Primary Health Care is recognised as a critical component of any health service, with the potential to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the whole health system. It is also the focus of major reform in Australia and overseas. The Principles and Practice of Primary Health Care Course provides an introduction to the principles of Primary Health Care and their application in the delivery of health care in the community. This course provides a framework for approaching the subject based on some of the key functions or characteristics of primary health care and presents evidence for the impact of these functions or characteristics on health care delivery and health outcomes for the community. A number of services are specifically analysed including general practice, community health services, rural health services and indigenous health services and the integration between primary health care and specialised and hospital care. The course uses case studies in both Australia and overseas. Participants learn practical skills in analysing and evaluating health services in a variety of settings, in making comparisons between them and identifying capacities and opportunities for change.