Regulations for The Postgraduate Diploma in Health Science - PGDipHlthSc

Critical reviews, standards, advanced study and/or research in a selected area of health science.

Philosophical, ethical and methodological issues in relation to health research are examined. Selected quantitative and qualitative methods are explored in depth, in preparation for developing a research proposal for a thesis, or research project.

Restrictions: 168810, 168710

An examination of research methods, traditions and techniques used in social work, social policy and health research. The course is designed to assist in developing a research proposal for a thesis, or research project.

Study in applied statistics with emphasis on animal and nutritional sciences. Introduction to and extensive use of statistical packages, regression and multiple regressions analysis, analysis of variance of standard experimental designs, covariance analysis and general linear models

Restrictions: 151709

A selection of nutrition topics related to the human lifecycle and nutrients of concern.

Public health nutrition is the promotion of good health through the prevention of nutrition-related illness in the population. This course will examine a selection of nutrition-related public health problems and describe how research-based evidence is used to develop effective promotion strategies.

Translational and clinically relevant physiological and pathophysiological concepts as they apply to nursing practice are examined. Selected signs/symptoms are considered in terms of physiological processes at biochemical, cellular and functional levels. The emphasis is on normal physiological processes and their possible subsequent development to pathophysiological phenomena.

An advanced course on selected topics in cell physiology. The focus is on the processes involved in maintaining cell viability, the mechanisms involved in cell motility and trafficking, intracellular and intercellular signalling, the control of cell death and opportunities for therapeutic manipulations of these processes.

This course provides an overview and analysis of hauora Māori perspectives. Historical and contemporary contexts and challenges are used to discuss Māori approaches in public health, with reference to Māori knowledge and Māori leadership. The course focuses on developing critical consciousness for becoming advocates and champions for Māori health through Te Tiriti o Waitangi-led practice.

This course provides an overview and analysis of Pacific health. Topics include: Pacific concepts of health; health effects of migration, urbanisation, demographic transition and economic development on Pacific people in Aotearoa and the Pacific; Pacific health promotion models and Pacific health policies. Pacific case studies will illustrate how providers can contribute effectively to Pacific development and improved Pacific health outcomes.

An exploration of the core principles and practice of epidemiology and biostatistics in assessing and responding to population health need. Students will learn the skills necessary to analyse and interpret data, disseminate information, and critically appraise quantitative literature. The focus of the course is on the application of epidemiology and biostatistics for policy development and decision-making across the health system.

Restrictions: 231730 and 231731

This course draws on the disciplines of epidemiology, health promotion, policy analysis and exercise science to develop public health competencies specific to physical activity promotion at a population level, including knowledge of the relationship between physical activity and health, and skills in population-based physical activity assessment, determinants analysis and intervention design and evaluation.

This course critically examines the big public health issues globally using an analytical framework and case study approach that considers burden of disease, epidemiology, determinant analysis, health and other system responses and evidence of intervention effectiveness. Issues and case studies covered include major infectious diseases, obesity, smoking, alcohol consumption, injury prevention and mental health.

This course examines the primary factors that influence the effective communication and adoption of positive health behaviours by individuals and communities. Students will review: micro and macro-level theories of health communication; audience engagement and persuasion; the impact of evolving public attitudes to health knowledge; innovative methods for health communication.

An examination of sleep and circadian science in relation to health and healthcare, including healthy sleep, sleep disorders and sleep in those with medical conditions.

Restrictions: 252702

Strategies for the advancement of Māori health will be explored with a particular focus on health planning, national Māori health related strategies, health funding, the delivery of health services, and the link between Māori health strategies and positive Māori development.

An examination of methodologies appropriate for research within Māori communities, iwi, hapu and whanau. Emphasis will be placed on accessing relevant information held in public repositories, on the internet and on computerised databases. The identification of frameworks for research in Māori contexts, ethical issues, and research design form important aspects of the course.

Strategies for Māori advancement are examined within a Māori development framework. Barriers to development and the facilitation of positive development are explored using criteria relevant to indigenous self-determination. There is a focus on land, fisheries, social policy, health, Treaty settlements and opportunities for positive development.

This course provides an overview and analysis of hauora Māori perspectives. Historical and contemporary contexts and challenges are used to discuss Māori approaches in public health, with reference to Māori knowledge and Māori leadership. The course focuses on developing critical consciousness for becoming advocates and champions for Māori health through Te Tiriti o Waitangi-led practice.

Evidence based practice (EBP) is an approach to problem solving and service provision based on the integration of “best evidence” with expert opinion and client/consumer perspectives. Students will develop EBP skills needed to critically evaluate information available from research findings, professional consensus statements and other sources of information, as well as communicating the results.

Introduction to the homeostatic mechanisms of blood cell production and regulation and the control mechanisms that maintain haemostasis in humans. The role of the haematologist and the laboratory in the diagnosis of diseases such as anaemia, haemophilia, thrombosis, leukaemia and other blood cell neoplasms.

