Graduate Certificate of Agricultural Health and Medicine

Program Overview

The Graduate Certificate of Agricultural Health and Medicine equips students with knowledge and skills to address the unique health challenges faced by agricultural communities. It explores the physical and mental health issues, factors influencing health disparities, and the impact on agribusiness and sustainability. Graduates are empowered to make a significant contribution to the health and well-being of these communities.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

Overview:

The Graduate Certificate of Agricultural Health and Medicine is designed to provide students with an insight into the physical and mental health issues encountered by people within the agricultural industry. The course explores the factors that influence higher rates of morbidity and mortality in rural and remote Australia, as well as the impact of poor health on agribusiness, agricultural production, and sustainability. Graduates will be equipped to make a significant difference in Australia's agricultural communities.

Objectives:

• Gain an understanding of the physical and mental health issues affecting people in the agricultural industry.
• Explore the factors that influence higher rates of morbidity and mortality in rural and remote Australia.
• Examine the impact of poor health on agribusiness, agricultural production, and sustainability.
• Develop the skills and knowledge to make a positive impact on the health and well-being of agricultural communities.

Outline:

Content:

• Agricultural health and medicine
• Rural and remote health
• Health promotion and disease prevention
• Health policy and management
• Sustainable agriculture

Structure:

• The course is offered part-time over Trimesters 1 and 2, with the option of concluding elective units in Trimester 3.
• One core unit will run on campus in block mode.
• Students must complete 4 credit points, including 2 credit points from the core units and 2 credit points from elective units.

Course Schedule:

• Trimester 1:
• HMF701 Agricultural Health and Medicine
• Trimester 2:
• HMF702 Healthy and Sustainable Agricultural Communities
• Trimester 3 (Optional):
• Elective units

Individual Modules:

• HMF701 Agricultural Health and Medicine: This unit provides an overview of the physical and mental health issues affecting people in the agricultural industry.
Topics covered include:
• The epidemiology of agricultural injuries and illnesses
• The unique health risks faced by farmers and farm workers
• The impact of agricultural chemicals and pesticides on health
• The role of health professionals in promoting the health and well-being of agricultural communities
• HMF702 Healthy and Sustainable Agricultural Communities: This unit examines the factors that influence the health and well-being of agricultural communities.
Topics covered include:
• The social and economic determinants of health in rural and remote areas
• The role of community engagement in health promotion
• The development and implementation of health policies and programs
• The sustainability of agricultural practices

Assessment:

Methods:

• Assignments
• Presentations
• Exams
• Projects

Criteria:

• Knowledge and understanding of the course material
• Critical thinking and problem-solving skills
• Communication and presentation skills
• Teamwork and collaboration skills

Teaching:

Methods:

• Lectures
• Tutorials
• Workshops
• Field trips
• Online learning

Faculty:

• The course is taught by a team of experienced academic staff from the Faculty of Health.
• The faculty has a strong research focus in the areas of agricultural health and medicine, rural and remote health, and health promotion.

Unique Approaches:

• The course includes a compulsory week-long on-campus intensive workshop.
• Students have the opportunity to undertake a research project in an area of interest.
• The course is delivered in partnership with the National Centre for Farmer Health.

Careers:

Potential Career Paths:

• Agricultural health and safety advisor
• Rural health practitioner
• Health promotion officer
• Policy advisor
• Researcher

Opportunities:

• Work in a variety of settings, including government, non-profit organizations, and the private sector.
• Make a positive impact on the health and well-being of agricultural communities.
• Advance your career with further study in public health, health management, or a related field.