Public health is the science and art of preventing disease, prolonging life and improving the health of communities through education, promotion of healthy lifestyles and research for disease and injury prevention. It deals with preventive rather than curative aspects of health; and with health issues at population-level rather than individual-level.

The objective of this course is to give students an overview of Public Health in the following aspects: (1) The principles of disease surveillance, biostatistics and epidemiology; (2) The incidence, prevalence and causes of common health problems in Hong Kong; (3) The clinical and preventive aspects of occupational health, environmental health, family health, mental health and health education; and (4) An overview of Hong Kong health services.

Family medicine is a medical specialty that provides continuing and comprehensive healthcare for individuals and families, including all ages, sexes, organ systems, and disease entities.

The objective of this course is to give students a general concept of Family Medicine in the following aspects: (1) Principles of Family medicine; (2) Common medical conditions encountered in family practice; (3) Care for women; (4) Pediatric and adolescent care; and (5) Geriatric care, especially those with chronic illnesses.