Courses - Faculty of Medical And Health Sciences
Māori Health
Foundation Courses
Introduction to Biology
An introduction to the structure, function and processes of the human body at cellular and tissue levels. Special emphasis on the four primary tissues including membrane transport, muscle types and function, blood and the immune response, and basic neurobiology. Provides foundational knowledge of development post fertilisation and the anatomy and physiology of selected mammalian organ systems. Exposes students to the laboratory environment, particularly microscopy and dissection.
Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology
Introduction to human biology through a study of the structure and function of mammalian organ systems. Topics of focus include: skin and derivatives, digestive, nervous, reproductive and urinary, bone, endocrine and circulatory systems. This course also exposes students to learning in a laboratory environment with a strong focus on microscopy and dissection.
Introduction to Chemistry 1
An overview of general chemistry principles with an emphasis on the language of chemistry and the use of mathematics to determine answers to chemical problems. An emphasis is placed on the atomic scale of matter so that students are able to describe the macroscopic world using a molecular perspective and relate chemical structures to functions. Laboratory work includes techniques of simple qualitative and quantitative measurements.
Introduction to Chemistry 2
Provides an overview of systematic organic chemistry illustrating the diversity and reactivity of organic compounds, including reaction mechanisms and application of chemical kinetics. Spectroscopic techniques will be discussed, including in relation to structure determination. A quantitative study of proton transfer reactions will allow for understanding of control of pH.
Introduction to Population Health 1
Introduction to key concepts and foundational knowledge in population health. Concepts include models for conceptualising health, the aggregate health of groups, social determinants of health, social gradients in health outcomes, and health inequalities and inequities, and foundational understanding of health care systems.
Introduction to Population Health 2
Explores patterns and distributions in health events, causal effects on health, and strategies for addressing health inequalities and inequities at a population level. Exposure to a foundational overview of epidemiology and population health concepts and relevant skills, including understanding and measuring the distribution of disease and illness in well-defined populations, will also be provided.
Academic and Professional Development in Māori and Pacific Health 1
Presents study and academic writing skills essential for successful transition from secondary education or community contexts into tertiary study. Content focuses on a practical application of Population Health and Māori and Pacific health workforce development, while engaging students in their professional practice, cultural growth and leadership and communication.
Academic and Professional Development in Māori and Pacific Health 2
Provides study and academic skills necessary for transition from foundation study to first year bachelor level study. Content areas focus on Māori and Pacific relevant examples of population health topics including: health status, determinants of health, barriers to access and quality of care and health interventions targeted at Māori and Pacific populations.
Introduction to Mathematics
Provides foundation skills in mathematics and develops mathematical competence. Topics covered include measurement, notation, functions, equations, exponential growth/decay, logarithms and statistics. Examples used in the course will revolve around applications of mathematics in the health sciences.
Introduction to Health Psychology
Introduction to key concepts and foundational knowledge in health psychology. Concepts include models and theories of behaviour change and development, including the relationship between major biological, cognitive and social-emotional processes. Broader social science approaches to behaviour, health and development across the lifespan will also be explored, as well as the application of health psychology for those wishing to pursue a career in health.
Introduction to Physics
An introduction to physics relevant to health studies, including examples and illustrations that revolve around human physiology. Topics include mechanics, optics, waves, thermal physics, radiation and electricity.
Stage II
Introduction to Māori Health
Māori society, culture and values are explored. Historical processes are reviewed within the context of the Treaty of Waitangi. The course will examine how these factors underpin the basic determinants of health and shape contemporary Māori health status in Aotearoa. Different approaches to improving Māori health and reducing inequalities will be critically examined.
Prerequisite: POPLHLTH 111
Stage III
Māori Health and Practice
Māori health knowledge is used to develop effective public health practice for Māori contexts. Areas of focus include critical thinking, reflective practice, advocacy and the application of Kaupapa Māori principles.
Prerequisite: MAORIHTH 201
Restriction: POPLHLTH 201
Postgraduate 700 Level Courses
Foundations of Māori Health
Provides an overview of the many dimensions of Māori Health. It examines the historical and contemporary determinants of Māori health status, and outlines strategies for improving Māori health in the context of the Treaty of Waitangi, and reducing health inequalities.
Restriction: MAORIHTH 301
Māori Health Promotion and Early Intervention
Discusses the importance of health promotion and early intervention for Māori. Models of health promotion used by different Māori providers will be presented as well as assisting students to design and implement health promotion and interventions which are likely to be effective for Māori individuals, families, and communities.
Māori Health: Policy and Practice
Critically examines public health policy and practice in Aotearoa/New Zealand with respect to Māori health and equity. Provides insights into the application of Kaupapa Māori principles in different areas of public health practice to advance Māori health.
Prerequisite: MAORIHTH 301 or 701
Practicum in Māori Health
Provides the opportunity to develop social assessment and critical analysis skills through the documentation of an approved practicum. Students will be expected to be able to use and demonstrate knowledge of different Māori views, concepts and frameworks. Each student will have supervision and practicum developed appropriate to their learning interests.
Transformational Research for Māori Health
Provides a critical analysis of research and research processes with regard to their potential to colonise or liberate. Drawing on Kaupapa Māori Theory, the course examines how research can be undertaken in ways that are safe for Māori and that contribute to positive Māori development.
Prerequisite: MAORIHTH 710
Kaupapa Māori Theory
Kaupapa Māori Theory (KMT) underpins a range of approaches employed to ensure policy, research and intervention processes emphasise Māori ways of knowing and being and work to prevent the further marginalisation of Māori. Students learn about the development of KMT and its use in the context of Māori health and development, and will experience and learn from a range of initiatives and projects that have KMT at their core.
Prerequisite: MAORIHTH 301 or 701
Restriction: MAORIHTH 702
Special Topic: Māori Quantitative Methods
Provides students with an understanding of how to apply a Kaupapa Māori Research (KMR) approach to quantitative research methods (study design, analysis and dissemination) in the health sciences. It will expose students to a range of analytic and practical tools that can be drawn on in the design and conduct of quantitative research with Māori.
Prerequisite: MAORIHTH 301 or 701
Dissertation - Level 9
Restriction: MPHEALTH 792
To complete this course students must enrol in MAORIHTH 792 A and B, or MAORIHTH 792