Ecological Public Health
| Module title | Ecological Public Health |
|---|---|
| Module code | HPDM032Z |
| Academic year | 2023/4 |
| Credits | 15 |
| Module staff | Dr Tim Taylor (Lecturer) |
| Duration: Term | 1 | 2 | 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration: Weeks | 9 |
| Number students taking module (anticipated) | 30 |
|---|
Module description
This is a fully online module.
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 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
By undertaking this module you 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
Whilst the module’s precise content may vary from year to year, an example of an overall structure is as follows:
- 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 Activities | Guided independent study | Placement / study abroad |
|---|---|---|
| 15 | 135 | 0 |
Details of learning activities and teaching methods
| Category | Hours of study time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning & Teaching activities | 15 | All student online sessions: - Lectures, Q&A sessions, small-group discussions in tutorials and seminars in synchronous sessions on Teams/Zoom - Workshops in synchronous sessions on Teams/Zoom |
| Guided Independent Study | 35 | 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 synchronous or asynchronous online discussion. |
| 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 |
| 0 | ||||
| 0 | ||||
| 0 | ||||
| 0 | ||||
| 0 |
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
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.
Indicative learning resources - Web based and electronic resources
Web based and electronic resources will be available
ELE – PE: HPDM032 2020/21 Module Pages
Indicative learning resources - Other resources
An up to date reading list of journal articles will be provided on ELE.
| Credit value | 15 |
|---|---|
| Module ECTS | 7.5 |
| Module pre-requisites | None |
| Module co-requisites | None |
| NQF level (module) | 7 |
| Available as distance learning? | Yes |
| Origin date | 15/12/2015 |
| Last revision date | 26/04/2022 |
