Collaborative Animal, Human and Eco-Hlth (SCIE20004)

One Health acknowledges that all life on earth is interdependent. Unfortunately, the ecological balance that underpins the health of our planet is under increasing threat. The challenges we face demand a collaborative approach across disciplines and cultures, working together for the health of all.

This multidisciplinary subject brings together different knowledges and perspectives to find new ways of problem-solving. You will explore the complexity of current global health challenges through One Health: an integrated, unifying approach that aims to sustainably balance and optimize the health of people, animals and ecosystems. You will learn a holistic ‘One Health systems thinking’ approach that facilitates the integration of qualitative and quantitative techniques, social sciences, culture, policy and economics, to contextualise and address health challenges involving animals, humans, and ecosystems. Each week features expert guest lectures from diverse disciplinary perspectives, contributing evidence of the fragile balance of our living planet and how we can come together to find solutions.

Through collaboration with fellow students from across the University in workshop-style tutorials, you will learn and practice creative methods to frame and respond to One Health problems. This subject is an opportunity for students of all backgrounds to step outside your disciplinary ‘box’, explore a more holistic approach to health challenges, and in the process, identify where your specific expertise and lived experience can contribute.

Key themes that will be explored through a multidisciplinary lens using systems thinking approaches include:

•            Infectious diseases

•            Climate change

•            Indigenous knowledge systems

•            Antimicrobial resistance

•            Food systems

•            Policy, culture and human behaviour

•            Diversity and intersectionality

•            Sustainable development