西澳大學

This major provides you with a solid grounding in many factors that influence the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal peoples, families and communities in Australia. You'll be given a broad introduction to Aboriginal health and wellbeing from an Aboriginal perspective and an understanding of the underlying issues that influence health and wellbeing including from historical, cultural, political and spiritual perspectives.

About The Course

You will acquire an understanding of particular health problems and their impacts and knowledge of the strategies, policies and practices that have been implemented to improve health and wellbeing with a particular focus on Aboriginal community-led initiatives. The major also features practical experience in Aboriginal health settings.

Students who take this major as their primary major will also gain a strong fundamental knowledge of human biology. This knowledge will assist students in evaluating the biological evidence about disease mechanisms.

Students will be encouraged to integrate this biological knowledge with their understanding of Aboriginal ways of understanding health and disease in formulating effective strategies required to address health issues.

The major is offered in the Bachelor of Science program given its strong health focus. The Aboriginal Health and Wellbeing major, offered from within the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, emphasises an evidence-based approach to decision making, policy development and practice. This emphasis, in combination with a strong grounding in Aboriginal knowledge and understandings, provides a unique opportunity for students undertaking the major to develop an understanding of equity and translation of evidence into policy and practice that reflects the way forward in Closing the Gap in Aboriginal health.

Career Pathways

Graduates will be well prepared for careers in Aboriginal health research, policy, management and practice in Aboriginal and government contexts.

Further Study

On completion of the Aboriginal Health and Wellbeing major, students may undertake honours or master's studies in a range of areas including Aboriginal health and population health. Students may also proceed into one of the postgraduate professional health courses.