Indigenous Health Research in the Northern Territory

Unit Code

00942

Department/Institution Offering Unit

Menzies School of Health Research
PO Box 41096
Casuarina
N.T. 0811 Australia

web: www.menzies.edu.au

Unit Points

Research Points: 87.5

Coursework Points: 12.5

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Contacts

Unit Coordinator/s:

Ms Catherine Richardson, Academic Administrator
Menzies School of Health Research
(Buidling 58, Royal Darwin Hospital, Nightingale Road, Tiwi NT 0810)
PO Box 41096
Casuarina
N.T. 0811 Australia

tel: +61 8 8922 7873
fax: +61 8 8927 5187
email: acad-admin@menzies.edu.au

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Overall Objectives

• To gain an understanding of the complexity of the factors influencing health outcomes in Indigenous communities (social, cultural, economic, environmental).
• To undertake a research project as part of a research team on an important topic in Indigenous health.
• To develop skills of critical analysis (literature and data).
• To develop written and oral communication skills.

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Content

Coursework: Intermediate Epidemiology and Biostatistics or research methods.

Research: The mission of the Menzies School of Health Research is to conduct research relevant to the health of the people of northern and central Australia and the region. Research spans the spectrum from the molecular to the population. Menzies is firmly established as the leader in public health research in northern Australia, and has been building a capacity in health services and health systems research in recent years. Menzies has multi-disciplinary research programs with a strong Indigenous and remote health focus in the areas of infectious diseases, tropical diseases, preventable chronic diseases, the 'upstream' determinants of health (social, cultural, economic, behavioural and environmental), and translation of research into policy and practice. Research projects are available spanning a range of research settings and modalities: laboratory-based, field work (clinical, population health); social and behavioural science, epidemiology, public health, clinical and biomedical science.

Sample Research Topics:

1. Tropical infectious diseases: epidemiological, clinical and laboratory aspects of scabies, streptococcal infections and sequelae (rheumatic fever and PSGN), melioidosis, arboviruses, tuberculosis and malaria.
2. Chronic diseases in Indigenous populations: diabetes, renal disease and cardiovascular disease and nutritional and other antecedents of chronic diseases.
3. Social determinants of health.
4. Health service evaluation in Indigenous communities.
5. Tropical toxinology: snakebites and jellyfish stings.
6. For a further list of projects go to www.menzies.edu.au/researchtraining

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Assessment Breakdown

Research Component: 87.5 points
Research Report (up to 9,000 words): 75%
Seminar/Oral Presentation: 15%
Supervisor's Evaluation: 10%

Coursework Component: 12.5 points
Intermediate Epidemiology and Biostatistics will be assessed as per subject description.

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Student Numbers

Number of places available:
4