121-054 Applied Medical Anthropology

Formerly available as 136-004 or 136-210/310. Students who have completed 136-004 or 136-210/310 are not eligible to enrol in this subject.

This subject examines the social, economic, political and other influences on the practice of biomedical science and the delivery of health care in developing areas and the effects of local attitudes, beliefs, values and knowledge on the reception of health care. Students will focus on potential conflict and cooperation between modern and traditional health care systems, and on what practical steps can be taken by social and medical scientists and medical practitioners to improve local conditions. Examples and case studies may be drawn from the Asia-Pacific, Africa, Latin America, and from Aboriginal communities in Australia. On completion of the subject students should understand the influence of beliefs, values and knowledge on the efficacy of health care delivery; have acquired the ability to critically assess applied biomedical science; and have an understanding of both macro- and micro-level sociopolitical issues on the delivery of health care.