Ecosystems, Natural Capital and Public Health
| Module title | Ecosystems, Natural Capital and Public Health |
|---|---|
| Module code | HPDM201 |
| Academic year | 2025/6 |
| Credits | 15 |
| Module staff | Dr Tim Taylor (Lecturer) |
| Duration: Term | 1 | 2 | 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration: Weeks | 5 | 0 | 0 |
| Number students taking module (anticipated) | 30 |
|---|
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 and links to the natural capital agenda. 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 expert-led small group learning, interspersed by personal study undertaken at your own pace and supported by our internet resources.
This module will be delivered in person on the Penryn campus.
Module aims - intentions of the module
By undertaking this module you will develop a critical insight of natural capital and the delivery of ecological public health solutions. This considers 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 use of natural capital in improving the 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
Whilst the module’s precise content may vary from year to year, an example of an overall structure is as follows:
- Defining natural capital and ecological public health
- Understanding conceptual frameworks that explain the links between natural capital and public health
- Measuring and improving health, including the social determinants of health and health inequalities
- Fundamentals of epidemiology and population health across the lifespan
- Economic approaches to valuing the health benefits of the natural environment
- Case studies of the use of natural capital and ecosystems to improve population health
Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | Guided independent study | Placement / study abroad |
|---|---|---|
| 20 | 130 | 0 |
Details of learning activities and teaching methods
| Category | Hours of study time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled learning & teaching activities | 20 | All student taught sessions, including lectures, workshops and small group discussions and Q&A in tutorials and seminars. |
| Guided independent study | 30 | Session preparation and follow up work utilising resources provided on ELE including asynchronous structured materials (such as short pre-recorded lectures, podcasts, asynchronous workshop activities, discussion forum posts and so on) |
| Guided independent study | 100 | Reading and assignment preparation |
Formative assessment
| Form of assessment | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class discussions and small group work activities | Each taught session | 1-4 | Facilitator and peer feedback in class. |
| Public health briefing (written) | 350 words | 1, 2, 4 | Written |
Summative assessment (% of credit)
| Coursework | Written exams | Practical exams |
|---|---|---|
| 100 | 0 | 0 |
Details of summative assessment
| Form of assessment | % of credit | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Public Health Report | 100 | 2000 words | 1-4 | Written |
Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)
| Original form of assessment | Form of re-assessment | ILOs re-assessed | Timescale for re-assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Health Report (100%) | Public Health Report (2000 words) | 1-4 | Typically within six weeks of the result |
Re-assessment notes
Please refer to the TQA section on Referral/Deferral: http://as.exeter.ac.uk/academic-policy-standards/tqa-manual/aph/consequenceoffailure/
Indicative learning resources - Basic reading
- 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.
Indicative learning resources - Web based and electronic resources
Web based and electronic resources are available on the module ELE pages.
| Credit value | 15 |
|---|---|
| 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 | 04/11/2024 |
