Global Adolescent Health

This course will explore the dynamic factors affecting the health and wellbeing of young people around the world, and how important it is for individuals, communities and nations that we improve the health and life chances of this important population group.With over 25% of the world’s population aged between 10 and 24 years, today’s generation of young people is the largest in human history. As the future leaders and drivers of growth, productivity and innovation, young people are our greatest assets, and investment in their health and wellbeing has social, economic and other benefits that continue across the lifespan and into the next generation.

In this course we will adopt a life-course framework to take a holistic view of youth health and wellbeing. We will explore changing patterns of adolescent health and development, including why adolescence is starting earlier and ending later; how puberty and adolescent brain development may shape future health; and how what happens in adolescence can affect the start to life for the next generation. We’ll also look at the major health and social issues affecting young people and ways of addressing these through policy, practice and programming.

COURSE FORMAT: This course comprises short video lectures and interviews, required and recommended readings, online discussion, quizzes and written assignments. There is no required text for this course and all readings are provided.

DO I HAVE TO PAY FOR THIS COURSE? No- you may access 100% of material in this course for free. You are also welcome to do as much or as little of the course as you like, including all (or none!) of the assessment tasks- it all depends on your learning goals. The option to pay for this course is there for those who wish to receive a Course Certificate as evidence of completion (which does require you to attempt and successfully pass the assessment tasks).

WHO IS THIS COURSE FOR? This course will be relevant for anyone with an interest in the health and wellbeing of young people. You do not need to be of any particular personal or professional background to benefit from this course, but having some basic undergraduate study experience will be helpful to your learning (particularly if in a health related field).

WHAT IS THE MOST INTERESTING THING I’LL LEARN IF I TAKE THIS COURSE? You’ll learn how so much of what happens during adolescence can impact not only the future health of individuals, but the health of the next generation as well. You’ll develop a greater understanding of the key factors impacting upon youth health and learn how to be a better advocate for the health and wellbeing of young people.

View the MOOC promotional video here: http://tinyurl.com/z5l4mod

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Syllabus

Syllabus - What you will learn from this course
Week 1
Week 1 - Introduction to adolescent health: developmental and ecological perspectives (Part I)
Week 2
Week 2 - Introduction to adolescent health: developmental and ecological perspectives (Part II)
Week 3
Week 3 - Major health problems of adolescents (Part I)
Week 4
Week 4 - Major health problems of adolescents (Part II)
Week 5
Week 5 - Adolescent health policy, programming and intervention (Part I)
Week 6
Week 6 - Adolescent health policy, programming and intervention (Part II)
Week 7
Weeks 7 - 8 (no new content)

FAQ

When will I have access to the lectures and assignments?

Access to lectures and assignments depends on your type of enrollment. If you take a course in audit mode, you will be able to see most course materials for free. To access graded assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience, during or after your audit. If you don't see the audit option:

What will I get if I purchase the Certificate?

When you purchase a Certificate you get access to all course materials, including graded assignments. Upon completing the course, your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile. If you only want to read and view the course content, you can audit the course for free.

Is financial aid available?

Yes. In select learning programs, you can apply for financial aid or a scholarship if you can’t afford the enrollment fee. If fin aid or scholarship is available for your learning program selection, you’ll find a link to apply on the description page.

What resources will I need to complete this course?

For this course, all you need is an internet connection and the time to read, write and discuss the health and wellbeing of young people and the exciting new developments in this field of global health.

Do I earn University of Melbourne credits upon completion of this course?

No. The Course Certificate is not part of a formal qualification from the University. However, it may be useful to demonstrate prior learning and interest in youth health to a higher education institution or potential employer.

What is the most interesting thing I’ll learn if I take this course?

You’ll learn how so much of what happens during adolescence can impact not only the future health of individuals, but the health of the next generation as well. You’ll develop a greater understanding of the key factors impacting upon youth health and learn how to be a better advocate for the health and wellbeing of young people.

Reviews

Excellent course. It was very informative and useful to address adolescent health issues in a country

Learned So so much! Thank you team for this course! I definitely became a better adolescent mental health worker following this course❤️

Had a great learning experience and i am a better social worker now especially in dealing with youth

I loved doing this course. Wish to enrol in Graduate Diploma in Adolescent Medicine in the next intake