Study information

Ecological Public Health

Module titleEcological Public Health
Module codeHPDM032
Academic year2019/0
Credits15
Module staff

(Convenor)

Duration: Term123
Duration: Weeks

9

Number students taking module (anticipated)

20

Module description

In the context of public health, ecological thinking considers the multiple complex interactions between humans and their environment and the health impacts. This module introduces the core concepts and principles of contemporary public health. Threats to health, based on population health analysis, are considered along with informed health decision making to prevent disease and promote health.

No pre-requisites or specialist knowledge are required to undertake this module, which is well suited to interdisciplinary learning. Delivery is via four focused days of expert-led small group learning, interspersed by personal study undertaken at your own pace and supported by our internet resources.

Module aims - intentions of the module

Students undertaking this module will develop a critical insight of ecological public health and the relationship of health and healthcare systems with the environment in its broadest sense. The module aims to equip individuals with advanced knowledge, understanding and skills to protect and improve health and address inequalities.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

ILO: Module-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

  • 1. Demonstrate critical appraisal of the contemporary theories and concepts that underpin the environmental and social determinants of health and health inequalities
  • 2. Explain and apply approaches that can be employed to measure and improve population health

ILO: Discipline-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

  • 3. Demonstrate originality in the assessment of the ecological public health of a population

ILO: Personal and key skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

  • 4. Communicate accurately and effectively a contemporary evidence base

Syllabus plan

Defining ecological public health

Measuring and improving health, including the social determinants of health and health inequalities

Epidemiology and population health across the lifespan

Screening, behaviour change and personal & organisational resilience

Health policy and practice within the NHS

Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)

Scheduled Learning and Teaching ActivitiesGuided independent studyPlacement / study abroad
20130

Details of learning activities and teaching methods

CategoryHours of study timeDescription
Scheduled learning & teaching activities20All student taught sessions
Guided independent study30Session preparation and follow up work utilising resources provided on ELE
Guided independent study100Reading and assignment preparation

Formative assessment

Form of assessmentSize of the assessment (eg length / duration)ILOs assessedFeedback method
Class discussions and small group work activitiesEach taught session1-4Facilitator and peer feedback in class

Summative assessment (% of credit)

CourseworkWritten examsPractical exams
10000

Details of summative assessment

Form of assessment% of creditSize of the assessment (eg length / duration)ILOs assessedFeedback method
Public health messae 25350 Words1, 2, 4Written
Public health report752000 words1-4Written

Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)

Original form of assessmentForm of re-assessmentILOs re-assessedTimescale for re-assessment
Written assignment –public health messageWritten assignment –public health message1, 2, 4Typically within six weeks of the result
Written assignment – public health reportWritten assignment – public health report1-4Typically within six weeks of the result

Indicative learning resources - Basic reading

Donaldson L and Scally G. (2009). Donaldsons' Essential Public Health. 3rd Revised Edition London: Radcliffe Publishing Ltd.

Kessel A. (2010). Air, the environment and public health. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

Lopez RP. (2011). The built environment and public health. Jossey Bass.

Marmot M. (2010). Fair Society, Healthy Lives: The Marmot Review. London: University College London. http://www.instituteofhealthequity.org/projects/fair-society-healthy-lives-the-marmot-review

Marmot M. (2015) The Health Gap, Bloomsbury, London.

NHS Scotland. (2010). Environment and Health in an era of ecological public health.

NHS Scotland. (2010). Good Places: Better Health.

Rayner G and Lang T. (2012). Ecological Public Health. Oxon: Routledge.

ELE – http://vle.exeter.ac.uk/course/view.php?id=6037

Indicative learning resources - Web based and electronic resources

Please see ELE for up to date electronic resources:

http://vle.exeter.ac.uk/course/view.php?id=6037

Key words search

Ecological public health, public health, health, human health, population health, promotion, screening, epidemiology, environment, resilience, behaviour change.

Credit value15
Module ECTS

7.5

Module pre-requisites

None

Module co-requisites

None

NQF level (module)

7

Available as distance learning?

No

Origin date

15/12/2015

Last revision date

08/07/2019