The first assessment task is an individual case study of approximately 2,000 words. You will need to select a topic that must be approved by the unit coordinator or your lecturer. 

The structure of the case study should include the following sections: 

1. Introduction (background)

2. Significance of the problem 

3. Populations affected 

4. Consequences 

5. Social determinants related to the selected public problem or health issue.

Make sure to address each of these components in your case study.

Format

This assessment must be composed in a formal, academic style, avoiding the first-person perspective. It is essential to fully reference the work using either Harvard or APA 7th edition referencing. If assistance with referencing is required, it is advisable to consult the Academic Learning Centre (ALC) or the library at the earliest opportunity. A minimum mark of 50% is required on this assessment in order to pass the unit.

Topics

Below is a list of possible topics for your assignment. You can choose one from this list or propose a different topic of your interest. If you opt for your own topic, you must obtain approval from the Unit Coordinator by the end of Week 3 of this term. All students are required to inform the Unit Coordinator, Tutor, or Lecturer of their selected topic by the end of Week 3.

You are expected to begin working on your topic immediately. The tutorial discussion in week 6 will focus on students' topics, and you will be required to provide an update on the progress of your assessment. Additionally, be prepared to discuss the essential elements of your assessment.

Possible topic areas:

1. Cardiovascular diseases/ heart diseases
2. Cancer
3. Diabetes Mellitus
4. Chronic lung disease
5. Mental health conditions
6. Neurological diseases including Alzheimer’s disease
7. Chronic kidney disease
8. Liver disease
9. Oral health problems
10. Hypertension
11. Tobacco 
12. Harmful use of alcohol
13. Obesity
14. Gestational Diabetes Mellitus
15. Cerebral palsy
16. Climate change and NCDs

Use of Generative AI (Gen AI)

In accordance with CQUniversity policy, please note that a declaration must be provided if Gen AI is used. A declaration form will be available in the Moodle site.

The structure of the case study will involve (a) Introduction (background)/ significance of the problem; (b) Populations affected; (c) Consequences; and social determinants of problem selected. Students are suggested to appropriately use the published literature to support their arguments and the literature published in the past 5 years are preferred. Following assessment criteria will be used, and the details of each criterion are provided in the marking rubric:

-        Introduction and rationale/ significance of the problem: 30%.

-        Populations affected and consequences: 30%.

-        Causes (NCD risk factors) and social determinants of NCD problem selected: 30%.

-        Appropriate use of references: 10%

The second assessment task for this unit is a reflective report. This is an individual assessment of approximately 2,000 words that focuses on your experiences throughout the term, specifically addressing the non-communicable disease (NCD) problem you selected in Assessment 1. 

You are required to: 

(a) Discuss and analyze what you have learned about NCD prevention and control, 

(b) Explore the roles of different sectors, including public, private, and other relevant institutions, 

(c) Examine the role of public health professionals in addressing NCDs, particularly among individuals in special circumstances and those with low socioeconomic status, and 

(d) Provide conclusions and recommendations for addressing the NCD problem you selected in Assessment 1.

This assessment aims to demonstrate your deeper understanding of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and public health interventions, placing your experiences in a broader context. It is not sufficient to simply describe what you studied throughout the course; you must clearly show that you have reflected on these experiences and have sought to understand them in relation to your own learning.

Guidelines for the reflective assignment will be provided on Moodle and during the tutorials. Since this is a reflective assessment, a more informal writing style is acceptable. However, your reflection should not be entirely descriptive. It must include an assessment of how your views or thinking have evolved, as well as what you have learned regarding the prevention and control of NCDs as a public health professional.

Please note that you must achieve a minimum mark of 50% on this assignment to pass the unit. 

Use of Generative AI (Gen AI)

In accordance with CQUniversity policy, please note that a declaration must be provided if Gen AI is used. A declaration form will be available in the Moodle site.

The structure of the Individual report will involve (a) Introduction and reflection on growing understanding on NCDs; (b) Role of different sectors in addressing NCDs; (c) Reflection on personal experience; (d) Use of relevant literature and (e) Writing and Integrity. Followings assessment criteria will be used, and the details of each criterion are provided in the marking rubric:

-        Introduction and reflection on growing understanding on NCDs and NCD risk factors using systems approach: 30%

-        Role of different sectors in addressing NCDs: 30%

-        Reflection on personal experience and roles of public health professionals in terms of prevention and management of NCDs: 20%

-        Use of relevant literature: 10%; and 

-        Writing and Integrity: 10%