UWA Handbook 2026

Unit Overview

Description

This intensive postgraduate unit provides an in-depth exploration of Aboriginal health and wellbeing within a wholistic framework that encompasses physical, social, emotional, cultural, and spiritual dimensions. Students critically examine the historical, political, and socio-cultural determinants that have shaped the health status of Aboriginal peoples, including the enduring impacts of colonisation, discriminatory policies, and social inequities.

This unit foregrounds Aboriginal voices and perspectives through culturally grounded teaching approaches and Indigenous knowledge systems. Students explore contemporary and contested issues in Aboriginal health, analyse health data and epidemiological trends, and examine the role of Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services (ACCHSs) within the broader health system.

A strong emphasis is placed on culturally appropriate and strengths-based approaches to health promotion, community development, environmental health, and disease prevention. This unit incorporates experiential learning opportunities, including interactive workshops, yarning circles, collaborative group work, and applied project development, enabling students to actively engage with concepts and apply their learning to real-world public health contexts. Through these learning experiences, students progressively build and refine a culturally informed public health strategy addressing Aboriginal health inequity.

By the end of the unit, students have developed the skills to critically reflect, analyse evidence, and apply culturally safe and responsive public health approaches to support health equity and community-led solutions.

Credit

6 points

Offering

Availability	Location	Mode	First year of offer
Not available in 2026	UWA (Perth)	On-campus

Outcomes

Students are able to (1) explain the cultural definitions of health and wellbeing in Aboriginal contexts, particularly within a wholistic health model, including social and emotional wellbeing, traditional healing and cultural safety; (2) critically analyse the historical and contemporary determinants contributing to ill health among Aboriginal peoples; (3) evaluate the impact of past and current policies, programs, and health systems on Aboriginal health outcomes; (4) interpret Aboriginal health data, including epidemiological patterns and priority health issues; and (5) apply culturally appropriate, evidence-based public health approaches to address health inequities and support community-led solutions.

Assessment

Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) written assessment (reflective portfolio); (2) oral presentation (group presentation); and (3) final project (Aboriginal Health Equity Strategy). Further information is available in the unit outline.

Student may be offered supplementary assessment in this unit if they meet the eligibility criteria.

Unit Coordinator(s)

Ms Danie Zappa

Unit rules

Prerequisites

Enrolment in

91550 Master of Public Health
or 92550 Master of Public Health

or unit coordinator approval

Incompatibility

AHEA5755 Aboriginal Health

Approved quota: 50—students enrolled in the Masters of Public Health will be admitted first and subsequently first come, first serve basis.

Contact hours

Offered intensively.
It is expected that students wishing to complete this course must attend and participate in all five days of a one-week intensive and attendance will be taken each day. A minimum of 24 hours' notice is required and the approval of the unit coordinators for student absence from any of the sessions throughout the week. Attendance of at least 80% (4-days) is required to pass this unit and students who attend any less than 80% of the week will need to discuss their circumstances with the unit coordinators. No content is recorded during the week however slides will be provided online after the lectures.