An introduction to the principles of transfusion and transplantation practice. The collection and storage of blood and the manufacture of human blood products for transfusion. The major human blood groups and blood group alloantibodies. Blood borne viruses including the hepatitis viruses and the Major Histocompatibility Complex in the context of donor/recipient matching of organs for transplantation.

The biochemistry of human tissue with particular emphasis on disease detection. The practical course will include analytical methods and specialised laboratory techniques applied to clinical biochemistry, immunology and serology.

Bacterial and fungal pathogens of humans in terms of the organisms, their habitats, modes of transmission, disease patterns, laboratory diagnosis and relationship with the human microbiome. Sterilization and disinfection. Antimicrobial agents, resistance to antimicrobial agents and antimicrobial susceptibility testing.

The clinical sciences are studied at an advanced level in one of the specialty areas of: Diagnostic Clinical Biochemistry & Immunology, Diagnostic Microbiology, Clinical Laboratory Haematology, Transfusion Science and Molecular Diagnostics. The role of the Medical Laboratory Scientist in the generation of clinical laboratory results used in the diagnosis and the treatment of disease/disorders and the maintenance of standards of quality and laboratory safety.

Prerequisites: 202701, 202702, 202703, 202704

An examination of current issues in Occupational Safety and Health and issues commonly found in the work environment.

Philosophical, ethical and methodological issues in relation to health research are examined. Selected quantitative and qualitative methods are explored in depth, in preparation for developing a research proposal for a thesis, or research project.

Restrictions: 168810, 168710

An examination of research methods, traditions and techniques used in social work, social policy and health research. The course is designed to assist in developing a research proposal for a thesis, or research project.

A comprehensive examination and critical analysis of current theories and practice in relation to auditing and assessing organisational health and safety performance.

An advanced course studying the current issues in occupational safety and health, which involves the recognition, evaluation and control of health hazards in the work environment, including the study of noise, ventilation systems and air pollution.

The application of sleep and circadian science in fatigue risk management, shift work, and occupational health and safety. An overview of the organisational processes required to implement a fatigue risk management system, as well as regulatory requirements for management of fatigue and shift work in occupational health and safety.

Restrictions: 252701

An advanced study of the principles of research design in psychology. The course will provide a conceptual orientation to the integrated components of the design process. Through a meta-theoretical framework, various approaches to design will be explored to enable advanced engagement with psychological research from scientific, interpretivist and/or indigenous perspectives.

The course will focus on some of the ways in which the cultural phenomenon labelled as 'postmodernism' has impacted on/in psychology, with particular emphasis on the poststructuralist theories through which postmodern psychology is developing.

An advanced study of the aetiology of recurrent criminal behaviour with reference to cultural and ethnicity issues, familial and societal factors, and cognitive and psychopathological correlates. The underlying emphasis of the course is offender rehabilitation.

This course examines contemporary theoretical studies in the psychology of women. It is an advanced study of the history of women in psychology and critiques traditional approaches to research on women and girls. It includes three contemporary approaches focusing on specific areas of concern in the sub-discipline at present.

The course covers a variety of theoretical frameworks which are used in working with children and families. An in-depth case study approach will be used to develop students' skills in working with children and families. The course is designed to build on the students prior knowledge of developmental and abnormal psychology.

This course will focus on the principles of neuropsychological assessment, as they apply across the life span. Factors which influence neuropsychological functioning will be considered including neuroanatomy, cognitive functioning and the conditions that influence these factors.

Identity, emotions, prejudice and attitudes are not things hiding in the person which the psychologist can 'discover' but are created by the language which is used to describe them. This course introduces students to discursive psychology in the context of social psychology. The 'turn to language' challenges previous notions of reality, truth, knowledge, objectivity and research methodology. Equal emphasis is placed on understanding both theory and practice.

This course examines the wide-ranging influence culture has in people's lives, from their ideological beliefs and values to their behaviour patterns. How cultural influences have been considered in the theory, research, and practice of psychology will be examined.

The course provides an in-depth examination of the professional issues that impact on the practice of psychology. Models of practice, ethics, the statutes that affect practitioners, professional interrelationships and cultural issues are all analysed using a case-based approach.

This course examines the influence of organisational and work characteristics on staff well-being and performance. It covers stress and stress management, designing salutogenic workplaces, implications of disaster and crises for staff, families and communities, psychological aspects of promoting health and safety in organisations.

According to the UN, Sustainable Livelihoods include not only access to shelter and food but also security, dignity, societal participation for groups and individuals. This course examines how workplaces potentially enable such capabilities, e.g., by respecting cultural foundations, enabling work-life-balance, providing decent work, and reducing inequality, through equitable partnerships between organizations along global supply chains, fair trade, living wages.

This course is designed to enable students to understand and use theories, research and skills involved in child neuropsychology. An emphasis will be placed on functioning in interdisciplinary teams.

