’s expectations of you to act with integrity, examples of academic integrity breaches to avoid, the processes used to address alleged breaches of academic integrity, and potential penalties.

What is a breach of academic integrity?

A breach of academic integrity includes but is not limited to plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, cheating, contract cheating, and academic misconduct. The Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure defines what these terms mean and gives examples.

Why is academic integrity important?

A breach of academic integrity may result in one or more penalties, including suspension or even expulsion from the University. It can also have negative implications for student visas and future enrolment at CQUniversity or elsewhere. Students who engage in contract cheating also risk being blackmailed by contract cheating services.

Where can I get assistance?

For academic advice and guidance, the Academic Learning Centre (ALC) can support you in becoming confident in completing assessments with integrity and of high standard.

What can you do to act with integrity?