This course examines the relationship between people and organisations. Adopting a psychological perspective, it examines strategic aspects of staff development, job, social and cognitive approaches to task and role analysis, recruitment, selection, the training process, equal employment opportunities, industrial relations and performance assessment.

An examination of how psychological factors enhance physical health or increase the risk of illness and disease. Theoretical and methodological aspects of etiology are given particular emphasis using examples from such areas as cardiovascular diseases and psychoneuroimmunology.

The application of psychological principles and theory to health and managing hazards in occupational settings. Students will learn critical skills in psychological evaluation, appropriate for the environmental, cultural and political contexts of the New Zealand workplace.

This course investigates the application of the principles and theory of psychological measurement in organisational contexts. It covers the development of psychological tests, the implications of organisational factors for latent psychological constructs, test characteristics and test evaluation, and the application of psychological tests for processes such as selection, promotion, performance appraisal.

An examination of psychological theory and research on how social context shapes the experience of physical health and illness. An emphasis will be placed on the individual's understandings of health and experience of illness, and a critical consideration of research methods appropriate for examining these issues.

An analysis of psychological theories and methods as applied to health promotion and disease prevention, and consideration of their applications at group, community and population levels.

An examination of how psychologists use quantitative data analysis techniques to address complex research problems involving multiple variables. Techniques including multiple regression, factor analysis and structural equation modelling are explored, with an emphasis on the relationships between analyses, research questions and design issues.

The course will examine current psychological theories and related research in the sport and exercise domain. Specifically, the focus of the course is on how psychological factors influence involvement and performance in sport and exercise.

This course examines psychological aspects of organisational change. It considers societal and organisational factors driving change and models of both planned and unplanned organisational change, illustrating these issues through the use of case studies of organisational change and psychologists' accounts of their experiences as change agents.

The course provides advanced understanding and skill development to enable students to undertake qualitative research in psychology.

This course is designed to enable students to understand and use theories, research, and skills involved in neuropsychological rehabilitation. This course will review interventions that arise from neuropsychological evaluation. An emphasis will be placed on functioning in interdisciplinary teams.

This course builds on undergraduate study of clinical psychology to provide an advanced understanding of mental distress across the lifespan. The focus is on recognising the most common experiences of mental distress and understanding their etiology using evidence-based theoretical frameworks, emphasising psychological approaches. Attention is given to recovery and lived experience perspectives, and contextual and cultural influences on understanding the experience of mental distress. A case study approach is taken to provide opportunities for applied learning.

This course will examine a variety of standard objective and subjective clinical assessment instruments, and their use in diagnosis and treatment across the lifespan. Topics covered include cognitive, emotional and behavioural assessment; diagnosis-specific and population-specific instruments; and diagnostic interview systems. Principles of test administration, scoring and interpretation as well as ethical issues surrounding psychological testing will also be covered.

The course emphasises empirically validated treatments and integration of psychotherapy research and practice across the lifespan. The course covers behavioural and cognitive-behavioural interventions, experiential and brief dynamic psychotherapies as well as other factors in therapy (e.g., the roles of therapist, client, and culture).

Through student and staff presentation and discussion, this course will acquaint students with selected research topics, conducting and disseminating research in this field, and preparation for research endeavours at the postgraduate level.

Philosophical, ethical and methodological issues in relation to health research are examined. Selected quantitative and qualitative methods are explored in depth, in preparation for developing a research proposal for a thesis, or research project.

Restrictions: 168810, 168710

Evidence based practice (EBP) is an approach to problem solving and service provision based on the integration of “best evidence” with expert opinion and client/consumer perspectives. Students will develop EBP skills needed to critically evaluate information available from research findings, professional consensus statements and other sources of information, as well as communicating the results.

This course draws on the disciplines of epidemiology, health promotion, policy analysis and exercise science to develop public health competencies specific to physical activity promotion at a population level, including knowledge of the relationship between physical activity and health, and skills in population-based physical activity assessment, determinants analysis and intervention design and evaluation.

An advanced focus on physical conditioning as it pertains to athlete performance, with an emphasis on research-led and evidence-based practice.

Restrictions: 234716

An advanced, research-led focus on human physiology, motor control, and biomechanics as it relates to the integrative science underpinning sport and exercise.

Restrictions: 234720, 234721, 234722, 234723

An advanced, integrative focus on physical activity and its impact on compromised health, with particular reference to examining disease aetiology, and the assessment, monitoring and prescription of exercise for a range of non-communicable diseases (e.g. cardiorespiratory, metabolic, musculoskeletal, cancer).

Restrictions: 234717, 234718, 234719

This course examines the primary factors that influence the effective communication and adoption of positive health behaviours by individuals and communities. Students will review: micro and macro-level theories of health communication; audience engagement and persuasion; the impact of evolving public attitudes to health knowledge; innovative methods for health communication.